Types of stiches

Sewing easy sewing stitches is the best way for beginners to get started. There are often times when machine sewn projects also need some hand sewing done. Once mastered each sewing stitch can add to the beauty when you sew dresses, make a sewing tote or add to any other handmade ideas I added some sewing directions below.

Tacking stitch is used to hold the fabric in position while it is being permanently stitched. Similar to running stitch but with longer stitches. Also known as Basting. It  instructions image Work with single or double thread, knotted at the end, and make evenly spaced stitches by taking the needle in and out of the fabric.
End a line of tacking with 1 backstitch or a knot.
To release the tacking stitches, cut off the knot and pull out the thread

Running stitch is made of up and down stitches of equal length. When finished, take needle through to other side and run under the stitches on the wrong side of the fabric for 3 to 4 stitches. This stitch is used to sew seams, as a gathering stitch, when quilting and is great for outlining in decorative thread.

Hemming stitch is made by beginning the stitch inside the fabric that is folded down and taking a few threads from the outer fabric, then bring the needle back up through the edge of the fold. This stitch is mainly used when hemming any sewing project.

Catch stitch, also known as the Herringbone stitch, is worked making a diagonal stitch from left to right across the fold, turn the needle to the left and make a small stitch in the fabric from right to left, bring the needle out and up towards the right to the folded fabric (forming an X with the thread), then with the needle still turned to the left, make a small stitch in the fabric from right to left. Continue making small stitches from right to left but crossing over the previous stitching to form an X. This is another stitch used to hem sewing projects or to securely attach something like handles to a sewing tote.

Back stitch is made by bringing the needle up from the back of the fabric, stitch back to the right and bring the needle back up to the left leaving a space between where the needle comes up and the beginning of the last stitch, continue across repeating these steps. The back stitch is the strongest hand stitch and is made to imitate machine sewing and as an outline stitch in decorative stitching.

Overcast stitch is made by making diagonal stitches over the raw edge of the fabric. The stitches should be the same length and equally spaced. Overcast stitches are used to prevent the fabric from fraying. The length of the stitch should be related to how badly the fabric will fray.

 Practiced often will make sewing easy each sewing stitch.