Sewing is the thread that holds the fashion industry together – quite literally! Every manufactured garment is a product of its fabric and the stitches, threads, and finishes that hold it together. Anyone involved in this process should know the difference between the many types of stitches used in the industry today.

A Guide to Basic Sewing Stitches

This brief introductory guide to basic sewing stitches will introduce and explain the most common machine and hand stitches used.

Hand Stitches

Before sewing machines became everyday commodities in the home and factory, garments were made solely by hand. This included every step of the sewing process (hemming an edge, joining two separate pieces of cloth, finishing a seam, etc.). Many garments today are still sewn by hand utilizing the following basic stitches.

Running Stitch

The running stitch is the most basic and commonly used, in which the needle and thread simply pass over and under two pieces of fabric. It’s the same as a basting stitch, except it is sewn more tightly to create a secure and permanent bind. The technique can be identified by the spaces left between each stitch on both sides of the fabric, creating a dashed thread line.

Basting Stitch

A basting stitch is one of the simplest stitches in sewing, used to temporarily hold together two pieces of fabric. Think of it as a “rough draft” later replaced by a more secure and permanent stitch. Sometimes also called a tack stitch, it is done quickly with a simple over/under motion, resulting in a long, loose stitch easily removed.

Back Stitch

The back stitch is a variation of the running stitch, but with each needle pass, the needle and thread doubles back on itself. This eliminates the visible spacing – the dashed effect – seen in the running stitch and instead creates a more polished straight line of thread on the fabric’s surface.

Catch Stitch

A catch stitch, or cross-stitch, is a standard sewing technique for hemming. The use of this stitch creates a zig-zag series of X’s on the underside of a piece of fabric. Strong and flexible, these stitches are barely visible on the outside of a garment and offer a clean finish for raw edges.

Slip Stitch

The slip stitch is a strong, sturdy, and permanent way to finish a garment. This is another great stitch for securing hemlines. However, unlike the catch stitch, using a slip stitch results in a nearly invisible bond on both sides of the fabric.

Machine Stitches

The advent of the sewing machine in the early 18th century completely revolutionized the apparel industry, streamlining production. It changed how the traditional clothing manufacturing process. Today, machines construct most apparel. These machines often possess a wide range of capabilities. Almost every machine contains the ability to perform these three basic stitches.

Straight Stitch

The straight stitch is a series of straight stitches equidistant from one another, all in uniform length and spacing. It is the most common stitch that serves as the backbone for nearly all sewing machine varieties.

Backward Stitch

The backward stitch is merely the machine’s ability to carry out the straight stitch in verse. This capability helps secure the beginning and end of any other stitch. Additionally, this keeps the thread from unraveling or losing its shape.

Zigzag Stitch

The zigzag stitch is a sewing technique where the needle and thread move back and forth at alternating angles. It is the second most common stitch after the running stitch and is present in nearly all sewing machines today. Additionally, its strength is often used to finish seams and raw edges, reinforce buttonholes, and in stretchable fabrics.

Most sewing machines, both industrial and home models, possess the ability to make buttonholes and create a variety of hemming and decorative stitches. It all depends on the specific machine, with each brand and model offering its unique assortment.

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Softline Brand Partners, a soft goods manufacturing industry leader, offers integrated design and manufacturing solutions. Softline Brand Partners ensures each detail is crafted with precision and quality, perfectly embodying your brand’s identity. Contact us for expert assistance in developing patches and labels that resonate with your brand’s message and appeal.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

The Softline team is extremely proud to support the Quetico Foundation Ridley Wilderness Youth Program. The program provides students from across the Toronto District School Board with an immersive wilderness canoe-tripping experience in Quetico Park. Check out the video below to see some images from their trip!

From the Quetico Foundation website:

“We get involved where the stakes are high, and our value will be greatest, leveraging results through our broad base of supporters and allies.

We also recognize the power of collaboration, teaming up with like-minded organizations who share our aims. Together, we strive to help decision-makers, users, and stakeholders value the Quetico wilderness and ensure its preservation for generations to come.”

We at Softline Brand Partners couldn’t agree more.

Two of the costliest Hurricanes in U.S. History, Harvey and Irma, have decimated Southern Texas and Florida in the last two weeks. The total cost of the damage is still being calculated, but economist Michael Montgomery of HIS Markit is reporting that August and September output data will be affected by Hurricane Harvey. “Supply disruptions will rock oil refining that accounted for 3 percent of industrial production last year, and the chemical industry, responsible for 12.4% of industrial production in 2016, Montgomery said Friday.”[1] This article will briefly explore how hurricanes are affecting manufacturing around the United States.

Hurricanes Wreak Havoc on Supply Chains and Infrastructure

The U.S. Gulf Coast is home to many oil production and refineries that create base plastics for various industries. The disruption due to Hurricane Harvey is a major hit to supply chains nationwide, and manufacturers are struggling to find new short-term suppliers.

“If we get into the middle of September and we’re not back up and running and producing various plastics, even at some minimal sustainable rate, you’re going to start being concerned about the overall supply chain,” said Mark Eramo, Vice President of Global Chemical Business Development at IHS Markit.[2]

After Harvey, Hurricane Irma was quick to follow. Irma demolished the Florida Keys, took out power for half of all customers in the state, and brought storm surges to the southern and western sides of the state that wiped out beachfront communities and crippled shipping ports. Florida is home to over 19,000 manufacturers employing more than 331,000 workers, many of whom may temporarily be out of a job.[3] Initial estimates for the damage caused by Irma were between 150-200 billion, but have been reduced in recent days due to a change of course that caused the storm to mostly miss the most populated areas of the state, including Miami-Dade County. The total cost is still unknown.

Economic Impact

As noted earlier, many expect affected supply chains in the short term. This may cause delays in deliveries and production time and is cause for concern for economists who measure the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

The hurricanes have destroyed or crippled many businesses and permanently damaged infrastructure, which will add stress to the local and national economies. Goldman Sachs analysts warn that Hurricanes Harvey and Irma could have a “sizable” impact on the U.S. Economy. The bank reduced its GDP growth projections by 0.8% to 2%.[4]

Rebuilding Effort

Due to a concentrated effort by State and Federal officials, Texas and Florida ports are already starting to open today, and many have had their power restored. “In the U.S., more than 50,000 utility workers from the U.S. and Canada are descending on Florida and other states hit by the storm, part of a long stream of trucks joining returning residents on highways with loads of water, generators, food, and construction materials.”[5] There have also been an incredible amount of donations and people flooding into the areas affected. The effect on manufacturing and the economy might be short-term, but local officials and residents will be cleaning up the mess made by these devastating hurricanes for months, if not years, to come.

What is Softline?

Softline Brand Partners, a soft goods manufacturing industry leader, offers integrated design and manufacturing solutions. Softline Brand Partners ensures each detail is crafted with precision and quality, perfectly embodying your brand’s identity. Contact us for expert assistance in developing patches and labels that resonate with your brand’s message and appeal.

[1] US Manufacturing and Spending Seen Taking Short-Term Hit From Hurricane Harvey’s Impact
[2] Harvey has ‘paralyzed’ a critical part of US manufacturing supply chain
[3] Florida Manufacturing – Industry Overview
[4] Hurricane Irma Might Have a Sizable Impact on U.S. Economy, Goldman Sachs Warns
[5] Top Supply Chain and Logistics News From WSJ