How to Edge Stitch (With or Without an Edge Stitch Foot)

Edge stitch in sewing is a simple technique for creating clean, professional edges on seams, facings, and trims. This straight stitch is sewn very close to the edge of the fabric, making it both decorative and functional. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to edge stitch step by step, the best settings to use, and when to apply it for the neatest finish on your sewing projects.

What is Edge Stitch in Sewing?

Edge stitch is a straight stitch sewn close to the edge of a seam or fabric fold, usually about 1/8 inch (3mm) from the edge. It is used to neaten seams, secure facings, and add decorative detail to garments.

If you are learning professional sewing techniques, explore the full types of seams guide to understand decorative and functional seam construction.

Using an edge stitch on the facing is called understitching. Also read about staystitching. The stitching distance for edgestitching is usually 1/8 inch (3mm) from the seam. This technique is common along denim seams and adds strength and decoration. On clothing, an edgestitch sewn vertically draws the eye down, making you seem taller.

Edge Stitch Settings Guide:

Setting	Recommendation
Stitch type	Straight stitch
Stitch length	2.0–3.0
Distance from seam	1/16″–1/8″ (1.5–3mm)
Needle position	Center or left
Presser foot	All-purpose or edge stitch foot

When to Use Edge Stitch in Sewing

Edge stitch is used along a folded seam or around the inside of a facing on necklines, cuffs, and armholes. It can also be used as a decorative edge just along the ditch of a seam to add some detail. Edge stitch is usually sewn with the same type of thread you are sewing your garment with and in a matching color. I used a contrasting color on the fabric just so you could see my stitching more clearly.

How to Edge Stitch (Step-by-Step Guide)

Best Way to Edge Stitch

The best way to edge stitch is to press the seam first, then sew a straight stitch 1/8 inch (3mm) from the edge using a steady speed and a matching thread for a clean finish.

Best Presser Foot for Edge Stitch

Edge stitch can be sewn with a all-purpose foot or an edge stitch foot . You can see that the edgestitch foot has a guide in the center, whereas the all-purpose foot is flat with no guide. The specialized foot can also be known as a stitch in the ditch foot or edge joining foot. Read more about all the sewing machine feet available for different purposes.

Step 1 – Stitch the Seam

Put the right sides together and sew your seam with the required seam allowance and finish the edges, if necessary, with a serger or zig-zag.

Step 2 – Press Open the Seam

Press your seam on the wrong side of the fabric. Your pattern may specify whether you press the seam open or to one side. This is important to create a neat ditch to stitch along. It is more common to press the seam to the side when using this technique.

Step 3 – Edge Stitch the Seam

Sew 1/8 inch (3mm) from the seam created with your presser foot. See the separate instructions below for the 2 different types of presser feet.

TIP: Turn down the speed of your machine to enable a slower, more steady pace of sewing. Reverse at the beginning and the end.  You will be sewing over multiple layers, so check on your stitch length before you begin.

It is always wonderful to have fun sewing gadgets, but if you do not have an edge stitch foot, it is still possible to follow this technique without any fancy tool

Set up your machine with your regular all-purpose sewing machine foot. Follow the seam and stitch 1/8 inch (3mm) away from the ditch. If you have pressed your seam to one side, you will be stitching on top of the seam allowance. The length of the stitches can vary according to your decorative requirements.

How to Use an Edge Stitch Foot

The edgestitch foot will replace the presser foot on your machine. Whether you have a generic brand or a specialized one for your machine, they all work with the same principle. The edge stitch foot has a small projection in the middle of the foot that acts as a guide while you sew along the seam line. 

The guide follows the seam line, and the needle is moved to the left to stitch 1/8″ (3mm) from the seam. If you don’t move the needle to the left, you will be stitching in the seam itself (this is called stitch in the ditch). Although the guide will help to keep the stitching accurate, it is still wise to sew slowly. Besides the added accuracy when using the edge stitch foot, you can also get closer than 1/8″ (3mm) to the seam if necessary.

Edge Stitch vs Top Stitch

Topstitching gives a tailored look to a plain outfit and can be sewn with a thicker, contrasting thread and a longer stitch for effect. Topstitching, because of its decorative element, stands out and is best seen at a 1/4” (6mm) distance from the seam. Although the basic principles of these are similar, the edge stitch really is the winner because it serves two purposes in one – function and decoration. 

Edge Stitch for Trims

Edgestitching is a great way to sew on ribbons and fabric trims. Use the special foot as a guide to sew accurately and close to the sides.

Without using the edge foot as a guide, there is no way I could have sewn the ribbon down so neatly or so close to the edge. The special foot allowed me to sew even closer than 1/8″ to the edge by adjusting the needle position further in.

Using an edgestitch gives your dressmaking and sewing projects an extra professional touch. In this day and age, anything that serves more than one purpose or can multitask is a winner. 

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How to Edge Stitch FAQs

In Conclusion

Edge stitching is a simple but powerful technique that adds both strength and a professional finish to your sewing projects. By sewing close to the edge of seams and folds, you can create clean lines that enhance the overall look of garments and accessories. Once you master edge stitching, you’ll find it useful for everything from securing facings to adding decorative detail. It’s a quick technique that delivers polished results every time.

Other Sewing Feet Articles

• Gathering Foot
• Ruffler Pleating Foot
• Rolled Hem Foot
• Blind Hem Foot
• 10 Best Sewing Machine Feet
• Teflon Foot
• All-Purpose Sewing Foot
• Walking Foot
• Binder Foot
• Edge Stitch Foot
• Straight Stitch Foot
• Zig Zag Foot