Friends, it was time. I have received so many comments and questions about topstitching, specifically with regard to my Kwik Sew men's jeans and Western jacket, that I decided it was time to do something about it. The result is this movie.
There's no reason why anyone can't topstitch accurately with a little guidance and the proper tools. Please follow me as I teach you how to topstitch using both straight-stitch and zigzag sewing machines. It's like two movies in one!
Please leave questions or comments below. Enjoy the movie and happy topstitching!
This is exactly how I imagined that you would sound, though I expected more sarcasm
ReplyDeleteGreat job. It really helped with how it is all done. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter!! Your instructions are the greatest! I never would have thought to do something as simple as moving the needle over. Do you have a prefered thread type and stitch length for your denim topstitching?
ReplyDelete[Clap,clap,clap]:)
ReplyDeleteNice video Peter!
Re: the Viking Machine - the 2 snap-on feet you used, I think the 1st one you used (with the black-edge in the centre) is an "Overedge Foot" (?), but do you know the name of the 2nd foot you used please? (The foot with the little tiny hole on it's left-hand side please.)
Many thanks - Claire :)
LOL at the last comment!
ReplyDeleteI was waiting for the sarcasm too!!
You have a very clears peaking voice Peter.
Great video...Great blog...Great sewing
This is fantastic! Definitely demystifies topstitching! Thanks so much for making this video--I'm definitely going to be doing my topstitching on my Singer 15K! Thanks for doing both ways!!
ReplyDeleteOoooh - I think I know what the 2nd foot on the Viking is called (thanks to Google)... is it a ¼ inch seam foot (with seam guide) please?
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! Liara, a place like Cleaner Supply carries the full line of Gutermann topstitching thread.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cleanersupply.com/products/category.cfm?cID=1097
I prefer a longer thread length for topstitching; nothing specific -- it depends on how it looks to my eye. I might look at a pair of RTW jeans and see how long their topstitching is and try to replicate it.
Yes, Claire, that's the second foot!
ReplyDeleteMore topstitching thread:
ReplyDeletehttp://cgi.ebay.com/Old-Gold-Yellow-Jean-Thread-NEW-Singer-100-yd-LOT-2-/380263568153?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5889799319
There's something about your patient instructional tone that reminds me of PBS painting shows. I kept expecting you to call our attention to happy little stitches..
ReplyDeleteGreat video! Your voice is very calm and soothing...perfect for teaching.
ReplyDeleteGreat video Peter!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful video!
ReplyDeleteLoving the video Peter, you have a great teaching manner and isn't the treadle super quiet - the gentle sound is so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteJust one minor point hon, the Viking isn't threaded up properly. You need to pass the thread through the thin wire "hook" located where you insert the needle - it's a tension thing!
Whoops, you're right! Thanks, Pin Queen.
ReplyDeleteLOL ...clap-clap-clap.... ooooohhhh........ahhhhh.
ReplyDeleteGreat video Peter!
Great video Peter, you have such a nice voice.
ReplyDeleteAs everyone said --Great Video! Love those straight stitch machines!
ReplyDelete*Loved* it! Can't wait for the next one! Gail
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Peter.I have a necchi mira and I'm going to try topstitching on it using your method.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice video! Makes me want a straight stitcher... /sigh. Or an edgestitch foot. I have a blind-hem foot that is similar, but the guide tends to waver around and it's hard to position it precisely. I find I use (believe it or not) my rolled-hem foot the most. It's narrower than my zig-zag and blind hem feet, the inside edge of the right toe is in just the right place to serve as a guide for the first row of stitching, and the right edge of the foot is just right for a guide for the second line of stitching.
ReplyDeleteI wish my zippy new machine would go as slowly as your treadle (or even your Viking) though!
Lovely video! Clap, Clap clap!
ReplyDelete“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward
ReplyDeletePeter, of all the things I'm thankful for, you and your fun (and educational!) blog are at the top of my list. Thank you for brightening each and every day and making me smile.
Sending a hug, and wishing you and your dear ones a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sweet! I am so excited to hear your voice! I have got to get my 15-91 out and give it a more serious whirl.
ReplyDeleteLove the video! I especially love the applause!! HA! Great job!!
ReplyDeletePeter, I had to come back and let you know how helpful this tutorial was for me.
ReplyDeleteI was immobilized by the idea of top stitching such straight lines close together....just watching you and listening to your reassurance helped me to go ahead and do some EXCELLENT edge stitching on my new jacket--and one of my next projects are the Jalie Jeans.
Thank you SO much.
You are an inspiration. May all good things come to you!
Carla
Glad to hear it, Carla! Thanks for letting me know.
ReplyDeleteI just figured out my mult function Viking has a speed control independent of the foot pedal speed control. I thought the one on the touch screen only worked for the bobbin winder but it works for the whole shebang, so I really can slow my stitching down and better watch what I'm doing. What a concept?
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the party, but what a great video! I just wanted to say that if your zig zagger has a straight stitch throat plate and a straight stitch foot (they came with my Singer 401), you can get as fine control and visibility as with a straight stitch machine. The 401 does have extra feed dogs in the back so that may be helping, I'm not sure. I have a couple of straight stitchers (a 221 and a 66 hand crank, and a toy chain stitcher), but I use them less now. Would never give them up, though!
ReplyDelete