I was working on a pair of heavy denim jeans that kept laughing in the face of my regular straight stitch. No matter how tight I set the tension, the seams would eventually give way.
Then, an older tailor friend leaned over my shoulder and whispered, “Try the triple chain sewing machine.” I got up and asked how it works. She replied,
The triple chain stitch design features 3 interlocking loops, offering unmatched strength, stretch, and a touch of decorative flair. This is stronger than a Triple Straight Stitch.
triple chain
To create a triple chain stitch on a sewing machine, set your machine to the triple chain stitch mode, thread it correctly, and sew with steady pressure to form three interlocking loops.
Her explanation sounds so tempting that I had to try it on.
Table of Contents
Can I Do Triple Chain Stitch On Sewing Machine?
A true triple chain stitch can’t be done on a regular domestic sewing machine because it requires a coverstitch or chainstitch-capable machine. These machines use a looper and multiple needles to create the three interlocking chain loops. So you need machines like,
- Juki MCS 1500 Cover/Chain Stitch Machine
- NT-1503P 3 Needle Chain Stitch Sewing Machine
- Singer 300U405A 3 Needle Industrial
How Does a Triple Chain Stitch Sewing Machine Work?
To do a triple chain stitch, follow bellow steps,
Thread And Needle Prep For Triple Chainstitch
Thread the machine in the order specified in your manual. If yours uses two needles + one looper or one needle + two loopers, follow that order.
Pull about 4–6 inches of thread tails to the back so they don’t get pulled into the tension discs for triple chainstitch. Insert the correct needle and make sure it’s fully seated.
Set Up Machine settings For Triple Chain-Stitch
Set your stitch length to a moderate setting to begin (about 2.5–3.5 mm). If you have a differential feed (serger/coverstitch), set it to neutral (1.0). This setting is also suitable for a triple zigzag stitch.
Use the presser foot recommended for chain/cover stitches. Start with factory default tensions. You’ll fine-tune after a test stitch.
Position your fabric
Place your real fabric pieces together. Right sides together for a usual seam; for visible topstitching, you might sandwich differently.
Align the edge under the foot, lower the presser foot, and begin sewing slowly for the first few stitches to allow the threads to settle.
Guide the fabric, don’t push or pull; let the feed dogs move it.
Keep Your Seam Allowance Consistent
Keep your seam allowance consistent. So to do that, use the presser foot edge or a seam guide.
For heavy fabrics, go a touch slower and support the weight of the fabric so it feeds evenly. Pause with the needle down at corners or pivot points when needed.
Locking Off A Chain Stitch (Secure The End)
Chain stitches don’t backstitch. To finish cleanly:
- Sew to the end. Stop with the needle down and raise the presser foot.
- Cut the threads, leaving long tails (about 6 inches).
- Gently pull one tail to bring a small loop of the chain up to the top.
- Tie a secure double knot by hand with the exposed tails, or hand-stitch a few tin
Securing stitches over the chain with a hand needle. Alternatively, finish the seam end with a bar tack or a short zigzag stitch using a lockstitch machine, if available. Both are very secure.
Trim and press
Trim thread tails. Press the seam according to fabric type. Steam and a hot iron for cotton/denim, lower heat for synthetics.
Pressing settles stitches and flattens any little loops.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a triple chain stitch and a regular chain stitch?
A regular chain stitch uses one needle and one looper, creating a single line of stitching. A triple chain stitch utilizes two or three needles with a looper to create multiple parallel rows, providing extra strength and a bold look.
Can I use it on stretch fabrics?
Yes, in fact, it’s excellent for knits and activewear because the stitch stretches without breaking. Just ensure you’re using the correct needle type (ballpoint/stretch) and thread.
How do I secure the ends of a triple chain stitch?
Chain stitches don’t lock automatically. To secure them, leave long tails, pull a loop to the top, and tie the ends in a knot, or secure with a bar tack or zigzag stitch at the seam’s end.
Warp Up
That’s how a triple chain stitch sewing machine works.
Now it’s your turn. Try it and share it with us.
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