Get To Know Your Sewing Stitches

The straight stitch is found on every single sewing machine that is on the market. It will create a nice straight stitch on your craft project without doing anything fancy and difficult. You will use this stitch the most for your sewing hobby, so get in lots of needed practice with this one until it becomes second nature to create the straight stitch.

The zigzag stitch does exactly what it is named for; it creates a zigzag stitch when you don't want to make regular straight stitches. Some sewists will also use the zigzag stitch as an edging stitch to finish the seam allowance and will place them on hems for a nice design.

The automatic buttonhole stitch is a great feature to have if it is on your machine. By telling your sewing machine the size of the button you are using, it will automatically create a buttonhole stitch in the perfect size as you put the finishing touches on your project.

For sewing machines with fewer features, they may include an overcasting stitch so you can finish the edges of fabric so you don't have to do it by hand. You may also find that you have an over-edge foot for your machine to make this stitch.

Basting stitches are used to make temporary stitches in your project that will be removed later when you place in permanent stitches. They are a great help in keeping your garments and decor items together until you are ready to work on that section of the project.

The overlock stitch is an edging stitch used to create a finished edge when you don't have an serger machine. While you can use the zigzag stitch to finish edges, this stitch simply gives you another option for a different look.

When you are making hems on jeans and curtains, there will be times when you don't want it to be seen. The blind hem stitch is perfect with this application as you can make blind hems on most normal fabrics. If you are working with stretchy fabrics, you can use the blind hem stretch stitch option.

There are certain stitches that work better when you are using specific fabrics such a knits or stretchy materials. The knit stitch is perfect when working with knits because it lets you create clean stitches along the edges.

The applique stitch allows you to place appliques on your garments and craft projects. Many people like to do this step by hand, but the sewing machine can make the job a lot easier once you get the hang of placing appliques on fabric.

Locking stitches allow you to create a nice knot at the end and the beginning of a line of stitches. This technique is ideal when you don't want the thread to unravel. Some people also prefer this stitch when they don't like to backstitch.