I was looking at a rag quilting book I have while ago and was reading a section about using applique with rag quilts so that the applique edges are raggedy as well. To achieve that, they said to sew a 1" strip of fabric around the applique edge using a "triple stitch".

O.k., so I'm stumped. What's a "triple stitch"? Obviously something to do with the number '3' but what?

I wonder if that means using a zig-zag? Unless you do it by hand.

My machine has the ability to make some standard stitches as triple stitches. It makes one stitch forward, one stitch backward, and one stitch forward again; three stitches on top of each other!

I don't like to use it because each stitch takes so long, but it is more secure than regular stitching; that's probably why they recommended it. An alternative would be to just sew around the applique piece twice.

Ah! That makes sense! Thank you!

I have a triple stitch on my machine. It takes 2 stitches forward, 1 back, 2 forward, ... I use it not only for rag quilts (especially with denim), and also when I want stitching to be more noticeable, like a line drawing.

That's what I was referring to by doing it by hand. I didn't know that machines did that stitch. WOW - life gets easier.

I had no idea but your question got me intrigued. According to teachsew.com it is this:

"Triple Stitch

Another great stretch stitch is the “Triple Stitch.” This stitch is typically depicted on your sewing machine by three horizontal lines drawn closely together. This stitch stretches because it takes two stitches forward and then one stitch back. You may need to try longer stitch lengths for best results."

I think it relates mainly to sewing knit fabric.

I have some patterns for appliqued rag quilts but all you do is stitch the applique using a regular stitch, quarter or half an inch in from the edge, depending on what look you want, then clipping the seams as per usual. I am guessing this triple stitch just creates a stronger seam.
Your pattern seems to read that you sew the applique in the traditional manner then "create" the raggedy border by sewing a strip round it...seems like a bit of a waste of time to me, but maybe the purists would disagree.

Thanks for the interesting thread....as usual by dropping by this site, I learned something new today.

Well, I got curious and dug out my manual for my sewing machine and sure enough it has a "Triple Stretch Stitch" that does what others described above - 1 stitch forward, 1 stitch back, then 1 stitch forward again. So I tried it and it does indeed make a pretty sturdy looking stitch!

Earthwalker - the book I have says to layer the applique pieces with the block pieces, and then pin them together. Then you sew the 1" strip down 1/2" from the edge of the applique, so that you're sewing all layers together at once. Looks really cool when done, I'm thinking of doing a star applique on blocks using wovens.

Ah, that would really add dimension...a star applique would look stunning. Ok...now you just have to get one underway. You know how we love your work!

I use the triple stitch for sewing rag quilts together. I also like to use it for crotch seams in pants/pjs and children's clothes. Gives them extra strength.

Margie