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

Find us:

• Instagram: @tillybuttons

@tillyandthebuttons

Edited by Jenny Lingham-Doe
Music by Yshwa

[paulineburrell]

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

[NancyVMusic]

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

[clonetrooper]

straight to the point, easy to follow, and clearly articulated. thank you! <3

[Ms.lindahart]

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

[tiendeelaine]

Changed my dear singer life! Thank you

[witchlizisthis]

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

[videlover]

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

[simonegreene]

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

[aurora-rene]

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

[melindafekete]

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?

[Peppermint]

it is actually easier to stich a few mm away from the edge, then just cut the extra edge with scissors carefully not to chop into the stitches

[hanmariedavidson]

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?

[GabelGreen]

Suggestion: zig zagging seam edges of fabric before, pinning, and sewing them together in case you need to make adjustments or alterations.

[bentali]

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