I was thinking about doing something different. 🤔 But I wouldn’t think of which type of stitch should i go for. So I decided to look it up and found out the lock stitch. Do you know how to sew a lock stitch by hand?
No? Ok let me tell you-
To sew a lock stitch by hand, thread the needle, knot the end of the thread, insert the needle through the fabric, pull through, make a backstitch to lock, and repeat.
It isn’t enough I know! So, let’s dive into the real details.
Table of Contents
How To Sew A Lock Stitch By Hand?
To sew a lock stitch by hand you need to follow 5 steps.
- Start With Vertical Stitch
- Decide The Space Of The Lock Stitch
- Push The Needle Through the 1st Vertical Stitch
- Place The Thread Underneath
- End The Lock Stitch
Start With Vertical Stitch
Start with a row of vertical stitches between 2 lines. This technique works best on straight lines, but it can be used on curved lines as well.
-I like to keep it simple so I always go in a straight line to do lock stitching.
Why?
When working with curves, you may need to adjust the spacing of the vertical stitches, making them a little tighter or wider as needed.
Picture the stitches like rungs on a ladder. They’re parallel and evenly spaced. If you’re working on a curve, adjust the stitches accordingly. This stitch is kinda like a back stitch.
Sometimes, you’ll need to come in tighter or wider with those vertical stitches to maintain the shape.
Decide The Space Of The Lock Stitch
To decide the right lock space, you need to determine your lock stitch pattern. And to do that you need to decide your path. Luckily, deciding a stitch path is less hassling than deciding a life path. It’s kinda like blanket stitch.
So, what’s the right speech between lock stitch?
Lock stitches should have a 5 mm distance between stitches and approximately 3.6 mm between each stitch.
Push The Needle Through the 1st Vertical Stitch
Start by passing the needle through the 1st vertical stitch, pulling the thread through so it’s visible on the surface.
This begins the lacing. Continue by threading through each vertical stitch, always keeping the thread on top. But what needle is suitable for lock stitch?
Honestly speaking there isn’t any specific type of needle for lock stitch. But if I want an answer then Crewel needles sizes 1–12 are perfect for lock stitch.
-I am now using a 10 size crewel needle. 🪡
Place The Thread Underneath
Place the thread underneath once for the next stitch and then on top the next time. Insert the needle through the next stitch. Then I’m making sure the green thread stays on the top side of the fabric as you do this. Repeat this process for each stitch, like cross-stitch.
Now, a question may pop up in your mind how many times should you repeat this process?
Well, For a custom lock stitch, the path values are specified by numbers separated by spaces. For example, a path value like “1 1 -1 -1” means the stitch travels 1 unit forward, then 1 unit backward, and repeats this pattern.
If the scale setting is 0.7 mm, each unit corresponds to 0.7 mm. In this example, the stitch would move forward 0.7 mm twice and then backward 0.7 mm twice. Path values can also include decimals (floats), like “0.5 2.2 -0.5 -2.2,” if you want to stitch distances that are fractions of the set size.
Alternate between placing the thread under and over, and always ensure the other thread is visible on the fabric’s surface as you proceed through each sewing stage.
End The Lock Stitch
To end the lock stitch, once you’ve completed your final stitch, pass the needle under a few previous stitches on the underside of the fabric to secure the thread. Tie a knot close to the fabric, trim any excess thread, and press the knot flat against the fabric to finish.
And that’s it! That’s how to sew a lock stitch by hand.
Is it pretty easy yet beautiful embroidery? And I really pour my heart out to explain the lock stitch to you. Did I succeed? Do you understand the lock stitch steps clearly?
- Yes, of course. 😃
- Umm, nah not really
If not, then watch this video tutorial to understand things more clearly
Lock Stitch | Hand embroidery Stitches for beginners | Poongodi’s Channel | vb arts
Lock Stitch Embroidery
Lock stitch is a beautiful stitch if you know how to do it. I know it takes time but if I can, you can too! Here are a few of my lock embroidery stitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Lock Stitch?
A lock stitch is formed by interlocking two threads: one from the top (needle thread) and one from the bottom (bobbin thread), creating a secure and durable stitch.
Why Is A Lock Stitch Important?
A lock stitch is important because it creates strong and reliable seams in sewing. It prevents unravelling and ensures the longevity of garments and other sewn items.
How Does A Lock Stitch Differ From Other Stitches?
Unlike a chain stitch or a zigzag stitch, which uses one continuous thread, a lock stitch uses two threads that interlock within the fabric layers, adding strength and stability to the seam.
Warp up
Now you know how to sew a lock stitch by hand, right?
So, it’s time to get in the work and get it done.
Feel free to share your work in the comment section if you already have.
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