How to Use a Zigzag Stitch on a Sewing Machine

Many sewing machines come with a zigzag stitch, or even several types of zigzag stitches. Zigzag stitches are useful for helping prevent the cut edges of fabric from raveling, so you may want to zigzag stitch along the edges of clothing seams and facing pieces to prevent ragged edges and loose threads. You can also use zigzag stitches to sew two layers together, such as sewing bias tape or trim to the edge of a piece of fabric. Zigzag stitches are especially useful for sewing the edges of appliqués to a piece of fabric.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine with zigzag stitch
• Fabric scrap
• Thread

1. Choose the type or width of zigzag stitch you want to use. Fairly wide zigzag stitches are useful for finishing the edges of seams, while narrow zigzag stitches work better for small pieces of fabric and for appliqués.

2. Turn the hand wheel of the sewing machine toward you until the needle is in the fully raised position. If you try to change stitch types with the needle lowered, the needle may break.

3. Set the sewing machine stitch to the type and width of zigzag stitch you want. Some sewing machines have a manual dial for the stitch types, while others use electronic stitch controls.

4. Adjust the stitch length to match the type of zigzag stitching you need. A regular stitch length works fine for finishing the edges of fabric to keep them from raveling. But for appliqués, you may want to use an extra short stitch length to make the zigzag stitches closer together.

5. Set your sewing machine speed to slow for zigzag stitching appliqués and small pieces, or leave it on normal or fast for long, straight seams.

6. Test the zigzag stitch on a scrap of fabric. You may want to use a contrasting thread color for the test so you can see the stitches more easily. Once you have a zigzag stitch width and length that’s appropriate for your project, you can stitch your real fabric using matching thread.

7. Raise the needle and adjust the type or width and length of the zigzag stitch if needed.

8. Zigzag stitch along the cut edge of a piece of fabric so that the edges of the zigzag stitch come as close to the edge of the fabric as possible, without going off the edge. If the zigzag stitches are too far from the edge, the fabric with ravel up to the zigzag stitching.

9. Zigzag stitch appliqués or layers of fabric so that the zigzag stitches overlap the edge of the upper layer. About half the width of the zigzag stitch should be on the appliqué or trim, and half of the zigzag stitch should be on the fabric below.

Tips & Warnings

• Some sewing machines also have decorative stitches that are similar to zigzag stitches, such as scallop stitches. These stitches can also be used to finish the edge of a piece of fabric.
• Use caution when working with sewing machines. Check your sewing machine’s instructions for specific directions on changing stitch types and length.