How to Finish Seams with a Zigzag Stitch

Using the zigzag stitch on your regular sewing machine is a simple way to finish the seams on your sewing project to neaten them, strengthen them and help prevent them fraying. It's a great option for beginners or anyone who doesn’t own an overlocker or serger. It's how I was first taught to finish my seams and is a technique I used all the time before I got my overlocker.
Not essential, but I would recommend getting an overedge, overcast or overlock foot. It has a little guide that you keep flush with the edge of the fabric, making it easier to land the zigzag in the right place.
I like to finish seam allowance layers together unless the fabric is on the heavier side or they need to be finished separately to accommodate a pocket opening or similar.
It’s a good idea to test your zigzag stitch on a scrap each time you change fabric and adjust the width or tension if needed.
#zigzagstitch #seamfinishes #zigzagfinish #sewingtutorial #learntosew
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Edited by Jenny Lingham-Doe
Music by Yshwa

[@paulineburrell654]

Thank you so much for showing a very simple, neat and uncomplicated way to finishing seams. Very much appreciated.

[@clonetrooper1998]

straight to the point, easy to follow, and clearly articulated. thank you!

[@NancyVMusic1993]

I’m a beginner sewist, and this was a very simple and clean instructional video! Thank you for making it!

[@witchlizisthis]

This was so helpful! The quality of this video made it so easy to see what was happening and follow along

[@Ms.lindahart]

Great visual instructions. I just recently discovered the overcast foot and stitch on my machine. Makes it look so professional!

[@tiendeelaine5857]

Changed my dear singer life! Thank you

[@karennelson4108]

Thank you so much. I was looking for a specific technique. I found it here. Thank you for sharing this.

[@aurora-rene4263]

Having hard time with the zigzag stitch on swimwear! I will def actually finish this project…

[@vide0lover]

Thank you! This was short sweet and to the point. great video!

[@lah1667]

Short and sweet, thanks!

[@QueenAmethyst55]

So lovely and clear.

[@simonegreene1097]

Thanks Tilly loving your videos and makes any chance you could choose another item from your book to sew x

[@Carmen-dd4lb]

Thank You 🙏

[@melindafekete9254]

Thanks for the video! I have trouble staying at the edge of the fabric, especially with lighter fabrics like linen. Some tutorials suggest completing a zigzag close to your straight stitch and trimming off excess afterwards. Are there any downsides to that method?

[@ginnyoutthebottle6634]

I would like to know as well!

[@flatbanana]

I am wondering the same thing, perhaps if you cut the zigzag by accident when trimming, that would make a downside?

[@ballztothewallz]

i’m incompetent so i messed it up but very good tutorial lmao

[@jodeemorgan2572]

What do you mean by normal? Straight stitch?

[@heyoitsrico100]

My fabric keeps getting pulled together by the zigzag stitch, almost forming a little tunnel instead of a clean look. Is the fabric im using too thin?

[@METRIKVX]

Did you figure it out?

[@judyadd8320]

Check your tension. Might be a bit tight

[@emily4389]

Make sure you’re pulling the fabric taut while you’re sewing. I use one hand on either side of the fabric to make sure it doesn’t get the chance to bunch.

[@thelittlesasmr]

What do u set the tension at ?

[@bentali7313]

Please answer me should i backstitch a zigzag stitch it is haaaaard my machine eat the fabric

[@trialandcreate]

I think you can tie a knot by hand at the end, instead of backstitching

[@bentali7313]

@@trialandcreate thanks a lot dear