‘Pin tack stitch’ When I heard the name, I thought it was about holding the fabric with pins. But the more I researched it, I discovered that’s not the case. It’s about stitching folded fabric together to create a unique design. But how?
This type of tacking stitch technique is new. It has yet to be talked about. I searched and found nothing. So, I learned to do it myself. Wanna know how? Ok so basically,
Pin Tack
To create a pin tack stitch, fold your fabric, secure it with pins, stitch closely to the fold, and finish by pressing with an iron for a crisp look before removing the tacks.
Yeah, I know it’s kind of confusing. But no worries; I’ll share the detailed process below.
Main Facts:
- Pin tack stitch is a new technique to keep track of stitch.
- A pin tack is a stitch done on folded fabric to create a unique design.
- Maintain even spacing and tension for neat stitches.
- Use an iron to set stitches without shifting.
Table of Contents
What Is Pin Tack Stitch By Hand?
A pin tack stitch is a stitch made by folding fabric. It is used to create a unique design in fabric.
So, sometimes, it is used by tailors to keep track of their work, like tailor tack. It’s commonly seen on lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen, and it’s great for detailing blouses, shirts, or even curtains.
A pin tack stitch looks like a series of small, straight lines or tucks along the fabric. If you look closely, you can see the narrow stitches that create a raised effect on the fabric’s surface. And when you unfold the pieces of fabric, the pin tacks stand out as small raised tucks.
How Do You Do A Pin Tack Stitch By Hand?
To do pin tack stitch by hand, you need to walk through 5 steps-
- Fold The Fabric
- Secure The Fold With Pin
- Insert Your Needle From The Back Of The Fabric To The Front
- Insert The Needle Back Down Into The Fabric
- Press The Pin Tack Stitch With An Iron
Now let’s get started with the sewing process.
Fold the Fabric
Take the edge of the fabric and fold it over. The width of your fold can be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. But it varies with your pin tack straight stitch. If you are doing sewing machine then the fold length differ more.
If you are confused, use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure your fold is even. This trick is helpful, especially if you plan to create multiple tucks in a row. You can also do this trick for the bar tack stitch.
Once you’ve got your fold in place, press it lightly with your fingers to create the defined line. That line is your stitching guide.
Secure The Fold With Pin
To secure the fold, use 3 to 4 pins on layers of fabric. You can use safety pins if sewing pins isn’t available. Ensure the pins are positioned so they don’t get in the way of your stitching. If creating several pin stitches, be mindful of the spacing between each fold.
I would like to give a 1/9 inch give in pin tack stitch. This gives an evenly-spaced running stitches-like effect. Which is what you need.
Cause I think this gap creates the perfect loss for me to complete the stitch and remove it later.
Insert Your Needle From The Back Of The Fabric To The Front
Insert your needle from the back of the delicate fabrics to the front, right at the edge of your folded area. This is where you want your pin tack to begin. So ensure it’s nice and close to the fold. It’s like basting stitches and even tacking stitch.
Pull the tacking thread through and stop when the knot catches against the fabric. This will anchor your first stitch. For the best result, take a thread 3 times the length of the folded size.
Insert The Needle Back Down Into The Fabric
Now, for the actual pin tack stitch, insert your needle back down into the fabric just a tiny bit away, let’s say ½ inches, from where it came out. This creates your first small tack stitch.
As you pull the single thread through, keep an eye on the tension—too tight might pucker the fabric, while too loose can result in floppy stitches. The key here is to maintain a consistent rhythm as you stitch. This will help keep the stitches even.
Now, repeat this rhythm until the end.
Press The Pin Tack Stitch With An Iron
Pressing the pin tack stitch with an iron is the final touch that really makes the pin tack stand out and gives it that crisp, professional finish.
After you’ve completed your stitching, lay your fabric on an ironing board with the pin tack side facing up. If your fabric is delicate, place a pressing cloth or a thin piece of cotton over the ironing area to protect it.
Then, set the iron to a suitable temperature. Now the question is, what is the suitable temperature for iron? Well, the matter of discussion is that each type of fabric has a different suitable iron temperature. Such as:
Since I’m using silk fabric, I set my iron at 148°C and gently pressed down on the pin tack.
But remember,
Avoid moving the iron back and forth, as this can twist the stitch. Instead, use a pressing motion by lifting the iron up and down along the pin tack. This technique helps set the stitches and flattens any fabric around them, creating a nice, clean seam lines.
And that’s it—you are done with the pin-tack stitch. You are ready for sewing projects.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
How Wide Should The Fold Be For A Pin Tack Stitch?
Typically, the fold width is around 1/4 to 1/2 inch, but you can adjust based on your desired look and fabric type.
What Kind Of Thread Should I Use For A Pin Tack Stitch?
A regular, all-purpose sewing thread works well, but for a subtle look, match the thread color to the fabric. For more definition, try a contrasting color.
How Do I Remove A Pin Tack Stitch?
Once your main embroidery or sewing is done, you can cut and gently pull out the pin tack stitches, especially if they’re temporary. Just be cautious not to disturb the surrounding stitches.
Warp Up
I learned a new technique, pin tack stitch, and I am sharing it with you. I hope it was helpful. If you want to learn a new technique like this, stay tuned to SewingInspo to learn about all kinds of stitches and their technique.
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