OK, OK. Just bare with me for just a couple more posts. I promise. This whole Sewing 101 Education Week thing is almost over with an apron tutorial coming tomorrow! So be excited about that. To sew, you’ll need to know the basic stitches and what it’s used for, right?

1. Straight stitch. It’s your regular stitch. I did it in different stitch lengths to show you what kind of effects it has. My machine goes from stitch length 1-4. Stitch length 1 being short and length 4 is for long stitches. You can find out how to adjust stitch lengths by looking in your manual. There is usually a knob at the front of your sewing machine that will adjust the stitch lengths. I normally stitch in length 3. When the tension is too tight on your straight stitch, your fabric will pucker up.
2. Secure stitching. One way to secure the beginning and end of your stitches is to reverse then go forward again stitching over the previous stitches. Another way to secure stitches is by doing short stitch lengths (1 or 2) at the beginning and end then going back to your normal stitch length.
3. Basting stitch. It’s when you stitch with the loosest tension and longest stitch length. It is great for gathering fabric to make ruffles or fabric flowers and such.
4. Zig zag stitch. You can use it for appliqué, stitching seams and even for something decorative. Make sure you have the zigzag foot on to do this stitch.
5. Other stitches. Your machine may come with only a few other stitches or a plethora of a variety of stitches. They can be used for decorative uses or sewing with different types of fabric or other purposes. This is another time when your manual will come in handy. Your manual should tell you how to use the different types of stitches available on your machine. So read it!