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Step 1
Use the correct throat plate and presser foot, which both have a slot wide enough to accommodate the side-to-side movement of the needle.
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Step 2
Select the zigzag setting on your particular machine. There's usually a straight stitch for regular sewing and other selections specifically for decorative or zigzag stitching. If you have an older machine, the settings may take you from a straight stitch to a zigzag by changing the stitch width from zero to a higher setting.
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Step 3
Look at your particular machine for the stitch adjustment settings, which include the stitch width and stitch length. These settings may be in the form of dials, buttons or a touch screen, and are both implemented when adjusting different zigzag stitches.
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Step 4
Increase the stitch width to widen the zigzag and decrease the width to make it narrower. A wide stitch is useful when you want good coverage, such as with appliqué and applying patches. A narrow zigzag works well when you want to finish edges, especially if you don't have a serger to perform an overlock stitch.
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Step 5
Lengthen the stitch to increase the distance between each zigzag and shorten the stitch to bring them closer together. When the stitches are close together, they form a smooth satin stitch. When you decrease the distance, the zigzag becomes further apart with less bulk and coverage.
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Step 6
Place a piece of scrap fabric under the pressure foot so you can practice with different settings and find the one best suited for your project. Start with the shorter stitch and narrower zigzag, and increase the settings to see how they change the look of the stitching. You'll also use these two adjustments when modifying decorative stitches that involve the side-to-side motion of the needle.
