Finish Edges of Fabric: Zigzag Stitch (Sewing for Beginners)

Learn how to finish the edges of fabric with a zigzag stitch. This technique is useful to help prevent fraying. Stitch in the seam allowance of the fabric and trim close to the zigzag stitching.
How To: Finish Edge of Fabric: • How To: Finish Edge of...
Sewing for Beginners Series: • Sewing for Beginners
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[@bioeirini4551]

You have the best tutorials and advice!! It drives me crazy when others say to zig zag in the edge, I wrecked a lot of fabric by this and I got so frustrated..I watch all your videos over and over again, you are a great teacher!!

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks so much. So pleased I could help. Yes, there are very few fabrics that would take a zigzag on the edge and not get chewed up! 😊

[@dancetoday542]

The videos are so clear, as is Aneka's voice. I am just getting back into sewing at 71 and am looking forward to more videos and more sewing.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much!

[@francesbarkley1747]

thank you!!! i'm a beginner starting from zero and i've been struggling with finishing seams. i assumed i have to get the stitch to the very edge of the seam allowance but it would get all bunched up! thank you thank you thank you!

[@MadetoSew]

So pleased I could help. Aneka x

[@raraavis7782]

I‘m so glad I finally bought a serger. Zigzagging edges always drove me crazy. It only really works on firm, woven fabric and even then, I disliked how unprofessional my garments looked on the inside. On the plus side: I learned how to do French and flatfelled and bound seams....which I might not have bothered with otherwise!

[@jasonjayalap]

I think you were being too hard on yourself. There's a difference between "professional" and "store bought / factory made". Speed, though, is undeniable.

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Rara, I know there is a difference on how they look. I think the overcast stitch on the sewing machine is better (but not all machines have this). I would 100% recommend an overlocker / serger, but it is another investment. Glad you are happy with your seams now :-))

[@just_cade]

I prefer to flat fell my seams, even though it can be tedious, it looks super neat and professional.

[@kimberlycooper4170]

Thank you! I'm new to sewing and know to finish my seams with a zigzag. But, I made a mess because I didn't know where to zigzag and about trimming after zigzagging. Thanks to you, I now know.

[@MadetoSew]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrFlibble13]

This has been really helpful and clear! I particularly appreciated the use of very contrasting colours, and you breaking each step down very simply. Thanks!.

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks so much Jessica. Aneka x

[@sheissewspiritual7840]

Just the tutorial I was looking for! I am making a mask with filter pocket and this will save me from lots of folding and ironing. Your accent is beautiful. Thank you!

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Alison, so pleased I could help. Thank you for your lovely words and good luck making your mask. Aneka x

[@dorcasnjumbe503]

I have been watching your tutorials on sewing and you are an amazing teacher. I have a bernina 350 and I am learning a lot from you. Thank you.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much!

[@TheEvie202]

Thanks you are the best teacher! That was my mistake, I was zig zagging too close to the edge and the machine indeed “chews up “ the fabric ! Thanks for the AHA moment! Greetings from New York City!👍🏼🇵🇷🗽😁

[@andrascsirmaz3043]

Got an inspiration from these and what I use on my Singer, is the ZigZag on the edge (making sure the right stich falls off the fabric), but using an overlocking foot, so there is some more thread taken into the stich. This way it won't compress the edge of the fabric into the stich. I tend to use L:1mm W:4mm-ish (largest of the ZigZags on the stich dial).

[@MadetoSew]

Wow thanks so much for sharing. This will be really useful for people. ❤️🙏

[@cheryl5888]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@dinaa4596]

Wishing you a very happy birthday Aneka 🌹🎂🌹 I managed to finish my first dress yesterday thanks to your detailed tutorials ✂️👗though without pockets🙈

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much. I am so pleased. Aneka x

[@deborahspooner8046]

I cannot believe this. I do not have a serger. I was trying to use zig zag close to the edge and then trim - not a good result at all. I have just come across this video and tried this once and what a great result!!! Thank you so much…once again so very helpful.

[@MadetoSew]

So glad I could help Deborah. Thank you, Aneka x

[@JubeeBijou]

Very helpful tutorial.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@vforvargon]

Thanks for the clear video and instructions! Also love your top and nails!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much!

[@blessedmama8133]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you

[@Apollo_Blaze]

I do the zig zag having it go over the edge of the fabric....using the wide zig zag setting with close stitch spacing does very well.

[@MadetoSew]

Glad it works.

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

I would love a short list of the materials which prefer each method of zigzag, overcast, etc.

[@MadetoSew]

I can't really say either method works better with different materials as it can depend on your machine, as well as the settings you choose with the fabric you are working with. The best way is always to test with your machine and settings and see what works for that specific use. Sorry it isn't simpler than that. Good luck! Aneka x

[@annefisher3182]

Very helpful

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@becksmith5898]

love this video and the one on overcasting the edges before sewing! i’ve watched a lot of beginner videos and yours are super helpful and clear. i am new to sewing and curious as when to press the seam allowance down together vs separating them and pressing them down the middle. does it just depend on preference or is one method more suitable for certain things? like bags vs garments.

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Beck! Glad you like the videos and my style of teaching. It does really depend on what you are making; the fabric you are using. I wouldn’t stay there is a right or wrong answer here - for example the outer fabric of the garment the seam allowances might be press open. But a lining there might be pressed together to one side. I would probably press them together to one side (the back) if the fabric was weaker (like a lining); it usually gives a bit more strength?! And it would allow you to stagger your seam allowances (outside fabric open), lining to one side. More often than not it is dictated by what is going on in the garment though; are you inserting a zipper on that seam? Are you planning on top stitching that seam etc. Hope this helps? Aneka x

[@Awalsh147]

I've made rags from old towels and sheets so learning how to stop those darn frays (which cause a mess in the washer) is a NEED not a want haha - so I think based on this, I will do a zig-zag stitch and then trim without the straight stitch - that should be good right? I saw one where you can put the zig-zag super close to the edge. Is this only for some fabrics? I honestly think it looks kindof good - although having it wrap (sortof) around the edge seems like I'll make a mess of the threads lol. Lots of queries. THanks again. I am working on an old 1970's Kenmore to start this journey just to see if I really enjoy it - spent $20.00 rather than hundreds :) Thank you again. These tutorials are great!

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Angela, zigzag and then trim is perfect. You can sew the zigzag over the edge with an overcast foot and stitch. But doing a zigzag close to the edge is hard, the machine will probably chew up the fabric. Much easier to do the zigzag and then trim close to it. Hope that helps, Aneka x

[@songbanana8]

Thank you so much, I’ve seen so many tutorials that say to sew over the edge of the fabric and my machine would eat and roll the fabric especially with open seams one one layer of fabric. Question, why should the zig zag be so small and narrow? Does it hold better than bigger stitches?

[@MadetoSew]

Yes if the zigzag isn't small it won't do a good job at holding the threads and helping to prevent fraying. More stitches holding more of the fabric fibres. Great questions!

[@odettemichel3563]

👏👏😊

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@MoriahDreams123]

Will you then zig zag stitch around the rest of this piece of fabric to keep the other edges from fraying as well?

[@MadetoSew]

Yes I could have done that. I was just showing the seam as an example so I didn't but you could to prevent fraying. 😊

[@MoriahDreams123]

@@MadetoSew Ok, thank you! ^-^

[@kissesnpopcorn]

Does anyone knows what symbol for the zig-zag over the fabric edge looks like? I have a singer 3223 if that helps

[@MadetoSew]

I just checked your manual. You will have 2 zigzags; 2 step and then 3 step. Then you have 2 lots of blind hem stitches (one for stretch and one for woven). For the overcast stitch it's the stitch that jump to the right (after the two blind hem), it looks like you can use it on the standard as well as S1 settings.

[@Ayram9]

You did mention this already, but is it fair to assume that a proper overlock foot or sole combined with an overlock stitch would be better and involve less work (e.g. not having to cut anything)? I like the look of the "double overlock" stitch combined with that overlock foot #2 (for Berninas or 2a for some of the higher end Berninas?) but am curious: can one use the overlock foot with the zigzag stitch to go off the fabric with good results? Thanks!

[@barefacedquestions]

I've tried an overlock foot with the zigzag stitch and the result can be unpredictable: Occasionally I see a bit of puckering at the edge. Doing the zigzag stitch on regular presser foot requires trimming, but it is unlikely to fail, and I don't have to change presser feet. I think choosing which method depends on the fabric you use (overlock foot may get better result with stable fabric) and your skills. I'm a rookie so taking time to do it correctly is still better than doing it fast, and having to rip it to do again.

[@Ayram9]

@@barefacedquestionsThanks for your reply! I did break down and get the foot and I definitely like the results of using it with any of the overlock stitches, however I learned things get bunched up at the beginning if I don't hold the threads out of the way to start. I've since discovered this is a thing!😆 I had no idea that unless doing a basic straight stitch, threads should often be held out of the way for the first stitch!

[@bgoodbro]

1:53

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@equinox8529]

very irratataing

[@MadetoSew]

Oh no! Sorry you feel that way.