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Guide
Sewing Machine Stitch Types Explained
Most machines offer far more built-in stitches than anyone actually uses regularly. Here's what the ones you'll reach for most often actually do.
Last updated August 3, 2026
| Stitch | Best For |
|---|---|
| Straight stitch | The default construction seam for wovens - strong, simple, and adjustable in length |
| Zigzag stitch | Edge finishing to prevent fraying, sewing on stretch fabric, and appliqué |
| Reverse / backstitch | A few reversed stitches at the start and end of a seam to lock the thread in place |
| Overcast / edge stitch | Finishes a raw edge on a regular machine, mimicking what a serger does automatically |
| Stretch or triple straight stitch | Reinforced seams on knits and other stretchy fabric, so the seam doesn't pop under tension |
| Blind hem stitch | A mostly-invisible machine hem, alternating straight stitches with an occasional zigzag "bite" |
| Buttonhole stitch | An automated dense zigzag box that many machines can stitch in one guided pass |
Notes
- A serger (overlocker) is a separate machine, not a stitch setting - it trims and finishes an edge in one pass, which a regular machine's overcast stitch only approximates.
- Stitch length and width are usually adjustable independently of which built-in stitch you've selected - shorter stitches generally mean a stronger, more secure seam.
- Always test a new stitch on a scrap of your actual project fabric first, especially on stretch or specialty fabrics, since tension and stitch settings that work on quilting cotton often need adjusting elsewhere.