{"id":9499,"date":"2022-06-04T11:06:37","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T15:06:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/?p=9499"},"modified":"2022-06-04T11:28:23","modified_gmt":"2022-06-04T15:28:23","slug":"seams-overcasting-stitches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/seams-overcasting-stitches\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use the Overcasting Stitches"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-7.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-10002 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-7.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-7-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-7-150x150.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/500;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-7.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-10002\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-7.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-7-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-7-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We've been looking at seams and seam finishes in order to get a good-looking result on our seams both inside and out. \u00a0Today, one of my favorites &#8211; the overcasting stitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to use Overcasting stitches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The overcasting stitch is one of the most versatile on your machine. \u00a0My machine has 3 options, stitches 6, 7, and 8, for thin to medium weight fabrics, heavy fabrics, and stretch fabrics. \u00a0That pretty much has everything covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-2.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-9997 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-2.jpg 450w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-2-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 450px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 450\/338;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-2.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-9997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-2.jpg 450w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-2-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The overcasting stitch can be used to finish the edge of your fabric rather like the <a title=\"The Zig-Zag stitch seam finish\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/zig-zag-stitch-seam-finish\/\">zig-zag stitch<\/a> we looked at before, but often gives a much neater finish. &nbsp;My machine came with an <a href=\"http:\/\/so-sew-easy-store.com\/machine-parts-and-accessories\/distinctive-overlock-overcast-sewing-machine-presser-foot-fits-all-low-shank-snap-on-singer-brother-babylock-euro-pro-janome-kenmore-white-juki-new-home-simplicity-elna-and-more\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">overcasting foot<\/a> as standard and if you don't have one, I highly recommend getting one. &nbsp;You'll find that you will use it a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The overcasting foot has an edge guide, so you run the edge of your fabric along the guide as you sew. &nbsp;It also has a &#8216;pin' or bar running through the center and this controls the stitch so that it lays nice and flat, overcasting the fabric edge without making it bunch up and pucker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"339\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-1.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-9996 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-1.jpg 450w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-1-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-1-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 450px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 450\/339;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-1.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-9996\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-1.jpg 450w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-1-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-1-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use it to neaten both seam allowances together at the same time, or even on stretch fabrics &#8211; to sew the seam and finish the edge at the same time. \u00a0If you don't have a serger and just use a regular sewing machine like me, this is one of the best options for sewing knit fabrics and getting a narrow finished seam similar to that you would find on a ready-to-wear garment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to sew an overcast seam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For non-stretch.<\/strong> \u00a0Pick the correct stitch for your fabric. \u00a0Line up the two raw edges of the fabric against the little guide and sew. \u00a0It runs through nicely and neatly because of the guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-5.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-10000 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-5.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-5-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/375;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-5.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-10000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-5.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-5-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I like to overcast the two edges together first, and then I go back and sew my regular seam on the seam allowance line. &nbsp;This gives a really neat finish. &nbsp;Press the overcast edge over to one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an alternative, you could also sew your seam as usual, then use the overcasting foot separately on each of the raw edges and press your seam open if you prefer. \u00a0It all depends on your fabric and your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-3.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-9998 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-3.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-3-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/375;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-3.jpg\" alt=\"overcasting stitches\" class=\"wp-image-9998\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-3.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-3-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For stretch fabrics.<\/strong> &nbsp;I use my stretch overcasting stitch and foot to stitch the seam and neaten the raw edges all in one go. &nbsp;It doesn't need me to go back again and sew another line of stitching, the stretch overcasting stitch does it all in one go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-6.jpg\" alt=\"How, where and when to use an overcasting stitch for a neat seam finish. Perfect for sewing knit fabrics too.\" class=\"wp-image-10001 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-6.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-6-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/375;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-6.jpg\" alt=\"How, where and when to use an overcasting stitch for a neat seam finish. Perfect for sewing knit fabrics too.\" class=\"wp-image-10001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-6.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-6-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You can then stretch the fabric as much as you like and that seam will stretch right along with it. &nbsp;Because the stitches aren't connected in the same way as a regular running stitch, there's pretty much no chance you'll pop those stitches no matter how much you stretch the fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-4.jpg\" alt=\"How, where and when to use an overcasting stitch for a neat seam finish. Perfect for sewing knit fabrics too.\" class=\"wp-image-9999 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-4.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-4-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/375;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-4.jpg\" alt=\"How, where and when to use an overcasting stitch for a neat seam finish. Perfect for sewing knit fabrics too.\" class=\"wp-image-9999\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-4.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Overcasting-4-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have mystery stitches on your machine that look like these? &nbsp;Give them a try. &nbsp;Even if you don't have the special presser foot, you might still get a good result with these stitches. &nbsp;Get out some scraps and give it a go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Previous posts in this series:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part 1 &#8211; <a title=\"The Zig-Zag stitch seam finish\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/zig-zag-stitch-seam-finish\/\">the zig-zag seam finish<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part 2 &#8211; <a title=\"The Flat Felled Seam Finish\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/flat-felled-seam-finish\/\">the flat-felled seam<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part 3 &#8211; <a title=\"How to sew a French Seam\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/sew-french-seam\/\">the French seam<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part 4 &#8211; <a title=\"The Turned Under Seam Finish\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/turned-under-seam-finish\/\">the Turned Under seam finish<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part 6 &#8211; coming up next, the perfect narrow hemline<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\namzn_assoc_placement = \"adunit0\";\r\namzn_assoc_search_bar = \"true\";\r\namzn_assoc_tracking_id = \"soseea-20\";\r\namzn_assoc_search_bar_position = \"bottom\";\r\namzn_assoc_ad_mode = \"search\";\r\namzn_assoc_ad_type = \"smart\";\r\namzn_assoc_marketplace = \"amazon\";\r\namzn_assoc_region = \"US\";\r\namzn_assoc_title = \"Shop Related Products\";\r\namzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = \"overcasting foot\";\r\namzn_assoc_default_category = \"ArtsAndCrafts\";\r\namzn_assoc_linkid = \"de104583f759010cbe3dda923edb0d62\";\r\namzn_assoc_default_browse_node = \"2617941011\";\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"\/\/z-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/onejs?MarketPlace=US\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n<h2>If You'd Like To Support Our Site<\/h2>\r\nIf you want to help us continue to bring you a wide selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/free-sewing-patterns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">free sewing patterns<\/a> and projects, please consider buying us a coffee.\u00a0 We'd really, really appreciate it.\r\n\r\n<center><div class=\"ko-fi-button\" data-text=\"Buy me a coffee!\" data-color=\"#ff5f5f\" data-code=\"\" id=\"kofiShortcode829Html\" style=\"float: none; text-align: left;\"><\/div><\/center>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&#8217;ve been looking at seams and seam finishes in order to get a good-looking result on our seams both inside and out. \u00a0Today, one of my favorites &#8211; the overcasting stitch. Where to use Overcasting stitches The overcasting stitch is one of the most versatile on your machine. \u00a0My machine \u2026 <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/seams-overcasting-stitches\/\"> Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr; <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":309,"featured_media":10002,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wds_primary_category":0},"categories":[4,165,89,38],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9499"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/309"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9499"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9499\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72453,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9499\/revisions\/72453"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10002"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9499"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9499"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}