What Is A French Tack Stitch? A Complete Introduction With Steps

Randomly, I picked a cloth from Grandma’s sewing table to see its stitches. I saw a stitch holding the fabric layer as I turned the cloth. It looks like a bar tack stitch but insists on being in cloth; it links fabric. I was like, what is that? 😕 So, I asked Grandma, and she said it is a French tack stitch.

I got more curious and asked again what types of stitches it was. And how to do it. She said,

Interesting right? Yes, it is! So, then, let’s learn it in more detail.

What Is a French Tacking Stitch?

Even though French tack and chain tack are used as synonyms, they’re quite different. The stitching technique is the same, but in chain tack, the knots are like chains.

French tack looks like a small, delicate thread loop connecting two fabric pieces. It’s like a tiny bridge made of thread. Because it’s made up of just a few threads, it’s almost invisible, blending in with the fabric. It’s a fun stitch from a list of sewing stitches.

The loop is loose enough to allow movement between the fabric layers but tight enough to keep them connected. It’s usually found inside garments, like between a skirt and its lining, where it won’t be seen but keeps everything in place neatly.

What Is A French Tack Stitch Used For?

How To Make A French Tack?

To make French tack sewing, follow through 8 steps:

1. Push The Needle From 1 Inch Of Hem
2. Take A Small Stitch Into The Other Fabric Layer
3. Roll The Thread Down
4. Take Another Small Stitch
5. Reinforce French Tack Stitch
6. Create A Series Of Knots 
7. Form A Knot
8. Tie Off French Tack Stitch

Project overview:

Skill	Time	Tool
Professional	2-4 Minutes	24 inch needle and tapestry needle

Push the needle with Use about 24 inches of thread to make your first stitch about 1 inch from the top of the hem. The exact spot isn’t too important, just long & short tacking stitches.

Next, take a small stitch into the other fabric layer, creating a gap about ½  long between the 2 layers. Once you have that, wrap the thread around the middle of the loop a few times to strengthen it. Make a small knot to secure everything and hide the end, kinda like Slip tacking stitch patterns.

Once that’s secure, you’ll roll the thread down gently to get the fabric where you want it. This helps ensure the stitch stays neat and positioned while you continue with the French tack. It’s all about keeping it tight and tidy without pulling too hard so the loop stays flexible and smooth.

What’s the perfect loop size for a French tack stitch, grandma?

Take another small stitch, keeping it reasonably close to the first one. This stitch should be tiny, and you’re pulling it through the fabric.

It kinda reminds you of Even tacking stitch images, right? It is but don’t think they’re the same and pull it tightly.

When you pull the thread through, just keep your finger in place to guide the space, ensuring there’s about 1 inch of thread between the 2 layers. That’s your first stitch.

So, after your first stitch, you’re returning to the same area, making the stitch as tiny as possible. Place stitches about ½ inch apart and pull the thread.

This way, you’ll still have that bit of flexibility. Then, you’ll grab some of the fabric again, work in the same spot, and repeat this process multiple times to create a thicker strand across. After going around about 4 times, you should have a nice, decent-sized strand.

You don’t need to tie a knot yet — you’re still working with the same thread, reinforcing the tack!

Create a series of knots that will travel up. You’ve already started at the bottom, and it doesn’t matter where you begin as long as you keep going in the same direction. Since it feels more comfortable.

Remember to keep everything in place so your stitches stay tidy as you work. It’s all about building those knots consistently as you move upward! 

To Form A Knot while holding everything in your right hand, slide your needle under all 4 strands of thread. Once you do that, pull it up and over to create a loop. As you slowly pull the thread through, you should see it forming a nice knot at the bottom.

As you pull the thread, you’re creating another knot. It’s all about keeping a steady hand and ensuring those knots are nice and tight but not too tight. It allows for some flexibility. Keep going, and you’ll have a beautiful line of knots! Like a diagonal tack stitch.

How many knots do I need to make, Grandma? 

So, while holding the fabric with your right hand, your left hand can bring the needle under and over the right loop, slowly pulling it through. 

Remember not to pull too hard; you want it tight but not so tight that it looks messy. If you notice one of your knots looks loose, don’t hesitate to pull it out and redo it to keep everything neat.

Once you’ve added all your knots to the lining fabric and are satisfied with its appearance, it’s time to tie it off. Grab a bit of the seam from your lining, ensuring you don’t poke through to the main fabric so it stays hidden.

Create a little loop with your thread, go through that loop, and tie a knot. For extra security, tie it 2 times. Bring your needle through the loop again, and you’ll have a nice, secure finish to your French tack!

And that’s it. You have a French tack stitch.

Lastly, grandma said-

French Tack Stitch Patterns

Honestly, it is kinda tricky to stitch as a beginner. However, practice makes everything easy. So, after learning from Grandma, I kept practicing and used this in various patterns. Such as:

1. Hems: French tacks are perfect for securing hems, especially in lightweight fabrics. They keep the hem flexible and prevent it from distorting, which is crucial for a polished finish.
2. Gathering Fabric: I often use French tack stitches to gather fabric at the waist or sleeves. They create a soft, controlled gathering without adding bulk, making my garments look neat and tailored.
3. Embellishments: I’ve also incorporated French tacks as embellishments on quilts and other decorative sewing projects. They add visual interest without overpowering the design, which I love.
4. Creating Loops for Buttons or Hooks: I’ve also used French tacks to create small loops for buttons or hooks. They provide a neat finish and ensure the garment functions properly, making them my go-to technique.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

Sum up

I thanked my grandma for teaching me French tack stitch and left. But I promised to brother her again if I needed to learn something new. 😜

I know she won’t be brother much cause she has always been my sewing inspiration and always will be.