Machine stitching showing on the right side of the garment. Topstitching is done at 1/4 inch from the seam line. Stitching done closer, usually at 1/8 inch, is called edge-stitching. Topstitching is used to accent seams and style lines, to give garments a structured finished look, and to hold seams flat.
FDF, 1988, Smith, 1987
Context:
If multiple rows of topstitching are to be included, consider where they may pass through varying fabric thicknesses and test to see whether this makes a noticeable difference; it may be sensible to increase an area of double fabric so that each row has an uniform appearance.
