by Serena Smith
Note: Click on the photos for a larger image
Satin stitching is a fun and easy stitch to sew!
It is a multi-purpose stitch that can be used for applique, decorative
stitching and covering raw edges. But have you ever had puckers in your
fabric from satin stitching? Or maybe the fabric folds under and bunches up
in the satin stitches? Read on to discover ways to prevent this from
happening.
When fabric is tucked into satin stitches as they are being sewn, that is
called tunneling. The fabric is not heavy enough to hold the stitches and
therefore the fabric puckers and tunnels. This commonly happens when satin
stitching. As the needle jumps from the left to the right, forming each
stitch, the tension on the thread pulls the fabric between the stitches,
creating puckers. When you are finished satin stitching, the stitches hold
the puckers in place, not allowing the fabric to lay out flat.
To eliminate puckers and tunnels, a stabilizer is needed to support the
stitches. Most cotton fabrics do not have the body and stability to hold the
stitches on their own. Lightly spray a piece of tear away stabilizer with
spray adhesive. Stick the fabric to the tear away stabilizer. Press down
firmly and smooth the fabric over the stabilizer. Sew the satin stitches
where needed and then tear off the stabilizer from the back of the fabric.
Gently press the fabric and your satin stitching is complete! Note: I prefer
to use
505 Spray Adhesive because it doesn't gum my needle and sprays evenly
and cleanly.
satin stitching without stabilizer
satin stitching with stabilizer
The tear away stabilizer will keep the fabric flat and support the stitches
as you sew. The spray adhesive will hold the fabric to the stabilizer and
prevent it from moving. As the needle moves from left to right, the
stabilizer will not allow the tension on the thread to pucker and tunnel the
fabric. Not only is satin stitching easier with tear away stabilizer
underneath, but also creates a more professional look when finished. Try it
on your next satin stitching project and see if it works for you!
fabric & tear away stabilizer
