Basting Stitch by Hand
@RokoleeDIY
@americanbespoketailoring
@diyraven
Step-by-Step Instructions:
The basting stitch is one of the most widely used stitches in tailoring. It is a long, loose stitch designed to hold fabrics together temporarily, but is intended to be removed.
Materials Needed:
- FabricNeedle (hand sewing needle or sewing machine)
- Thread
- Pins (optional)
- Scissors
Tips for Basting:
- Thread Color: Use a contrasting thread color for basting to make removal easier.
- Pins: If you’re using pins to hold fabric layers together before basting, remove them as you sew to avoid damaging the machine needle or your hand.
1. Prepare Your Needle and Thread
- Thread your needle with a length of thread and knot the end. For hand basting, you can use a single or double thread.
2. Mark the Area to be Basted
- If needed, use tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker to mark the stitching line on your fabric.
3. Start the Basting Stitch
- Insert the needle into the fabric from the wrong side to the right side, bringing the knot to the fabric’s back.
4. Sew Long Running Stitches
- Make long running stitches along the marked line or area to be basted. Typically, each stitch should be about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length. The larger the stitches, the easier they will be to remove later.
5. Continue Sewing
- Continue stitching in a straight line, keeping the stitch length consistent. If you’re basting curves or corners, make the stitches slightly smaller for more control.
6. Finish the Stitch
- Once you reach the end of the area to be basted, leave a few inches of thread and cut it without knotting. This makes it easier to remove the basting later.
