Definition of "Baste Stitch"

Basting helps you check the fit of a project before sewing permanent seams.

Basting creates a temporary bond between two pieces of fabric. Using a loose stitch to secure fabric helps you test out the fit of a garment or a hemline. You can baste stitches by hand or with a machine. If you are working on a close-fitting garment or your own design, basting will help you ensure the measurements are correct.

Basting Defined

Basting is stitch work that hold projects together for a short period of time. This can be done by hand. It can also be done with pins, stitches or adhesive. Your sewing pattern may specify a method for basting. When it does not, baste using hand or machine stitches. When using adhesive to baste projects, test the adhesive on a scrap of fabric to ensure that it can be removed without damaging the fabric. Basting stitches may be removed before, during or after you sew the final seams.

When to Baste

If you are new to sewing and making a project that depends on an accurate fit, you should use basting techniques. This will help you adjust the fit of your item without having to rip out a final seam. Baste your projects if you are working from your own pattern or a vintage pattern. This will help you ensure that the measurements from the pattern are accurate. Baste your project if you're unsure how pieces should fit together for an an unusually designed garment. This will provide you with a test fit. Basting also works well when you are experimenting with appliques or trim. This will give you the clearest picture of what your project will look like with the embellishments.

Basting by Hand

Straight hand basting stitches are between 1/8 and 1/4 inch long, spaced between 1/4 and 1 inch apart. The stitches may or may not be the same length. Use a single thickness of thread in a color that contrasts with your project's fabric. Basting stitches are similar to running stitches in that they do not backstitch, or double back on themselves. Other hand basting stitches include slip basting, which is used to hold pieces of fabric in place so that their prints line up precisely.

Basting by Machine

Some sewing machines feature a stitch function that produces basting stitches. If your machine doesn't have a stitch designed for basting, use a stitch that is 1/4 inch long. Thread your machine with thread that contrasts with your fabric and loosen the upper thread tension slightly. Pin the right sides of your fabric pieces together and stitch along the seam line. Do not backstitch at the ends of the seams. For garments that don't have to fit very closely, you can baste about 1/16 of an inch away from the seam line and then sew the permanent seam on the seam line. The basting stitches will hold the fabric in place. Remove the basting stitches after sewing the permanent seam.

References

• University of Wisconsin;"Dressmaking Made Easy"; Isabel Conover
• University of Kentucky: Hand Stitches
• Central Washington University; Costume Construction; Ms. Leslie Robison-Greene, Mr. Scott R. Robinson
• "Sewing for Dummies"; Jan Saunders Maresh; 2004
• Sewing and Craft Alliance: Running Stitch - Basting
• Sewing and Craft Alliance: Diagonal and Slip Basting