What Stitch Length Should I Use?

[Laura Lynn]

Crystal asked me a great question about stitch length and I thought I’d post it here for everyone.

Hi Laura Lynn,

I have been looking for info on stitch length for sewing bears on the machine. I have seen anything from 8-10 stitches to the inch to 12-14. Do you have any recommendations?

[Laura Lynn]

Sewing machines vary a little bit in their stitch length settings.  They don’t always tell you how many stitches per inch are at each setting, so I’m going to tell you how I determine what stitch length I use just by the stitch length dial.

I have two machines.  My Kenmore has a setting from 1-4.  My Viking has a setting from 1-6.  For most of my bears I set the stitch length a little below half (around 1.75 on my Kenmore, 2.5 on my Viking).   I want a nice tight stitch as I will be stuffing the bear pretty firmly and I don’t want it to split.  I also double stitch my seams (most of the time).

When I’m sewing smaller bears, I make that stitch a little smaller so that I can stitch neatly around the curves.  Since the bear is smaller, it won’t take forever to sew using that short stitch length.

When I’m sewing with real fur, I often make my stitch length a little longer.  The reason is that a small stitch can perforate the leather backing instead of stitching it together.  I also do NOT double stitch my real fur bears for the same reason.  I don’t want to weaken the leather backing.  Double stitching in some cases will just perforate the leather just like a short stitch can.   I also don’t stuff my real fur bears as firmly as my mohair or faux fur bears so that I don’t stress the seams.

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