Sewing machines are one of the most valuable tools for people who love sewing. It makes the sewing experience more efficient and faster. Especially when it comes to sewing clothes, however, using a sewing machine can be intimidating for beginners, especially when it comes to tying off a stitch.
How to tie off a stitch sewing machine step-by-step guideline
If you are new to sewing, one of the essential skills you need to learn is how to tie off a stitch on your sewing machine. Tying off a stitch is vital to sewing because it secures the thread on the cloth and prevents it from unraveling. In this article, we will show you how to tie off a stitch on a sewing machine, step by step.
Step 1: Sew until the end of the seam
The first step in tying off a stitch on a sewing machine is to sew until the end of the seam. Make sure to leave a tail of thread about 4 to 6 inches long.
Step 2: Lower the Needle and Raise the Presser Foot
Next, lower the needle by turning the handwheel towards you. That ensures the sewing needle is in the fabric when you tie off the stitch. After that, raise the presser foot by lifting the lever on the back of the machine.
Step 3: Pull the Thread Toward You
After raising the presser foot, carefully tug the fabric in your direction. It will create a loop of thread on the underside of the cloth.
Step 4: Insert the Tail of the Thread Through the Loop
Take the tail of the thread and insert it through the loop on the underside of the fabric. When you do this task, hold the end of the sewing thread with one hand so that the sewing thread doesn’t slip out of the loop.
Step 5: Pull the Both Threads
After inserting the tail through the loop, pull both the top and end of the thread in opposite directions. It will create a knot at the base of the fabric.
Step 6: Trim the Excess Thread
Once the knot is secure, use scissors to trim the excess thread. Be careful not to cut the knot or any of the fabric.
Congratulations! You have successfully tied off a stitch on your sewing machine.
Tips for Tying Off a Stitch on a Sewing Machine:
Practice, Practice, Practice: Like anything, tying off a stitch takes practice. If you fail it right the first time, be patient and try again.
Leave a Tail: Always leave a tail of thread at the end of your seam. It will give you enough space to tie off the stitch.
Use Good Quality Thread: Good quality thread will help to prevent the breaking of sewing thread while you are sewing.
Use a Sharp Needle: A dull needle can cause the thread to break or skip stitches.
Tying Off a Stitch Using a Knot
One of the most common ways to tie off a stitch is by creating a knot. Simply stop your sewing machine when you reach the end of your fabric. Lift the presser foot and cut the thread leaving a tail of about 3 inches. Tie a knot with the excess thread and the end of the sewing thread. Then trim off the excess.
Tying Off a Stitch Using a Backstitch
Another method of tying off your stitches is by using a backstitch. It is a common technique. That is Sewing back over the previous stitches to secure them in place. To do this, reverse your sewing machine to sew back over your stitches before cutting your thread.
Tying Off a Stitch Using a Lockstitch
A lockstitch is a sewing technique that creates a secure knot at the end of your stitching line. You need to activate the lockstitch function on your sewing machine to do a lockstitch. It will sew a few stitches in reverse before sewing forward again, creating a knot at the end of your stitching line.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tying Off Stitches:
Tying off stitches on a sewing machine is a relatively simple process. However, a few common mistakes can lead to frustration and less-than-perfect results. No, Leaving enough threads is one of the common mistakes at the end of the seam. It can make it difficult to tie off the stitch and secure the sew-on fabric.
Another mistake is not holding onto the tail of the thread while pulling it through the loop. It can cause the sewing thread to slip out of the loop, resulting in an untied knot.
Additionally, Pulling threads too tightly can cause the fabric to pucker or warp, affecting the finished product’s appearance. By being aware and practicing, you can avoid these pitfalls and achieve beautiful, professional-looking stitches every time.
FAQs
Q. What is tying off a stitch on a sewing machine, and why is it important?
- Tying off a stitch on a sewing machine is the process of securing the thread at the end of a seam. It is vital because it prevents the sewing thread from unraveling and keeps the fabric from coming apart.
Q. What should I do if the thread breaks while tying off a stitch?
- If the thread breaks while tying off a stitch, you can start again by leaving a long tail of sewing thread at the end of the seam. It will give you enough excess thread to tie off the stitch and secure it in place.
Q. Can I use any thread for tying off stitches on a sewing machine?
- No, the Recommendation is to use a good quality thread for tying off stitches on a sewing machine. Because The cheap sewing thread may break or fray, which can affect the quality of the stitch.
Q. How tight should I pull the threads when tying off a stitch on a sewing machine?
- You should pull the threads tight enough to create a secure knot. Otherwise, it will make the fabric pucker or warp. Practice will help you find the right amount of tension.
Q. Are there any other essential techniques I should know when sewing on a machine?
- Yes, there are many essential techniques to learn when sewing on a machine, including threading the sewing machine, adjusting the needles, and sewing straight. Taking the time to learn these techniques can help you become a more skilled and confident sewist.