Hand Stitches and Seams
Hand stitches
Hand Stitches and Seams tests suitability, even tension and neatness.
- Running/basting: 0.5–1 cm stitches for temporary joining.
- Backstitch: strong overlapping stitch for seams and repairs.
- Hemming: blind hem invisible on the right side; slip stitch for facings.
- Blanket stitch: loops along an edge for blankets and appliqué.
- Buttonhole stitch: worked loops around a buttonhole.
Seams
- Plain seam: right sides together, 1.5 cm, press open.
- French seam: for sheer fabric; stitch 0.5 cm wrong sides, trim, turn, stitch 1 cm.
- Flat fell: denim and shirt seams; one raw edge enclosed.
- Run-and-fell: strong seam used on Punjab cotton garments.
- Overlock/zigzag: neatens raw edges.
Worked example
For a chiffon dupatta edge, choose a narrow rolled hem or French seam, not a plain seam, because the raw edge would fray. Stitch 0.5 cm, trim to 3 mm, turn, then stitch 1 cm so the first seam is enclosed. Press after each step.
Traps
Uneven stitch length; knotting basting thread; trimming a French seam before turning; pressing a seam open before checking; using a plain seam on sheer fabric; making a flat fell too narrow so the raw edge escapes.