Seam Stitch
Running Stitch
Used For
- Basic seams
- Gathering fabric
- Quilting
- Basting temporary seams
The most basic hand stitch — an in-and-out line of even stitches used for seams, gathering, and quilting.
Instructions
- Thread a needle and knot the end of your thread.
- Bring the needle up through the fabric from the back to the front at your starting point.
- Push the needle back down through the fabric a short distance ahead — about 1/8 to 1/4 inch — then bring it back up the same distance further along, keeping the stitches and the gaps between them roughly equal.
- Continue in a straight line, sliding the needle in and out of the fabric in one motion for several stitches at a time to speed up the process.
- Secure the thread with a small knot or a few backstitches when you reach the end.
Tips & Notes
- Loading several stitches onto the needle before pulling the thread through speeds up running stitch considerably, once you're comfortable with even spacing.
- Shortening the stitch length and gap makes a stronger seam; lengthening both makes for faster, weaker basting.
- To gather fabric, work a running stitch loosely along the edge, then gently pull the thread to bunch the fabric before securing.