We humans, always want to make things more beautiful. It boosts our confidence when we can present ourselves in an attractive way. Let us for a moment think of the first cavemen who introduced dressing. After that millions of changes took place, sewing and hundreds of sewing techniques were improvised, all to make us look a little more charming. If we think of the most good-looking and useful stitching techniques, understitching is probably going to be on top of the list.
Basic hand stitches like a running stitch or a backstitch can prove very handy. Basic machine stitches are also something that is very helpful and time-saving. But they cannot give us advanced features. That’s where understitching comes.
Understitching is thoroughly studied and repeatedly practiced all over the world, in homes and industries. Yes, this amazing technique can be performed by both machines and human hands. Understitching is such a beautiful technique where you joint two nice pieces of clothes in such a way the stitching marks on your cloth become invisible. Let us explore all there is to know about understitching.
Key Takeaways
- While there is understitching, there is no such thing as upstitching. The understitching is done so the stitching is not visible.
- Before starting on understitching a fabric, it is best to get your materials and tools ready. Taking all precautions is important too.
- With the help of pictures, the step-by-step guide to understitching is included.
- From making a nice finish to being able to do it with both hand and machine, there are many benefits to understitching.
- An alternative to understitching could be a bias stitch, but the stitching can still be seen from it.
Upstitching Vs Understitching
Probably you are wondering what an upstitch is. It is common for someone to assume that as there is an understitching method, there might be an upstitching technique too. But if you know the basics you already know there is no such thing as an upstitch. Rather there are some other stitching techniques that we can collectively call upstitches as they differ much from the understitching recipe.
A topstitch or an edge-stitch can be called an upstitch as both of them are visible from the front, unlike the understitching. A topstitch is a type of sewing where the line of stitching is simply designed to be seen from the outside of the garment. A topstitch can both be functional and decorative. An edge stitch is very much like a topstitch except for its location. An edge stitch is performed near the linings of a cloth. But the understitch is placed in between two separate pieces of cloth. Of course, we shall gradually know how the stitching marks are hidden
Upstitching can be done with a single type of action performed repeatedly. In case of an understitch, several steps need to be introduced and followed. An upstitch, like a topstitch or a basting stitch, can be very quick but an understitch is definitely not time-consuming. Rather, it gives us the far better output. So the time needed to learn how to do an understitch is undoubtedly worth it.
How You Get Prepared for Understitching?
The preparation needed for understitching is very simple. With some easy steps you will be all prepared for the job. The preparation for understitching should include:
- Selecting two pieces of fine clothes.
- Finding whether you need a straight understitch or a curved one.
- Deciding exactly how far you want the understitch to be from the facing.
- Getting your desired threads ready for the job.
- Making your iron ready as you are going to need one.
- Balancing your sewing foot perfectly.
- Keeping your sewing place neat and clean, and well lit.
- Managing your sewing place free of children as much as you can.
- Taking safety measures if you need any.
How to Understitching Simplified Step by Step?
The steps of understitching are clear and simple to follow. Once you are prepared, you sit for the job and just follow the directions. Following these steps will complete your job:
Step 1
First, pick your clothes right side facing and stitch them up together. While doing so, you should follow the pattern of your seam allowance.
Step 2
After the seam has been stitched, you need to press the seam allowance toward the facing or lining. If you have sewn something that is curved like a neckline or armhole, you should now clip or notch any curves.
Step 3
Now you should stitch between ⅛ inch to ¼ inch away from the seam line. While doing so, you need to keep an eye on your sewing foot to ensure proper balance.
Step 4
This time you press the facing towards the inside of the fabric carefully with your iron.
Step 5
You are done. Your understitch is ready to use and impress others.
When you need to understitch a seam that has corners and hard-to-reach areas, it can seem difficult. In that case, you just need to understitch as close to the corner as possible.
Benefits of Understitching
There are several important benefits of understitching. While practicing this sewing technique, it is good to know how it benefits us. Let us start:
- Understitching is a nice finishing technique. It gives your fabric a complete look.
- Understitching is professional. If you consider sewing your profession or want to turn your sewing ability into a brand, there is no alternative to understitching.
- Understitched fabric gives you comfort.
- If you are sewing at home, it also shows your class when you practice a professional trend.
- Often, we are troubled by mismatched stitching marks. Understitching eradicates this problem perfectly.
- Understitching can be done via both machines and human hands.
- It does not need any computerized actions or programs to perform it.
While you use understitching perfectly and happily, you are sure to find many more benefits of it by yourself.
Important Facts on Understitching
These facts are for your better convenience. When you know them, you feel comfortable. You do not easily get distracted, your performance gets better. Above all, it helps you to decide correctly. So, let us discuss some important facts about understitching.
Understitching with machine
Understitching with a machine is a fast process. When we do work with a sewing machine, we should be totally aware of how the machine works. The subsidiary elements we can attach to a machine make much of a difference in the sewing performance. So, know your machine well, and study it. You will not need to think a lot about your fabric and needles etc. when working on a machine, just ensure you use your sewing machine like a pro. Be careful about cables stretched across the floor and babies or pets entering your working room. In case you are in a factory or at some workplace, you must follow the provided safety measures.
Understitching by hands
Understitching with your hands require a good understanding of your fabric. You should take all the safety measures and start doing the work by hand. However, choose the fabric carefully. Only delicate clothes are supposed to be understitched by hands. Whatever, after all it is your choice, following your preference will bring out your performance.
It is all about practice
Whether you are a newbie in understitching or an experienced one, there is no alternative to practicing. It makes you quick and comfortable. Only when you practice much, you will understand the ins and outs most clearly.
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Precautions
Though understitching is not a difficult process, it should be followed with some safety and precautionary measures. While doing an understitching by hand you should be careful to choose the right type of fabric and needles. Confirm your needles and pins, and make sure your shears are sharp enough. Do not sew an understitch when you are exhausted or unconcentrated. This can easily lead to unwanted injuries.
Are Upstitching Alternatives a Reality?
When you practice upstitching you might wonder if there are any alternatives to it. A straight-cut answer is no. However, we can use a bias tape as an alternative to understitching but it will only help us partially.
There are two types of bias tapes: single-fold bias tape and double-fold bias tape. A bias tape is simply a long fabric, cut according to the need, placed on the main fabric, and then sewn. Like an understitch, a bias tape can also be used to join two pieces of cloth, especially in necklines and armholes.
The key difference between a bias tape and an understitch is that while using an understitch, no stitching mark can be seen on the front side. But in the case of bias tapes, a single line of thread can be seen from the front. Though with personal choice someone can prefer bias tapes to be decorative.
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FAQs
Is understitching hard?
Is understitching visible?
Why is understitching important?
Final Thoughts
An understitch is an easy but handy trick. Whether someone sews professionally or as a hobby, this technique polishes their ability. Even to a reader who just loves to read, understitching is an interesting fact of the sewing world. As practice perfects all the things, we say to you: practice happily and enjoy your understitching technique.