In couture sewing, machine sewing is used routinely for plain seams. The notion that couture garments are sewn entirely by hand is only a myth. Claire B. Shaeffer, an expert in couture techniques, explains that most couture workrooms are equipped with an industrial straight-stitch machine, a zigzag machine, and may also include a multipurpose machine like a home sewing machine. Most machine stitching is done with a basic straight stitch.

Tools and supplies

The items Claire recommends for couture sewing by machine are readily available.

Threads: Depending on your fabric, you may use silk; lightweight, 100 percent cotton; regular-weight, 100 percent cotton; or cotton-wrapped polyester.

Needles: Opt for needles with sharp points. Jeans needles have a strong shank; quilting needles have a slender shank; microtex needles have an acute point. For knits, use a universal needle, which has a slightly rounded point.

Presser foot: Because almost all your machine stitching will use…