I remember the first time I stared at the stitch panel on my sewing machine. It felt like I was decoding ancient hieroglyphics. 😅 There were zigzags, dashes, little boxes, even symbols that looked like tiny trees!
At first, I just stuck with the straight stitch (because, well, safe zone!). But over time, I realised each symbol held a secret. One that could make my seams stronger, my finishes neater, and my projects look way more professional.
If you’ve ever looked at those stitch icons and felt a little overwhelmed, trust me. You’re not alone.
Let’s break down those sewing machine stitch symbols together, one by one, so you know exactly what you’re looking at and when to use them.
Table of Contents
What Do The Stitch Symbols Mean?
Stitch symbols on a sewing machine are like little visual shortcuts. They tell you exactly what kind of stitch you’re about to use. The symbols may look slightly different depending on your machine brand.
But once you become familiar with them, selecting the right stitch becomes second nature. It’s like learning a new language. But one that makes your sewing a whole lot easier.
Sewing Machine Stitch Symbols
The confusion began because the symbols look entirely different, and some resemble each other. But if you look closely, you can tell the difference. So let’s give you a closer look,
Running Straight Stitch
Straight stitch, also called running stitch on sewing machine. It is sometimes shown as evenly spaced dots. Usually stitch #00 or #01 on your machine. The basic straight line stitch is used for most seams.
Looks like:
—————-
(or sometimes on digital displays: • • • • • •)
Zigzag Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
A zigzag line moving up and down consistently. It is commonly stitch #03 or #04. A flexible stitch used for knits, edge finishing, or appliqué.
zig zag stitch symbol Looks like:
^^^^^^^^^^^^
(or in softer zigzags: VVVVVVVVVV)
Blind Hem Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
A blind hem stitch straight line with spaced vertical “bites” or tacks to the side. Usually stitch #09 or #10. Used to create almost invisible hems on garments.
Looks like:
—˄—˄—˄—
It’s kinda reminiscent of gathering stitch symbol, right?
Buttonhole Sewing Machine Symbol
A rectangle or U-shape made from tight zigzag stitches. Usually stitch #14 to #20, depending on the machine. Used for sewing buttonholes.
Looks like:
|=======|
(or a stitched rectangle: ▯)
Back Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
Backstitch is an overlapping straight stitch, often shown with arrows pointing back and forth. Activated by reverse stitch lever/button rather than a specific stitch number. Used to reinforce seams at the start and end.
Backstitch in sewing machine. Looks like:
→←→←→←→
Overcast Stitch Machine Symbol
Overcast stitch is a diagonal stitch that wraps around a straight edge. An overcast sewing machine is usually stitch #06 or #07. Used to finish raw edges and prevent fraying.
overcast stitch symbol Looks like:
/|/|/|/|
Overlock Stitch On Sewing Machine Symbol
Overlock looped or zigzag stitches secure the fabric edge. Usually stitch #08 or #13. Mimics the finish of a serger for clean edge finishing. The overlock sewing machine stitch is easy yet secure.
Looks like:
⟲⟲⟲⟲ (or //–//–//–)
Lightning Stitch Machine Symbol
A sharp, zigzag-like stitch is often used for decorative or stretch seams. It’s usually a quick, tight zigzag that looks like a lightning bolt on sewing machine.
Looks like:
VVVVVVVVVV
(or ^^^^^^^^^)
Feather Stitch Machine Symbol
A feather stitch on sewing machine with open, looped “V” shapes branching out from a centre line. Commonly used for embellishments and hems.
Looks like:
<><><><><>
Honeycomb Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
A geometric stitch forming a repeating hexagon or “honeycomb” pattern. Honeycomb stitch sewing machine is used mostly in quilting or decorative stitching.
Looks like:
⬡⬡⬡⬡⬡
(or a diamond grid pattern)
Darning Stitch Sewing Machine Symbols
Darning on a machine looks like a series of small, closely spaced straight stitches used to repair holes or reinforce fabric areas. Looks like:
||||||||||
(or short, dense lines)
Box Stitch Machine Symbols
Box stitch on a machine is a square or rectangular stitch often used for reinforcement in heavy-duty sewing or attaching straps.
Looks like:
▭▭▭▭▭
(or a square grid pattern)
Pick Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
A pick stitch on a sewing machine resembles tiny, evenly spaced straight stitches that barely show on the fabric surface. Looks like:
· · · · · ·
(or small dots in a line)
Catch Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
A chain stitch sewing machine crossing back and forth, used to hem or join fabric invisibly while allowing some stretch.
chain stitch embroidery machine looks like:
/\/\/\/\/\
Pad Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
The pad stitch machine appears to be a secure method for interfacing custom garments. It helps add structure without being visible.
Looks like:
|||||||
(or very short, close parallel lines)
Saddle Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
A saddle stitch on a machine looks like two threads crossing, often used in leatherwork or decorative seams. Saddle stitch sewing machine,
kinda like X.
Tack Stitch Machine Symbols
A tack stitch sewing machine is used to create short, temporary stitches that hold layers of fabric together before final sewing.
Looks like:
— — —
Sewing Machine Blanket Stitch Symbol
A blanket stitch sewing machine resembles an L symbol.
A looped edge stitch is used to finish fabric edges and add decoration, often on blankets or appliqué.
Singer Sewing Machine Blanket Stitch Symbol
A blanket stitch on a Singer machine appears as a vertical line with a shorter, angled line extending from the side,
resembling a sideways “L” or a slightly modified “J.”
Stretch Stitch On The Machine
A stitch designed to stretch with the fabric, often a lightning bolt or triple zigzag shape. Ideal for knits and stretchy materials.
Looks like:
VVV^^^VVV^^^
There are many kinds of Stretch stitch on sewing machine, too. For intense,
Chain Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
A looped stitch that forms a chain-like pattern, used for decorative stitching and embroidery. Not all machines can do this stitch.
chain stitch sewing machine looks like:
⬤⬤⬤⬤⬤
Ladder Stitch Sewing Machine Symbol
A ladder stitch sewing machine that looks like evenly spaced horizontal bars, often used for invisible seams or closing openings by hand.
Looks like:
||||||||||
Fill Stitch Symbol
Dense, closely spaced stitches that fill a shape completely, mostly used in embroidery for solid areas.
Cutwork Symbol On The Machine
Machine embroidery cutwork is a decorative stitch that outlines a shape or design, which is then cut away to create a lacy effect. Usually done with a satin stitch border.
Looks like:
▭▭▭▭▭ (with open space inside)
Sewing Machine Stitch Symbols Pdf
Singer Sewing Machine Stitch Symbols
Most of the stitches are the same on every machine,
but there can be a slight difference. Here I have gathered all the symbols of the singer machine.
Brother Sewing Machine Stitch Symbols
Some of my readers have questions about the brother machine, too. So here it is,
Frequently Asked Questions
Are stitch symbols the same on all sewing machines?
Not exactly. While many brands use similar symbols, the stitch number or icon can vary between models and manufacturers.
How can I tell which stitch is right for my project?
Think about the fabric and function. Straight for seams, zigzag for stretch or finishing edges, buttonhole for closures, etc.
Can I change stitch settings manually?
Yes! You can usually adjust stitch width, length, and tension to suit your fabric and desired look.
Do computerized machines show stitch previews?
Most modern machines do. They display icons or small diagrams to show what each stitch will look like.
Final Thoughts
Sewing machine stitch symbols might seem like a secret code at first, but once you know what you’re looking at, it opens up a world of creative possibilities. From basic straight stitches to intricate embroidery symbols, your machine is packed with potential. You just have to speak its language. Happy stitching! 🧵
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