Think of it, every stitch basically starts out as a straight stitch.
This stitch is called a straight stitch. It is made by wrapping an upper thread around a lower bobbin thread and tightening them to what is known as a locked stitch. This connection is made inside the fabric when everything is properly set.
Originally stitches were sewn only along a straight line stitch after stitch. Therefore, we get the name straight stitch. The length between stitches could be adjusted. This made it possible for the user to sew very fine stitches or medium ones or longer ones or even basting stitches.
In about 1950, the first home zig zag sewing machines began to appear. The introduced a revolutionary concept. Instead of simply adjusting the length of a stitch, they devised a way to alter the width of the stitches. The sewing machine would move the needle to the left and make a stitch. Then it would move the needle to the right and make a stitch. The result was the introduction of the zig zag stitch.
Suddenly, the capacity of stitch variety had more than doubled. Instead of just adjusting stitch length to produce a few variation, the zig zag machines could alter the width of the stitch (0mm to 5 mm to 9mm for top of line modern machines) as well. This actually made it possible for a sewing machine to boast six or eight stitch functions depending entirely on how the sewing machine was set.
The side to side stitching creates some dynamic visual effects that inspired increased creativity. Generally, these stitches are called zig zag stitches regardless of width or length, however, very long stitches are also called zig zag basting stitches. We call very fine or short zig zag stitches satin stitches.
What a gorgeous stitch the satin stitch makes. The threads lie side by side giving an embellished flare to the stitching. It is important, however, to produce a consistent stitch where the thread do not bunch up or leave gaps between stitches. A trial sewing on scrap fabric is always a good idea.
Sewing a satin stitch requires a bit more care than a straight stitch or standard zig zag. Due to the narrow length of the satin stitch, the thread tend to have a slight rise between the left and right sides of the seam. This loft is what makes the stitch so attractive, but it often gets caught under the regular zig zag presser foot. Therefore, it is vital that you use the special satin stitch zig zag presser foot. The regular foot has a flat bottom that can catch the thread of the satin stitch, but the special satin stitch foot has a groove that permits the thread to pass without complication.
Regulate the satin stitch just like you would a straight stitch. Set the stitch length knob to a very very short length. Then test the stitch. If you see gaps between the threads, turn the length a bit shorter. If you see thread bubbling up, out of place, or over other threads; slightly lengthen the stitch. This is an art, but once you get the right setting on test cloth, you should be ready to sew a beautiful satin stitch.
Sewing with satin stitches is just a bit more delicate than a simple straight stitch, but the recommended process for guiding your fabric is the same. Start by sliding the fabric edge under the presser foot and then lower the presser foot to hold it in place. Put your right hand on the right edge of the fabric three to four inches in front of the needle to serve as your guide hand while steering the fabric. Avoid every putting your right hand through the arm of the sewing machine. This may be a temptation, thinking you need to pull the fabric through or help it through, but dont. If the fabric fails to move through the sewing machine, there is a problem. Do not make it worse by pulling the fabric. Instead, allow the sewing machine to do its job while you steer the fabric.
Use your left hand to keep the fabric flowing smooth while sewing. Flatten out folds, wrinkles, and bunches. Keep the fabric even. Avoid tugging on the fabric, placing your hand behind the needle, or attempting to assist the operation of the sewing machine itself. Just keep the fabric coming smooth and flat.
Your satin stitch is sensitive to quick sharp turns. You want to maintain a smooth stitch without caps or breaks. Therefore, take special care when sewing curves. Avoid abrupt turns. You may wan to alter stitch length or even stop and reset the stitch from time to time when making sharp turns. Try practicing until your feel confident, then enjoy using your satin stitch on all kinds of applique, decorative, and embellishing situations.
This stitch is called a straight stitch. It is made by wrapping an upper thread around a lower bobbin thread and tightening them to what is known as a locked stitch. This connection is made inside the fabric when everything is properly set.
Originally stitches were sewn only along a straight line stitch after stitch. Therefore, we get the name straight stitch. The length between stitches could be adjusted. This made it possible for the user to sew very fine stitches or medium ones or longer ones or even basting stitches.
In about 1950, the first home zig zag sewing machines began to appear. The introduced a revolutionary concept. Instead of simply adjusting the length of a stitch, they devised a way to alter the width of the stitches. The sewing machine would move the needle to the left and make a stitch. Then it would move the needle to the right and make a stitch. The result was the introduction of the zig zag stitch.
Suddenly, the capacity of stitch variety had more than doubled. Instead of just adjusting stitch length to produce a few variation, the zig zag machines could alter the width of the stitch (0mm to 5 mm to 9mm for top of line modern machines) as well. This actually made it possible for a sewing machine to boast six or eight stitch functions depending entirely on how the sewing machine was set.
The side to side stitching creates some dynamic visual effects that inspired increased creativity. Generally, these stitches are called zig zag stitches regardless of width or length, however, very long stitches are also called zig zag basting stitches. We call very fine or short zig zag stitches satin stitches.
What a gorgeous stitch the satin stitch makes. The threads lie side by side giving an embellished flare to the stitching. It is important, however, to produce a consistent stitch where the thread do not bunch up or leave gaps between stitches. A trial sewing on scrap fabric is always a good idea.
Sewing a satin stitch requires a bit more care than a straight stitch or standard zig zag. Due to the narrow length of the satin stitch, the thread tend to have a slight rise between the left and right sides of the seam. This loft is what makes the stitch so attractive, but it often gets caught under the regular zig zag presser foot. Therefore, it is vital that you use the special satin stitch zig zag presser foot. The regular foot has a flat bottom that can catch the thread of the satin stitch, but the special satin stitch foot has a groove that permits the thread to pass without complication.
Regulate the satin stitch just like you would a straight stitch. Set the stitch length knob to a very very short length. Then test the stitch. If you see gaps between the threads, turn the length a bit shorter. If you see thread bubbling up, out of place, or over other threads; slightly lengthen the stitch. This is an art, but once you get the right setting on test cloth, you should be ready to sew a beautiful satin stitch.
Sewing with satin stitches is just a bit more delicate than a simple straight stitch, but the recommended process for guiding your fabric is the same. Start by sliding the fabric edge under the presser foot and then lower the presser foot to hold it in place. Put your right hand on the right edge of the fabric three to four inches in front of the needle to serve as your guide hand while steering the fabric. Avoid every putting your right hand through the arm of the sewing machine. This may be a temptation, thinking you need to pull the fabric through or help it through, but dont. If the fabric fails to move through the sewing machine, there is a problem. Do not make it worse by pulling the fabric. Instead, allow the sewing machine to do its job while you steer the fabric.
Use your left hand to keep the fabric flowing smooth while sewing. Flatten out folds, wrinkles, and bunches. Keep the fabric even. Avoid tugging on the fabric, placing your hand behind the needle, or attempting to assist the operation of the sewing machine itself. Just keep the fabric coming smooth and flat.
Your satin stitch is sensitive to quick sharp turns. You want to maintain a smooth stitch without caps or breaks. Therefore, take special care when sewing curves. Avoid abrupt turns. You may wan to alter stitch length or even stop and reset the stitch from time to time when making sharp turns. Try practicing until your feel confident, then enjoy using your satin stitch on all kinds of applique, decorative, and embellishing situations.
About the Author:
Professional Sewing Seamstress Donna Trumble unveils her special sewing instructions. Learn basic sewing instructions in her free ebook Top Ten Sewing Answers.
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