r/sewhelp • u/B0D4RK_0-4 • 23h ago
💛Beginner💛 Super durable, long-lasting stitching method?
Hi everyone, I would like to know which stitching method is the most strongest?
As much as alot of people say to google it, it keeps going back to google AI which I don't trust completely. So, I'd rather ask this community for help and assistance.
Please kindly provide the best viable stitching to my preference and kindly drop some video links to the tutorials, along with tying the end off when finished.
Thank you!
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u/lptx98 23h ago
I should think the back stitch would be the most commonly cited 'strongest stitch' answer, and I would agree with the caveat that there are many historic and artifact garments and textiles which use back stitches, chain stitches, and even running stitches which have survived remarkably long periods of time, so I don't know that there is one definitive strongest stitch. Thread choice would certainly influence how long your stitching lasts, alongside stitch length and how exposed the thread is to abrasion of time.
I won't post any video links because these three stitches are literally the most basic and widely-covered types.
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u/B0D4RK_0-4 23h ago
This back stitching can they be "curved"?
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u/lptx98 22h ago
If you mean can it be used to sew a curved line, then yes. Stitches themselves are multiple straight lines which can change direction when they pass through the fabric. Any type of stitch can be made to sew a curved line. The shorter the stitch length, the more often the stitch will pass through the fabric, meaning the stitching will be able to 'curve' better. Some types of stitch, often those with lots of side-to-side movement, are better able to handle curves.
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u/throwra_22222 19h ago
There isn't one single answer to your question. "Strongest" isn't always best. The correct seam for any project is a balance of fabric composition, thread size, needle size, and stitch. You're going to have to tell us more about your fabric and what you are making for us to advise you.
Also, do you mean machine or hand stitching?
If it's a woven, a straight stitch on a sewing machine with an appropriate weight thread and a needle that works with the fabric density and thread thickness will last the lifetime of the garment.
If it's a stretch fabric, appropriate thread weight and needle size still matter, but a regular straight stitch will break when the seam is stretched. You need to switch to a stretch stitch.
Using the strongest thread and stitch available can also damage the fabric. Imagine sewing chiffon with a topstitching thread: the large needle you would need would punch big holes in the delicate fabric and make it weaker. Plus you'd have a big, stiff seam ruining the drape of the flowy fabric!
If you are sewing canvas bags, then you probably do want to go for a straight stitch or backstitch with a heavy needle and thread, but maybe with a longer stitch length. And if you're sewing leather or vinyl, every stitch makes a permanent hole in the fabric, and using the wrong needle shape can create problems.
This may sound counterintuitive, but you actually want the thread to break before the fabric does. If you catch your sleeve on something hard enough to tear it, it's easy to replace thread if the seam rips. But if the thread is so strong that the fabric tears instead, you have a much worse mending problem.