Ten Topstitching Tips

Have you ever struggled with topstitching? All topstitching is is stitching that shows on the right side (outside) of your clothes, which sounds simple enough... However it can be fiddly to get the stitches looking neat and, if you're using dedicated topstitch thread, you may have experienced skipped stitches, unbalanced thread tension and clumpy thread knots.

Tilly's sharing her top topstitching tips to help you get a neat result.

[taraelliott]

The best sewing video I have seen!!! Thank you so much!!! I cannot express how helpful these tips are!!!

[danlex]

As a novice I thank you for this, lots of things I didn’t know to even think about. Super helpful.

[lynetterene]

This was very helpful....thank you so much....I do a lot of top stitching and I know it can be better

[kellyhipkins]

Hello from across the pond Kelly USA, OHIO Thank you so much im a newbie to you channel. Thank you for sharing its a big help specially taking out the stitches

[rrome]

This was perfect, exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[Bunny-chul]

Be careful with the tissue paper trick. Sometimes all of the tissue paper bits come out in one go. Sometimes you're stuck pulling out hundreds of bits of tissue with tweezers. It works best on fabrics without a lot of texture, and without any stretch. For example, I've done it on a coat, and I've done it with silk chiffon. Both times it was a massive pain. Cotton lawn? No problem. It works like a dream.

The tissue bits are not a huge deal if you're making something that's going to go in the wash, since the tiny bits tend to dissolve, at least by the second or so wash, but with things that are dry clean only, you can end up with a mess. If you use that technique, and when it works well, it's great, I suggest using tissue that's close in color to your fabric, if possible so you're not stuck picking microscopic bits of white tissue paper out of a seam on black fabric, where even a micron of white tissue will show. (Do not go darker than your fabric though because colored tissue can stain like hell.)

This ten tips video is (much) better than most videos in this format, but I'm always leery about videos that pack that much information into a short amount of space. It's really hard to thoroughly explain that much information in that short length of time.

[sharonrae]

Definately learned a few things to make top stitching easier. Very well explained.

[victoriaholt]

So clear and well explained! Brilliant guide. Many thanks

[alwaysleaping]

Just what I was looking for! Thank you 🎉

[susanurby]

👏 wow! Your tips are tops! Many thanks. They will definately make a difference to my sewing.

[lovingmyselfwell]

WowwyWOWZAwhoa Miss Tilly! You sure have helped me out in a single video learned more about my missed steps than I knew possible! I'm a subscriber for sure for sure. Thank You SO very much for the ALL You Offer!!
Brilliant.
🙏💨

[Stillhouse_Armory]

Excellent video, so glad you were just a pc away because I had no idea until I watched your video. Many thanks to you for being there when I needed you most. ( Alice E.)

[ChelleDonaldLLC]

Definitely a good and informative video thank you for this!!

[stephanies]

Thank you for the help. I had to move pockets on my jeans when i downsized them. And my top stitch job is ugly. I bought a top stitch needle this time around. Your video will help when I retry!

[johannaholmgren]

Great tips, tganks. Unfortunately, my newest sewing machine will not tolerate using two different threads in it. The bobbin thread HAS to match the spool thread or it jams up and won't sew. My previous machine, a Singer, was great for being able to use different threads.

[GirlArmy]

Learning how to sew. Just finished a denim jacket with shoulder princess seams and wanted to add some finishing touches. These tips are perfect. I loved the top stitch needle parts and special thread tips. Great video! XO from Canada 🇨🇦

[elaine]

Great video! Lots of interesting tips for the beginner like me. Just one question, I never really understand why when moving the needle over to the right or the left if the sewing machine allows. Isn't it easier to just line the needle up where you want it? :)

[marybradley]

Great video, New subscriber. Blessings from Canada, Mary

[celiahaddon]

This is excellent advice Tilly. Thank you very much.

[bunnypurpatelier]

Topstitching is very satisfying for me.