A Satin Stitch Adds Elegant Detail to Quilts and Garments

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Mary Ray, contributor

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Satin stitching adds texture to patchwork.

Mary Ray

Fabric motifs can be easily appliquéd in place with a satin stitch.

Mary Ray

A grooved presser foot glides over the stitching and prevents bunching.

Mary Ray

Satin stitching adds texture to patchwork.

Photo: Mary Ray

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3. Adjust the tension so the top thread pulls slightly under the fabric to give that nice rounded look. This means you’ll need to loosen the top tension or tighten the bobbin tension. How you do this depends on your machine, of course. I sew on a Bernina and the bobbin case has a hole at the end of the hook. Feeding the bobbin thread through this hole when satin stitching and making buttonholes results in a fully rounded stitch.

The Bernina bobbin case has an additional guide hole that tightens the tension for a rounded satin stitch.

4. Place some lightweight tear-away stabilizer under the work to avoid puckering and tunneling. Keep the stabilizer in place only while stitching, then gently pull it away so you don’t have any unnecessary bulk in your garment.

Tear-away stabilizer prevents headaches.

5. Use some great thread, which is not hard to find nowadays. The choice of thread – both color and type – is important depending on whether you want to create a strong outline or just add a little definition. Be careful not to use thread that’s too thick because it will jam up under the foot if the stitch is too tight. It’s always a good idea to make some samples. Rayon and polyester embroidery threads are great because they add sheen and depth to a project. Variegated and blendable threads create a color-blocking effect that almost looks like piping.

Variegated or blendable thread makes a satin stitch almost look like piping.

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Comments (11)

gtlgal writes: Awesome jacket. I love jackets and try to make a couple every year. This technique is a touch of class.

Gtlgal
Posted: 8:13 pm on January 18th

MaryRay writes: Pam,
Thanks for your tip. Can you post a photo of this? It would be great to see it.
Mary
Posted: 9:07 pm on October 20th

redandredder writes: Another technique for a satin stitch corner is a mitered corner.

When near the corner, stop before you reach the end of the corner. The place where you must stop is the measurement that is the width of the original satin stitch. (That is, measure the width of the satin stich and that becomes the length from the corner where you must stop.)

At that point, slowly begin to narrow the width of the satin stich until you reach the narrowest stitch right at the end of the corner. The end of the stitching tapers to a point.

Turn the item 90 degrees. Start the satin stitch, but this time begin with the narrowest stitch and gradually increase the satin stich width until the empty space starting at the point fills in. You don't want the mitering stitches to exceed the empty space. Try it on some scraps and it becomes quite easy. The mitered corner looks like the frame of a picture on the wall, very nice. Pam
Posted: 1:06 pm on October 8th

chezshelle writes: This is really beautiful work. The picturea and explanation was good too. Thanks and keep up the great work. I will give this a try now that it looks so easy and flattering.
Posted: 1:28 am on September 9th

JAL85 writes: What awesome timing this article is for me! I have been looking to spice up some of the cloting and craft items I am making as Christmas gifts for family. It is a great idea with excellent instructions and suggestions. Thanks!!
Posted: 7:12 pm on September 8th

Sewdreamy writes: I've used satin stitching for years, and I love it, but I really wanted to tell you that I love the jacket! It's gorgeous and inspiring. This is timely since I am revamping my faull wardrobe now ans want to add several artisitc, yet businesslike, jackets. Cheers.
Posted: 2:05 pm on September 8th

sondralewis1 writes: This article couldn't have been more timely. I am appliqueing a blanket for my eldest daughter who just went away to college. I can always count on Threads to give just the right information and inspiration to make my projects spectacular!
Posted: 8:37 pm on September 7th

denise writes: thank you for spending the time as the writer above says.
I got so excited when i saw this topic the ideas are endless.
I was thinking of the little peter pan collar on my granddaughter's dress the pockets on my linen dress i haven't made yet for summer in aust.
Also on the end of a crisp linen blouse sleeve cuff.
Will put this in to my sewing file, so i do not have to search in future.
Also thank you for this months magazine, i know some people just like the couture` sewing but the 5 basic things we should know is such a good section to have in the magazine please keep this up as i pass these magazines on to my daughter ( she has to have them back in a week)!!!mm and now she is thinking of getting her own subscription.
We have to give the young one s a reason to keep sewing.
Posted: 5:53 pm on September 7th

suesells writes: This quilted jacked with satin stitch trim is amazing. A little more info if you please: Did you piece and quilt to create a fabric before cutting pattern pieces? What did you use for filler? You created a quilted fabric that doesn't look as thick as a quilt would be. Beautiful workmanship and even more beautiful finished jacket. Wow!!
Posted: 3:28 pm on September 7th

poppysquash2 writes: This was such a helpful article. Up close and personal pictures are so useful for a very visual person like me! Is this pattern on line anywhere. It is quite beautiful for this application. Thank you so much for this sewer who's just gotten back into the swing of sewing.
Poppysquash2
Posted: 2:49 pm on September 7th

clafaver writes: Thank you for spending time on this topic. Since starting to sew again I have not practiced satin stitching with my new machine. Your beautiful designs have gotten me ready to give it a go.
Posted: 8:55 am on September 1st

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