The backstitch is the small but mighty step that makes all the difference in sewing. Done at the beginning and end of every seam, it acts as a shield, strengthening your stitches and preventing them from unraveling easily.
Why Is the Backstitch So Important?
The backstitch acts as a barrier, preventing your stitches from coming undone, especially on items that experience regular tension, like scrunchies or bags. It’s an essential step to ensure the durability of your sewing projects, no matter how simple or complex they may be.
How to Make a Backstitch on the Sewing Machine
At the start of your seam:
- Lower the presser foot.
- Sew a few stitches forward.
- Press the reverse stitch button to sew back over these stitches.
- Resume sewing forward to continue your seam.
At the end of your seam:
- Repeat the same process: sew a few stitches backward.
- Sew forward again to the edge of your fabric.
What Does a Well-Made Backstitch Look Like?
A good backstitch is about 1 cm (0.5 inches) long. If your first attempts look a little messy or "punk," don’t worry! Precision will come with practice. In the meantime, embrace the punk vibe and enjoy perfecting your technique.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Backstitch
- For better control at the start of your seam, use the handwheel (located on the right side of your sewing machine) to plant the needle into the fabric instead of starting with the foot pedal. This allows you to make a few precise stitches before switching to reverse.
- Make sure to lower the presser foot before you start sewing.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
Your thread is knotting up?
- Double-check your machine’s tension settings
- Ensure the thread is correctly threaded, especially through the take-up lever.
- After filling up the bobbin make sure that your sewing machine settings are back to sewing mode.
Your backstitches are bulky?
- Verify that the presser foot is lowered before sewing.
- Double-check your machine’s tension settings
Your fabric is slipping at the start?
- Start your seam with the needle stabbed into the fabric using the manual handwheel.
Looking for a Simple Project to Practice?
Why not try making a scrunchie out of old jeans? It’s a perfect way to practice your backstitching while exploring the fun of upcycling. Check out my detailed tutorial on sewing a scrunchie!
See you soon!
Ariane xo
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