Stitching Question!

**Lonely Raven** · 09-23-2010, 01:00

OK, I've got the vintage Singer plugged in, a few bobbins spun up, and I tested (and attempted to remember how to sew) by repairing some work clothes. Re-stitched a torn butt seam, fixed holes in the pockets (where I carry a pen and pocket knife), and even (re)hemmed one pair. Machine works beautifully!

So I'm about to start making some bags from silnylon remnants I picked up, and I'm using the bag that came with my WBBB as an example to follow. The question I have: he does this really tight stitching along the edge of the material, it appears to "finish" the edge...it almost looks like a zig-zag that's half off the material. (I hope that makes sense)

What is this method of finishing the edge of the material called, and any suggestions on how to do it?

My first project is going to be to make a slightly larger bag for my WBBB, as I want to be able to stuff the hammock into the bag with my (yet to be made) pillow. And it's an excuse to make a bag.

TIA

**JohnSawyer** · 09-23-2010, 01:55

That might be the work of a serger. Does it look like this?

**nicholasyax** · 09-23-2010, 02:49

It could have been done with a server, or a regular machine with an overcasting foot. The overcasting foot allows you to follow the correct line while a zigzag like stitch is made around the edge of the material.

Your machine will not necessarily support overcasting, as it is a slightly different stitch than a regular zigzag, along with needing to support the different foot.

**Ramblinrev** · 09-23-2010, 05:57

That's the difference between most DIY and most commercial work. There is a level of sophistication in machines that commercial and cottage industries use that makes sense for them. But the casual gear maker would be investing huge amounts of money in machines they will not use enough to make it reasonable. With your machine the best you can probably hope for is a zigzag stitch to finish the edges. Is it worth the effort? maybe, maybe not. For the casual DIY finishing the edge is an appearance thing. The major concern is to keep the edge from raveling. There are multiple ways of doing that.

Heat sealing is done with a flame or hot knife. Zigzag stitches can be used. I usually encase the edge in a hem or folded seam like a french seam or rolled hem. The edging stitches are slick as a smelt and if you want to invest in a serger, for your machine that is probably the best way to go. But that's a fairly considerable expense. Unless you are planning to make a lot of gear... or get into the process of "sewing" instead of "making gear" I'm not sure it would be worth the money at this point. YMMV

**Lonely Raven** · 09-23-2010, 08:05

Awesome info again, all. Thanks for the clarification Rev.

I think it's a great point of Detail that WarbonnetGuy takes the time to finish the edges like this when he could just whip up a bag as quickly as possible and send it out the door. So far, everything I've seen from him (hammock, quilt, even this bag) have been no compromise in build quality.

I guess I'll get more practice with flat felled seams since I don't have this serger thing.

I do however have a hot knife kit.

**BlackRock** · 09-23-2010, 11:23

Serger's are alot of fun. They use up to 4 spools of thread to create a seam that encloses the edge of the fabric, but whats tricked out is that they'll trim the edge as it goes into the machine and then sew the edge shut. It gives it that perfect edge appearance. Rolled hem stitches with a serger are especially nice but you definitely don't need one for simple gear projects.

Flat felled seams are good option though along with french seams depending on application. You can buy a flat felled seam sewing foot as well to help make that perfect seam or just do it by hand.

Here is a good "How to" on making a stuff sack without a serger.
http://www.adventureinprogress.com/m...-or-stuff-sack