Every machine has at least a couple of overcast stitches. The zig zag stitch is one but your machine may have more. Here is a picture of the overcast stitches on my machine (look at numbers 10 - 14):
The letters under the stitch tell you which presser foot to use (there is a letter imprinted on each foot on the inside). I often use stitch number 12 with my overcast foot to finish off the edges of my seams. You can also use the zig zag stitch and this foot (even though you can use the "normal" sewing foot as well).
You want to finish off the edges of your fabric to keep them from fraying after being washed and used and there are several different ways of doing this. Hemming, pinking shears, overcast stitches....are all ways to finish off edges.
Here are some pictures of a pillowcase I was working on and how I finished off the seams on the inside. I first sewed my seam of a 1/2" seam allowance and then I used my overcast foot and finished off the edges of the seam:
3 comments:
Thanks! This was very helpful. Now I don't have to "hurry" and buy a serger.
When you are using the overcast stitch, can you back stitch? How do you secure the beginning and end of stitching? I tried back stitching on my machine with the overcast foot and it seemed like it was going to unravel :-/
Kristin - If you tried to backstitich with your overcast stitch but it still looks unsecure, then I would go ahead and tie you threads off into a knot. Normally you should be able to do a backstitch or some machines do a locking stitch where the needle stays in the same place for a couple of stitches. Also with an overcast stitch, you usually sew over the ends again unless it is your very last seam.
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