Card 18 · Start Sewing
Strengthen seams that get pulled.
Machine back-stitch is when the machine sews backwards. Use it on stress seams, the ones that get pulled a lot, such as openings on pockets, zips and bags. Most machines have a switch you hold to sew backwards.
- At the start of a stress seam, sew 4–5 stitches.
- Back-stitch over them, then carry on sewing.
- Do the same at the end of the seam.
Try it!
☐ Join 2 pieces of fabric, starting and ending with forward and back-stitch.
☐ Give the seam a tug. Does it feel stronger?
Top tip: You don’t need to back-stitch at the start and end of every line. Your sewing won’t come undone, and back-stitching every seam slows you down.
