Zigzag Stitch Tutorial - Photos and Instructions
Hand-Sewn Zigzag Stitch for Protecting Seams
Zigzag stitches are used to protect the raw edges of material. The zigzagging thread prevents the edges of the fabric from unraveling. There are also decorative types of zigzag thread, but for our purposes, we will be creating an overcast stitch type of zigzag stitch.
Step 1: First, let's anchor the stitch...
What can I use a zigzag stitch for? Nearly all sewing projects could benefit from a zigzag stitch.
This secures the edges of each seam to keep the fabric threads from unraveling. Sewing machines can quickly take care of a zigzag stitch, but if you are hand sewing a small repair, it may be quicker and more convenient to complete the zigzag stitch with a needle and thread.
Anchor the Stitch
Put the needle through the fabric, pull through. Be sure that the threads are lining up and that there are no tangles on the other side of the fabric.
Make a single straight stitch to anchor the beginning of your stitching. End on the 'right' side of the fabric.
Next, we will start with an overcast stitch...
Begin the Zigzag with an Overcast Stitch
Go around the edge of the fabric, and insert the needle in the 'wrong' side of the fabric, pulling back up through the right side.
Continue, with stitches that wrap the edge as you work. This is creating an 'overcast stitch up the length of the edge. Go all the way to the top of the edge. If you run out of thread, anchor the end of your overcast stitch with a small straight stitch before knotting off and clipping the thread on the wrong side of the fabric.
Next, we'll start the zigzag...
Start to Zigzag over the Edge
I just did a bit of stitching for our tutorial, but you'll typically want to go all the way up the edge of the fabric.
Next, we will continue to zigzag up the edge...
Go over the edge, and through the next hole that was previously made in our stitching, as shown. This will create another line of overcast stitches that tilt in the other direction.
Continue down the edge of the fabric, making the zigzag pattern shown. For fabrics that are particularly susceptible to unraveling, make sure your zigzag stitches are more narrow than those in our example.
Let's take a look at the finished stitch...
The finished zigzag stitch should protect the edges of your work, or simply offer a decorative trim. Contact Rain on Facebook if you need help with this tutorial. I'd love to help you to understand my tutorial.
More Stitches to Hand Sew:
Fast DIY Jewelry:
Milk Tab Bracelet . Pop Tab Bracelet . Make Paper Jewelry .
Toothbrush Bracelet . Microchip Earrings . Hemp Necklace . Pressed Penny Bracelet
Easy Bags, Hats, Scarves and More:
4 Ways to Tie a Tie . Make Glittery Heels . 5 Placemat Purses . Cassette Tape Wallet . Duct Tape Wallet . How-To Bags . Finger Knit a Scarf . Gloves and Wristbands . Easy Zippered Change Purse
Clothes you can Make:
T-Shirt Surgery . Make Pants . Skirt Tutorials . Dye Your Clothes . Recycle Your Clothes . 10 Clothing Repairs You Should Know . Beginner Sewing Projects
Please Note: Photographs, patterns and illustrations contained in this article are copyrighted ©Rain Blanken, and licensed to About.com, Inc. Do not redistribute these photographs or illustrations in any form.
Zigzag stitches are used to protect the raw edges of material. The zigzagging thread prevents the edges of the fabric from unraveling. There are also decorative types of zigzag thread, but for our purposes, we will be creating an overcast stitch type of zigzag stitch.
Step 1: First, let's anchor the stitch...
What can I use a zigzag stitch for? Nearly all sewing projects could benefit from a zigzag stitch.
This secures the edges of each seam to keep the fabric threads from unraveling. Sewing machines can quickly take care of a zigzag stitch, but if you are hand sewing a small repair, it may be quicker and more convenient to complete the zigzag stitch with a needle and thread.
Anchor the Stitch
Put the needle through the fabric, pull through. Be sure that the threads are lining up and that there are no tangles on the other side of the fabric.
Make a single straight stitch to anchor the beginning of your stitching. End on the 'right' side of the fabric.
Next, we will start with an overcast stitch...
Begin the Zigzag with an Overcast Stitch
Go around the edge of the fabric, and insert the needle in the 'wrong' side of the fabric, pulling back up through the right side.
Continue, with stitches that wrap the edge as you work. This is creating an 'overcast stitch up the length of the edge. Go all the way to the top of the edge. If you run out of thread, anchor the end of your overcast stitch with a small straight stitch before knotting off and clipping the thread on the wrong side of the fabric.
Next, we'll start the zigzag...
Start to Zigzag over the Edge
I just did a bit of stitching for our tutorial, but you'll typically want to go all the way up the edge of the fabric.
- Pull the thread up through the hole of the previous stitch.
Next, we will continue to zigzag up the edge...
Go over the edge, and through the next hole that was previously made in our stitching, as shown. This will create another line of overcast stitches that tilt in the other direction.
Continue down the edge of the fabric, making the zigzag pattern shown. For fabrics that are particularly susceptible to unraveling, make sure your zigzag stitches are more narrow than those in our example.
Let's take a look at the finished stitch...
The finished zigzag stitch should protect the edges of your work, or simply offer a decorative trim. Contact Rain on Facebook if you need help with this tutorial. I'd love to help you to understand my tutorial.
More Stitches to Hand Sew:
Fast DIY Jewelry:
Milk Tab Bracelet . Pop Tab Bracelet . Make Paper Jewelry .
Toothbrush Bracelet . Microchip Earrings . Hemp Necklace . Pressed Penny Bracelet
Easy Bags, Hats, Scarves and More:
4 Ways to Tie a Tie . Make Glittery Heels . 5 Placemat Purses . Cassette Tape Wallet . Duct Tape Wallet . How-To Bags . Finger Knit a Scarf . Gloves and Wristbands . Easy Zippered Change Purse
Clothes you can Make:
T-Shirt Surgery . Make Pants . Skirt Tutorials . Dye Your Clothes . Recycle Your Clothes . 10 Clothing Repairs You Should Know . Beginner Sewing Projects
Please Note: Photographs, patterns and illustrations contained in this article are copyrighted ©Rain Blanken, and licensed to About.com, Inc. Do not redistribute these photographs or illustrations in any form.