Is A Zigzag Stitch Stronger Than A Straight Stitch
Stitching has always proven to be beneficial in many ways. Whether you need to make your fabric functional or turn it more appealing, sewing can help you achieve your goals efficiently. Each and every stitching technique is used for a different purpose. It is essential to understand your requirements and choose the ideal stitching technique that can provide you with the best results. The usage of sewing machines has made the job a lot easier for everyone. All you need is to set the desired stitching technique, and the rest will be managed by the machine. Even when you are using a sewing machine, it is essential to find a suitable stitch that will complete your work.
As mentioned earlier, each stitching technique has its qualities, which makes it distinctive; you must prioritize every stitch. There has always been a debate regarding which is the strongest stitch of all. Zigzag and straight stitch are still two major contenders who compete for the strongest stitching technique. In this article, you will get the ideal answer to this question and unravel some more information regarding stitching.
Is a Zigzag Stitch Stronger Than A Straight Stitch
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No. Whether it is on a sewing machine or with your hand, a straight stitch is always the strongest stitch as this stitch is quite hard to tear. It won’t come out easily if you do it properly. Furthermore, if you use durable threads like nylon, polyester, you can avail more long-lasting results. Though this answer might differ in different stitching scenarios, commonly, a straight stitch is the strongest.
Why is Straight Stitch The Strongest
The reason why straight stitch is deemed as the most durable stitch is how it layers the thread. Unlike other stitches, straight stitches are tightly knitted, creating a stringent series of treads that are unbreakable. With straight stitches, you will get multiple layers of thread on top of the other. That’s enough to keep your stitches secure and firm on the fabric. Straight stitches won’t come out easily, even when you try to pull it, you would need to tear some threads or cut it out. Taking off the stitch is equal to tearing the fabric.
A straight stitch is one of the initial stitches on the sewing machine. It is one of the commonly used stitches, generally used to stitch two garments together. Stitching twice will ensure double security. The end stitch or backstitch is also a part of the straight stitch that helps in securing the fabric.
Zigzag stitches are also beneficial in different cases. It is essential to use this stitch properly on different fabrics. One thing that you need to be careful while using zigzag stitch is to choose the material wisely. For instance, using a zigzag stitch on delicate fabric is equal to destroying your fabric. The heavy pressure of the needle on the fabric with a zigzag pattern will tear the fabric. Hence, to do zigzag pattern stitch, you must choose a strong and durable fabric that can withstand the needle and the stitch.
How To Make Zigzag Strong For Stitching
Though straight stitch is considered as the strongest stitch, zigzag is one of the most durable stitches. There are ways in which you can make the hold stronger. For instance, the triple zigzag is stronger compared to the ordinary zigzag ones. There are plenty of garments that are created with triple zigzag stitches.
Just like a double-layered straight stitch, a triple zigzag will provide the required strength to the fabric. You must have noticed triple zigzag stitches in men’s boxers and underwear. Triple zigzag not only offers strength, but it helps in making the fabric stretchable. Hence, these are ideally used in undergarments, so that they are stretchable enough according to different sizes.
If you are planning to make zigzag stitching more robust, you must use triple zigzag, which is also known as tricot stitches.
Which is The Strongest Thread For Sewing Purpose
A straight stitch is the strongest stitch that you can add in your fabric. But, the strength of any stitch lies in the thread. The thread you use in your stitching technique makes a significant difference in the strength. For more durable results, you need to choose threads according to the fabric.
Upholstery Nylon is one of the durable thread you can use for any stitching technique. It is coated with a special resin that adds to its durability. This type of thread is fabricated in a lab, so you can expect some additional strength in it. The chemical composition of nylon makes it super durable. The tightly knitted bond between the molecules makes nylon ideal material for threads.
It is a type of plastic called a polymer, which is not a natural product. A polymer is fabricated with the help of organic chemicals like petroleum and coal. All the ingredients are heated at high temperatures to create nylon. Made from six carbon atoms, nylon thread is the most common use of nylon.
Apart from nylon, there are some other strong threads as well that you can use in your stitching endeavors. While selecting the thread, you need to keep some points in mind-:
- The quality of the fabric
- The type of needle you are using
- Mode of sewing (hand or machine)
- The strength requirements from the stitches
Why Do You Use A Zigzag Stitch
Zigzag stitch can be used for different purposes, but one of the common uses of a zigzag stitch is enclosing the raw edges of the seam finish. The fabric threads are attached to the zigzag threads that make it durable and prevent fraying as well.
Another important use of zigzag stitch is to make design patterns on your fabric. Zigzag stitch is particularly great for applique. If you use embroidery thread, you can create enticing design patterns with a zigzag stitch. Whether you use hand stitching or sewing machine stitch, a zigzag can work wonders if you know the right way to go about it.
If you are a beginner, it is advised to practice in scrap fabric initially. Stitch different patterns and get familiarized with the stitches. Once you get the hang of it, you can quickly draw different designs and expand your creativity to make the best use of the zigzag stitches.
Related Questions
Can You Use Zigzag And Straight Stitch Together
Both the stitching techniques are reliable in different scenarios. Though straight stitch has more weight due to its unbreakable hold, zigzag also has a stronghold that is hard to compromise. As both the stitches have a strong hold on the fabric, people often use straight and zigzag stitches together. While it is practically impossible to get double strength by adding two stitches together, you can make each stitch stronger by adding more layers. For instance, you can make a double-layered straight stitch or three-layered zigzag. But, you cannot get the best result by making two stitches at the same place on the fabric.
Why Is My Zigzag Stitch Skipping
There are times when the stitches start skipping. Many reasons can lead to stitch skipping. Zigzag stitches are mostly affected by the skipping issue. When such issues pop up, you must change your needle. Skipping can also occur when the needle is slightly bent. By changing the needle, you can avoid the issue of stitch skipping. Other common reasons include tugging on the fabric, needle hitting the pin, or mismatching needle and thread. If your zigzag pattern starts skipping, you must instantly check the needle and look whether it has any issue, Change the needle if necessary. Zigzag pattern has to be clean, and the thread skipping can make it inefficient, so keep close attention to the stitches.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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