Basting creates professional results and helps beginners hold tricky seams in place. When basting a seam you temporarily hold a seam together before the final seam is stitched. By taking a little extra time learning how to baste a seam, you will get great results with the minimum of unpicking.
HOW TO BASTE A SEAM FOR SEWING
Hand Basting
When you need accurate control of a project you can’t beat hand basting. This is especially useful when setting in sleeves to armholes or joining curved pieces. Use a simple up and down stitch about 1/4 – 1/2 inch (6mm-12mm) apart. The smaller the stitches, the more control you will have. (Read how to hand baste with a running stitch.)
Pin Basting
Using pins is one of the fastest and easiest basting methods. Place pins vertically or horizontally to your seam. Just don’t run over them!
Double sided and iron on tapes
Iron on double sided tapes such as wonder tape are great for using on knit hems. Not only do they hold the hem in place before you start sewing, they also eliminate puckered hems.
Wonder Clips
These cute little clips are used by quilters and bag makers to hold bulky seams in place. I have found they tend to slip slightly on thinner fabrics so keep them for bulky projects.
Machine Basting
Lots of my sewing patterns use machine basting to hold pieces in place. Just set your machine to the longest stitch length of 4.0. Most of the time the basting will be hidden in the construction of the garment but if you need to remove it later, it is best to use a contrasting thread.
Improvised Basting
If you need to hold vinyl or other fabric in place that marks easily, consider heading to your cupboards for help. Try hair clips, paper clips or even pegs.
So next time your pattern calls for basting, think of all the methods you could use and choose the one that makes your life easier!
What is your most used method of basting? Share your thoughts below.
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