Sewing the Fringe Edge of the Apron

**Deesquared** · 3rd April 14, 02:00 PM

Hello everyone!
I've been working hard on my daughter's kilt for the past week, and it's getting close to being done. YAY!
You can see my progress on this thread.. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ts-hard-82668/

Anyhow, I'm currently sewing the fringed edge of the outer apron.
The Art of Kiltmaking instructions call for a tiny backstitch for this edge. I've done about 1 inch of back-stitches, and I can see that it's not going to look too pretty.
What do you all think of machine stitching this edge? I think it will look much nicer than any hand stitching I'm capable of.

For the record, this will be a Highland Dancing kilt for my daughter, so while I am concerned with having a quality, hand-sewn product, I'm also wanting it to be durable!

Thanks for any feedback!
Dianna

**Chas** · 3rd April 14, 02:08 PM

Of my 8 kilts, 4 are hand stitched and 4 are machine stitched. Each looks as good as the other.

**Aspiringloser** · 3rd April 14, 07:34 PM

Are you making the stitches small enough? I've hand-stitched all of the ones I've made and the all look fine.

**ChattanCat** · 4th April 14, 04:05 AM

The back stitching should use a very light hand so that the stitching does not pucker the material. I try to catch one thread on the outside of the apron and don't pull too tight as to make it noticeable.

**Deesquared** · 4th April 14, 08:49 PM

I must not be doing it right at all...

I was trying to make the stitches very tiny, but they just didn't look as tidy as I would have liked.
I went ahead and machine stitched it, and I'm happy with it. Well, I'm happy that it's almost done!

Thanks everyone for your input!
Dianna

**Barb T** · 6th April 14, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Chas

Of my 8 kilts, 4 are hand stitched and 4 are machine stitched. Each looks as good as the other.

I have to say that I disagree. A well-done back stitch is essentially invisible except for a faint divot where each back stitch lies. A machine stitched edge shows all of the stitches in a continuous line. The back stitch that you should be aiming for is a tiny, tiny back stitch - maybe one thread worth. Just enough to keep the needle from going down at the same spot and pulling the thread out the back side side when you pull the thread through to the back side. And this is plenty durable. There is no stress on this seam.

**Barb T** · 7th April 14, 10:09 AM

This is all that should show of the backstitching along the fringe edge. You can't see the stitches except for the little divots (red arrows). This looks very different than if it had been top-stitched by machine.

**Deesquared** · 7th April 14, 04:10 PM

Oh my goodness! Those really are tiny stitches! Those are done with a back-stitch? I will have to see how it's done at Kilt Kamp.
That looks nicer than my machine stitched edge, but I really need to get this kilt done by Saturday...yikes!

**Barb T** · 7th April 14, 04:34 PM

The back stitch should only go over one thread in the tartan - that's all it takes to secure the edge.

**Dixiecat** · 7th April 14, 08:09 PM

What Barb is essentially doing is what's called a prick stitch or pick stitch. It's used in very high end couture garments where zippers are usually inserted by hand. This stitch is quite durable and sturdy.

This is a good video of the pick stitch. You can make them as big or tiny as you like.