How to Hand Sew a Zig Zag Stitch

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Hand stitched zig zag stitch
Image Credit: Ashley Little

A zig zag stitch can be stitched on a sewing machine, but it can also be stitched by hand. A zig zag stitch is perfect when you want a seam that allows plenty of stretch, like seams on a knit fabric. Zig zag stitch can also be used as a decorative stitch when you use contrasting thread. You don't need any previous sewing skills to learn how to sew the zig zag stitch.

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Things You'll Need

  • Sewing needle

  • Thread

  • Scissors

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Tip

A contrasting thread color is being used for demonstration purposes. You can use a contrasting thread if the zig zag stitch is decorative or you can use a thread to match the fabric for a more invisible stitch.

Step 1

Cut a length of thread that's about four times as long as the length of the seam.

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Step 2

Thread the needle with thread, then tie a knot at the end of thread opposite the needle.

Step 3

Bring the needle through the fabric from back to front.

Bringing the needle from back to front
Image Credit: Ashley Little

Tip

If you want to ensure that your zig zag stitch is the same size all the way across the fabric, use a ruler and washable fabric marker or tailor's chalk to draw two parallel lines on the fabric before you begin stitching. Work the zig zag stitch within these two lines.

Step 4

Insert the needle vertically above the needle's first entry from front to back, creating a straight stitch.

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Inserting the needle to make the first part of the zig zag stitch
Image Credit: Ashley Little

Step 5

Insert the needle from back to front, coming back up through the original entry point. The needle should now be at the bottom of the stitch you just created.

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Inserting the needle through the original entry point
Image Credit: Ashley Little

Step 6

Insert the needle front to back, placing it diagonally at a 45-degree angle from the original entry point. You should now have a diagonal stitch from the entry point. The stitch will look like a V that's leaning to the left.

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Stitching a diagonal line from the entry point
Image Credit: Ashley Little

Step 7

Insert the needle from back to front at the point just below the diagonal line, creating a straight stitch on the back of the fabric.

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Inserting the needle just below the diagonal line
Image Credit: Ashley Little

Step 8

Insert the needle into the point of the diagonal stitch, making a straight stitch to connect the threads. The stitches should now look like the letter N.

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Connecting the threads to make the letter N
Image Credit: Ashley Little

Step 9

Insert the needle from back to front, through the point at the bottom of the vertical stitch you just made.

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Inserting the needle through the bottom of the vertical stitch
Image Credit: Ashley Little

Step 10

Repeat steps 6-9 across the fabric until you have completed the length of the zig zag stitch you desire.

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