In this video I showed you how to topstitch beside a zipper and I got an email asking me the difference between topstitching and edgestitching.
Not much!
You’ll run into both terms in different patterns so I thought it would be good to talk about the “official” difference between them. In a nutshell – any stitching done on the top of the fabric (that is – not on a seam that will be hidden) is topstitching.
Edgestitching is just topstitching that runs really close to the edge of the project.
In the video I show you some tips and tricks for doing them both, including examples for three different ways you’ll use them.
- How to topstitch double-fold tape in place (like binding the edge of a quilt, or the pocket on this free tote bag pattern)
- How to topstitch a seam allowance (used mostly in sportswear)
- How to topstitch the edge of something – like this free placemat pattern or this free cloth napkin pattern.
One thing that helps me get a nice straight topstitch is my clear presser foot. I made sure to point it out at the beginning of the video, but when I did the editing I realized that it’s hard to see the “clearness” of the foot, so here’s a still photo.
That clear part right around where the needle goes in is invaluable for letting me see exactly how close to the edge I’m stitching. If your machine has a solid metal foot, buying a clear foot is almost always an option. It won’t be very expensive and it will be VERY useful. I’m always a fan of seeing what I’m doing. 🙂
The outline stitching I do around all my applique blocks is also a kind of topstitching. On my current machine I have a foot that’s entirely made of clear plastic called (naturally) a clear applique foot. It’s marvelous!
Here are links to all my posts about outline stitching.
- How to Topstitch and Edgestitch
- How Durable Is Straight Stitching?
- In What Order Do I Stitch?
- Stitching Eyes and Mouths – with lots of help for stitching tight curves
- Tips for Scribbly Outlining
- Playing with Thread Weight
Finished with this topic?
Return to the Let’s Make a Quilt main Table of Contents.
Move on to the lessons about how to trim and assemble your blocks.
Happy stitching!
Thank you so much!! That was VERY helpful to me.
Thank you!! This was amazingly clear and very helpful for a beginner! 🙂
That was a really great video.
Thanks ladies! I’m glad it was helpful.
I love the way you teach. Thank you.
Thank you!!! Sewing project with my daughter and needed some help! Think we’ve got it! 🙂
I’m glad it was helpful – and I’m glad you’re sewing with your daughter! I hope she loves it! 🙂
So helpful! Great clear instructions…Thank you!
I’m glad it was helpful. 🙂
Many thanks for this. Very clear and helpful. The masking taping tip is so useful!
Enjoyed your refresher and hints. I have seen where instead of using tae as a guide, someone suggested using a small pile of post its in front of presser foot. THe postits would give a small ridge to slide against?
Hi and thanks a lot! 😎🌸