List of sewing stitches

This a list of stitches used in hand and machine sewing.

Machine stitches

• Chain stitch, made with one thread
• Lockstitch, made with two threads in any of these geometries:

• Straight stitch
• Zigzag stitch (including Blind stitch)
• Stretch stitch

• Overlock, made with one to four threads
• Coverstitch, made with two or four threads

Hand stitches

• back tack
• backstitch - a sturdy hand stitch for seams and decoration
• basting stitch (or tacking) - for reinforcement
• blanket stitch - used to finish an unhemmed blanket
• blind stitch (or hemstitch) - a type of slip stitch used for inconspicuous hems
• buttonhole stitch - for reinforcing buttonholes and preventing cut fabric from raveling
• chain stitch - hand or machine stitch for seams or decoration
• cross-stitch - usually used for decoration, but may also be used for seams
• catch stitch (also 'flat' & 'blind' -catch stitch)
• cross-stitch tack
• darning stitch - for repairing holes or worn areas in fabric or knitting
• embroidery stitch - one or more stitches forming a figure of recognizable look
• hemming stitch
• overcast stitch
• pad stitch - secures two or more layers of fabric together and provide firmness
• running stitch - a hand stitch for seams and gathering
• sailmakers stitch[zoo stitching]
• slip stitch - a hand stitch for fastening two pieces of fabric together from the right side without the thread showing
• tent stitch - diagonal embroidery stitch at a 45-degree angle
• topstitch - used on garment edges such as necklines and hems, helps facings stay in place and gives a crisp edge
• whipstitch - for protecting edges

References

• Picken, Mary Brooks (1957). The Fashion Dictionary. Funk and Wagnalls. 
• Reader's Digest (1976). Complete Guide to Sewing. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.. ISBN 0-89577-026-1. 

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