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HOW TO SEW
A SATIN STITCH?

All stitches begin as a straight stitch.

The straight stitch may be adjusted for stitch length to create fine, medium, and long straight stitches. The longest straight stitch is called a basting stitch.

When you add width to the straight stitch, you create the zig zag stitch. Long zig zag stitches form zig zag basting stitches.

When the zig zag stitch is shortened very short so that the threads lie flat against each other, it forms a satin stitch.

To sew a satin stitch, it is essential to use a satin stitch presser foot. The standard zig zag stitch presser foot has a ridge that catch on threads if the threads begin to bunch up. The satin stitch presser foot has a groove on the bottom of the foot to permit the stitches to neatly flow under the presser foot without becoming bunched up or snagged by the presser foot.

Adjust the satin stitch by adjusting the stitch length.

Adjust the stitches to a fine satin layer of threads. If the stitch length is too tight, the fabric may not move at all or the threads may overlap leaving a lumpy looking stitch.

If the stitch length is too long, you will see spaced between the treads. The goal is for the threads to line up neatly side by side forming a satin line of stitches.

Guide the fabric for all stitches in the same way. Place the fabric about one half inch under the presser foot.

Place your guide hand (right hand) along the edge of the fabric in order to guide the fabric accurately.

Place or smoothing hand (left hand) on the top of the fabric to the left and in front of the needle to keep the fabric lying flat and flowing smoothly.

Allow the sewing machine to drive the fabric through the machine.


When sewing curves with a satin stitch, remember not to turn too sharply. A gradual run will keep the satin stitch from leaving spaced between the threads. It may be necessary to slightly shorten the stitch length if you are find too many open spaces between threads along curves.

AUTHOR:
Donna Trumble is a professional designer, seamstress, author, sewing educator, and sewing business owner.   She leads several Sewing Show And Tell groups in her stores guiding participants to shop sewing machines and learn about sewing and quilting.

David Trumble is a sewing professional, author, semi-retired minister, sewing machine technician, and CFO of Temple Sewing And Supply, Inc.

RESOURCE:
For more information on sewing show and tell groups, check out "Sewing, The World's Greatest Hobby" by Donna and David Trumble.  And check out the local Sew And Quilt Stores in Killeen, Temple, and Waco, Texas or at www.sewandquiltstore.com.