Wrap the end of the long side of the thread loosely around your index finger 1-3 times. Use your thumb on the same hand to roll the loop off of your index finger. Grasp the loop with your thumb and forefinger and work it toward the end of the thread. It will tighten into a knot in the process.
You can also use chalk with a pointed tip. The pencil/chalk line will be covered up by the sewing line. If you can still see it after sewing, you can wipe it away with a damp cloth.
While 0. 25 in (6. 4 mm) is a common length for a single stitch, you can make yours wider or shorter as desired. Try to remain consistent in your chosen length, though, to keep your stitch line looking neat.
Combined with the knot, this starting triple stitch will hold your stitch line securely in place. Triple stitching will make your stitch line a little thicker in this section, so consider double stitching or taking your chances with just a single stitch if you really want consistent thickness in your stitch line.
Remember that you can make your stitch widths shorter or longer than 0. 25 in (0. 64 cm), but try to be as consistent as possible.
You’ll now have an unbroken thread line running from point 1 to point 3. This is why the backstitch is great for making outlines.
Your pencil line should now be covered by an unbroken thread line.
After you’ve made your last weave, go back under that stitch line with your needle once more and create a loop in your thread. Feed the needle through the loop and pull the thread tight to create a knot. Finally, snip off the excess thread (and the needle) with sharp scissors. Instead of weaving, you can instead create another triple stitch, then knot and trim the end of the thread. Either method will secure the end of the stitch line.
Sewing machines can create straight, practically continuous stitch lines without using a backstitch. Instead, backstitching with a sewing machine is usually used to secure the beginning and end of a stitch line.
Consult your model’s product manual for specific instructions on positioning the needle and foot.
With practice, you’ll be able to stitch straight lines at a faster speed. Once again, consult your product manual for specific operation instructions.
Your model may have a lever or knob instead of a button. Read your product manual!
Don’t worry if your line isn’t perfectly straight the first time—it takes a bit of practice, but you’ll get the hang of it!
With a backstitch at each end, you stitch line should hold securely without having to make any knots in the thread.
Backstitching is a great stitch to use when making clothes, since you might need to connect 2 large pieces together.
If you want your backstitch to stand out, pick a contrasting color instead of a matching one.
Since you can’t tie a secure knot in yarn, it’s important to secure it by stitching on both sides of your backstitch line.
The length of your stitches is up to you, but doing them about 0. 5 in (1. 3 cm) apart will be the easiest and most secure.
If your stitches space out a little bit, that’s okay. Try to make sure they’re all relatively the same length, but don’t stress too much if they’re uneven.
Now, you can take your darning needle off the yarn and cut off the excess. This stitch is pretty hard to unpick, so make sure you really want these 2 pieces conjoined!
