Sometimes you need an in depth look at a sewing technique to get it right and sometimes you just need a quick overview. I decided to make this guide as a quick reference point for anyone needing a refresher or just a quick look at different types of stitches that can be used for both sewing and embroidery projects. I don’t have many right now, but I will add more from time to time. Let me know in the comments if there is any particular stitch you would like to see here.
If you are needing a more detailed look at any one of these particular stitches, I only have the Running Stitch available right now, but I plan on adding one for each one of the stitches that are in this reference guide at some point in the future. I will link them in a “Further Reading” section under the specific stitch if it is available, so please continue to check back or let me know which ones you would like to see.
Quick Stitches Table of Contents
Click on any of the stitch names below to jump directly to it.
1. Running Stitch
The Running Stitch is a very simple stitch that can be either decorative or functional. It involves passing your needle back and forth through your fabric at even intervals to create what looks like a dashed line.
How to Make This Stitch
- Tie a knot in your thread and pass your needle from the back of your fabric to the front.
- Pass your needle back down through the fabric a short distance to the side. This is your first stitch.
- Pass your needle back to the front of the fabric, leaving a small gap about the same distance as your first stitch.
- Stitch back down, making your second stitch the same length as the first one.
Repeat this as many times as needed.
Video Example
Further Reading
I also have a more in depth post on the Running Stitch that goes into more detail and other uses. You can read that post by clicking here.
2. Backstitch
The backstitch is a simple stitch that when finished makes a solid line of stitches. Because of this, it is the most common stitch used when sewing a seam, though it can also be used as a decorative stitch as well.
How to Make This Stitch
- Tie a knot in your thread and pass your needle from the back of your fabric to the front.
- Pass your needle back down through the fabric a short distance in the opposite direction you plan on sewing.
- Pull the thread all the way through until you have made your first stitch.
- Bring your needle back up through the fabric in the direction you are sewing, leaving a gap about the same distance as your first stitch.
- Pass your needle back down through the fabric directly next to your first stitch.
- Pull the thread all the way through. The two stitches together should look somewhat like a solid line.
Repeat this as many times as needed.
Video Example
3. Invisible Ladder Stitch
The Invisible Ladder Stitch is a functional stitch usually used to sew gaps closed without the stitches being visible. You sew your thread back and forth between the two layers to make what looks somewhat like a ladder, which is where the stitch gets its name. It is also sometimes known as just the Invisible Stitch or just the Ladder Stitch.
How to Make This Stitch
- Tie a knot in your thread and pass your needle from the back of your fabric to the front.
- Directly across from where your thread came out, pass your needle under and through on the other side.
- Pull your thread gently to create your first stitch.
- Again, go directly across from where your thread end is and pass your needle under and through the fabric.
- Repeat this as many times as needed until you have sewn across the gap you want closed.
- Gently pull the end of your thread. The stitches will pull the two sides of fabric together and create a tight seam where the stitches are no longer visible.
Video Example
I hope you found this Quick Stitches guide helpful! Like I said above, please feel free to leave a comment letting me know if there is any particular stitch you’d like me to cover. I plan on adding more as the website grows, especially to go along with particular projects.
Thank you for stopping by and happy crafting!
