Basting Stitch

Sheri Deaton

15 Basting Stitch

Sheri Deaton

Basting Stitch

Basics on Basting

A basting stitch temporarily holds layers of fabric together. This could be used in a variety of settings and is not a step that should be overlooked. If the instructions call for a basting stitch, do not skip this step! The result will be seam allowances that are not even, and many hours spent with “Sally the Seam Ripper” (Deaton, 2021).

A straight basting stitch is probably the most used type of basting stitch, and this can be created on a sewing machine by adjusting the stitch length, or by hand sewing. For the purposes of this chapter, we will focus on the steps needed to complete a hand-sewn basting stitch.

Generic Guidelines

Thread the needle and make a double knot at the end of the thread.

TIP: For a quick review of how to create a double knot at the end of the thread, watch the videos embedded at the end of this chapter. Just like there is “more than one way to Wal-Mart” there is more than one way to tie a knot at the end of the thread. Allow students opportunities to explore various options to determine which style works best for them.

Weave the needle in and out of the fabric.
The length of the stitch may vary depending on the fabric used, but the stitches should be equal in distance from each other and should create an even seam allowance.
Finish the seam with a back-tacking knot.

TIP: For a quick review of how to create a back-tack knot to finish a seam, watch the videos embedded at the end of the chapter. Allow your students multiple opportunities to practice and refine this skill, as this is an essential skill for every hand-sewing project.

Photo by Anna Tarazevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-a-thread-and-needle-5963171/

For more information about basting, including how to do this with a sewing machine, check out What is Basting in Sewing?

Hemming it Up

Many authors spend a substantial amount of time pressing the delete key or using an eraser when they go through their manuscript for a second or third revision. The work they put into the rough draft helped them get to the point of perfection in the later renditions, but the draft does not need to be seen by the readers.

A basting stitch is like a rough draft of stitches. It is not something that is going to be seen, it will be taken out, but it creates a solid foundation from which to build. Do not neglect this important step in the apparel production process.