Darning with the three-step zigzag stitch
A small hole or tear is easily darned with the three-step
zigzag stitch.
Sew over the damaged area in rows until it is well
covered. Make sure that the rows overlap.
Tip: To make the darning even sturdier, place a fabric
underneath the hole/tear before sewing.
Repairing tears
For tears, frayed edges or small holes, reinforce the area
by placing a piece of fabric underneath the damaged
area. Fabric should be of similar type/weight and piece
should be slightly larger than the damaged area.
Sew over the area using the zigzag stitch or the three-
step zigzag stitch. Trim the fabric underneath close to
the stitching.
Sewing on buttons
Sew buttons quickly with your sewing machine.
1. Remove the presser foot and lower the feed dogs.
2. Set the machine for zigzag stitch and set the stitch
length to 0.
3. Mark the fabric where the button is to be sewn. Place
the fabric and button under the ankle. Lower the
presser foot. Turn the handwheel to check that the
holes in the button are aligned with the swing of the
needle. Adjust if necessary.
Note: The pre-set width of 3mm is recommended for most
buttons. When sewing a tiny button or a very large coat
button, decrease or increase the stitch width until the
swing of the needle matches the holes of the button.
Note: Do not use this technique if the button is less than 1
cm (3/8") in diameter.
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