Sewing knits on a sewing machine: 3 best stitches for side seams

You can sew stretchy knits on a regular sewing machine using the right methods and seams. In this sewing video tutorial, I show you how 3 different ways to sew side seams on knit fabrics on a sewing machine. Watch more tips on sewing knits    • Sewing with knits   Get a quick guide to common sewing stretch seams http://www.thelaststitch.com/knit-sew... ✂️ Shop my sewing books and patterns https://shop.thelaststitch.com/ 📘 Order my latest book Master the Coverstitch Machine https://www.thelaststitch.com/master-... 🏃‍♀️ Get my book Sewing Activewear http://www.thelaststitch.com/sewingac... ✂️ Shop my favourite sewing tools https://www.amazon.com/shop/thelastst... Sign up to get a quick guide to the best sewing machine stretch seams http://www.thelaststitch.com/knit-sew... ✂️Find me on the Internet✂️ My blog: http://www.thelaststitch.com Instagram:   / laststitch   Facebook:   / laststitchsew   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.se/thelaststitc... When sewing stretchy knits on sewing machine, use a good quality ballpoint needle to avoid holes and skipped stitches. For sewing machines, common stretch needle sizes are 75 or 80 which will suffice on most projects. Most machines will have a seam that overcasts the edges and mimics the serger overlock seam. Those are often called stretch seams or overlock seams – check your manual to see which ones that are recommended for very stretchy fabrics. Also note that a different presser foot is usually needed when sewing these stretchy seams. It can look something like this and is designed to make overcasting easier. Again check your manual for more info. Always do a test sample using your intended fabric and stretch stitch. Notice how I guide the fabric with my fingers to keep the seam from stretching out. Stretch the seam to make sure it recovers after being stretched out and that the stitches won’t pop. If the seam passes those tests you are all set to go! The sewing machine stretch seams have the following properties • Durable • Highly elastic • Similar seam allowance to a serger stitch • Can be difficult to rip If your machine lacks a stretch seam or if your stretch seam doesn’t work as intended you can also a narrow zigzag stitch. For a more durable seam use use two rows of zigzag stitches, one narrow and one medium First sew the inner row using a narrow zigzag (Width: 0.5 and Length:1.5) Then finish the edges with a wider zigzag. The zigzag stitch is • Elastic • Durable when stitched twice • Versatile The third option for sewing side seams on a sewing machine is the mock flat locks seam. This is a great option to create a very flat seam on a regular sewing machine. You first sew one row of zigzag stitches, then press the seam allowances apart and then, from the right side, topstitch over the seam. This option will create the flattest seam since it only sews over one layer of seam allowance on each side. Pick a decorative stitch that also has some stretch. Sew from the right side, making sure that seam is aligned in the middle of the side seam. http://www.freepik.com/free-photo/off... Amazon Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases that are disclosed as Amazon affiliate links.