Hi Everyone! Welcome to part 2 of sewing hems with decorative stitches! Today I am going to demonstrate the use of the crescent stitch as the hemline for the cut off shorts. This delicate tiny detail adds a lot of interest to a basic design! I also have a few examples of sewing different decorative stitches stacked in rows to create another interesting design element. I encourage you to try this out! It's a fun way to add your own unique touch to your garments!
Are you ready? Let's go...
Patterns used in this weeks video examples:
Liberty Jane Jeans Bundle - also available in other sizes Hearts For Hearts Girls, WellieWishers, A Girl For All Time, BFC Ink, Kidz N Cats, Journey Girls, Ellowyne Wilde, and Bitty Baby. Click the image to go to the desired size. Special note - the Barbie Fashion Doll size is a sneak peek, the pattern is in the final stages of production and will be released soon!
Week Two task:
- Watch the videos and follow along to practice this stitch on your own.
- Grab your sewing machine manual (or simply google search your machine model and "crescent or scallop stitch") to figure out which stitch selection to use.
- Cut a 6-inch by 6-inch square of fabric to create a stitch sampler. Test out the stitch width at the various widths to see how they look and find an appropriate scale for your garment.
- Repeat the sample to test out the stitch length. Keep these for future reference!
- Test out sewing the fabric on its own and sewing with spray starch or use of a stabilizer.
- Select your project pattern. We used the LJ Jean Cut off Shorts in a few different sizes, but you can choose any pattern that has hems!
- Mark your hem allowance and then position your fabric under the presser foot being sure that the marked line is aligned with the center guide to ensure that the stitch will h.ave enough room to stitch out completely.
- Trim off the excess fabric around each scallop to finish the hem.
- Jump over the SWC Facebook Group for conversation and project sharing.
Part 1 Tutorial - The Shell Tuck Edge Stitch:
What is the Crescent Stitch?
The Crescent Stitch is a decorative stitch that can be used alone or in combination with other decorative stitches to create unique embellishments. It uses a zigzag stitch to create a delicate scalloped edge. On a computerized machine, the settings will be made automatically, but you can adjust them to get the desired scale of your scallop.
Do I need special attachments or tools to sew this stitch?
This is a great decorative stitch to sew with because it doesn't require special accessories! You use your standard sewing machine foot (for a zigzag or satin stitch). Choose your needle and thread based on your fabric choice. This is a great opportunity to use decorative rayon or metallic threads to really add some pop to your garment!
Resources:
If you're interested in more decorative stitches and how to use them, I recommend this book - Super Stitches Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder. This essential guide to both machine and hand stitches will teach you how to use any and every stitch for professional-looking seams, hems, gathers, darts, and more. Unlock your full sewing potential with 57 machine stitches, 18 hand stitches, and tips to choose the correct needles, threads, and sewing machine accessories, complete with detailed step-by-step tutorials and illustrations.
Next Tuesday - Part 3: Shari has an exciting decorative stitch demo to share!
7 Comments
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Shari
July 19, 2023
Hi, I love these stitches! I’m old school, so haven’t done trying new stitches. Just the zigzag, blind stitch, blanket stitch. I have done more with hand sewing, it’s very healing, I just love doing it! It’s more frustrating to me sewing on the sewing machine, newer stitches. So I have made dolls & doll clothes by hand. It does get hard since I have carpel tunnel & arthritis. So it takes awhile to make a doll & clothes. But I love it sew much! But I’ll try these stitches & see how it comes out! Thank you, Shari Hall-Illig