How to Make a Zigzag Stitching
Nearly every home sewing machine offers a zigzag stitch option, because it's both versatile and functional. By adjusting the width and length of the zigzag stitch, you can use it to finish edges, to sew knits and stretch fabrics, to apply trim, to machine applique, and for many other uses.
Instructions
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Use a wide, short stitch setting to sew knits. Stretch the fabric slightly as you sew so that it will have maximum give when finished.
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Use a medium width, long stitch length setting to prevent raveling. Stitch around the outside edge of cut pieces of your sewing project to keep the fabric from fraying or curling as you work. For fabrics that fray especially badly, such as charmeuse or loose-weave gauze, use a shirt-tail hem foot to create a very small rolled hem around the outside of the piece.
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Use a medium width, very short stitch setting for machine applique. Use a matching or contrasting thread, and keep the stitches as close together as possible. Set your machine to a very slow stitch speed, so that you keep control going around curves and tight corners.
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Use a narrow, very short stitch length setting to lettuce-edge knit fabric. Stretch the fabric tight as you stitch so that you end up with the ruffled, curly edge when the fabric relaxes again. This technique works best on thin knits.
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Use a narrow, very long stitch length to apply trim. Pin the lace or trim in place and try to just barely catch the edge of the trim on one side of the stitch and land just above the fabric on the other. This creates a less noticeable stitch line than using a straight stitch or blind hem stitch.
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Tips & Warnings
Run a few lines of zigzag stitches on scrap fabric beforehand to fine-tune the stitch length and width that's right for your project.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
