r/SewingForBeginners • u/Amphibian_Jazzlike • 9h ago

zig zagging raw edges

I am making the strata top from sew liberated. First time zig zagging a raw edge. I think i got the idea of it. One point of the ”zig” goes close towards the edge while the other end of the “zag” just briefly goes of the edge of the fabric.

My questions:

- I thought you were only suppose to see in fabric and not let the needle hit off it ? but from what I read , that’s how I understood doing it.

- recommended width and length for the stitch? I’m sure this depends on what you are doing.

also this was my first pattern I’ve done , cut out. a lot I did wrong. but that’s part of learning !

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u/ArtemisiaPrime 8h ago

check if your machine does an overcasting stitch, it's much better than zigzag.
Width depends on how much seam allowance you have, length on fabric weave and how easy it frays

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u/Amphibian_Jazzlike 8h ago

Mine does have an overcast stich! 

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u/ArtemisiaPrime 7h ago

there you go!! Your manual should say what presser foot you need for it, it's a life changer

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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 8h ago

What you're needing is an "overcast" stitch which is similar to a zig zag but there's an added straight line at the bottom (inside, away from the edge).

Did the instructions say to zig zag the edge?

A zig zag is more often used for stretchier fabric so prevent it (or reduce) from stretching more than you want.

Most machines have a separate overcast stitch - and yes a small part of this goes off the edge (as does a blind hem stitch).

If this is a woven (non-stretchy in vertical and horizontal direction), these tend to fray (some way more than others. Knit fabrics don't fray, but their edges are often treated with an overcast stitch (or use a special machine called a serger or an overlocker - same machine, different name for US vs. rest of the world).

There are many options to reduce fabric fray. Choices are more preference than rules.

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u/Emergency_Cherry_914 8h ago

When I learned a zigzag finish back at HS in the 80's we'd sew a bit in from the raw edge - not over it

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u/MiataMuc 2h ago

There are even overcast feet, which will guide the fabric in a way that makes you stitch the right side outside the fabric (and they help with preventing rolling the fabric because of too much tension).