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Things You'll Need
Instructions
Locate the zigzag stitch setting on your sewing machine. It is usually indicated by a Z-shaped symbol. Select the zigzag setting. Consult your sewing machine's user's manual for which knob to use for stitch selection.
Set the sewing machine's needle position all the way to one side using the knob or slider indicated in the machine's user's manual. That position provides the widest zigzag stitch possible. If you want a smaller or narrower stitch, then place the needle closer to the center position.
Select the stitch length you want to use by turning the stitch length selector knob indicated in the user's manual. Selecting the number 1 or 2 produces stitches very close together, giving you an almost solid line of stitching. Choosing 3 or 4 produces stitches that are farther apart, making the "Z" pattern simple to identify.
Place fabric under the sewing machine's presser foot. Position the fabric so the line you want to sew is directly under the center needle position. Doing so allows the zigzag stitch to fall equally on each side of the stitch line.
Guide the fabric as you sew according to your specific project. When attaching elastic, keep the stitch centered in the middle of the elastic. For hemming, place the fabric so the zigzag goes across the hem edge and fabric. For decorative stitching, draw the pattern on the fabric and then stitch along the pattern line slowly.
Tie off your stitch at the beginning and end of the sewing line by back-stitching several stitches. This task keeps the stitches from pulling out easily.