Basic Sewing Stitches Everyone Should Know

Not much can beat trial and error when it comes to perfecting your sewing technique, and mistakes are simply part of the process. However, having a few stitches in mind to work on will help give your practice session a bit more focus.

Try These Basic Stitches with Your Sewing Machine

These simple stitches are designed for a few different sewing machine project types so that you can go between a variety of fabrics and styles with ease. As you’re stitching, make sure you always have the right accessories to suit your fabric, including needles, thread, and presser feet.

Lockstitch

The lockstitch, also known as a straight stitch, is by far one of the most common stitches and works great for a variety of projects. Simply move your needle across your fabric from one point to another in a straight line, and you’ve got a lockstitch! Generally, the shorter the stitch, the stronger the seam.

Zigzag

Zigzag stitches are a great option if you want to make sure the edges on your seams never fray. They also work well for sewing buttons and elastic types of fabric. Move your needle in a zigzag pattern as you stitch to achieve this technique. Most sewing machines have a zigzag mode that allows you to do this smoothly without jagged lines.

Basting

Basting stitches are only used in the early parts of a garment project to keep your fabric in place before the final stitches are made. Basting stitches mark the positions in which different fabric elements will be added, and these stitches should be easily removable with a seam ripper once the final stitches are in place.

Overlock

The overlock stitch is an excellent way to neatly join two pieces of fabric and create a seam that will never fray. Overlock stitches have a very neat, professional look and are designed to accommodate a high level of stretch with the right fabric and thread.

Chain

Chain stitches are relatively ornate stitches that are commonly used on fabrics like denim. The chain stitch is created by placing threads in loops that interlock in order to make a chain-like line of stitching. Generally, you’ll need a special sewing machine in order to successfully pull off a chain stitch, but some machines have a way to simulate this stitch with similar results.

Find the Tools You Need

Do you want to boost your sewing machine skills? Find all the DIY ideas, tools, and supplies you need at Goldstar Tool.