Useful Stitches, Seams, and Seam Finishes

• Running stitch

  Holds a seam and edge of the fabric
• Classifications of stitches

  • Plain stitches
  • Decorative stitches
• Gathering stitch


  Makes small folds on the bias or crosswise thread of fabric
• Blanket stitch


  Used as an edge stitch or appliqué or decorative trim
• French seam


  Raw edges of fabric are joined and the new edges are enclosed. Commonly used for pillow cases. Not used for curve lines
• Overcasting stitch

  Prevents fabric from fraying, as in the cut edges of the seam
• Backstitch


  Is a substitute for machine stitching
• Kinds of seams

  • Plain seam
  • French seam
  • Flat felled seam
• Plain stitches

  • Running stitch
  • Backstitch
  • Catch stitch
  • Gathering stitch
  • Overcasting stitch
  • Slip stitch
  • Blanket stitch
• Flat felled seam

  Joins 2 pieces of fabric at their selvages. Used for pajamas
• Cost of finished products depend on

  The quality of the materials and stitches
• Slip stitch


  Fastens a folded edge to single thickness of fabric
• Stitches and seam finishes

  Joins pieces of fabric and are for ornamentation
• Quality of products depend on


  How the stitches are done
• Catch stitch


  Holds hems and pleats in linings. Helps fasten fabrics like wool and velvet in place
• Decorative stitches

  • Feather stitch
  • French knot
  • Cross stitch
  • Outline stitch
  • Chain stitch
• Plain seam


  Is the most common machine sewn seam. Joins 2 pieces of fabric with the right side face-to-face