Tips For Topstitching
Top TopStitching Tips! Say that 10 times in a row!
Topstitching can cause home sewers all sorts of headaches from the machine skipping stitches to thread nesting & uneven stitches - here’s some tips to help.
When using topstitching thread, ensure you have a topstitching needle, often thread will be shredded by using the incorrect needle.
Only use topstitching thread for the upper thread, not in the bobbin.
To prevent the thread from bunching/nesting underneath-pull top & bobbin thread tails behind the needle, start with your needle down in the fabric & if you find the presser foot isn’t level, place something underneath the back of the foot (see tip 2 under General tips).
If you’re new to topstitching & struggling to get an even distance from the edge, use an edge guide presser foot - if you’re doing 2 rows of topstitching you can use the edge of your regular presser foot for the 2nd line, as it’s roughly 5/6mm wide
Always test on the same weight & amount of layers & adjust tension accordingly - the heavier the thread the higher needle tension is required.
If you are unable to find a topstitching thread in the colour that you want you can double up general purpose thread or use a triple straight stitch to get the same effect.
Cut out a template for the J curve on the fly to use as a guide for topstitching.
Fancy Joining us on a 3 day Jeans making course & putting all these tips into practice? Click for more information here
