Fit a jersey needle — a universal point pierces the knit loop instead of sliding between the yarns, which is what causes skipped stitches. Use a narrow zigzag or a stretch stitch. Reduce presser foot pressure if your machine allows it. Support the fabric on both sides so its own weight is not stretching it. For hems, a twin needle gives the two parallel rows you see on bought T-shirts at a fraction of the cost of a coverstitch machine.
Questions people actually ask
Which stitch for a knit seam?
A narrow zigzag — about 0.5 to 1 mm wide, 2.5 mm long — or a dedicated stretch stitch if your machine has one. A straight stitch has no give and the thread snaps the first time the seam stretches.
Why does my knit seam come out wavy?
Usually because you helped the fabric through. Knits stretch under the slightest pull and set in that stretched shape. Let the feed dogs do the work and support the weight of the fabric so it is not dragging itself out of the machine.
Last reviewed 2026-08-11