When should I backstitch? How many stitches should I take?
If you have heard yourself mumble these questions to yourself hoping someone would answer you, then read on!
Backstitching is a must anytime a seam will not have another seam intersecting it at a later time. When quilting, I will often backstitch when sewing on the final two borders. This will hold the final seam secure until the quilt is quilted. When sewing, it is proper to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam BUT this can get a bit thick.
When sewing forward, back and then forward again the seam can be quite bulky especially on thin fabrics. To eliminate the bulk of three rows of stitching, try shortening the stitch length to 1mm or 18-20 stitches per inch for the first half inch or so of the seam. Return to the desired stitch length and continue down the seam. Repeat with the shorter stitches at the end of the seam.
If you are stuck in the habit of backstitching at the beginning and end of every seam, try starting not on the edge of the fabric but in about half inch. Immediately engage the reverse button and sew backwards towards the edge of the fabric. Then sew forward. This gives only TWO rows of stitches to remove in the unlikely event of a mistake, but will secure the seam properly.
A note for electronic and computerized sewing machine users: When these machines are perfectly tuned, the forward and reserve stitching should land in the same holes no matter when the reverse button is engaged. Our tech guys, Gary and Ryan, always check the forward and reverse balance of your machine during a basic service.
No matter if you are going forward or backward, may all your stitched be straight!
© 2007 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.