List of sewing stitches explained

This is a list of stitches used in hand and machine sewing. The most common standard for stitches in the apparel industry is ASTM International ASTM D6193-16(2020)^[1] The standard also covers various types of seams.

Under this classification of stitches there are basic groups as follows:

• Class 100 - Single Thread Chainstitch
• Class 200 - Hand Stitches
• Class 300 - Lock Stitch
• Class 400 - Multi-thread Chain Stitch
• Class 500 - Over-edge Chain Stitch
• Class 600 - Covering Chain Stitch

Examples of machine stitches

• Chain stitch
• Lockstitch
• Zigzag stitch
• Running stitch
• Back stitch
• Satin stitch
• Overlock stitch

Types of hand stitches

• Back tack – backward stitch to anchor tacking or basting
• Backstitch – sturdy hand stitch for seams and decoration
• Basting stitch (US) – for reinforcement or for temporarily holding fabric in place (same as tacking stitch)
• Blanket stitch – used to finish an unhemmed blanket
• Blind stitch (or hemstitch) – type of slip stitch used for inconspicuous hem
• Buttonhole stitch – for reinforcing buttonholes and preventing cut fabric from raveling
• Chain stitch – hand or machine stitch for seams or decoration
• Cross-stitch – usually used for decoration, but may also be used for seams
• Catch stitch (also 'flat' and 'blind' -catch stitch) – flat looped stitch used in hemming
• Darning stitch – for repairing holes or worn areas in fabric or knitting
• Embroidery stitch – one or more stitches forming a figure of recognizable appearance
• Hemstitch (Hemming stitch) – decorative technique for embellishing the hem of clothing or household linens
• Overcast stitch – used to enclose a raw, or unfinished, seam or edge
• Pad stitch – secures two or more layers of fabric together and provide firmness
• Pick stitch – hand stitch that catches only a few threads on the wrong side of the fabric, difficult to produce nicely so typically used for hemming high quality garments
• Running stitch – hand stitch for seams and gathering
• Saddle stitch - alternating running stitches
• Sailmaker's stitch – may refer to any of the hand stitches used for stitching canvas sails, including the flat stitch, round stitch, baseball stitch, herringbone stitch.^[2]
• Slip stitch – form of blind stitch for fastening two pieces of fabric together from the right side without the thread showing
• Stoating – used to join two pieces of woven material, such that the resulting stitches are not visible from the right side of the cloth
• Straight stitch – the basic stitch in hand-sewing and embroidery
• Tacking stitch (UK, also baste or pin) – quick, temporary stitching intended to be removed
• Tent stitch – diagonal embroidery stitch at a 45-degree angle
• Topstitch – used on garment edges such as necklines and hems, helps facings stay in place and gives a crisp edge
• Whipstitch – for protecting edges
• Ladder stitch or mattress stitch – for invisibly closing seams from the outside, i.e. to close a pillow after being stuffed

See also

• List of sewing machine brands

References

• Sarah’s Hand Embroidery Tutorials (2019). Hand Embroidery Stitches for Everyone. .
• Book: Picken, Mary Brooks. Mary Brooks Picken. The Fashion Dictionary. Funk and Wagnalls. 1957.
• Book: Reader's Digest. Complete Guide to Sewing. registration. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.. 1976. 0-89577-026-1.

1. Web site: Standard Practice for Stitches and Seams . ASTM International . ASTM International . 8 February 2024.
2. Book: Seaman: Military manual for the Seaman rate . Integrated Publishing, Inc . Chapter 3 - Marlinespike Seamanship - Sewing canvas by Hand . 2022-11-28.