What is a lock stitch and why is it important?
A lock stitch is actually a very fundamental stitch on any sewing machine – when the machine makes single stitches, the top and bottom threads “lock” together, keeping them secure in the fabric. If you can sew a straight stitch on your sewing machine then you are probably already sewing a lock stitch.
Lock stitch is extensively used for joining fabrics collar, cuff, pocket, sleeve, facing etc. Lockstitch type 301 is the simplest, which is shaped from the needle thread and the bobbin thread (Figure 10.9).
Elias Howe patented the first ever lockstitch sewing machine in the world in 1846. His invention helped the mass production of sewing machines and clothing. That in turn revolutionized the sewing industry and freed women from some of the drudgery of daily life at the time.
To prevent those points from unraveling and stretching out of shape, you need to secure them with a back stitch or lock stitch. Backstitching is done by sewing backward and forward at the beginning and end of a seam, on top of the seam stitches, to prevent the stitching from coming undone.
Disadvantages of the Lock Stitch
Aesthetically more unnatural (however, this vary between denim, material, etc.)
While a lockstitch ties small knots in your thread, a backstitch merely places a short row of reverse stitching at the beginning and end of your line of stitches. Backstitch is functional, and it will keep your stitches from unraveling, but it can be unsightly and may give your projects an awkward appearance.
lock·stitch ˈläk-ˌstich. : a sewing machine stitch formed by the looping together of two threads one on each side of the material being sewn.
Lockstitch is named because the two threads, upper and lower, "lock" (entwine) together in the hole in the fabric which they pass through.
The lock stitch is a hand stitch used for hemming purposes. It gives a secure hold with limited view of the thread on the outer side of the garment.
Generally, the Sewing Speed of the Chain Stitch Sewing Machine is up to 8000 SPM. Generally, the Sewing Speed of a lock stitch Sewing Machine is up to 6000 SPM. The chain stitch strength is higher than the lock stitch. The lock stitch strength is lower than the chain stitch.
What happens if you don't backstitch?
You can test this out by trying to pull apart the two pieces of fabric at the beginning of the seam — if you don't backstitch, the stitches should unravel from the stress placed on the seam, whereas if you do backstitch, the stitches should be locked and they will not unravel even if the two pieces are pulled apart ...
The key to a strong seam is backstitching! It's always important to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam. Backstitching on a machine is the equivalent of tying a knot while hand sewing - it locks the stitches in place. Without it, the seam can open up.
The handsewn saddle stitch creates leather goods that last much longer. In addition to using thicker thread with hand stitching, each stitch is made up of two strong, independent, stitches. Unlike the lock stitch which will completely unravel, if a thread does break, the saddle stitch will still hold together.
A backstitch is the strongest, and it really goes pretty quickly. This is the best stitch for a seam. A blanket stitch is also pretty quick, it's fine for finishing the edge of a piece in addition to (and sometimes instead of) a hem, but less suitable for a seam. It is useful to keep fabric from fraying.
The back stitch is by far the strongest and most versatile hand stitch in sewing. It is used for many purposes, including seams and top stitches.
In hand sewing, it is a utility stitch which strongly and permanently attaches two pieces of fabric. The small stitches done back-and-forth makes the back stitch the strongest stitch among the basic stitches. Hence it can be used to sew strong seams by hand, without a sewing machine.
A lock stitch is actually a very fundamental stitch on any sewing machine – when the machine makes single stitches, the top and bottom threads “lock” together, keeping them secure in the fabric. If you can sew a straight stitch on your sewing machine then you are probably already sewing a lock stitch.
The running stitch is the most basic and most commonly used stitch, in which the needle and thread simply pass over and under two pieces of fabric. It's exactly the same as a basting stitch, except it is sewn more tightly to create a secure and permanent bind.
Running stitch, Holbein or double-running stitch, satin stitch and darning stitch are all classed as straight or flat stitches. Backstitch is also sometimes included in this category.
The standard for 1 needle lockstitch sewing is the Juki DDL 8700. If you need a Juki DDL8700 Single Needle Lockstitch sewing machine with Table, Stand, and Motor - Set-up, Sewn off, and Ready For Use Upon Arrival, we have you covered.
What is the name of a stitch you can do on the sewing machine not straight?
Zig Zag Stitch
It's mostly used for raw edges to neaten them up, although can be used for top stitching. This stitch also has flexibility compared to the straight stitch which makes it ideal for sewing stretch or knit fabrics (Jersey etc) - your machine may have a separate 'Elastic Stitch' setting for this.
He later moved back to Cambridge, Massachusetts where, after long hours of work and some trial and error, he invented the machine. On September 10, 1846, Howe was awarded the first United States patent for a sewing machine using a lockstitch design.
The two major parts of the lock stitch sewing machine are the upper and lower parts.
Backstitch is the strongest hand stitch and is used to imitate machine stitches. Work backstitch from right to left. Work from right to left with a single thread. Fasten the thread with a knot inside the hem.
There are typically two types of this kind of machine: Single needle lockstitch machine – a single needle is used. Double-needle lockstitch machine – two needles are used with a single shank to give two parallel rows on the front of the fabric and a zig-zag stitch on the back.
