The Importance Of Stay Stitching In Sewing

Hi my loves, today I will teach you the importance of staystitching in sewing.

One of my students had started sewing her skirt which we cut out last week. We had cut out a half-circle skirt pattern and also cut out and prepared the waist band. The plan was to sew the skirt during the next class.

Excitedly before the next class, my student got on with sewing her skirt. She picked up the pieces, sewed the sides together and attached the waist band. But, she found that the waist band which was cut with the measurement of her waist, plus two inches did bot go round the skirt waist. Because of this, she wondered what had happened. Infact, she was thinking she might need to add more fabric unto the waist band so that she could have enough to go round.

She brought the skirt for in that state the class today and showed it to me, looking puzzled. She asked why the waistband did not go round the skirt waist.

I then used this moment to explain: you needed to staystitch the waist first.

“What is stay-stitching?” she asked

You may also have the same question going through your mind.

What is Staystitching?

Staystitching is a straight stitch sewn through one layer of fabric. It’s most often used around a curve to prevent distortion. This is because the curve cuts across the bias, the stretchiest part of the fabric.

While staystitching is most often used around necklines, you can use it anywhere there are curves or diagonal seams that you think may become stretched out. It’s also commonly used on shoulders because they’re cut at a slight bias.

To see how I staystitched the half circle skirt I am wearing here, click this video.

Why Staystitch?

Staystitching is done because it prevents a certain area from stretching once you start putting the garment or item together. It is most often used around a curve to prevent distortion.

Stay-stitching is an essential technique for any sewer who wants great results.

How To Staystitch

It’s important to staystitch immediately after cutting your fabric. Simply moving your fabric around a few times, depending on the fabric, can stretch out curves.

Thread your sewing machine according to the manual’s instructions. Set your stitch length to 1.5. Smaller stitches like this create a stronger hold.

NOTE: Refer to your pattern instructions to determine the seam allowance at the areas you plan on stay stitching. The standard is to sew 1/8″ away from the sewing line, so if your seam allowance is 5/8″, then stitch 1/2″ away from the raw edge.

2. For curved areas such as necklines, stitch from the outer edge toward the center. In other words, begin at one shoulder and stitch to the center front. Cut the thread, then sew from the second shoulder to the center front. This keeps the staystitching even on both sides of the garment.