Every time I visit Grandma’s house, I see her doing something with a needle, thread, and some pieces of fabric. I ask, ‘Grandma, what are you doing, actually?’
She smiled and said, ‘Oh, I’m starting a stitch hand sewing. I’m sure those things are new to you modern kids.’’
I said, ‘Well, it sure it is. What is sewing stitches, grandma?
Grandma said,
Sewing Stitches
Well, sewing stitches are the base of any sewing project. You push the needle through and pull it back; that’s a stitch. So, sewing is trying 2 fabric pieces together and setting the stage for fancy patterns.
I sat beside Grandma and said, ‘That’s so interesting, Grandma! Can you tell me about it?’ She smiled and said, ‘ Why not? Let’s discuss more about what is the meaning of sewing stitches and learn about the types of stitches sewing.
Main Facts:
- Sewing stitches are basic in any sewing project.
- Hand stitches include 20 types, such as running stitch, slip stitch, backstitch, and blanket stitch, etc.
- Machine stitches are 7 types: chain stitch, lockstitch, zigzag stitch, etc.
Table of Contents
What Is Sewing Stitches?
Sewing stitches is a sewing technique. Stitches are the starting process of every sewing project. To stitch, grab 2 pieces of fabric, then grab a needle and a piece of thread.
Now, here comes the stitching part. You take a needle and thread and weave them through the fabric in a fancy pattern. You may need 10 – 12 spi to straighten the stitch.
Some stitches are basic, helping with seams and fixes. Those can only be done within 5-10 spi. The average stitch length should be around 2-4 mm, so don’t overdo it.
-Well, then how many stitches do you normally use, Grandma?
-Well, I normally use 7 stitches per inch. 😜
-I read on embroidery rocksea that there are around 400 types of stitches. Is it true?
-Well, I think it can be more than 400. It can be like 10,000 stitches, depending on your stitch pattern. However, those 400 or 10,000 stitches can be divided into 2 types of stitches. As in:
- Hand stitches
- Machine stitches
1. Hand Stitches:
A hand stitch is a sewing technique done manually using a needle and thread, without a sewing machine.
Now you know what a stitch is in sewing, right? But do you know how many are hand stitched?
-Umm, I don’t know. Are there 10 types of hand stitches?
-no, there is more than that. There are actually 20 types of hand stitches. Here are some basic hand stitches:
- Running Stitch: It’s like the 1,2 or 3 thread footsteps of a tiny seamstress on fabric. This is the most common among types of stitches sewing.
- Slip Stitch: A slip stitch is an easy way to link two fabrics with 2\3 stitches depending on your project.
- Backstitch: This is just a 4-5 raw backward stitch.
- Basting stitch: A basting stitch, or whip stitch, is a simple six-stitch stitch used to hold two fabrics together. It is also often called a tack stitch.
- Blanket stitch: This version of stitch type usually consists of 96 to 200 stitches to make a blanket.
- Blind stitch: This invisible stitch only needs 4/5 straight stitches and is mostly used in garment cloths.
- Buttonhole stitch: Buttonhole stitch only needs 14-16 stitches to wrap around the buttonhole in the fabric.
- Chain stitch: Looks like a chain of stitches and may need 24-30 stitches to apply.
- Cross-stitch: The stitch starts with around 14 to 24 x shaped stitch to create a design. Cross stitch is also called catch stitch.
- Darning stitch: This stitch helps to repair holes or worn-out parts in fabric.
- Embroidery stitch: This permanent stitch creates a decorative design in fabric with a combination of 2000 to 15,000 stitches.
- Hemstitch: This stitch is used to fold sections of cloth with the help of 5-7 stitches.
- Overcast stitch: The last finishing touch with 100 stitches on the sewing project.
- Pad stitch: It is usually 2-3 of stitches used on areas like lapels, collars, and cuffs.
- Pick stitch: Pick stitch or stab stitch is 3\4 stitch used on the wrong side of fabric on garments cloths.
- Saddle stitch: Looks like 2 running stitches, which are mostly used in book-building
- Tent stitch: This is a single stitch that looks like a tent in an embroidery way.
- Topstitch: Usually used in the collar of a jacket\ coat and jeans with 8-10 stitches.
- Whipstitch: Keeping two edges of fabric together with the 85-90 stitch.
- Ladder stitch: This looks like a ladder and is usually used for pillows and other matters. And it usually has 4\5 stitches on each ladder.
Each stitch has its own charm and challenge. Whether you’re mending a tear, crafting a quilt, or adding a splash of decoration, your stitch choice can make all the difference.
- Running Stitch
- Slip Stitch
- Backstitch
- Basting Stitch
- Blanket Stitch
2. Machine Stitches:
-So, let me explain, what is sewing stitch in sewing machine?
A machine stitch is a type of sewing done with a sewing machine. It uses a needle and thread to make neat and even stitches quickly.
“As per your concern, machine stitching is mainly used in big sewing projects. Let’s be real; an old grandma can’t do all those 10,000-20,000 stitches all by hand right? That’s where the stitch sewing machine comes to the rescue“
A stitch sewing machine is a device used to automate the process of creating stitches in fabric. It consists of a motor-driven needle that moves up and down, pulling thread through the fabric to form stitches. It can do whatever stitch technique you ask. People who find it difficult to hand-sew a straight stitch switch to the sewing machine.
-Can the machine do all kinds of stitches?
-Yes, it can do all 20 types of hand stitches. However, according to Wikipedia, there are 7 machine stitches such as:
- Chain stitch
- Lockstitch
- Zigzag stitch
- Running stitch
- Back stitch
- Satin stitch
- Overlock stitch
-Ok, grandma! Can you explain it briefly to me?
-Sure!
- Chain stitch: You can easily do chain stitches with machine stitches.
- Lock stitch: Machine lock stitches are like 3-4 tiny knots or stitches made by sewing machines.
- Zipzag stitch: It’s like a back-and-forth stitch, which means creating a cool design.
- Running stitch: The machine quickly creates straight stitches in a continuous line, securing fabric together.
- Backstitch: Backstitching adds extra strength to your with 20 stitches by sewing backwards and forward.
- Satin stitch: A satin stitch is a 100% of flat stitches that cover part of your fabric when you’re embroidering or sewing.
- Overlock stitch: This is a combination stitch type of 2\3 straight and zigzag stitch.
How Much Time Does It Take to Sewing Stitch?
-Grandma, how much time does it take to stitch? I read on Leatherworker that it is possible to stitch 6 stitches per 2.5 minutes. Is it true?
“The timing of the stitch depends on your skill. The faster you can move your hands, the faster the project will be done. But in general, if you are a newbie, then you can do 2-3 stitches in 1 minute. So, technically, you need 4-8 hours to complete the small stitch project and 2-3 days to complete a big project.“
What is Sewing Stitches Used For?
– You said they are around 1000 of 1000 stitch around. What’s the use of it? clothes, bags, and all sorts of textile projects.
– Well, stitches help create 150 fancy patterns, cool textures, or vibrant colours. Ever wonder how edges stay so neat? That’s where stitches help out, too. Those are stitch work, too. There are over 400 embroidery patterns. You can choose any of them and try to bring your imagination to fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is The Most Basic Sewing Stitch?
The most basic stitch is the straight stitch. It’s a simple stitch created by running the needle and thread straight up and down through the fabric in a continuous line. This stitch is commonly used for joining fabric pieces together and for basic sewing tasks.
What Are The 4 Types Of Sewing?
Sewing has many types, but the main four types of sewing are hand stitching, machine sewing, serging, and overlocking.
What Causes Skipped Stitches In Sewing?
Skipped stitches in sewing can happen due to using the wrong needle for the fabric or having tension issues, such as incorrect thread tension or a dull needle. Sewing too quickly or forcefully can also cause this problem. To avoid skipped stitches, use the right needle, adjust tension properly, and sew at a moderate pace.
Warp up
So, now you know what is sewing stitches, right?
That’s interesting, right? Which one you find more interesting?
Comment down your thoughts below.
Leave a Reply