Learning the basics : Stiches

Hey, sorry for making you wait so long. How is 2014? Of course there will be ups and downs in every year, but I wish this year could bring some magical moments, fun and happiness in everyone’s life.

I had a very busy schedule in the previous months. For me it’s a travelling year. We had a few family trips in the beginning of this year and also in the mid of March. 

Every year, March is very special to me.

It’s my daughter’s birthday on March 16^th! She turned 2 this year. We celebrated her birthday at Yercaud, with some of our friends. It was a wonderful trip.

Let me talk about my passion. This time, other than my creations, I would like to talk about the basics stitches available in my sewing machine, Usha Janome Allure. You may find more or less options in your machine as well.

In olden days, we have seen people sitting hours and hours to make a single outfit with handmade embroideries.  Due to the inventions in automatic sewing machines, all these tedious jobs became easy and time saving. Most sewing machines come with a variety of decorative stitches that we rarely use!  


 The basic stitches available in my machine:     

   My basic sewing machine has some of these pretty stitches!

 

Straight or Flat stitch: These are made without crossing or looping the thread. It is a simple embroidery stitch used for basting (Basting is long easily removable stitches), topstitching.

Zigzag Stitch:  It is a back-and-forth stitch used where a straight stitch will not suffice, such as in reinforcing buttonholes, embroidering and in temporarily joining two work pieces edge-to-edge.

Tricot stitch: The needle takes three stitches to one side and then three stitches to the other side. This stitch is suitable for darning tears, sewing on elastic, and making decorative effects.

Blind hem and stretch blind hem: The blind hem stitch is designed to hem woven fabrics. It's perfect for window coverings or anywhere you want a clean finished edge. The stretch blind hem stitch has an extra zigzag. Both stitches have decorative applications, too.

Over edge stitching (Over lock): This is a kind of stitch that sews over the edge of one or two pieces of cloth for edging, Hemming, or seaming. It is ideal for sewing swimwear and stretch velour because it provides the greatest amount of elasticity and strength.

According to your need, you can adjust the stitch length and thread tension. That is what I have shown in the first picture.

Decorative Stitches:

Decorative stitches are generally wider and use more thread than simple stitches, so they have a greater chance of making your fabric pucker. You can try stabilizing your fabric with spray starch or use stabilizer or hoop while embroidering. There are mainly 4 types of stabilizer available in the market. (Cut away, pulls apart, washable or heat away). 

Smocking is one of the major embroidery styles in European countries. It is a decorative element in children and women's clothing.

So, are you ready? Try these stitches in a plain cloth or your dresses. Make it elegant and funky. PS: You need to have an automatic machine as well.. :) 

See you next time...till then, HAPPY SEWING!