what is the alternative to a basting stitch if you only have a basic sewing machine?

Question

If your sewing machine can only do a regular stitch, how do you do basting on a pattern, is there an alternative?

Answer 1

Are you able to change the length of the stitches on your machine? A very long stitch is a basting stitch. If you aren't able to machine baste, you could always do it by hand- just try to get your stitches about the same length when you do it.

Sometimes patterns call for basting but you are able to continue on without doing it. Depends on how experienced the sewer is I guess! Could you try going without the basting stitch step or are you gathering?

Answer 2

Like K said, a basting stitch by machine is just the longest stitch length your machine will to. Occasionally you'll have to pull the basting out once you've done the real sewing and the longer length is easier to do it. Also, you don't lock the threads with a forward and back stitch at the beginning or the ends and usually you leave the threads longer instead of cutting them to the fabric at the ends, again, in case you need to pull the basting stitch later.

Answer 3

Basting is a temporary stitch, holding the pieces together while you do the final sewing. Pattern makers mean "hand baste" unless they actually say "machine baste." If you are highly skilled, in some situations you even may be able to use straight pins instead of basting.

Answer 4

If you can change your stitch length, all you have to do is set the stitch length for the longest stitch length possible, that will give you a pretty basic basting stitch.

I rarely baste pieces though, I usually just use pins to hold the pieces together as I sew, and then remove the pins as the pinned part approaches the needle. NEVER sew over a pin, you can break needles that way!

Answer 5

Have you thought about a vintage metal machine. I have 2 very new machines 1 is computer and about 6 very old machines and I find I use the older ones the most, Not made too complicated,dependable don't wear out. My two old favorties are an old White 3/4 size machine that only does straight stitch and an old kenmore that with cams and attachments does even more than my computerized machine. Many times you can get them at good will for less than $40 then if it isn't included get an owners manual. Or watch freecycle Good luck and with the right machine you will soon love sewing.

Answer 6

Set the machine to the longest stitch possible and set the tension down to about half of what it was (if it was on 4, put it on 2, if it was on 5, put it between 2 and 3, etc.) This makes it even easier to remove later! Also, run your basting with a bobbin in a different (high contrast) color. This lets you know which is the bobbin thread and makes it TONS easier to pull out when it's time to do that.

Of course, don't forget to set the machine back to normal and change the bobbin thread back. I sometimes forget and get really miffed at myself. Do as much of your basting as possible at the same time so you're not switching things back and forth 20 times.

Answer 7

For basting it is best to do it by hand.

Tie the end of a piece of string in a single knot. Do long running stitches every four inches in grid pattern. Make your stitches about four inches also. This will hold the quilt together with minimal slipage.

Answer 8

set your machine to the longest setting you have on there for straight stitch,you want the longest stitch cause its easier to pull out