35+ Types of Stitches (Hand & Machine Guide)

We all know straight stitch. Lovely little stitches all in a row. You can vary the stitch length to suit different fabrics or decorative looks. These will be the most used types of stitches on your sewing machine. Use it to sew many types of seams, hems, topstitch, and even finish edges. Here are some straight stitches in varying lengths.

Zigzag stitch goes from side to side in varying widths and lengths. It can be used for seam finishes, applique, and stretch seams. If you are sewing leotards or swimwear, then zig-zag is essential for sewing elastic in the legs and neck.

Overcast stitch or overlock stitch is used primarily for finishing seams. Unlike a serger, it does not cut the raw edge of the fabric. For this reason, it is important that your edge is pre-cut neatly. Most machines will come with a special presser foot to sew this stitch which prevents the edge from rolling and gives your fabric a guide.

A buttonhole stitch is very similar to a very narrow zig-zag stitch, but many modern machines have a special function for this. It is an extremely close stitch with very few gaps. Further Reading: How to Sew a Buttonhole

Blind hem stitch is used for invisible wide hems on skirts and pants. It uses a varying-width zig-zag stitch and is preset on most machines. This stitch will use a specialized presser foot called the blind hem foot.

Lock stitch is a stitch function found on some computerized sewing machines. It starts or finishes a seam with a few tiny stitches instead of needing to backstitch.

Slip stitch can be used for seams and, more importantly, invisible hand hems. Stitches are placed in the crease of the hem so that when done with a matching thread, it is almost invisible. Slip stitch can also be called ladder stitch or invisible stitch when it is used for the repair of seams.

Catch stitch is used to hand stitch hems and is especially suited to thicker fabrics such as wool. The inside of the hem looks like a series of small cross stitches, while the outside has almost no stitching visible.

Backstitch sewing is another widely used types of stitch that can be sewn for seams or embroidery. For seams, it creates a stronger stitch than a backstitch that is less likely to split. While it does take a little longer, it is not that difficult. For decoration, it can be used to hand embroider letters or to outline shapes that will be filled in by other stitches.

It is quick and super easy, and even beginners can do this stitch. Running stitch is a simple up-and-down stitch that can be used for decorative embroidery, simple seams and a basting stitch. The stitches can be large or small, but the closer the stitches, the stronger any seams will be. If you are using the running stitch for embroidery, keep in mind that longer stitches can be prone to catching. Most of the time, the running stitches are kept fairly even, but interesting effects can be achieved by varying the stitch and gap lengths.

Whipstitch can be used for applique and for sewing the seams of felt and other fabrics that don’t fray. It is also a popular stitch for stitching together pieces of knitting and crocheting.

Invisible stitch is also called ladder stitch or slip stitch and is used to close open seams on toys, beanbags, and clothing. It is stitched into the crease of the opened seam in a zig-zagging pattern before it is pulled closed. As the name suggests, it gives an invisible closure when sewn in a matching color thread.

Chain stitch is a useful stitch for outlining as it creates a thick border. Use these types of sewign stitches for the outside of letters and shapes, including embroidery flowers and stems.

Cross stitch is a popular hobby where whole designs can be created from this simple stitch. The stitches can vary from really small to large and are normally done on open-weave fabrics where you can count the threads to make them even.

Fern stitch is another stitch, like a feather stitch, that is used for stems and embroidery leaves. It is much easier to do even without drawing guidelines. It can be straight or gently curving, making it great for sewing flower gardens.

French knots involve twisting the thread around the needle before it is inserted into the fabric. The knots can be used to create fireworks and small flowers such as lavender and are great as the centers of flowers sewn with other stitches.

The lazy daisy stitch is a type of chain stitch used to create flowers and daisies. You can vary the number of petals and the size of the center to create different looks. It is often used in conjunction with the French knot in the center.

Satin stitch is a filling stitch used for any shape you can imagine. It is best for smaller shapes as long threads may catch in larger ones. A satin stitch may be used by itself or with a backstitch to create a cleaner border.

Sashiko embroidery stitch is a variation of the running stitch done in intricate repeating patterns. A traditional Japanese stitch, it is a traditional art form that is easy to do but extremely effective for filling large pieces of fabric.

Smocking sewing refers not to a single stitch but rather a group of stitches used to gather fabric without elastic. It is both decorative and functional.