Uploaded December 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Puckering seams and stitching lines can make a garment or other sewing project look unprofessional. ZJ Humbach gives you several tips and advice on how to keep seam puckering to a minimum.
Join the NSC community to access a huge library of instructional sewing videos: nationalsewingcircle.com/join/.
Quick Tips for Preventing Seam Puckering —
Test Before you Sew your Project
The first recommendation that ZJ has to keep seam puckering from happening is always testing your stitching first. She explains that it is always a good idea to have a small test sample of the exact combination of what you will be stitching- the same amount of fabric layers, interfacing if used, thread, and needle types. This way you are able to essentially see what your stitching is going to look like on your project before you stitch it.
Loosen the Needle Tension
If you have seam puckering, ZJ offers several possible solutions. The first thing that can cause seam puckering is tension. ZJ recommends loosening the needle tension on your machine and trying the line of stitching on your test sample again. It is always a good idea to retest the stitching after every adjustment made, that way you know what fixed the issue.
Become an NSC member today and watch hundreds of sewing videos: nationalsewingcircle.com/join/.
Needle/Thread Type
If the tension is not what is causing the seam puckering, another cause could be the needle being used is too dull or not the right type, the thread being used is not the right type for the fabric being stitched, or that you are simply stitching too fast.
Lengthening the Stitch Length
Another tip that ZJ shares that can help seams look better and lay flatter are to slightly lengthen the stitch length.
Stablilize the Seam
If all of these solutions are still not fixing your seam puckering problem, another solution is to stabilize the seam before you stitch. This can be done with a variety of different products, and the method you choose to use will depend on the project being sewn and the fabric being used.
After you’ve learned how to make all of your sewing projects look professional with no more puckered seams, get more helpful sewing tips for professional projects and garments, like how to sew enclosed seams and much more!
Looking for more sewing instruction and inspiration? Check out NSC Premium Membership! nationalsewingcircle.com/join
Puckering seams and stitching lines can make a garment or other sewing project look unprofessional. ZJ Humbach gives you several tips and advice on how to keep seam puckering to a minimum.
Join the NSC community to access a huge library of instructional sewing videos: nationalsewingcircle.com/join/.
Quick Tips for Preventing Seam Puckering —
Test Before you Sew your Project
The first recommendation that ZJ has to keep seam puckering from happening is always testing your stitching first. She explains that it is always a good idea to have a small test sample of the exact combination of what you will be stitching- the same amount of fabric layers, interfacing if used, thread, and needle types. This way you are able to essentially see what your stitching is going to look like on your project before you stitch it.
Loosen the Needle Tension
If you have seam puckering, ZJ offers several possible solutions. The first thing that can cause seam puckering is tension. ZJ recommends loosening the needle tension on your machine and trying the line of stitching on your test sample again. It is always a good idea to retest the stitching after every adjustment made, that way you know what fixed the issue.
Become an NSC member today and watch hundreds of sewing videos: nationalsewingcircle.com/join/.
Needle/Thread Type
If the tension is not what is causing the seam puckering, another cause could be the needle being used is too dull or not the right type, the thread being used is not the right type for the fabric being stitched, or that you are simply stitching too fast.
Lengthening the Stitch Length
Another tip that ZJ shares that can help seams look better and lay flatter are to slightly lengthen the stitch length.
Stablilize the Seam
If all of these solutions are still not fixing your seam puckering problem, another solution is to stabilize the seam before you stitch. This can be done with a variety of different products, and the method you choose to use will depend on the project being sewn and the fabric being used.
After you’ve learned how to make all of your sewing projects look professional with no more puckered seams, get more helpful sewing tips for professional projects and garments, like how to sew enclosed seams and much more!
Looking for more sewing instruction and inspiration? Check out NSC Premium Membership! nationalsewingcircle.com/join
