How to Embellish Buttonholes with Embroidery

How to Sew a Catch Stitch

May 26th, 2009 in sewing, fundamentals

Kenneth King, contributor

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Photo: Kenneth D. King

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This stitch keeps layers of fabric flat against one another, such as a hem or seam allowances. Use it on lined garments because the lining covers and protects the surface threads, which tend to catch on things. You can vary the stitch length according to taste. I recommend making stitches 3⁄8 to 1⁄2 inch apart.

Classic Version: In the classic version, the direction of travel is left to right, but the needle points to the left. As you can see in the photos, it is a back-and-forth stitch; you first catch the surface layer and then the hem allowance layer and repeat.

My Version: This version uses less thread and is faster to sew than the classic catchstitch. I like to interline garments (see “You Say Underlining, I Say Interlining”, Issue 135 p. 40). Catchstitches allow me to tack seam allowances down flat to the interlining without the stitches showing from the right side. To stitch my version, take two “bites” on each stitch—one on the seam or hem allowance and one on the surface fabric or interlining.

The needle travels at 45 degrees to the seam, as shown.

Excerpted from Threads Issue 135, p. 63.

posted in: sewing, fundamentals

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Comments (7)

MaddyGranma writes: I never knew that there was an option to the catch stitch, but I can see its usefulness; a lot less thread in half the time! Posted: 4:15 pm on July 6th

Katielynne writes: Mr King, Thank you for posting this technique. So clear and well narrated, your "lessons" are always welcome and much appreciated. You're a real confidence booster. Posted: 7:38 pm on June 3rd

quilterbyheart writes: My late motherinlaw used this stitch (classic version) on quilts instead of running stitch/ quilting stitch
Posted: 10:33 pm on June 1st

jckirner writes: I like your version! Looks both speedy and thrifty. When I
saw the picture of the classic version I instantly thought "herringbone stitch" from hand embroidery. Posted: 3:00 pm on June 1st

bcaprichos writes: How funny! I grew up doing the catch stitch because it is the only way that I saw my mom and grandmother (awesome seamstresses- Granny introduced me to Vogue and WWD when I was 12) hemming skirts and dresses. Everything else looks half-done to me...;-D
Great tipz! Posted: 2:48 pm on June 1st

gramazin writes: I love these handy "suggestions"!!! Sewing is such fun!!!!
I love the Threads magazine and all of the helpful information!!!! Posted: 1:46 pm on June 1st