By the time you finish this article, you’ll have a good grasp of 10 Different Types of stitches for sewing and when to use them in your sewing projects. Let’s get you stitching!
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Types of stitches
To secure your thread with a knot at the starting point before you begin stitching.
1. The Straight Stitch
This stitch is the most fundamental of all sewing techniques, and if you’ve ever picked up a needle and thread, you’ve likely used this stitch before. It’s an excellent stitch for quick mending and basic seam work.
METHOD:
Start by pushing your threaded needle through the back of the fabric (the wrong side). Once the knot at the end of your thread has caught on the fabric, create a stitch by inserting the needle back down into the fabric about a quarter-inch away in the direction you want to stitch. Pull the thread all the way through. Then, bring the needle back up through the fabric and repeat the process. This simple in-and-out motion forms the basis of the straight stitch.
2. The Basting Stitch
This stitch is essentially just a longer version of the straight stitch. Instead of making your stitches a quarter-inch apart, space them about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch apart from each other
METHOD
The basting stitch is quicker to execute than the straight stitch once you get into a rhythm. It’s particularly useful for temporarily holding fabrics together or marking seam lines that you plan to sew permanently later.
3. The Backstitch
Before sewing machines became commonplace, this stitch was the go-to method for creating all types of clothing. Multiple layers of backstitches formed patterns of threads that people could wear. It’s a remarkably strong and durable stitch.
METHOD
To perform a backstitch, begin by making a small stitch. Then, insert the needle back into the end of that stitch, where you just pulled the thread out. Make another stitch and repeat this process. These stitches should appear to overlap each other, creating a solid line of stitching.
4. The Slip Stitch
This stitch is invaluable when you’re trying to sew hems in a way that conceals the stitches. It’s particularly useful for patchwork and finishing touches on garments.
METHOD
The slip stitch is designed to work through a fold in the fabric. Even if you’re working with a single piece of fabric, you can create this fold by turning the bottom edge up underneath. Pin your hem in place to ensure you sew in a straight line.
Bring the needle through the fold of the hem and then up through the top crease of the fabric. Pull the needle through just a few threads at this point, but don’t pull it all the way through the fabric as you would with other stitches.
Then, pull the needle back into the fold near where you first drew it out, staying parallel to the fold. Repeat these steps, keeping your stitches about half an inch apart and relatively loose.
5. The Blanket Stitch
This stitch, as you might guess from its name, is excellent for finishing the edges of blankets. It’s also useful for creating buttonholes, hence its alternative name: the buttonhole stitch.
METHOD
To create a blanket stitch, push the needle in from the back of the fabric and pull it all the way through. Instead of bringing the needle right through the front as you would with other stitches, bring it through the back of the fabric again.
You’ll have created a loop by pulling the needle through the back of the fabric twice. Pull the needle right through this loop. Repeat these steps, keeping stitches about a centimeter apart if you’re working on a blanket edge.
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6. The Zigzag Stitch
When you’re ready to transition from hand stitching to machine sewing, the zigzag stitch is an essential technique to master. Most sewing machines will have a zigzag stitch option. This versatile stitch is ideal for preventing seams from fraying and for creating buttonholes.
METHOD
To use the zigzag stitch, first set your sewing machine to the zigzag stitch setting. Adjust the machine to achieve the width and length of stitch you desire. Gently press the pedal so the machine works slowly, and guide the fabric as it feeds through. Sew to the end of the fabric without stitching over the same place twice for best results.
7. The Blind Hem Stitch
This stitch is primarily a combination of straight stitches and zigzag stitches. It’s perfect for hemming and mending, especially because it’s nearly invisible when done correctly. The purpose of this stitch is to either join two pieces of fabric together or secure the fold of a single piece of fabric.
METHOD
To create a blind hem stitch, start by making two or three straight stitches. Then, make one wide zigzag stitch (similar to a cross-stitch). Repeat this pattern along the length of your hem or seam.
8. The Buttonhole Stitch
While the zigzag stitch can be used for creating buttonholes, many modern sewing machines have the capability to create buttonholes with a special foot attachment or a pre-programmed buttonhole setting.
METHOD
To use this stitch, first attach the buttonhole foot to your machine (if you have one). Measure and mark where your buttonhole will go on the fabric. Position the presser foot at one end of the buttonhole. Zigzag stitch up (or down, depending on which side of the buttonhole you started on) to the other end of the buttonhole.
Then zigzag stitch back down (or up) to the side of the buttonhole where you began your stitching. Finally, use a seam ripper to carefully open up the area between the stitches, and voila, you have a perfect buttonhole!
9. The Overlock Stitch
The overlock stitch is a type of stitch specifically designed to prevent fabric edges from fraying. It’s commonly used in garment construction to give seams a professional, finished look.
METHOD
Most modern sewing machines have an overlock stitch setting. To use it, align the edge of your fabric with the guide on your sewing machine. As you sew, the machine will create a series of looped stitches that wrap around the edge of the fabric, securing it and preventing fraying.
10. The Darning Stitch
This final stitch is invaluable for repairing holes or worn areas in fabric. It creates a web of thread to reinforce the damaged area, effectively patching it without the need for additional fabric.
METHOD
To perform a darning stitch, set your sewing machine to a straight stitch with a short stitch length. If your machine allows, lower the feed dogs. Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop for stability.
Sew back and forth over the damaged area, then rotate the hoop 90 degrees and sew across your previous stitches. This creates a crosshatched pattern that reinforces the weak spot in the fabric.
Conclusion
While this list doesn’t encompass every stitch in existence, it provides a solid foundation for both hand and machine sewing techniques. These versatile stitches will see you through a wide range of sewing projects, from basic repairs to more complex garment construction.
Mastery comes with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect – every stitch you make improves your skills. Before long, you’ll be stitching with confidence and taking on more challenging sewing projects.