Abstract: A tandem sewing machine and the stitch it forms. The sewing machine includes a stand frame; a drive motor, a throatplate; and at least two offset needles. The offset needles have a needle stagger (&sgr;) which, in combination with the needle spacing (D) produces a stitch stagger to displacement ratio (S/D) of greater than about 1 of the improved stitch. The sewing machine may also include an overedge stitching needle assembly and a compound feed assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the compound feed assembly includes a bottom feed dog and a top feed dog, wherein the top feed dog is a differential feed with respect to the bottom feed dog. The sewing machine may further include a second bottom feed dog which may also be a differential feed. In the preferred embodiment, the overedge stitching needle assembly includes at least one needle performing an overedge stitch.