• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
TREASURIE
  • FREE PATTERNS
  • Sewing
    • Techniques
    • How to Sew
    • Embroidery
    • Quilting
    • Face Mask
    • Fashion Types
    • Fabric Care
    • Fabric Types
    • Sewing Tools
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Tie Dye
    • Paper Crafts
    • Paper Mache
    • Cricut
    • Christmas
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Pattern Shop
  • Sewing
  • Sewing Projects
  • Crochet
  • Knitting
  • Crafts
×

Home » Sewing » Sewing Techniques

How to Start and Stop a Seam | Machine Sewing Tips

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print

It is important when you are sewing to secure the ends of your seams so they are durable and don't split later after you have put an enormous amount of effort into your project. Learn how to start and stop a seam with your sewing machine in 2 different ways.

how to stop and start a seam sewing
How to Start and Stop a Seam

Contents

  • How to Start and Stop a seam
  • How to Back Stitch a Seam
  • Tying Knots at the End of Seams
  • How to Start and Stop a Seam - In Conclusion
  • MORE FOR SEWING FOR BEGINNERS

How to Start and Stop a seam

There are 2 main ways you can start a seam and stop a seam and prevent your threads from unraveling - back stitch and tying or knotting the ends.

Further Reading:

  • How to Use a Sewing Machine
  • How to Thread a Sewing Machine
  • How to Wind a Bobbin

If you are looking for hand stitching instead of machine stitching, read how to hand sew.

How to Back Stitch a Seam

The first is using a simple machine backstitch or reverse stitch.

Put your fabric under your presser foot at the end of the seam and take 3 stitches forwards.

Then press the reverse and take 3 stitches back on top of your original stitching line.

Release the reverse lever and just stitch forwards normally.

start a seam
Backstitch the ends

These 3 layers of stitching will secure your ends and stop them from unraveling. This means you can simply cut the loose threads.

Back stitching is fast and easy once you get the hang of it and is the most commonly used method of starting and stopping seams.

Tying Knots at the End of Seams

Another way of starting and ending your seams is to straight stitch from beginning to end leaving long tails of thread either end.

Use a pin or the end of your seam ripper to pull all threads to the wrong side and then knot off the tails before clipping them shorter.

knot ends of seam
Tie knots at the ends

This method is commonly used in sewing darts and delicate fabrics where back stitching would add unsightly bulk to the ends of seams.

How to Start and Stop a Seam - In Conclusion

So now you know how to start and stop a seam you are ready to do your first sewing project.

Check out some of my free sewing projects.

Zipper Pouch
fabric basket tutorial
Fabric Baskets
small sewing projects
Small Sewing Projects
doll blanket pattern
Doll Blanket Pattern
  • Zipper Pouch Tutorial {With Lining} EASY
  • Small Sewing Projects – 51 of the Best FREE Ideas
  • DIY Hair Ties: Bow Hairbands {Free Pattern}
  • Fabric basket Tutorial: How to make fabric baskets in 5 sizes 

What is your favorite method of stopping and starting seam? Share below.

MORE FOR SEWING FOR BEGINNERS

  • Seam Finishes – 6 ways to finish a seam
  • How to Sew a Hem: 5 ways 
  • How to Use a Seam Ripper
  • Basic Machine Stitches
  • Seam Allowance
4.7/5 - (40 votes)

More Sewing Techniques

  • Sewing Basics & Skills for Beginners - Start Sewing Now!
  • What is Stitching? Hand & Machine Stitching Crafts
  • SEAM ALLOWANCE | How to Add & Sew
  • What is Sewing, What Should I Sew, Hand Sewing Meaning & Inspiration

Bestselling Sewing Patterns

  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern
  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Pattern Shop

Newsletter

loader

Popular

  • Face Mask Pattern 
  • How to Make Cushion Covers 
  • Burp Cloth Pattern – 3 Styles
  • How to Make a Scrunchie {2 sizes}
  • How to Make a Pillowcase
  • 6 Best Seam Finishes for Fabric
  • How to Gather
  • How to Make Curtains
  • How to Make a Quilt
  • How to Tie Dye
  • Sewing Machine Brands
  • How to Make a Scrunchie
  • How to Sew a Rip
  • How to Make Tassels
  • Types of Skirts
  • Sewing Projects for Beginners
  • Fabric Names

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy/Copyright
  • Sewing Pattern Shop
  • Printing Help
  • Disclaimers/Affiliate/Advertising
  • Site Map

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Popular

  • How to Sew
  • How to Embroider
  • How to Crochet
  • Fashion Styles
  • How to Macrame
  • How to Knit
  • How to Tie Dye

Copyright © 2022 Treasurie. All rights reserved.