Top stitching is a finishing stitch done to the edge on top of a project to give it a finished polished looked while reenforcing the seams.
When top stitching you start with a couple back stitches then stitch along the edge of project then backstitch again when you reach your beginning stitches.
You can use the regular sewing foot to do the top stitching but I have found the zipper foot works so much better to get those close stitches!
Most sewing machines come with the below foot (below, left) on it and several others for different stitches. Using the zipper foot (below, right) gets you so much closer without the bulk of the presser foot.
Using the Zipper for you can line the edge of your project project against the zipper foot and put the needle to the same side of the foot as the edge. This will give you about 1/8″ seam space and allow you to keep an even space around your whole project.
Keeping the edge of the zipper foot against the edge of your project will give you a guide all the way around. If you need a wider edge you can also switch the need to the opposite side of the zipper foot which would you about a 1/4″ allowance.
The #1 thing to remember with the zipper foot is you can’t keep your needle in the middle, zipper foot can only done to the left of right.
Ignoring my terrible nails, this trick should help you get super close top stitches!
Hope this trick helps you out! Thanks! PWJ!
