Type of Sewing Machine Stitches, Dressmaking

Modern domestic sewing machines, come with many different stitch settings. Yet when learning how to sew, the only 2 stitches you need to know are straight and zig-zag stitch.

  • Use straight stitch, for general sewing, seams, hems and top-stitch.
  • Use zig-zag stitch, for over-locking edges and sewing stretch fabrics together.

Many machines have decorative stitches, some can also be used to over-lock edges. For more stitches see “20 Basic Sewing machine stitches”.

Sewing Machine Settings

Sewing Machines come with many different settings, that can be changed dependant on what you are sewing. All the different dials and knobs on a sewing machine can be confusing.

The only settings you need to change when learning how to sew, is the tension setting and stitch length.  For general sewing use a machine setting of between:

  • 3- 4 for tension
  • 2- 3 for stitch length

Adjusting Tension Setting

If when sewing the bottom thread is being pulled up through the fabric. Or the top thread is bunching under the fabric. You may need to change the sewing machine tension setting.

  • Use a lower tension for light-weight, stretchy fabrics.
  • Use a higher tension for thicker, tightly woven fabrics.

At first only switch the tension 1 number at a time, to find which setting works best. For more details about how to do this, see “How to Adjust the Tension on a Sewing Machine”.

Changing Stitch Length

For general sewing, with straight stitch. As a beginner there are few reasons to change the stitch length from the standard stitch length.

  • The stitch length setting for standard sewing is 2-3.

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