How To Set A Satin Stitch
Think of it, every stitch basically starts out as a straight stitch.
The sewing machine makes a locked stitch by drawing an upper thread around the bobbin thread and snugging them into a knot within the fabric. This locked stitch is hidden from the users view when the tensions are properly set. However, when the stitch is not performing correctly, the user may see puckers or bubbles of excess thread on top or bottom of the seam.
For over a hundred years, home sewing machines were limited to sewing a series of these stitches in a straight line or one after the other. This line of stitch could be adjusted for length between stitches. This enabled the sewing machine to produce very fine stitches, medium length stitches, and longer stitches. The longest straight stitch is called a basting stitch.
When you add width to the straight stitch, you create the zig zag stitch. The sewing machine accomplishes this by moving the needle bar to the left to make a stitch, and then moving it to the right for another stitch. The back and forth stitching patterns is called the zig zag stitch.
Suddenly, the capacity of stitch variety had more than doubled. Instead of just adjusting stitch length to produce a few variation, the zig zag machines could alter the width of the stitch (0mm to 5 mm to 9mm for top of line modern machines) as well. This actually made it possible for a sewing machine to boast six or eight stitch functions depending entirely on how the sewing machine was set.
The stitch is called a zig zag because of its side to side stitching, however, very long zig zags are also known as basting zig zag stitches. Very fine zig zag stitches are called satin stitches.
The satin stitch is a beautiful stitch formed when the threads of a zig zag stitch lie tightly side by side. It gives a rich raised appearance that is great for decorative sewing. To get the best satin stitch it is best to test the stitch on scrap first. You do not want the threads so tight that they begin overlapping each other. On the other hand, you do not want to see gaps between the threads. Adjust the length and width to achieve the most attractive satin stitch for your purposes.
The presser foot on your sewing machine makes a huge difference in your ability to sew a good looking satin stitch. The standard zig zag presser foot has basically flat bottom. When you sew a standard zig zag stitch, you have no problem. As soon as you start sewing a satin stitch, watch out. Due to the closeness of the stitches, they tend to get caught on the presser foot and bunch up. The solution is to use the specialty presser foot designed for satin stitching. This foot has a groove the entire length of the foot. It allows the satin stitch to flow underneath freely without problem.
To fine-tune the satin stitch, remember all stitches begin as straight stitches and vary by length. The width of the satin stitch is a secondary consideration. The key is to adjust stitch length just like you would for a straight stitch. You goal is a satiny layer of threads so close together they look as if they were a continuous ribbon of thread. If the length is adjusted too close, threads will pop out of line. An over-under mix match will occur. If the length is too wide, you will see gaps between threads.
Steering the fabric while sewing a satin stitch is very important. While generally, all sewing should use the same basic procedure, it is even more important for the satin stitch to produce the very best results. Begin by placing the edge of the fabric under the presser foot. Then set your right hand on the right edge of the fabric to guide the fabric as you sew. Position your right hand comfortably three to four inches in front of the needle and presser foot. Never reach under the arm of the sewing machine to pull the fabric through the machine. If the fabric is not moving there is a problem.
Place your 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.
Your satin stitch is sensitive to quick sharp turns. You want to maintain a smooth stitch without caps or breaks. Therefore, take special care when sewing curves. Avoid abrupt turns. You may wan to alter stitch length or even stop and reset the stitch from time to time when making sharp turns. Try practicing until your feel confident, then enjoy using your satin stitch on all kinds of applique, decorative, and embellishing situations.