Permanent Stitches & Basting

Stitches are created in a complete sewing action, using a threaded needle. They may be produced either by hand or machine. Stitches may be functional or decorative, and they may be concealed within or show on the face of a garment.

Permanent Stitches are used for seams, darts, and tucks. The length and tension of the stitch vary, depending on the fabric used. On most mediumweight fabric, there are about 10 to 12 stitches per inch; sheers require a finer stitch length, about 14 stitches per inch; heavyweight fabric generally needs 8 to 10 stitches per inch.

Tip: Areas where there is strain or a need for reinforcement, such as points of collars, cuffs, and pointed faced openings of necklines, need a finer, tighter stitch, usually 16 to 18 stitches per inch.

Basting stitches are long temporary stitches made by hand or machine, approximately 6 stitches per inch. Ends are not fastened or backstitched...