One of the things I wanted to do this week was try out some of the stitches on my sewing machine. As a self-taught sewist who learned on a mostly manual Singer from the 1980’s, I’ve never taken the time to learn about the special stitches and presser feet on my Juki, other than for zippers and buttonholes. I think the few I may use someday include overcast, blind hem, and bartack. I never use the zig zag since I have a serger. Anyway, this was fun! Who knows. Maybe someday I’ll find a use for the letter stitches. Who doesn’t love a little personalization?
This has been a Year of Projects (YOP) update. You can read my updated list here, and my original list at this link. You can find out more about the group on Ravelry or Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list.
headknits 
Wow fun. I took a “get to know your machine” class at my local craft shop and that was one of the things they had us do, check out the special stitches. I still don’t use my sewing machine except to make project bags for knitting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So smart to make up a swatch like this of the stitches on your machine. If nothing else, it is a way to check the tension on your top and bobbin threads.
Like knittingissofun above, I took a great class when I bought my Pfaff serger some years ago. I remember watching a rather amazing man make a very beautiful beaded christening gown in less than an hour. It inspired me to get friendly with my serger and I am so happy that I did! Though I rarely do anything so creative as a christening gown, I am totally comfortable with adjusting the serger for whatever knit I am working on that might need ‘finished seams’ after being altered. Both sewing machines and sergers can be our friends when we take the time to get to know them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea! I do use the zigzag on my machine but I don’t have a serger. The letter stitches sound intriguing…what fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did that exercise on my Bernina a few years ago. Then I labeled each stitch with the settings I used and saved the swatches for future consultation. I felt proud of myself for being so organized!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not that organized, but it was a good way for me to learn the stitches in case I ever have need of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I use the blind hem stitch often. Also the stretchy straight stitch (one back, two forward) especially for mending and crotches. Doesn’t look like you’ve played with a double needle; I use that, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used the double needle on my old machine, when I didn’t have a serger. I would love to try it for top stitching.
LikeLike
Making a prom dress for one of my young friends, I gave the bodice more stability and visual interest by using the twin needles, with a slightly tightened bobbin thread, to make vertical meandering lines. It looked stunning on her!
LikeLike
Just want to chime in here and say those are all useful stitches and needles! I have used various size double needles to mimic the finished seams of manufactured items that I am repairing/altering either for myself or a customer. Always amazes me how well they do the job! And I have used the blind hem when making curtains and drapes. Otherwise, I find getting my head around folding the material for blind hem too bothersome for something like pants or sleeves. I am sure that is just my hang-up. And I agree that the stretchy straight stitch can come in handy on certain fabrics and situations!
LikeLike
Very cool exercise! Also, your title – I saw what you did there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😆
LikeLike
This is a great idea. I should do this too.
LikeLiked by 1 person