Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Catchstitch Review

A hand stitch for more than hemming
Threads #199, Oct./Nov. 2018
This versatile stitch has a purpose in nearly any garment.

I have a crush on the catchstitch. It is simple to sew. I get into a groove while sewing it, and it is useful in many applications. It is employed extensively in traditional tailoring and couture construction, but it is handy to have in your repertoire no matter what kind of sewing you do most. There are applications for the catchstitch in wovens and knits, bulky and delicate fabrics, decorative and invisible stitching, along a straight line or a curve—it’s seriously versatile.

The catchstitch is a flexible stitch used primarily to anchor one fabric layer atop another. A common example is to fasten a hem allowance edge to a garment: It can be nearly invisible on the right side of the fabric, and it looks like a series of Xs on the wrong side. For a right-handed stitcher, the catchstitch is worked from left to right, though the needle points toward the left. Lefties can simply reverse the process. The catchstitch is also known as the cross stitch or the herringbone stitch.

Once you’re mastered the stitch, try varying its depth and spacing. You’ll be surprised how many new uses you can find for it.


Erin Weisbart sews and designs patterns, including swimwear
in extended sizes. TuesdayStitches.com

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights