Household Repairs Back stitch. This is the strongest hand stitch. Make a short, straight stitch through the fabric, double back, and start the second stitch in the middle of the first. The stitches underneath are 1/8" to 1/4" long; those on top, made by doubling back, are half that length.

Basting stitch. This is a temporary stitch used to hold fabric in position until permanent stitches are put in. The stitches are 1/4" to 1 1/2" long; they do not have to be even.

Blanket stitch. This is a decorative stitch used for making thread loops and edging heavy materials. Hold the thread at the left. Take a stitch upwards through the fabric, then bring the thread down through the thread you are holding; take another stitch upwards and down through the thread; etc.

Chain stitch. This is a decorative stitch. Insert needle from the reverse side of fabric, form a loop and hold it, stick needle back through fabric at the starting point; bring needle out through fabric and through the bottom end of the loop; form another loop; etc.

Diagonal basting. This is slightly stronger than the ordinary basting stitch and is sometimes left in permanently. It is particularly useful when you are working with slippery material. The diagonal stitches are made on top of the material and may be up to 4" long. The short stitches are underneath and are up to 3/4" long.




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Home > Household Repairs > Basic Methods > How To Make Basic Sewing Stitches

May 22, 2012