Originally Posted by
Maggie_Sue
Years ago before the reverse button, I was taught to start the seam about a quarter inch in and sew towards the edge and then turn around and go the opposite direction. Then do that at the end of the seam also. But I agree any seam that is crossed does not require backstitching.
About sixty years ago I watch "George" in a sewing show on TV. He showed us how to secure the first and last stitches with a treadle.
When you start the seam, sew about two stitches. Stop and pull the fabric back to the end and sew to the other end.
When you get to the edge of the fabric, stop and pull the fabric back just a little to give you some loose thread. Then pull the fabric back and sew about two stitches to the end again.
Sometimes I do this with my modern machines, too. Some automatic back-stitches go back five stitches. That's way to much.