I am new to quilting and sewing.........I took a class and made a tote bag.......the only thing left to do is "topstitch" all around

The directions say to first do 1/8" and then 1/4" from there ........I have practiced and practiced but still find I can't get them straight

So.........is there any reason I couldn't use a zig zag stick instead of the topstitch

Appreciate anyone thoughts........

Judy

I do very little topstitching for that reason. Do a small section of zig-zag and see if you like the look. There is no right or wrong, just what pleases you. Also, some machines have a double needle feature. Check your machine manual and see if your does.

Appreciate your quick response .........my machine doesn't have a double needle feature........so that isn't an option

I was just wondering if it would effect holding the lining in place or any other issues (if you can't tell I am very new to all this)

Thanks ,,,,,,,,,,Judy

any stitch you do on top is top stitching, use any decorative stitch you have available
and I never do 2 rows because it's hard to keep any of them evenly spaced

Betty Cotton suggests, and I like the idea, of using a very small zigzag when doing straight lines for quilting. the little bit of "zigging" helps cover up the bends in straight lines...try it to see if you like it. Set your zigzag stitch width on the narrowest you can set it to see if you like it. I would not use a large zig zag for this purpose.

dah..........makes total sense "any top stitching you do is top stitching"

thanks.........getting my confidence up .........

Judy

Will practice and try your (Betty Cotton's) suggestion.........will take a picture when finished....

so appreciate everyone's kind help

For me topstitiching is for decoration and maybe a little reinforcement of seams. I usually use the edge of my pressure foot for a guide. Any other type of guide and I get squiggles instead....

To keep your topstitching straight, you can stick a stack of post-it notes where you want the edge of your project to be and follow along that. Lo and behold your stitching will be straight. Some feet have markings or places that you can eyeball to keep your stitches straight. My daughter always hated topstitching when I made her clothes because she said it was wiggly. Well, now I have many tricks that impress her when she sees my topstitching. As far as zig-zag vs straight, it is up to you. If you like it, that is all that matters. Also if you want your lining to "roll" to the inside of your project, press the seam toward the lining and then sew very close to that seam. Then when you turn the lining in the outside will roll toward the lining, making it easy to topstitch close to the edge.

Even if it's not perfectly straight, how close is anybody going to be looking at it?