Things You'll Need:
- Sewing Machine Manuals
- Fabrics
- Scrap Fabrics
- Sewing Machine
- Sewing Machine Needles
- Threads
- Scissors
- Scissors
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Step 1
Find the stitch length regulator on your sewing machine. Look for a dial or lever with a series of numbers on or around it. You'll usually find the stitch length regulator toward the bottom right front of your machine.
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Step 2
Practice on scrap fabric before you stitch your garment. This will allow you to make any adjustments to the machine settings before you begin your sewing project.
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Step 3
Avoid making your stitches too long. If stitches are too long, they will not hold. If, however, your stitches are too short, your stitching will distort the fabric.
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Step 4
Use a stitch length setting of between 10 and 15 stitches per inch for lightweight fabrics and knits ' chiffon, lace, challis, voile and crepe de chine, for example.
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Step 5
Sew medium-weight fabrics and knits (lighter denims and tweeds, brocade, poplin, velvet, corduroy, jersey and the like) with a stitch length of 10 to 12 stitches per inch.
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Step 6
Use a stitch length of 8 to 12 stitches per inch for heavy fabrics such as denim, vinyl, heavy woolens and upholstery fabrics, vinyl, and suede.
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Step 7
Use the longest stitch length setting to baste fabric pieces together.
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Step 8
Use the shortest stitch length setting with a zigzag stitch to create satin stitching.
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Step 9
Use the ranges given above as a reference point for your stitch length, and then stitch some scrap fabric to determine exactly which length is appropriate for your project's fabric.
