Setting the Stitch Length

What you will learn

• Reading the stitch length dial
• Choosing a length for the job
• Testing on scrap

Materials and tools

• Threaded machine
• Two scrap strips of woven cotton, 4 x 8 in (10 x 20 cm)
• Ruler

Before you start

• Select a straight stitch. Raise the needle and the presser foot.

1. Find the stitch length control. It is a dial or button marked in millimetres (0 to 4 or more) or in numbers. Check your manual, because some machines use stitches per inch.

   1. Spool pin
   2. Thread guides
   3. Tension dial
   4. Take-up lever
   5. Needle clamp and needle
   6. Presser foot
   7. Feed dogs
   8. Needle plate
   9. Bobbin and bobbin case
   10. Presser-foot lifter
   11. Stitch selector
   12. Stitch length control
   13. Reverse lever or button
   14. Handwheel
   15. Foot pedal

2. Set the length to about 2.5 mm. This is the usual seam length for medium-weight woven cotton.
3. Place a scrap under the foot and sew about 4 in (10 cm). Count the stitches in 1 in (2.5 cm). You should count about 10.
4. Set the length to 4 mm and sew another line beside the first one. This longer stitch is for basting, which means a temporary stitch that holds layers together and is removed later.
5. Set the length to 3.5 mm and sew a third line. Longer stitches lie better on top of the fabric and suit topstitching, which is a visible line of stitching on the right side.
6. Set the length to 2 mm and sew a fourth line. This is for lightweight fabric and for securing the ends of seams.
7. Label the four lines with a pen and keep the scrap as a reference.

Tips for a neat result

• Longer stitches are easier to unpick. Use them when you are unsure of the fit.
• Thick fabric needs longer stitches. Fine fabric needs shorter ones.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• You can set 2.5 mm and see about 10 stitches per inch.
• You know which length suits basting, seams and topstitching.