How to Embroider a Scalloped Edge

Scalloped edges can be sewn by hand using heirloom embroidery techniques, or using any sewing machine that has a zigzag stitch. Some sophisticated sewing machines have computer software that will calculate the width and length of the scallops and allow you to program the satin scalloped edge stitch. Scalloped edges are frequently seen on fine handkerchiefs and table linens. Scalloped edges may also be found on better-quality garments along necklines, jacket edges, the edges where blouses button, and along cuffs and skirt hems.

Create a template to create a scalloped edge. Measure the edge of your garment or fabric. Decide how large you want each scallop to be. Divide the width of the scallop into the length of the fabric edge. Design the scallop width so that scallops are placed on corners, e.g., the corners of a tablecloth or napkins.

Draw your template on a manila file folder. Open the folder. Measure the height of the scallop, which is the distance from the top of the notch between scallops and the bottom of the curved part of the scallop. Mark the scallop height on both ends of the manila folder and draw a line between the two marks. Mark the width of each scallop along the line that you drew. Place a cylindrical object between the marks you made to indicate the scallop width and trace around the bottom of the object.

Use a fine tailor's chalk pencil and your template to mark a scalloped edge on your fabric or garment. Stitch a small running stitch 1/8 inch in from the edge of the scalloped edge. Cut along the scalloped edge that you drew with tailor's chalk.

Use a double strand of embroidery thread to create a satin embroidery stitch along the scalloped edge of the fabric or garment. Begin stitching on the back-side of the fabric, pull the thread through, pull the thread over the edge of the fabric. Stitch up through the back-side of the fabric, inserting the needle very close to previous stitch. Continue along the edge of your fabric or garment. Maintain even thread tension to create a professional, couture appearance.

Use the template you created in Step 1 and 2 and a fine tailor's chalk pencil to draw a scalloped edge on your fabric or garment. Place a piece of heavyweight, water-soluble stabilizer underneath the scalloped edge. Adjust your sewing machine settings so that the stitch length is approximately 18 stitches per inch and the zigzag stitch is the width that you desire.

Stitch smoothly along the scalloped line that you drew. The bottom side of the zigzag stitch should hit the edge of the scalloped edge that you drew. After stitching to the end of the scalloped line, pull away the stabilizer on the outside edge. Use small, sharp scissors to trim away excess fabric next to bottom stitching line along the scalloped edge.

Zigzag over the scalloped edge a second time to create a smooth, satin stitch. Stitch over top-stitching thread -- a heavier weight thread -- under the presser foot as you zigzag a second time. Sewing over top-stitching thread will create volume in the satin embroidery stitch. Sew very carefully -- you should not be able to see the first zigzag stitching when you finish zigzagging the scalloped edge for the second time.

Pull away the top of the water-soluble stabilizer. Press the scalloped edge using a steam iron from the back-side.