What is it? a bar Tack

A bar tack is a set of close, dense zigzag stitches used to reinforce stress points of a garment. It will look like a thick, straight bar of stitches. Bar tacks prevent clothing from ripping or tearing as it’s worn.

Bar tack on patch pocket

Bar tack on belt loop

When do you use it?
Use a bar tack to strengthen areas of a garment that may be under stress and need reinforcement. Bar tacks are often sewn to secure the edges of patch pockets, hold down the top and bottom of belt loops, and strengthen stress points on trouser fly closures and at the top of slits. Sew bar tacks in contrast thread as a design feature or make them in matching thread so they blend in.

Tips + Notes

1. After sewing the straight stitch to mark where the bar tack goes, if the placement looks wrong or if the line is crooked, now is a good time to rip it out and start again!
2. If your bar tack doesn’t look dense enough, shorten the stitch length (switch to a smaller number) so the zigzags are closer together.
3. Loosen the top tension on your machine for smoother bar tacks. This means that more of the top thread is pulled to the bottom layer and results in a smoother bar tack on the top as the top thread is pulled tightly over the fabric surface.
4. When sewing bar tacks at the top corners of pockets, work from the pocket toward the edge. This way you only have to mark the start point, as the end is the end of the pocket. Mark the start point ½” (1.3cm) from the edge, and sew toward the edge. Stop once you reach the end of the pocket.