Tacking Stitch and How to Tack Sewing

Tacking stitch is simply a form of running stitch. It is used for so many sewing projects and temporarily holds the fabric before sewing. There are many variations of the tacking stitch with different lengths and strengths. This tutorial will show you why you should use the tacking stitch as well as how to do tacking stitch on your sewing projects

What is Tacking Stitch?

Tacking stitch is the same as a basting stitch which is a temporary way to hold a seam before you sew it with the machine. It is a larger version of the running stitch, with the length of the stitches varying depending on the fabric and the project. You can hand tack or machine tack using a long stitch.

Learn more beginner hand sewing techniques in the full types of sewing stitches guide and the hand stitching guide.

Common Uses for Tacking Stitch

Tacking has different uses, and there are different types of tacking stitches.  Tacking is not really just another running stitch!

Use	Why It Helps
Fitting garments	Temporarily holds seams before final sewing
Pattern matching	Keeps stripes and plaids aligned
Sewing sleeves	Holds curved seams in place
Attaching zippers	Stabilizes fabric before stitching
Quilting	Secures batting layers
Holding slippery fabrics	Prevents shifting while sewing

How to Do Tacking Stitch Instructions

PRO TIP: Many busy sewers may be tempted to avoid tacking stitches and instead use pins, but this stitch can save time in the long run.

This is how you do a simple up and down tacking stitch.

1. Thread the needle and knot the end. Your needle can be threaded with a double or single thread.
2. You will be working right to left (assuming you are right-handed).
3. Bring the needle up from underneath to the top of the fabric at (1).
4. Put the needle back down again at (2) and come up at (3).
5. If you are confident, you may find it easier to take a few stitches at a time.

DOWN – UP- DOWN – UP….

Remember, smaller tacking stitches have more control! Longer stitches are faster but have less control. The stitches can be even or unevenly spaced.

Different Types of Tacking Stitch

Here are seven different variations of tacking stitch compared:

Type	Purpose
Tailor’s Tacking	Marks pattern pieces
Long and Short Tacking	Holds seams temporarily
Diagonal Tacking	Secures lining or large fabric sections
Machine Tacking	Quick machine basting
Tie Tacking	Secures quilt layers
Arrowhead Tack	Reinforces vents and pleats
Bar Tack	Reinforces stress points like pockets

1. Tailor’s Tacking

The tacking stitches are looped loosely to mark different points of a pattern and then snipped to pull apart and mark the second part of the pattern underneath.  Tailor’s tacking is very useful for marking delicate fabrics that you prefer not to mark with a pin or tailor’s chalk.

2. Long and Short Tacking Stitch

This is the most commonly used tacking stitch. Using the tacking stitch in long and short strides helps secure the fabric of a garment and prevents slipping.  It is also a quicker way of completing the tacking stitches if you are in a hurry to get the job done. Long and short tacking uses a running stitch where the top threads are longer than the spaces.

3. Diagonal Tacking Stitch

These are stitched in vertical columns and at a slant. This is a great way to secure large pieces of a project or the inner lining of a jacket, as it prevents slipping.

3. Machine Tacking

Set your machine on a long stitch setting. This is usually a length of 4.0-6.0 on most machines.  Using a long stitch means the threads will easily pull out when the tacking is no longer needed. A seam ripper will make short work to remove the stitches. If you don’t backstitch the ends then you may be able to just pull the bobbin thread.

4. Tie Tacking Stitch

This is a useful form of tacking to ‘tie’ several layers of fabric together.  The needle and thread make a loop at the point where you want to tie the fabric.  The loop is made into two tails that are tied together on top of the fabric.  This version of tacking is used often on quilts to tie the layers of batting, lining, and quilted fabric together.  In some cases, tie tacking is used as part of the quilted effect.

5. Hand Tacking

Hand tacking refers to any of the taking stitches that can not be worked by machine. A strong cotton thread is recommended because it pulls out easily.

6. Arrow Head Tacking Stitch

The arrowhead tack stitch forms a point and arrowhead shape. It is useful for securing kick pleats or shirt vents. This tacking stitch may be used decoratively and even finds a place in embroidery designs.

7. Bar Tacking Stitch

This is a high-density machine stitch used to reinforce areas of garments that take more strain than most. Pocket corners, loops on jeans, belt bands, and the ends of zip openings are some of the stress areas, especially in denim fabrics, that use a bar tack.

Here you can see bar tacking used at the top of the pocket edges. It looks like a tiny horizontal zig-zag stitch.

Pin for Later

Tacking Stitch vs Pins

Using a tacking stitch is far more secure than pinning. Pins may fall out or get caught under the machine. In slippery or difficult-to-sew fabrics, pins are not recommended. The purpose of the tacking stitch is to hold the fabric together ready to sew. Tacking should be firm and evenly spaced. 

Tacking stitch makes sewing plaids and pattern matching easier and more reliable. I use it any time I need to sew a sleeve, as it is better than pins to get the shape right. Tacking pulled up can help create loose gathers, and tack stitch made small and close together makes great reinforcement. 

Tacking Stitch vs Basting Stitch

Feature	Tacking Stitch	Basting Stitch
Purpose	Temporary holding stitch	Temporary stitching
Stitch Length	Long stitches	Long stitches
Method	Hand or machine	Usually machine
Removal	Easy to remove	Easy to remove
Common Use	Fitting garments, pattern marking	Preparing seams

💡 In most sewing tutorials, tacking stitch and basting stitch mean the same thing.

Tacking Stitch FAQs

In Conclusion

Tacking stitch is versatile, useful, and a real asset to the sewer who wants to provide a really perfect fit and finish for a garment. The tacking stitch is definitely a good way to start right in the process of sewing a garment and can make a difference in the fitting and finish of any dressmaking project.

If you enjoy hand sewing techniques, explore the most useful basic hand sewing stitches used for repairs, hems, and garment construction.

The wise old saying ‘a stitch in time saves nine,’ surely applies to the simple tacking stitch if you tack your seam and get it fitting before sewing the piece. In this way, you will be sure to get it right the first time and save pulling out the stitches you machined in a hurry. Your tacking stitch done in time will save more than nine!

MORE HAND STITCHING:

• Blanket Stitch
• Running Stitch
• How to Sew a Seam by Hand
• How to Whip Stitch
• Backstitch
• How to do Ladder Stitch (Invisible Stitch)
• Pick Stitch