How to Understitch a Seam

This video tutorial will show you how to understitch seams for a beautiful, neatly tailored finish to any garment!

• Category

  Howto & Style

[Anastasia Utke]

Thank you so so much! I've been watching a couple of other videos and they did not show a close up of the sewing machine, so I didn't really understand what was happening. I'm working on a vintage vogue pattern that has me sewing the front (and then back) of a bodice. The seam allowance is 5/8. So what I do is sew the lining and bodice together at 5/8 and then turn the seam towards lining and sew as close to the previous line as possible. Is this correct? How will this influence my sewing when I

[sensibilitypatterns]

Hi, Anastasia! Just remember that you are not sewing the bodice to the lining--that is TOPstitching. UNDERstitching doesn't show through. You are sewing the facing or lining of the bodice to the seam allowance beneath--that's all. This won't affect the bodice when it's time to sew front to back (though it's a little unusual for a pattern to call for understitching before the bodice is sewn together). You're doing fine!

[Anastasia Utke]

I just re read it and it doesn't want me to understitch on the sides of the bodice, but around the arms and collar. I'll have to try and figure out what it is asking me to do. It's suppose to be an easy pattern. Thank you so much for the help!

[sensibilitypatterns]

So it sounds like this is a sleeveless dress? If so, that means you're simply understitching the facing to the seam beneath, which is fine. Collar understitching also stabilizes that area and makes the collar lie flat. Have fun sewing!

[Mara Toledo Brown]

Thank you so much for your video! I'm making a dress (the second one) for my daughter and as I am new to sewing, I had no idea what understitching was. The first dress ended up not having the step "UNDERSTITCH lining as far as possible", but this second one will have it thanks to you!

Cheers from Australia.

[sensibilitypatterns]

You're most welcome! I think this has to be one of the most under-explained terms in sewing!

[Mama Bear]

Thank you for making an easily understood video. It helped me so much!

[grierk100]

Thank you so much for this! I have been confused for ages as to how to do this. You explained it so simply. Thank you again :)

[LaFawn Sweeten]

Thank you for the demonstration. It helped tons with understanding what to do. I was able to get the idea by watching the video; however it was flat out impossible to see the white thread on the white material. Even still, I got the idea.

Kudos!

[sewhappybjm]

Change the thread that is on the lining side to match the lining.

[Hedaya Kelani]

Thank you! :)

[Fwaire]

Thank you so much for this! Under stitching has been confusing me non stop! Some how you made it super clear even with the grainy picture!

Just a quick question though, does it work if I sew on the outer fabric instead as I don't want the thread to be visible on the lining (it would be very noticeable on the lining but not on the outer fabric)

Thanks! :)

[broadcastsunny]

Ahhhhh I see said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw! Thanks a bunch :)