What’s an Understitch and How to Use It?

This article covers everything there is to know about understitching, including why you need it and what to do to make it neat.
By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: September 14, 2023
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The understitch is a straightforward sewing skill that will help make the garments you create look more professional and put together. It is a skill that is especially needed if you plan to sew dresses or shirts that need a solid and special neckline.

An understitch can be done with a sewing machine easily, but it can also be completed by hand. If you are wanting to buy a sewing machine to practice the understitch, one of the best options is the 2212 sewing machine by Janome.

The easy-to-turn dial and the 12 built-in stitches make it easy to use for new stitches. A good sewing machine will let you get the understitching done much quicker and let you master the skill sooner as well.

Understitch basics

What's an Understitch and How to Use It?An understitch is a simple sewing technique Trusted Source Sewing - Wikipedia Sewing is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a sewing needle and thread. en.wikipedia.org that can keep your lining or facings from showing on the outside of your garment. It will keep all the lining and the facing on the inside of the garment so that stitches are not visible on the outside.

Understitching can be done with a sewing machine or by hand with a thread and needle. If you are new to sewing, you can consider getting a basic sewing machine or just practicing the technique with a hand sewing kit.

If you have never understitched before, you can always practice with some older fabric you have around your home. This will ensure that you are ready before you begin doing work on clothes or other garments.

In general, learning to under stitch is pretty easy especially with a heavy-duty sewing machine. It can also help you learn a basic sewing skill that will move you towards becoming an expert in no time.

How to understitch?

Always try to under stitch as close to the corner as you can get. If you are a beginner and want to practice, choose two different patterns or colors of fabrics so that you can easily see where you are stitching.

The first thing you want to do is stitch the two pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Always follow the pattern’s seam allowance and try to stay as close to it as you can. After this, you will iron it and use the machine to complete the job. We have outlined the exact steps below.

Tools

    • Thread
    • Iron
    • Ironing board
    • Fabric
    • Scissors
    • A basic sewing kit
    • Sewing machine

Steps to take

  1. After stitching the two pieces together, you will need to iron them to give them a crisp edge. Trying to understitch without ironing is much harder, so this step is especially important for beginners.
  2. Always press the seam allowance towards the facing or lining. You can also take this time to clip any curves you might have, such as in a neckline.
  3. With the sewing machine, stitch 1/8” to ¼” away from the seamline. The HZL-LB5020 computerized sewing machine by Juki is great for understitching because it has an auto needle threader and variable speed override.
  4. You will want to iron once again by pressing the facing towards the inside of the garment.
  5. Your understitch should now be done. If done correctly, the facing will be lying flat with a crisp edge. It should not roll out of place or be uneven in any area.What's an Understitch and How to Use It?

Continue to practice until you are confident. You can always remove the stitching and start over if you want to. Once you have the hang of it, you can move towards fixing your garments and having clothing that looks like it was made by a professional.

Some people are tempted to only press the seam and not continue with the understitching because ironing makes the garment appear like it has no linings sticking out. However, remember that as you wear and wash the garment, the lining and facing will appear more prominent.

Understitching can also prevent you from having to iron clothes as often.

Final thoughts

Some people completely forget about understitching because it is not as common on clothes made nowadays. You probably even buy clothes from local shops and online stores that do not have understitching.

People who are just getting into making their own clothes probably have never heard of understitching either. However, it is a highly effective technique that will keep all the linings and facing in place. Threads or parts of the dress poking out onto the outside of the garment will be a thing of the past.

It is also one of the easiest techniques to learn, especially if you have experience with sewing already. The understitch is especially important as you begin to learn to sew dresses in all patterns, as well as blouses with distinct necklines. With understitching, all of your clothes will look more professional and you can be proud knowing you made them on your own.

References

1.
Sewing - Wikipedia
Sewing is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a sewing needle and thread.
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