Almost every basic sewing machine has a blind stitch. This humble stitch, used for sewing hems, is intended to be invisible. But here, utility blossoms into embellishment in three unique ways.

First, Susan Cleveland adds a perfect touch to inset piping that looks like a precise hand stitch. Next, Judith Neukam sews a romantic scalloped edge with pearl cotton. Finally, Kenneth D. King mimics a hand fell stitch on knife pleats. All three techniques require a heavy thread such as buttonhole twist or fine pearl cotton to distinctly punctuate the stitch. See how three designers use specialty thread and the garden-variety blind stitch to create elegant, understated finishing touches. Learn how to take a utility stitch and make it beautiful.

From Threads #145