How to Use a Basting Stitch in Sewing

How to sew a basting stitch by hand (quick overview)

How to sew a basting stitch by machine (quick overview)

A basting stitch is a simple temporary stitch that holds fabric in place while you work, and in this post, we'll show you exactly how to use it.

What is basting in sewing?

Basting stitches are long, loose, temporary stitches used to hold fabric together before you sew the final seam. They are easy to remove once you're done with them. 

You can sew them by hand or with a sewing machine set to the longest stitch length.

Fun fact: The term "basting" comes from the Old French word bastir, meaning "to build," which reflects its role as the structural scaffolding of a garment before the final seams are added (Source: Merriam-Webster).

What is the difference between a basting stitch and a regular stitch?

A basting stitch is longer and looser than a regular stitch, which makes it easy to remove. A regular stitch is shorter and meant to hold fabric together permanently. 

Basting stitches are just a temporary step in the sewing process, while regular stitches are the finished result.

Basting stitch vs. running stitch

A basting stitch and a running stitch are both made the same way, by passing the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line. 

The difference is in how they're used: a running stitch is a permanent stitch used to finish a seam, while a basting stitch is temporary and meant to be removed. 

Basting stitches are also typically longer than running stitches.

Why basting stitches are used in sewing

Basting stitches are used to temporarily hold fabric in place so you can check the fit or placement before sewing permanently. 

They give you a chance to make adjustments without committing to a final seam. Because they're easy to remove, they save you time and frustration if something needs to be changed.

When you would use basting sewing (common scenarios)

Basting stitches are useful in many situations where you need to hold fabric in place temporarily. Here are the most common scenarios in which you would use a basting stitch:

Garment fitting

Basting stitches let you sew a garment together temporarily so you can try it on and make adjustments before sewing the final seams.

Zipper installation

Basting a zipper in place before sewing it in permanently lets you check that it's straight and centered before you commit.

Set-in sleeves

Basting the sleeve into the armhole first lets you check the fit and adjust the fabric evenly around the curve before finishing.

Gathering fabric

To gather fabric, sew one or two rows of basting stitches along the edge, then pull the threads to create even gathers before sewing the final seam.

Expert tip: Out of all these scenarios, gathering fabric is where I always reach for a basting stitch while sewing clothes. It's the most foolproof method for creating even gathers on sleeves, tiered skirts, ruffles, and more.

Matching seams/patterns

Basting pieces together before sewing lets you check that seams or pattern lines line up correctly and make adjustments if needed.

Shop beginner-friendly sewing patterns here.

Working with delicate fabrics

Basting stitches hold delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon in place without the risk of holes or snags that pins can sometimes leave behind.

Hems and seam placement

Basting a hem in place before finishing lets you try on the garment and check the length before you sew it permanently.

Types of Basting Stitches (Hand vs. Machine)

Basting stitches can be sewn by hand or by machine, and both methods work well depending on what you're making. 

Hand basting gives you more control and is great for tricky areas, while machine basting is faster and works well for longer seams.

Hand Basting

Hand basting is done by passing a needle and thread in and out of the fabric in a straight line, creating long, loose stitches. 

It's a good option when you need more control over the fabric, like when working around curves or with slippery materials.

Hand basting methods

There are a few different hand basting methods, and the one you use will depend on what you're working on.

• Even basting: Stitches and spaces are the same length, usually about ¼ inch each, giving you a secure hold that works well for most projects.

• Uneven basting: Stitches are longer on one side of the fabric than the other, making this a quicker method that's good for straight seams and general holding.

• Diagonal basting: Stitches are made diagonally across the fabric, which is useful for holding layers together, like when basting interfacing or padding in place.

• Slip basting: Done from the right side of the fabric, this method is used to match patterns or plaids precisely at a seam line.

Machine Basting

Machine basting is done by setting your sewing machine to its longest stitch length and sewing along the seam as normal. It's faster than hand basting and works well for long, straight seams.

Related article: How to Thread a Sewing Machine at Home

Do sewing machines have a basting stitch?

Yes, most sewing machines can sew a basting stitch by adjusting the stitch length setting. 

You don't need a special stitch, just set your machine to the longest stitch length available, which is usually around 4mm to 5mm.

Sewing machine settings for a basting stitch

Setting up your machine for a basting stitch is simple and only requires a couple of small adjustments.

• Stitch length: Set your machine to the longest stitch length available, typically between 4mm and 5mm.

• Stitch type: Use a straight stitch.

• Thread tension: You can slightly loosen the upper thread tension to make the stitches easier to remove later.

While permanent seams usually require 10–12 stitches per inch, a proper basting stitch uses 6 or fewer, creating a low-density seam that can be removed in one smooth motion without damaging the fabric (Source: American & Efird).

Materials needed for a basting stitch

You only need a few basic supplies to sew a basting stitch, whether you're working by hand or by machine.

• Your fabric: the pieces you plan to sew together or hold in place temporarily.

• A needle: a hand sewing needle or machine needle, depending on your method.

• A sewing machine: if machine basting, any standard machine with an adjustable stitch length will work.

• Thread: any general-purpose thread works fine for basting. Lightweight thread is a good choice for hand basting since it's a little easier to remove.

• Scissors or a seam ripper: for removing the basting stitches once you're done.

Related article: The Best Fabric Scissors for Every Sewing Project

How to do a basting stitch

A basting stitch is simple to sew whether you're working by hand or by machine. The goal is to create long, loose stitches that hold your fabric in place temporarily and are easy to remove when you're done.

How to do a basting stitch by hand

1. Thread your needle and knot one end of the thread.

2. Push the needle up through the fabric from the wrong side to the right side.

3. Pass the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line, making stitches about ¼ to ½ inch long.

4. Keep the stitches loose and even as you work along the seam.

5. When you reach the end, knot the thread or leave a long tail so the stitches are easy to pull out later.

How to do a basting stitch by machine

1. Set your sewing machine to the longest stitch length available, usually around 4mm to 5mm.

2. Place your fabric under the presser foot and lower it down.

3. Sew along the seam line without backstitching at the beginning or end.

4. Leave long thread tails when you start and finish so the stitches are easy to grab and remove later.

Common mistakes to avoid while sewing a basting stitch

• Sewing too close to the final seam line: if your basting stitch is right on the seam line, it can be harder to remove without disturbing your finished seam. Sew just inside the seam allowance instead.

• Backstitching at the start or end: this locks the stitches in place and makes them much harder to pull out. Skip the backstitch when basting.

• Sewing the stitches too tight: basting stitches should be loose so they're easy to remove. Pulling the thread too snug can also cause the fabric to pucker.

Expert tip: Using a contrasting thread color isn't necessary. As long as your basting stitches are long enough, they'll be easy to tell apart from your finished seam, though beginners may find a contrasting color helpful when first starting out.

How to remove a basting stitch

To remove a basting stitch, use a seam ripper or small scissors to snip the thread every few stitches, then pull the loose threads out with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. 

Because basting stitches are long and loose, they usually come out quickly and easily. Make sure to remove all the thread pieces so nothing gets caught in your finished seam.

FAQ

What stitch length should I use for basting?

For machine basting, set your stitch length to the longest setting available, usually between 4mm and 5mm.

What tension should I use for a basting stitch?

You can use your regular tension setting for basting, though loosening it slightly can make the stitches easier to remove later.

Do you backstitch when basting?

No, skip the backstitch when basting so the stitches stay easy to remove when you're done.

How long should basting stitches be by hand?

Hand basting stitches are typically ¼ to ½ inch long, though they can be longer for areas that don't need a lot of hold.

Do you remove basting stitches after sewing?

Yes, basting stitches are temporary and should be removed once you've sewn your final seam.

Can you sew over a basting stitch?

Yes, you can sew over a basting stitch, and doing so is actually part of the process in some techniques like gathering fabric.

Can I leave basting stitches in permanently?

Basting stitches are not meant to be permanent and can loosen or come undone over time, so it's best to always sew a final seam.

Is basting better than pinning?

Basting and pinning both hold fabric in place temporarily, and which one works better depends on the project and your personal preference.

What type of thread is best for basting?

Any general-purpose thread works fine for basting, though a lightweight thread is a good choice for hand basting since it's a little easier to remove.