Ever heard of the catch stitch and wondered if your sewing machine can pull it off? Traditionally, the catch stitch is a hand-sewing technique used for hemming. However, you can also use a catch stitch sewing machine.
Some modern sewing machines can mimic a similar effect with special stitch settings or decorative options.
To mimic a catch stitch on a sewing machine, use the stretch blind hem stitch or a zigzag stitch set to a wide, loose setting.
Let’s break down how to get a catch stitch (or something close) using your sewing machine.
Table of Contents
Catch Stitch Definition And Uses
What’s the catch stitch meaning? Getting these questions from a newbie isn’t a surprise. So, well,
A machine catch stitch is a zigzag-style stitch that mimics the traditional hand-sewn catch stitch. It’s designed to allow some flexibility in the seam while holding layers of fabric in place.
Mostly the Catch stitch used for
- Hemming stretchy fabrics
- Securing facings
- Delicate fabrics
- Costume & formal wear
It won’t be as perfect as the hand sewing technique. But still, it will do the work.
Catch Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
So, when you’re looking for the catch stitch on your sewing machine, don’t expect it to be labeled exactly as “catch stitch”—most machines use symbols instead of names.
On some machines,
It might look like a row of tiny Xs or a kind of honeycomb pattern. It’s often tucked under names like “cross stitch,” “stretch blind hem,” or even “multi-stitch zigzag,” depending on your machine brand.
How To Catch Stitch Sewing Machine For Beginners?
To do a catch stitch on a sewing machine, follow the steps,
- Choose the right thread & setting
- Align fabric
- Do a test stitch
- Press the fabric under the pressure foot
- Guide the fabric
- End catch stitch with a backstitch
Now let’s with the sewing tutorials
Choose the Right Thread and Settings
I go with a polyester thread because it’s strong and has some stretch. It is perfect for the type of knit fabric I’m working with, such as baste stitch. But remember to take matching thread with your fabric color. Otherwise it will look so off.
Then I set the stitch width to 5.0 and length to around 2.5 to 3.0, but I tweak it based on how tight or open I want the Xs to be. (Always test first!)
Align the Fabric
I slide my folded hem under the presser foot, keeping the raw edge of the fold pointing toward me and the right side of the stretchy fabric facing down. I do this for the saddle stitch machine, too.
The trick here is to ensure the needle catches just a sliver of the folded hem on one side and reaches into the body of the fabric on the other.
This is what gives it that crisscross “X” effect.
Do a Stitch Test
Before I go all in, I always do a few stitches on a scrap piece of the same fabric. I check:
- Are the stitches forming clean Xs?
- Is the needle piercing the hem fold and then the body of the fabric evenly?
- Is there puckering? (If yes, I lower the tension a bit.)
If everything looks good, I move back to my real piece to catch stitches.
Gently Press On The Foot Pedal
I gently press the foot pedal, maintaining a slow and steady speed. With the catch stitch setting, the machine will move in a zigzag pattern to the left, then to the right, then back to the left. You’ll start to see that delicate X pattern forming. It’s honestly so satisfying like edge stitching.
Guide The Fabric Without Pulling
I guide the fabric without pulling.
Just letting it feed naturally while keeping that folded hem aligned. If I need to pivot slightly on a curve, I stop with the needle down, lift the presser foot, rotate the fabric, and keep going.
But keep the stitch length fit according to your design.
Stitch Length Suggestion:
I usually use a stitch length of 2.5 to 3.0 and a width of 4.5 to 5.0, but feel free to play around depending on your fabric. Tighter fabric might look better with smaller stitches.
Watch the Stitch Placement
It helps to keep my eyes off the needle directly. But a little ahead, on the hem fold and the needle plate guide. That way, I keep everything straight without over-focusing on the needle’s movement.
You’ll see the needle jumping from the fold to the body of the fabric, creating that signature crisscross look. It should almost look like little herringbones hugging the fold of the hem.
Backstitch to Finish Catch Stitch (Or Not)
When I reach the end of the hem, I backstitch a few stitches to lock it in. But only if I’m using it in a spot that won’t be visible.
If it’s a delicate hem or visible area, I tie off the threads manually instead to keep it clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the catch stitch visible on the front side?
Nope! If done correctly, it’s almost invisible from the outside. The “X” stitches sit on the inside of the garment, catching just a thread or two from the front so it stays neat and hidden.
Can I use catch stitch on stretch fabric?
Yes! In fact, it’s one of the best options for stretch fabrics. It allows the hem to stretch without snapping the thread or distorting the shape.
That’s It
And just like that, I’ve added a catch stitch hem using my sewing machine. Perfect for stretchy hems, facings, or when I want something a bit fancier than a basic straight stitch—but still beginner-friendly.
Leave a Reply