What Are the Types of Stitches?
There are many stitches, from basic to complex embroidery varieties. Learning how to sew is incredibly rewarding and relaxing; knowing how to use the right stitch will take your craftsmanship to a new level. Understanding the 7 main kinds of stitches is essential for any sewing project.
These include running, back, basting, slip, buttonhole, catch, and blanket stitch. All of these stitches come together to create breathtaking projects that can become priceless keepsakes. Fully understanding each one and learning when and where to use them will give you the confidence you need while sewing.
What Are the 7 Kinds of Stitches?
1). Running stitch
A running stitch is a basic hand-sewing stitch where the needle and thread are passed in and out of the fabric in a straight line. It is one of the most basic and versatile hand-sewing stitches and is often used in garment construction and home decor projects.
It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as basting (temporary sewing), gathering, or attaching two pieces of fabric together. This stitch is also the base for other types of stitches like the basting stitch, catch stitch and slip stitch.
Where can i use a running stitch
A running stitch can be used in a variety of ways, both functional and decorative, depending on the project. Here are a few examples:
- Basting: A running stitch can be used to temporarily hold two or more layers of fabric together before they are permanently sewn.
- Gathering: By using a running stitch along the top edge of a piece of fabric, it can be gathered to fit a smaller space.
- Hand quilting: A running stitch can be used to hand-quilt a quilt top, batting, and backing together.
- Embroidery: A simple running stitch can be used in embroidery, especially in many traditional embroidery styles such as Kantha, Kasumi, and kutch work
- Mending: A running stitch can be used to mend a tear or hole in a piece of fabric.
- Attaching two pieces of fabric: A running stitch can be used to attach two pieces of fabric together, for example, when attaching a lining to a garment or a patch to a piece of clothing.
Additionally, it can be used to create some decorative patterns and designs on fabrics, such as Kantha embroidery and sashiko, or add embellishments on clothing or home decor items.
2). Backstitch
Backstitch is a hand-sewing technique used to sew two pieces of fabric together. It is called a backstitch because the needle is brought up through the fabric from the back and then pushed back down a short distance away from the first hole, creating a stronger, more durable seam than a basic running stitch.
The process is then repeated, with the needle being brought up through the fabric a little further along the seam each time, creating a line of closely spaced stitches that look like they are going back and forth along the seam.
Where can I use Backstitch?
- Backstitch can be used in a variety of sewing projects, including clothing, home decor, and accessories.
- It is often used in areas where extra strength and durability are needed, such as at the start and end of a seam, or in areas that will experience a lot of stress or wear, such as at the edges of a pocket or the bottom of a bag.
- It can also be used to repair holes, and tears or to join two fabrics together.
- Backstitch can also be used to create decorative elements, such as embroidery or monogramming, by using different colors of thread or varying the spacing of the stitches.
3). Basting stitch
The basting stitch is a type of hand-sewing technique used to temporarily hold two or more layers of fabric together before they are permanently sewn. It is a long-running stitch that is done by hand using a needle and thread, and it can be used to hold layers of fabric in place while they are being cut, fitting, or before sewing the final seam.
Basting stitch can be done with a variety of thread types, such as cotton, silk, or polyester, and it can be removed easily after the final sewing is done by gently pulling the thread. It is commonly used in dressmaking, quilting and also in tailoring to align the fabric before sewing the final seams.
Where can I use the Basting stitch?
Basting stitches can be used in various sewing projects, such as clothing, home decor, and accessories.
- In dressmaking, a basting stitch is commonly used to temporarily hold the fabric in place while fitting a garment, to align layers of fabric before sewing a final seam, or to hold a hem in place before it is permanently sewn.
- In quilting, the basting stitch is used to hold layers of fabric, batting, and backing together before quilting is done.
- In tailoring, a basting stitch is used to align layers of fabric before sewing a final seam or to hold a lining in place before it is permanently sewn.
- A basting stitch is also used to temporarily hold bias tape or piping in place before it is sewn to a garment or home decor item.
- Basting stitch can be used in any projects that need to hold multiple layers of fabric together before they are permanently sewn, such as in making curtains, cushions, bags, or other home decor items.
It can also be used for any type of fabric, whether it’s lightweight or heavy.
4). Slip Stitch
A slip stitch is a hand-sewing technique used to join two layers of fabric together invisibly or to hem a garment or fabric. It’s also known as a ladder stitch.
The slip stitch is done by bringing the needle up through the fabric from the back, then pushing it back down a short distance away, but instead of coming back up through the fabric, the needle is inserted into the folded edge of the fabric and brought back up through the same hole the thread came out of, creating a loop. This loop is then pulled tight, creating a small, almost invisible stitch on the front side of the fabric.
The process is repeated, with the needle being brought up through the fabric a little further along the edge each time, creating a line of closely spaced stitches that are almost invisible.
Slip stitch is commonly used to finish the raw edges of the fabric, to join two pieces of fabric together invisibly, like in a lining, or to close openings in a garment. It’s also used for hemming pants, skirts, and other garments.
Where can I use Slip Stitch?
Slip stitch can be used in a variety of sewing projects, such as clothing, home decor, and accessories. Here are a few examples:
- Slip stitch can be used to hem pants, skirts, and other garments, as it provides a neat and almost invisible finish on the front side of the fabric.
- It’s also commonly used to finish raw edges of the fabric, such as in a lining, or to close openings in a garment. This is useful in situations where you want the stitch to be as invisible as possible.
- Slip stitch can be used to join two pieces of fabric together invisibly, such as in a lining, or to attach a patch pocket to a garment.
- Slip stitch can be used to close the opening of a pillow cover or a stuffed toy so the stuffing doesn’t come out.
- Slip stitch can be used to attach trims or lace to a garment or other fabric items.
- Slip stitch can be used to make repairs or alterations to clothing, such as fixing a tear or removing a seam.
It is a versatile technique that can be used in many projects where an invisible join is needed, especially for lightweight fabrics.
5). Buttonhole stitch
A buttonhole stitch is a hand-sewing technique used to create a reinforced opening in fabric, typically used for buttonholes on clothing but also used for other types of openings, such as keyholes or loops.
The buttonhole stitch is a series of closely spaced stitches that are worked around the edge of the buttonhole opening. The stitches are worked to form a secure and durable opening that can withstand the stress of repeated buttoning and unbuttoning.
The buttonhole stitch is usually worked using a specialized buttonhole stitch needle, which has a triangular point that allows the needle to pass through the fabric without snagging or tearing.
There are different types of buttonhole stitches, such as the traditional buttonhole stitch, the blanket buttonhole stitch, or the keyhole buttonhole stitch. Each one is slightly different in how it’s worked, but all are designed to create a strong and durable opening.
It is a technique that requires some practice, but it gives a professional and neat finish to the buttonholes.
It’s also important to note that with the development of sewing machines, the buttonhole stitch can now be made with the machine and in a more efficient way. However, still, the hand-sewn buttonhole is a traditional method that is still used by some tailors or people who enjoy hand-sewing.
Where can I use Buttonhole Stitch?
Buttonhole stitches can be used in various sewing projects, such as clothing, home decor, and accessories. Here are a few examples:
- Buttonhole stitch is commonly used to create reinforced buttonholes on clothing, such as shirts, jackets, and pants.
- It can also be used to create other types of openings in fabric, such as keyholes or loops, as well as on bags, purses, and other accessories.
- It can be used to create a loop for a button or hook and loop fastener, as well as for a drawstring or ribbon.
- It can also be used to create a button loop for a belt or sash.
- It can be used to create a buttonhole for a button on a cushion cover.
- Buttonhole stitch can also be used for decorative purposes, creating a pattern or design around the buttonhole.
It is a versatile technique that can be used in many projects where a reinforced opening is needed, especially for garments and accessories.
6). Catch stitch
Catch stitch, also known as “crossed hemming stitch” or “herringbone stitch,” is a type of hand-sewing technique used to hem fabric or join two layers of fabric together invisibly. It is a decorative and sturdy stitch that creates a zig-zag pattern on the fabric.
To make a catch stitch, the thread is brought up through the fabric from the back, then pushed back down a short distance away. The needle is then brought up through the fabric again, but this time at an angle, forming a diagonal stitch.
The process is then repeated, with the needle being brought up through the fabric at an angle in the opposite direction, creating a series of diagonal stitches that cross over each other, forming a herringbone pattern.
Catch stitch is commonly used to hem pants, skirts, and other garments, as well as to join two pieces of fabric together invisibly, such as in a lining or to attach a patch pocket to a garment. It’s a versatile technique that can be used on any type of fabric, whether it’s lightweight or heavy, and provides a neat and almost invisible finish on the front side of the fabric.
It is a technique that requires some practice, but it gives a professional and neat finish to the hems or invisible joins.
Where can I use Catch Stitch?
Catch stitch, also known as “crossed hemming stitch” or “herringbone stitch,” can be used in various sewing projects, such as clothing, home decor, and accessories. Here are a few examples:
- Catch stitch is commonly used to hem pants, skirts, and other garments, it provides a neat and almost invisible finish on the front side of the fabric.
- It’s also commonly used to join two pieces of fabric together invisibly, such as in a lining or to attach a patch pocket to a garment. This is useful when you want the stitch to be as invisible as possible.
- It’s a versatile technique that can be used on any type of fabric, whether it’s lightweight or heavy.
- Catch stitch can be used to make repairs or alterations to clothing, such as to fix a tear or to take in a seam.
- Catch stitch can be used to finish the edges of a quilt, blanket, or other home decor item.
- It can make a neat and professional finish for hems on curtains, tablecloths, napkins, and other home decor items.
It is a versatile technique that can be used in many projects where a hemming or invisible join is needed, especially for medium or lightweight fabrics.
7). Blanket Stitch
A blanket stitch, also known as a “buttonhole stitch” or “edge stitch,” is a type of hand-sewing technique used to finish and reinforce the edges of the fabric. It is a decorative stitch that creates a looped or scalloped edge on the fabric.
To make a blanket stitch, a thread is passed through the fabric, creating a small loop on the front side of the fabric. The needle is then passed through the loop, creating a new loop on the front side.
This process is repeated, with the needle passing through each new loop and creating a new one, creating a series of small loops along the edge of the fabric. This creates a neat and secure edge, it can also be used to create a decorative edge on a fabric.
Blanket stitch is commonly used to finish the edges of blankets, quilts, and other home decor items and reinforce the edges of bags, purses, and other accessories. It is also used to make a neat and professional finish for hems on curtains, tablecloths, napkins, and other home decor items.
It is a technique that requires some practice, but it gives a professional and decorative finish to the edges of the fabric.
Where can I use Blanket Stitch?
Blanket stitch, also known as a “buttonhole stitch” or “edge stitch,” can be used in various sewing projects, such as clothing, home decor, and accessories. Here are a few examples:
- Blanket stitch is commonly used to finish the edges of blankets, quilts, and other home decor items, as well as to reinforce the edges of bags, purses, and other accessories.
- It can be used to finish the edges of a garment, such as a jacket or a sweater, where a more decorative edge is desired.
- It’s perfect for making a neat and professional finish for hems on curtains, tablecloths, napkins, and other home decor items.
- It can also be used to create a decorative edge on a fabric, such as on a felt or a fabric handbag.
- Blanket Stitch is suitable for making a neat and secure edge on a knitted or crocheted item, such as a scarf or a blanket.
- It can also be used to attach embellishments, such as beads or sequins, to a fabric.
It is a versatile technique that can be used in many projects where a decorative and secure edge is needed, especially for medium or lightweight fabrics.
Conclusion
As it turns out, there are 7 types of stitches commonly used by sewers; the running stitch, backstitch, slipstitch, blanket stitch, cross stitch, overlock stitch, and French seam. While these may seem daunting at first, once you understand the purpose of each one, they become a lot more manageable.
With some practice, they even provide you with endless possibilities to customize clothing or tackle other sewing projects. Whether you are new to sewing or have been doing it for years, knowing these 7 types of stitches can help you expand your skill set and create amazing things.
