• Home
  • Sewing
    • Patterns
    • Materials
    • Organization
    • Supplies
  • Fashion Sewing
    • Dresses
    • Jackets & Coats
    • Pants & Shorts
    • Tops & Blouses
    • Accessories
  • Home Decor Sewing
    • Curtains
    • Pillows
    • Bedding
    • Novelty
    • Holiday Sewing Projects
  • Hand Sewing
    • Hand Embroidery
    • Crochet
    • Knitting
  • Sewing Techniques
    • Wovens
    • Knits
    • Quilting
    • Sewing Tips & Tricks
    • Specialty Fabrics
    • Sewing Skills
Logo
  • Wovens
  • Knits
  • Quilting
  • Sewing Tips & Tricks
  • Specialty Fabrics
  • Sewing Skills
You are here: Home / Fashion Sewing Styles / Sewing by Machine / Sewing 101: How to Sew a Zigzag Stitch

Sewing 101: How to Sew a Zigzag Stitch

August 3, 2016 By Sewing.com 3 Comments

The zigzag stitch is another common stitch used in sewing. It has a lot of variations and is used for different purposes. Learn how to sew by tinkering with your sewing machine and know more of the zigzag stitch’s power! Keep reading for the tutorial.

Learning how to sew a zigzag stitch is simple and easy. The length and width of the zigzags can also be adjusted. Compared to the single stitch, this stitch is sturdier.

Sewing 101 : How to Sew a Zigzag Stitch

Sturdy Stitch for the Extra Mile

Today we are going to learn how to sew a zigzag stitch. You might be wondering why anyone would want to use this kind of stitch when it’s mostly used for decorative purposes. Well, it’s actually a sturdy stitch that has a greater hold. I also use thid stitch to prevent fraying. I also find it useful when sewing appliques and buttons.

Step 1. Set up your sewing machine

Before we begin, we need to thread our sewing machine. Since we are just learning how to sew the zigzag stitch, we will select the average stitch width and length. You can check your sewing machine manual how to do this.

Sewing 101: How to Sew a Zigzag Stitch

Step 2. Change the presser foot

There is a special presser foot for sewing zigzag stitch. Switch the straight stitch presser foot with this.  Then take the needle thread and put it underneath the presser foot and put both threads towards the back of the machine. We are now ready to zigzag stitch.

 

Step 3. Start Sewing

 

Now, take a piece of fabric and fold it in half. Let’s put it under the presser foot then clamp it down. Then we will use the 5/8ths of an inch seam guide on the right.  Sew an inch forward then press reverse to sew backward then sew forward again. Then, continue sewing forward. End your sewing with this method as well.

 

Jennifer from Workroom Social made a quick but informative video in Howcast on how to sew the zigzag stitch. check out her video down below:

Toy around with your sewing machine and learn how to sew different types of zigzag stitches. You can make your zigzag narrow or wide by changing the width. If you notice that your fabric gathers in a tunnel, use the pattern to the right of the zigzag which looks like a dotted zigzag. Use the zigzag stitch to finish the seams of your projects.

 

Sew much fabric…Sew little time! Need a little thread? Click here.

 

Like this? You will also like these:

25 More Sewing Hacks To Make Your Life Easier

Sewing Basics | The Must-Have Sewing Tools To Get Started

Get To Know Your Sewing Machine: Basic Parts and Functions

 

Filed Under: Sewing by Machine, Machine Sewing, Sewing Skills, Sewing Techniques

Comments

  1. Mel Young says

    April 5, 2017 at 3:27 PM

    I recently bought a new machine. My zigzag stitch is only on top. Suggestions?

    Reply
    • Debbie Thompson says

      April 24, 2017 at 6:55 PM

      I’m a sewing instructor. If you only have one zig zag stitch then that is the one you will use for edging, creative stitching, or for applique. You can make it different sizes for different purposes by adjusting your stitch length and stitch width. If your machine is set on zig zag and stitch width at 0 you will sew a straight stitch usually with the needle in a different position than if you selected the straight stitch. This may be how you get needle position to the left or to the right on your machine. The best thing to do to figure out your machine is to read the manual and make each stitch so you can see how they work, which foot needs to be used to create each stitch–etc. Save this stitch sampler and you will have a representative of the stitches to look at when you wonder what they will look like andif you want to use it. Don’t be afraid to check the settings for each stitch in the manual.

      Reply
  2. Barbara [email protected] says

    January 18, 2020 at 11:59 PM

    These are so cute! The only issue I had when I made mine today was getting the machine to cooperate on the thick parts? I broke a needle! Is there a way around this that I haven’t learned yet?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

SUBSCRIBE TO SEWING.com AND GET THIS FREE GIFT!

Sewing-Basics-for-Family-and-Home

Head Wrap Tutorial | How to Make Your Own in 6 Easy Steps

If you're looking for a simple, yet …Continue Reading

How To Sew A Simple DIY Rod Pocket Curtains For Your Home

Learn how to make simple DIY rod …Continue Reading

Sewing Patterns | 21 Pattern for Beginners That Are Fun and Easy

Learning easy sewing patterns for …Continue Reading

Go Shopping

  • Joann’s
  • Fabric.com
  • Michael’s
  • Art.com
  • Bed Bath & Beyond

Other Great Sites

  • DIY Projects
  • Homesteading
  • Garden Season
  • Homemade Recipes
  • Makeup Tutorials

Resources

  • FREE Sewing Patterns
  • Sewing Terms Dictionary
  • Sewing Projects
  • Sewing Machines
  • Sewing For Beginners
  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
Sewing.com
Email Support: [email protected]
Phone: 512-394-8187

Product returns go to:
1889 E Maule Ave, Ste G
Las Vegas 89119

Copyright © 2022 · Sewing.com


This copyrighted material may not be republished without express permission. The information presented here is for general educational purposes only.

MATERIAL CONNECTION DISCLOSURE: You should assume that this website has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection to the persons or businesses mentioned in or linked to from this page and may receive commissions from purchases you make on subsequent web sites. You should not rely solely on information contained in this email to evaluate the product or service being endorsed. Always exercise due diligence before purchasing any product or service. This website contains advertisements.

We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.

Privacy settings

Privacy Settings

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. You may change your settings at any time. Your choices will not impact your visit.

NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using.

This website uses cookies

We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.

Powered by Cookie Information