Sewing Stitches Demystified

Back stitch: a type of machine stitch

Backstitch: a sturdy hand stitch

Back tack: backward stitches

Basting stitch: see tack

Blanket stitch: used on blankets

Blind hem stitch: see hemstitch

Blind stitch: see hemstitch

Buttonhole stitch: for sewing buttonholes

Catch stitch: a flat-looped stitch

Chain stitch: a type of hand or machine stitch

Click stitch: a type of embroidery stitch

Cover stitch: a type of machine stitch

Cross-stitch: usually used to describe a decorative stitch

Daisy stitch: stitch that looks like a daisy

Darning stitch: a stitch used to mend holes

Ditch stitch: a type of machine stitch

Double-stretch stitch: a type of machine stitch

Double whipstitch: see whipstitch

Embroidery stitch: a stitch that incorporate elements of embroidery

Eyelet stitch: a stitch used for eyelets

Flat-catch stitch: see catch stitch

French knot: a type of hand embroidery stitch

Hemming stitch: see hemstitch

Hemstitch: decorative stitch used for hems

Kitsch stitch: an embroidery stitch

Knit stitch: a type of machine stitch

Lock stitch: a type of machine stitch

Lock-a-matic stitch: see lock stitch

Locking stitch: see lock stitch

Multiple zigzag stitch: a type of machine stitch

Outline stitch: a type of machine stitch

Overcast stitch: a type of hand stitch

Overcasting stitch: a type of machine stitch

Overlock stitch: a type of machine stitch

Pad stitch: a stitch which provides an element of padding

Pick stitch: a type of hand stitch

Rantering: a type of stitch used to conceal a seam

Running-stitch: a hand stitch for seams

Running stitch: a type of machine stitch

Sailmakers’ stitch: a type of hand embroidery stitch

Satin stitch: a type of machine stitch

Satin stitch: a type of hand embroidery stitch

Slip stitch: a form of blind stitch used to fasten two pieces of fabric together

Stem stitch: a type of hand embroidery stitch

Stoating: a type of stitching used to join two pieces of material

Stoting: see stoating

Stotting: see stoating

Straight stitch: a type of machine stitch

Straight stitch with needle far to the left: a variant of straight stitch

Stretch stitch: a type of machine stitch

Tack: quick, temporary stitching which will be removed later

Tent stitch: a diagonal embroidery stitch

Topstitch: a stitch used for hems and edges

Triple-stretch stitch: a type of machine stitch

Triple whipstitch: see whipstitch

Whipstitch: a stitch used for edges

Zigzag stitch: a type of machine stitch