This is a list of stitches used in hand and machine sewing. The most common standard for stitches in the apparel industry is ASTM International ASTM D6193-16(2020) The standard also covers various types of seams.
Under this classification of stitches there are basic groups as follows: Class 100 - Single Thread Chainstitch Class 200 - Hand Stitches Class 300 - Lock Stitch Class 400 - Multi-thread Chain Stitch Class 500 - Over-edge Chain Stitch Class 600 - Covering Chain Stitch
Examples of machine stitches Chain stitch Lockstitch Zigzag stitch Running stitch Back stitch Satin stitch Overlock stitch
Types of hand stitches Back tack – backward stitch to anchor tacking or basting Backstitch – sturdy hand stitch for seams and decoration Basting stitch (US) – for reinforcement or for temporarily holding fabric in place (same as tacking stitch) Blanket stitch – used to finish an unhemmed blanket Blind stitch (or hemstitch) – type of slip stitch used for inconspicuous hem Buttonhole stitch – for reinforcing buttonholes and preventing cut fabric from raveling Chain stitch – hand or machine stitch for seams or decoration Cross-stitch – usually used for decoration, but may also be used for seams Catch stitch (also 'flat' and 'blind' -catch stitch) – flat looped stitch used in hemming Darning stitch – for repairing holes or worn areas in fabric or knitting Embroidery stitch – one or more stitches forming a figure of recognizable appearance Hemstitch (Hemming stitch) – decorative technique for embellishing the hem of clothing or household linens Ladder stitch or mattress stitch – for invisibly closing seams from the outside, e.g. to close a pillow after being stuffed Overcast stitch – used to enclose a raw, or unfinished, seam or edge Pad stitch – secures two or more layers of fabric together and provide firmness Pick stitch – hand stitch that catches only a few threads on the wrong side of the fabric, difficult to produce nicely so typically used for hemming high quality garments Running stitch – hand stitch for seams and gathering Saddle stitch - alternating running stitches Sailmaker's stitch – may refer to any of the hand stitches used for stitching canvas sails, including the flat stitch, round stitch, baseball stitch, herringbone stitch. Slip stitch – form of blind stitch for fastening two pieces of fabric together from the right side without the thread showing Stoating – used to join two pieces of woven material, such that the resulting stitches are not visible from the right side of the cloth Straight stitch – the basic stitch in hand-sewing and embroidery Tacking stitch (UK, also baste or pin) – quick, temporary stitching intended to be removed Tent stitch – diagonal embroidery stitch at a 45-degree angle Topstitch – used on garment edges such as necklines and hems, helps facings stay in place and gives a crisp edge Whipstitch – for protecting edges
See also List of sewing machine brands List of sewing tools and equipment
References Sarah’s Hand Embroidery Tutorials (2019). Hand Embroidery Stitches for Everyone. .