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

If you don't have an overlocker or serger, this stitch is for you. Learn how to use the overcast stitch on your sewing machine. In this video Aneka shares tips for using a zigzag stitch over the edge of the fabric and an overcast stitch to help prevent fraying.
How To: Finish Edge of Fabric: • How To: Finish Edge of...
Sewing for Beginners Series: • Sewing for Beginners
LINKED:
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ANEKA WEARS:
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Fabric: Black & White Gingham: www.misan.co.uk/
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[@OlTrailDog]

71 yo widower who needed to sew a fabric edge with my 930 Bernina. I thought I needed an overcast according to the instruction booklet. I confirmed it with your video. Behold it worked.

[@MadetoSew]

Wonderful news! Glad I could help you.

[@LM-uc5sg]

I have a 930 too! It’s a beautiful machine. 😊

[@yellowdayz1800]

Finally going to be making my own dresses again.

[@MadetoSew]

Yay! 💖

[@evahaunted8183]

I have a cheap sowing machine and didn't know to finish edges of fabric. Turns out I do have a few overlock stitches on my machine! Thank you for this video, excellent for us beginners :)

[@MadetoSew]

Amazing Eva, so pleased I could help. Aneka x

[@marionlacey1074]

I am learning so much from watching these amazing videos with you Aneka. Your instructions are so clear and concise. Thank you again from South Australia! x

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Marion. Glad you like them. Aneka xx

[@momzilla9491]

Aneka, thank you for pointing out that the "little bar" is place on the very edge of the fabric. I've watched other lessons for the edger foot, and this point was missing! My experience using the overcast foot was terrible and my results... It's all in the detail and you are very good at that!

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks so much. So pleased. Aneka xx

[@MsOeasy]

Loving the series Aneka. I really appreciate the effort and time you've invested in these videos. Thank you so much!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much. Aneka x

[@frauleingermany4435]

Thank you for making this so simple. Always was courious as to do a overcast without a serger.

[@MadetoSew]

I'm pleased it was helpful.

[@kelseyjoiner5387]

You rock. Thanks for all this helpful information. I love the way you talk; it made it easy to stay tuned! XOXO

[@andrascsirmaz3043]

Just commented on the previous video how I'm finishing... and here you're telling me almost the exact same thing. Figures. :)))

[@MadetoSew]

Amazing. Glad you got there!

[@lindasutton937]

Another great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Linda. Aneka x

[@paulreid7761]

Fabulous tutorial. Thank you so much

[@estelleduff6682]

Thanks Aneke i really enjoy your tutorials very much. I will be looking out to see when you will be running classes in Melbourne and if I am able to do so I would very much like to join one of your classes. I really like your teaching style as it is very concise and clear and your sewing work is beautiful too!

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks Estelle, I had planned to run some this month and next but they have been cancelled because of covid. keep a look out on my website for more. Aneka x

[@LadyJazalea]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@Janka007]

Very well explained and your style is gorgeous! :) Thanks a lot!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much. ❤️ Aneka xx

[@ktho5556]

Fabulous as always. Thank you!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@OurClosetCosplay]

Had no clue what this kind of stitch was called. I've seen it on garments and had no clue how to do this. I'm currently deconstructing a costume piece and it has this overcast stitch all over the edges and it's the only thing keeping the garment from unraveling. So I needed to search how to redo this so when I put it back together my repair won't look completely out of place. Thanks for such a novice friendly tutorial.

[@MadetoSew]

I'm so pleased it was helpful and I hope you are able to put your costume piece back together securely. Have fun!

[@sewoveritnow2612]

Thank you, Aneka!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you!

[@Katyuska88]

What's not to like about this video? Those who dislike the video must be haters. I am a novice and understood everything. Thank you. 😊

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks so much. I appreciate your comment. Aneka x

[@Ms.Tasties]

I truly appreciate this video I don't know how to say at all on clothes I want to start a clothing line and I know that I have to start somewhere I'm going to get a sewing machine and follow you and me lead so that I can learn I wish I can do some Hands-On with you but I'll take what I can get and again I thank you

[@MadetoSew]

I am so pleased I could help Eliette. I wish you all the best. This is very exciting. :-))

[@itspiinkyrose4324]

Yes. I just got me a sewing machine a few days ago to start for my clothing line 😁. I'm so excited and happy I found this video as well

[@angiemenapa]

Just remember that people may not want to buy clothes with finishings such as the zigzag. So zigzag 6our seams, then add a lining as well to keep it out sight as well as adding structure, comfort and modesty to your garments.

[@Poppitywoo]

So helpful!!! Thank you 🙏

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Laura, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@iBeautifulQueen]

Clear instructions for me thank you

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@mariadayritt3859]

Thank you for this video.

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks Maria.

[@DumisaVincentNtsodo]

Thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@florinakhalil3349]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@MadetoSew]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gavinrogers5677]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks Gavin.

[@kennywujek]

This was helpful! Thanks

[@MadetoSew]

Glad it was helpful!

[@narayanlaxmi4990]

Can we use the vintage singer sewing machine for finishing edge??

[@sofiaribadeneira2312]

thanks for showing how the stitches look on the manual I always get confused with which one is which

[@MadetoSew]

Glad I could help.

[@dljrun63]

Hi there! Thanks for your educational tutorial. My question is; I have cut all my pattern pieces and I plan to use overcast stitches (brother 9285) on all my raw edges first beforing sewing my garment, therefore, do I overcast on the right side of the fabric or wrong side? Or does it really matter? Sorry I am totally knew at this.

[@dancetoday542]

Hi, your videos are always so clear. Some instructions I have watched say finish the edges then sew like you have done, others say sew, trim to one quarter inch and finish with an overedge stitch. I have just bought a Janome overedge foot and am wondering the best way to go about it.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you. It is a difficult one and really depends on the method your prefer. I think it is easier to use the overcast foot once you have sewn the garment together, partly because if the foot turns under any of the fabric you won't loose your correct seam allowance. If you have the seam allowance changing because of the overcast stitch then this can be a problem when you go to sew the seam. Does that make sense? Aneka

[@dancetoday542]

Yes, makes sense and I have been doing it your way mostly, so I will continue with that. Thank you.

[@MadetoSew]

@@dancetoday542 My pleasure.

[@reesemorgan2259]

Glad you made that point - I did wonder about keeping that extra inch ( or whatever ) in a seam - when we're always told to reduce bulk. The process you described makes more sense to me.

[@DahVoozel]

Are you going to be discussing types of seams and when to use them in this series?

[@MadetoSew]

I talked about what stitch to do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXK4oHdme5aLapo and how to finish the edges of seam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp7EgmRnmpatjJI is this what you mean? Let me know. Aneka x

[@stacyr.3809]

Hi Aneka. I missed the end of this video. Did you say when you overlock or serge your seams together instead of pressing the Seams open, that you press them toward the center back? I am learning how to sew knit garments. I would like to use that method with knit fabric which is sometimes hard to give a nice crisp press.

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Stacy, when I am overlocking knits together I generally press towards the back. I hope that helps? Aneka x

[@dinaa4596]

Hello Aneka, can you please demonstrate how to attach a neckline bias binding ... thank you so much Xx

[@MadetoSew]

Yes of course. I have a top I need to finish with this. xx

[@dinaa4596]

@@MadetoSew very kind of you 😍thanks Aneka😘

[@neonblkhole]

I have a brother sewing machine that has multiple overcast stitch settings but it doesn't seem (seam? :> ) to come with an overcast foot. the feet it has are zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, nonstick, blind, and button sewing. am I able to use one of these for overcasting or are they expecting me to buy a separate foot?

[@AlfredoCrazyFreddyRivera]

What is the name of the sewing machine called to do that over something stich, sorry trying to find one please help

[@margyb7469]

You are brilliant with your teaching methods. Do you have a paid class I can join?

[@MadetoSew]

I am launching some online classes on my website www.madetosew.com next week. Aneka x

[@cecil4560]

Hi I like your machine I’m looking into purchasing a Bernina what model is this machine thank u for this tutorial

[@dinaa4596]

It's a Bernina 350 model.

[@MadetoSew]

Yes Bernina 350. Thanks Dina :-)).

[@honeyofoats5619]

I have a brother xl 3750 how can i sew the fabrics together by the edge?

[@MadetoSew]

Hello, I don't know the manual for your specific machine says or the stitches that are available. Have a look in the manual for overcast stitch. But you will be able to do the zigzag. Aneka

[@Pie-uh2ok]

Should I finish the raw edge before or after constructing the garment? Because with my first dress I did it after, which was a it of a hassle...

[@MadetoSew]

You can do either really. I generally teach first, as I do think it's easier. But you must make sure that you don't adjust the size of the seam allowances (like use an overlocker / serger and cut some away). Afterwards is also ok, and it means you don't effect your seam allowances, but I agree it can be more tricky. I would give it a try first. 😊

[@mahshid822]

Thanks so much you beautiful girl I have subscribed your channel and will sew with you🙏🙏🙏🙏I love it 😊

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you. So lovely to have you join us here. X

[@sareena2086]

Ms. Aneka my machine i newly bout is Bother Jt1450nt. How can I do this in it? I have to but a new leg? If yes, how will I name it?

[@MadetoSew]

Hello Sareena, you will need a overcast foot, I would try and find one on the internet that is designed for your machine. Or ask in a sewing machine shop. You may find that you already have one, depending on how many feet came with your machine.

[@zandersig]

This is kind of what I am looking for... What I want to do is join the middle of two pieces of fabric (left piece and a right piece). I am tying to sew face masks and I want to join two pieces (left and right) together in the middle. I can get it to sew zig-zag over my two edges (down the middle) but how do I finish off the top and bottom of that seam?

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Alex, yes you can do that. You could also try a flat locked seam if you have an overlocker / serger. In terms of finishing the top and the bottom you can back stitch but will need to probably finish the edges with binding or a lining?

[@Ishratayeshaboutique]

Nice

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks

[@gordonsono7477]

Can this machine do button hole stitches and blind hem as well?

[@MadetoSew]

Yes it can. The buttonholes are really good for the price. My more expensive Bernina 790 does them better (but it’s super costly compared to this machine). Most of the Bernina machines I have used do good buttonholes and blind hems.

[@palpallama5364]

Nice video

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you. Aneka x

[@palpallama5364]

U are so beautiful

[@JAA2020-Fmn]

can we use the zigzag foot to finish edges ?

[@MadetoSew]

Yes you can use a zigzag foot, you may find that can curl the edge of the fabric more than the overcast foot. Just test it on the fabric that you are using. Aneka :-))

[@JAA2020-Fmn]

thank you so much

[@kaylaann4154]

Oohh what was that book called with the stiches in it ?

[@MadetoSew]

It was just the manual that came with my machine. 😀

[@user-ri1xj1fn9i]

@@MadetoSew LOL I read through the comments to see if this question was asked and got so excited haha and it's not even a book. Do you have a book that would have information like this or recommend one for a beginner seamstress? Also I'd like to add a big thank you. I'm glad you are you and you do what you do, keep it up!

[@mdayodeji]

Is overcast foot different from edge joining foot? They look alike.

[@MadetoSew]

Usually it is different, but it depends on your machine. With 3 different brands my overcast feet look completely different! The Overcast (Overlock) Foot on my Bernina is very different to what I would use for edge joining, there isn't really a clear guide for joining 2 layers of fabric. Often the overcast feet have the bulk of the foot on one side, rather than the centre of the foot sitting on the centre of the join of the fabric. I haven't tried to use the other one for the other activity, so I can't comment on that. Hope this helps? Aneka

[@mdayodeji]

@@MadetoSew Thanks so much.

[@alpharobin99]

Thank you again Aneka for all these videos. Could you also do a video on different types of pressor foots and when they are used for if possible. My machine is janome 2200 xt. Is it a good buy for beginners?..Many thanks..

[@MadetoSew]

I have this video on presser feet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipe3qH5tesRmebM does this help? I am planning a more detailed one, but I need to borrow some feed. Yes the Janome 2200 xt is a great place to start, perfect for a beginner. Aneka x

[@ambercordova8157]

Hi, when I backstitch when overcasting the thread gets all jumbled up. Any tips?

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Amber, you can't really backstitch very far with the overcast foot. Because the threads are being built over the little bar on the foot, they can get bunched up. One or two stitches backwards can work, but not more really. I would change your stitch back to a straight stitch and either back stitch with a straight stitch at the start and the end using the normal length (2-2.5mm), or you could even turn the length to 0mm and sew on top of the stitching a few times. If you are overcasting an edge that is going to be sewn across. For example you are overcasting a side seam of a skirt. And you are going to sew across the top of the this seam (with the normal straight stitch), to attach a waistband, and the bottom for the hem. You don't really need to backstitch because it will be secured by the other seam. BUT for somewhere like around the hem where you won't be fixing it with another seam I would try and secure the overcasting, with a small backstitch or use the straight stitch tip like i suggested above. I hope this helps? Aneka

[@dancetoday542]

@@MadetoSew You don't need to change the foot to do that? thanks

[@MadetoSew]

@@dancetoday542 Hi Marilyn, you could change your foot, but it would probably be a bit of a pain to take it on and off to backstitch. I would just limit the backstitch if you are going to sew over that seam anyway. Aneka

[@veecastro6028]

It looked like the zig zag skipped when I try at times. What does that mean?

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Vee, it could be a number of things. Double check the machine is threaded correctly, and then have a play with the tension. And check that you have a fresh needle in. Try that and let me know. Aneka x

[@rolandperez7687]

her accent is very nice.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you, that is very kind.

[@Bt234]

🙋🏻‍♀️

[@MadetoSew]

:-))

[@valor101arise]

Wish you had shown the stitch picture on your machine bc not all of us know terminology... video isnt clear

[@MadetoSew]

I am so sorry, thats a really good point. Happy to email you a picture of what it looks like on my machine if that helps? Drop me an email [e-mail]. It can look a little different on makes and models of machines so it might be good to check your manual too. Happy to help. Aneka x

[@technofeeliak]

Who's that? Oh, Aneka... lol you're so funny. "Hello, my name is Aneka from Made to Sew". I don't recognize you until you formally identify yourself. ;) (only teasing).

[@MadetoSew]

Ha Ha! I always wonder if I need to say it :-))! But then someone could be watching for the first time? What do you think? :-))

[@Kfanatics]

I cringed whenever you put your finger near to the needle when it's sewing, no matter how experienced or pro you may be, accidents happen when least expect. But thanks for showing the stitch.

[@MadetoSew]

Oh no! Sorry to worry you. I actually put my fingers quite close to the needle and the fabric when I am sewing. You will see this in factories on industrial machines too. You learn to trust yourself and the sewing machine, and as long as you are in control of the foot pedal you shouldn't have an issue. I have never sewn myself and I have been sewing all my life. Obviously I wouldn't teach someone to put their hands close - it comes with practise and confidence and you don't do it all the time. Only with tricky fabrics, or in these videos if I am showing something. I have been teaching for 7 years and luckily never had any of my students have an accident yet. Just be cautious and aware of what you are doing I guess. Thank you, Aneka :-))