Sewers of all levels of experience can benefit from knowing the basic stitches. These 10 types of sewing stitches are essential for repairing clothing, making alterations and creating new pieces of clothing. By learning these stitches, you’ll be able to complete a wide variety of sewing projects with ease!
Table of Contents
About Stitching
Before we get into the different types of stitching, let’s talk about what stitching is and why it’s important. Stitching is the process of joining two pieces of fabric together using a needle and thread. When you stitch, you create a tiny opening in the fabric that the thread can pass through. The needle pulls the thread through the fabric, and the thread holds the two pieces of fabric together.
Why Learn Different Stitch Types?
There are a variety of different stitches that you can use, and each one has its own purpose. Some stitches are strong and durable, while others are more delicate and decorative. Choosing the right stitch for your project is important, as using the wrong stitch can result in a poorly made garment that falls apart easily.
Learning different types of sewing stitches will allow you to do a variety of different projects. From clothing repair, to making pillowcases to quilting. Plus it is fun to know how to do all sorts of different stitches!
Sewing Machine Stitches vs Hand Sewing Stitches
There are two ways to sew – with a sewing machine or by hand. Most beginners start with a sewing machine, as it is easier to learn how to use and machine stitches are much faster than hand stitching. You can get sewing machines that have several sewing machine stitches built-in, or you can get a more basic sewing machine for simpler operation with a few sewing machine stitches.
Hand stitching is often used for projects that require more delicate work, such as applique or quilting. Hand stitching is also used when sewing with very thick fabrics or multiple layers of fabric, as the sewing machine might have trouble going through all the layers. Additionally, many like myself, find stitching by hand more relaxing than using a sewing machine.
Some people prefer to hand stitch everything, as they feel it gives them more control over the final product. If you are just starting out, we recommend trying both machine and hand stitching to see which one you prefer.
10 Types of Hand Stitches With Pictures and Video
Below you will find details of 10 basic stitches you should know along with details on how to perform each stitch and when to use them.
To assist, I have prepared a video tutorial showing how to complete each stitch.
Backstitch
The Backstitch is one of the most important and useful stitches in embroidery. It is strong, durable and provides a nice, firm edge to your work. The backstitch is also very versatile – it can be used to stitch lines, curves, and corners. In fact, once you get the hang of it, the backstitch can be used for just about any type of embroidery project. But before you start stitching, there are a few things you need to know about the basic backstitch…
How to Backstitch
Backstitch is a basic embroidery stitch that every stitcher should know. It’s worked by sewing backward and forward on the fabric to create a line of stitches. Backstitch is often used to outline shapes or to sew seams in applique work. It’s also great for mending holes or tears in fabric.
To backstitch, start by threading a needle with embroidery floss or thread. Knot the end of the thread, and then bring the needle up through the fabric from the back side.
Next, take a small stitch back into the fabric, just a few threads away from where the needle first emerged. Continue taking stitches forward and backward along the line you want to sew. When you reach the end of the line, take a few stitches back into the fabric to secure the thread, and then knot it off on the back side of the fabric. Trim any excess thread.
That’s all there is to it! With a little practice, you’ll be stitching like a pro in no time. It’s important to keep your stitches even in both length and spacing – this will give your work a nice, consistent look.
Uses
Some common uses for the backstitch include:
• Sewing two pieces of fabric together
• Embroidering outlines
• Making repairs to clothing
While the backstitch is traditionally, you can use worked with straight lines, it can also be used to stitch curves and corners. Just be sure to take small, even stitches so that your work looks neat and tidy.
Straight / Running Stitch
When looking at different types of stitches, the straight or running stitch is the most basic of all stitches and is often used as a starting point for more complex stitches. It’s also one of the most versatile stitches, as it can be used for a variety of purposes such as sewing two pieces of fabric together, basting (or temporary stitching), gathering fabric, and even embroidering.
How to sew a straight / running stitch
The most basic of all stitches, straight stitches are formed by simply needle and thread. It is a strong stitch that can be used on a variety of fabrics, from denim to silk. To sew a straight stitch, start by threading your needle.
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Then, make a small knot at the end of the thread. Next, take a small stitch in the fabric, making sure to pull the thread through to the back side. Continue making small stitches, making sure that each one is evenly spaced from the next across the entire stitch length. When you reach the end of your seam, take a few stitches onto the wrong side of the fabric to secure the thread.
Finally, make a knot on the back side and snip off any excess thread.
Strait Stitch Uses
Some common uses for the straight line or running stitch include:
• Sewing two pieces of fabric together such as quilt borders
• Basting (or temporary stitching)
• Gathering fabric
• Embroidering
This stitch can be used for a variety of purposes, so experiment and see what you can create!
Chain Stitch
The chain stitch is a very popular embroidery stitch that can be used to create a variety of different effects. It’s also one of the easiest stitches to learn, so it’s a great choice for beginners.
How to Chain Stitch
Chain stitch is one of the most basic and versatile embroidery stitches. This decorative stitch can be used to create a variety of effects, from solid lines to delicate chains. In order to create a chain stitch, you will need a needle, thread, and fabric.
To do this decorative stitch, start by threading the needle and knotting the end of the thread. Then, make a small straight stitch in the fabric. Next, insert the needle into the fabric a short distance away from the first stitch. Wrap the thread around the needle and pull it through the fabric.
Continue making small stitches, wrapping the thread around the needle after each one. When you are finished, knot the end of the thread to secure it in place.
Chain Stitch Uses
Some common uses for the chain stitch include:
• Decorative stitching
• Embroidering outlines
• Making repairs to clothing
The chain stitch is a very versatile stitch that can be used in a variety of ways. So get creative and see what you can come up with!
Zigzag Stitches
The zigzag stitch is a basic stitch that every sewer should know how to sew. It’s very versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as seaming two pieces of fabric together, reinforcing edges, and even embroidering.
How to Zigzag Stitch
Basic stitches are the foundation of any good sewing project, and the zigzag stitch is one of the most versatile. It can be used to finish raw edges, attach appliques, or reinforce seams. Best of all, it’s easy to learn how to do a zigzag stitch. Just follow these simple steps.
First, thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Then, choose the width and length of your zigzag stitch. A wider stitch will be more visible, so it’s best to start with a narrower setting.
Once you’ve chosen your settings, position your fabric under the needle and lower the presser foot. As you sew, keep the fabric slightly taut to prevent bunching. When you reach the end of your seam, lift the presser foot and turn your fabric.
Then, lower the presser foot and continue sewing. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure the stitches. And that’s all there is to it! With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Uses
Some common uses for the zigzag stitch include:
• Seaming two pieces of fabric together
• Reinforcing edges
• Embroidering
Cross Stitch
The cross stitch is a very popular embroidery stitch that’s often used to create decorative designs. It’s a relatively easy stitch to learn, so it’s a great choice for beginners.
How to Cross Stitch
Cross stitching is a relatively simple needlework technique that has been around for centuries. It is typically done with a particularly thread on an even-weave fabric, such as linen or Aida cloth. The stitcher creates small crosses in groups to form a design.
Basic cross stitches are worked from the lower left corner of the intersection to the upper right. In order to make a basic cross stitch, the stitcher first inserts the needle into the fabric from the back side. Then, they bring the needle up through the fabric at point 1 and down through the fabric at point 2. The thread is then pulled tight.
The next step is to take the needle back down through the fabric at point 3 and up through the fabric at point 4. Once again, the thread is pulled tight. This forms a small cross on the front side of the fabric.
To continue the stitch, the stitcher simply repeats these steps. There are also variations of this basic stitch, such as the half cross stitch, which is worked from points 1 and 3 to points 2 and 4. Cross stitching can be used to create a variety of different patterns, limited only by the stitcher’s imagination. With a little practice, anyone can master this enjoyable and relaxing craft.
When To Use Cross Stitch
Some common uses for the cross stitch include:
• Decorative stitching
• Embroidering outlines
• Making repairs to clothing
Blanket Stitch (Buttonhole Stitch)
The blanket stitch is a basic embroidery stitch that’s often used to finish the edges of blankets and quilts. It can also be used to create decorative designs on clothing, such as jacket lapels or the hem of a skirt.
How to Blanket Stitch
The blanket stitch is a simple embroidery stitch that can be used to finish the edges of blankets and quilts or to create decorative designs on clothing. To make a blanket stitch, the first step is to thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread.
Then, position your fabric under the needle and make a small stitch in the fabric. Next, take the needle over the top of the thread that’s hanging down and insert it into the fabric again.
Now, pull the needle through the fabric and tighten the thread. You should now have a small loop on the front side of the fabric. To continue the stitch, simply repeat these steps.
As you stitch, be sure to keep your stitches evenly spaced. If they’re too close together, your blanket will pucker. If they’re too far apart, your blanket will gap.
When you reach the end of your seam, simply tie off the thread and trim any excess. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master this stitch in no time!
Uses
Some common uses for the blanket stitch include:
• Seaming two pieces of fabric together
• Embellishing clothing
• Making repairs to clothing
Overcast Stitch
The overcast stitch is a basic sewing stitch that’s used to finish the raw edges of fabric. It helps to prevent the fabric from fraying and adds a decorative touch as well.
How to Overcast Stitch
The overcast stitch is a basic stitch that can be used for a variety of purposes, from finishing the edge of a fabric to reinforcing a seam. It’s a simple stitch to learn, and once you master it, you’ll find yourself using it all the time.
To sew an overcast stitch, start by threading your needle with a length of thread. Then, working from the right side of the fabric, insert the needle under the fabric at a 45-degree angle.
Next, create a small loop of thread around the needle, and pull the needle through to the back side of the fabric.
Finally, insert the needle back into the fabric next to where it first emerged, and repeat the process. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to stitch an overcast stitch quickly and easily.
Uses
Some common uses for the overcast stitch include:
• Seaming two pieces of fabric together
• Embellishing clothing
• Making repairs to clothing
Whip Stitch
The whip stitch is a basic sewing stitch that’s used to finish the raw edges of fabric. It helps to prevent the fabric from fraying and adds a decorative touch as well.
How to Whip Stitch
The whip stitch is a basic stitch that can be used for a variety of purposes, from finishing the edge of a fabric to reinforcing a seam. It’s a simple stitch to learn, and once you master it, you’ll find yourself using it all the time.
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To sew a whip stitch, start by threading your needle with a length of thread. Then, working from the right side of the fabric, insert the needle under the fabric at a 45-degree angle.
Next, create a small loop of thread around the needle, and pull the needle through to the back side of the fabric.
Finally, insert the needle back into the fabric next to where it first emerged, and repeat the process. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to stitch a whip stitch quickly and easily.
Uses
Some common uses for the whip stitch include:
• Seaming two pieces of fabric together
• Embellishing clothing
• Making repairs to clothing
Slip Stitch
The slip stitch is a basic sewing stitch that’s used to finish the raw edges of fabric and can be used as a basic crochet stitch. It helps to prevent the fabric from fraying and is one of the decorative stitches to add a finished touch as well.
How to Slip Stitch
The slip stitch is a basic stitch that every sewer should know how to do. It’s often used to sew two pieces of fabric together, as well as to finish off the edge of a seam. To do a slip stitch, first thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread.
Then, insert the needle into the fabric from the back side. Next, take a small stitch through both layers of fabric and then pull the thread through until the knot is tight against the fabric.
Finally, insert the needle into the fabric again a short distance away and repeat the process. Continue stitching until you reach the end of the seam or reach the desired length. When you’re finished, tie a knot at the end of the thread and trim any excess.
Uses
Some common uses for the slip stitch include:
• Seaming two pieces of fabric together
• Crocheting
• Repairing clothing
Blind Hem Stitch
The blind stitch is a basic sewing stitch that’s used to finish the raw edges of fabric. It helps to prevent the fabric from fraying and adds a decorative stitching touch as well. A perfect stich for hand stitching hems.
How to Blind Hem Stitch
The blind stitch is a handy stitch to know how to do if you want to hem a garment invisibly. It’s also relatively easy to do once you get the hang of it.
To start, thread a needle with a thread that’s the same color as the fabric you’re working with. Then, fold up the hem so that just the very edge is visible.
Next, take small stitches along the edge of the fold, catching only a few threads of fabric with each stitch. Be sure to keep your stitches uniform in size.
After you’ve taken a few stitches, open up the fabric so that you can see the underside of the work. Then, take a stitch in the fabric about 1/4 inch away from the edge of the fold. Finally, bring the needle back up through the fabric at the edge of the fold and pull it tight. Congratulations! You’ve just completed a blind hem stitch.
Uses
Some common uses for the blind hem stitch include:
• Finishing the raw edges of fabric
• Hemming clothing
• Embellishing clothing
Wrapping Up Basic Types of Sewing Stitches
There you have it! These are just a few of the basic stitches every sewer should know. By learning these stitches, you’ll be able to complete a wide variety of sewing projects with ease. So get stitching and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with creating something beautiful with your own two hands.
FAQ for Basic Types of Sewing Stitches
Below are additional information for basic stitches.
Why Should I Learn Different Types of Stitches?
Learning different types of stitches is beneficial for a few reasons. First, it gives you the ability to complete a wider variety of sewing projects. Second, it allows you to personalize your projects and add your own unique touch with decorative stitches. Finally, it can help you to save money by allowing you to make repairs and alterations yourself instead of having to take them to a professional.