How To Use the Overcast Stitch and Presser Foot

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Using the overcast stitch and overcasting presser foot on your sewing machine can open a world of new options!

For example, this stitch option allows a basic sewing machine to finish fabric edges and sew a seam simultaneously. 

While this doesn’t necessarily turn your sewing machine into a serger, which can also trim fabric edges for a professional appearance, using the overcast stitch on your fabric can save time and neaten your projects.

This overcast stitch tutorial will teach you how to use an overcast presser foot and stitch and answer some common questions. 

So if you’re wondering, “What is overcasting in sewing?” then read on!

(Also, as a note, when I say overcast, overcasting, overedge, or even overlocking, I mean the same thing each time! There are a lot of terms that sewists use interchangeably, so don’t be confused when I switch around.)

What does an overcasting sewing foot look like?

Overlock presser feet have a zigzag opening in the foot and also a metal finger bar in the center to hold the fabric edges flat and prevent bunching. 

A second vertical bar parallel to the first serves as the edge guide when feeding fabric. 

Above are two examples of overcasting presser feet.

The top foot is a Brother overcasting presser foot ‘G’ that was included with my Brother CS6000i sewing machine. 

The bottom is another low-shank, universal overcast presser foot that was included in a set of 42 presser feet that I purchased to have additional options with my machine.

As you can see, both overcasting sewing feet look relatively similar and work equally well with my machine.

What does an overcast stitch in sewing look like?

There are three overcasting stitches on my Brother sewing machine, the CS6000i. They are stitch numbers 06-08. 

Overcasting stitches are distinguished by how they lock and loop around the fabric edges to prevent fraying. This provides a serged appearance, which could negate the need for an additional serger for the hobbyist sewist.

To show you what an overcast stitch looks like when sewn, above is an example where I used an overcast stitch to finish the edges of a knit fabric. I love the neat appearance of the seam. 

Buying an Overcasting Presser Foot

If your sewing machine has an overcast stitch but doesn’t include an overlock presser foot, you can easily buy a compatible foot. 

You can purchase directly from the manufacturer, a local sewing store, or look online at Amazon.

Check the shank of your sewing machine before purchasing, though.

Many sewing machines are low-shank, so you can buy a brand-specific or universal low-shank foot. 

If you have a high-shank machine, you can purchase an adapter or try to find a high-shank option (this second option is more difficult.)

For example, my low-shank Brother CS6000i sewing machine came with an overcasting accessory foot, but any low-shank universal foot will snap on it. 

Can you use your zigzag foot with the overcast stitch?

What if you’re in a hurry and want to use the overlock stitch with your zigzag foot rather than changing to the overcasting presser foot? 

I have two young kids, so I’ve attempted this in the past.  

I’ve found that you can definitely use the overcasting stitch with a zigzag foot. 

However, certain fabrics will bunch more (such as thin, stretchy knits), and the stitch width will be smaller and less uniform because of the bunching. 

Thus, if you don’t mind how your fabric looks on the inside, you can use a zigzag foot. Just know that it will not be as neat as using a specialized overcasting foot, as that little finger in the middle of the overcast foot makes things neater.

Above is a quick comparison of the overlocking stitches sewn with the two options for presser feet. 

The left overcasting stitch was sewn with the overcasting foot, and the right overcasting stitch was sewn using a basic zigzag foot. Notice the more uniform, wider appearance when using the overcast foot.

How to Use An Overcasting Presser Foot

I’m using my Brother CS6000i sewing machine as an example. Depending on the manufacturer and model of your sewing machine, this process may be a little different. When in doubt, refer to your user manual!

First, attach the overcasting presser foot. 

On my sewing machine, I press a lever to release the current presser foot from the presser foot holder and then attach the overcasting sewing foot using the same lever—no need to rethread the machine or the needle during this process.

Next, select your overcasting stitch and select your desired length and width. 

This will be done using buttons if you have a computerized sewing machine. If your machine is not computerized, this will be completed by turning a dial.

All you have to do now is place your fabric underneath the presser foot and pull the threads back. 

If you want to create your overcast stitch right at a fabric edge, line the fabric up with the vertical sidebar to the far right. 

When the fabric is aligned to the right, you’ll give that serged appearance.

Start sewing! Above is a picture of the overcast stitching in action. Notice how the stitch wraps around the finger in the middle of the presser foot.

When you’re done sewing, put your needle in the up position, and gently slide the stitched fabric off this middle bar by pulling it back a bit. 

All done, and looking beautiful!

What about a side cutter foot? Does it work like a serger?

As I mentioned earlier, one downfall of the overcast stitch compared to a serger is having to trim your fabric edges before overcasting. 

Enter the side cutter presser foot!

This is touted as a basic serger alternative because it will do everything the overcasting presser foot will, but it also trims edges while sewing.

I have a side cutter presser foot that will sew a seam, finish, and trim the edges. It’s INCREDIBLE for cotton fabrics, but I’m not in love with its ability with knits.

However, if you want the option to trim fabric edges also while using the overcast stitch, give it a try. Just have realistic expectations, and know that a serger will do this job MUCH better! (You can learn more in my Brother side cutter foot review.)

And that’s it for this overcast stitch and presser foot tutorial! I hope you learned what overcasting in sewing means and when and how to use it.