Edgestitch:Â a line of stitching 1/8″ away from a folded edge or seamline.
Source: Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp
Edgestitching is just topstitching by another name, and in a specific place on the garment – namely very close to the EDGE. Get it? Edgestitching is close to the edge!! It is dead simple to do, especially if you use an edgestitch or blind hem foot like the one shown above. As long as you keep the “guide” along the edge where you want to apply the stitching, it will be straight as well as an even distance from the edge. This is important in creating a garment with that RTW finish – even and straight!
See how the needle is positioned to the right of center below?  Moving the needle to one side or the other is part of the edgestitch set-up on my machine.
Here is the finished product – with a slightly longer than normal stitch length. Just cuz I like it that way. 🙂
(No, DH, I am not making you another shirt right now! This was just a sample for demo purposes. I have clothes to get ready for ASG conference in August – no time for dress shirts for you – sorry! 🙂 )
Happy sewing!
Maris Olsen