Essential stitches

Basting (Tacking)

Basting is a long, loose temporary stitch that holds layers together while you sew the permanent seam. You pull it out afterwards.

Beginner15 minHand

What you will learn

Holding layers together
Making temporary stitches

Materials and tools

Before you start

Pin the layers together along the seam line. Use a contrasting thread colour so you can find it later.
Start with a knot, or leave the thread end loose.

Step by step

Lay the layers flat on a table. Pin along the seam line with pins at right angles, about 2 in (5 cm) apart. Remove the pins one by one as you baste.
Start with a knot, or with a stitch and a loose tail. A loose end is easier to pull out later.
Push the needle down through both layers and bring it up about 1/4 in (6 mm) along. Then push it down again about 1/2 in (12 mm) ahead.
Long stitches on the top with short gaps. The long stitches carry the strength; the short gaps hold the layers.
Keep the stitches long and loose. Do not pull tight, because basting should not pucker the fabric.
For a firmer hold, use diagonal basting on thick fabric. Take short straight stitches through all the layers, each one parallel to the last and a little further along, so the thread lies diagonally across the layers on top.
Diagonal basting. Short straight stitches underneath create long diagonal threads on top.
Sew your permanent seam next to the basting. Do not sew over it. Then pull the basting stitches out by cutting every few stitches and pulling the thread free.

Tips for a neat result

Use a thread colour that stands out from the fabric.
Do not knot the end of basting thread tightly, as this makes removal harder.
On thick fabric, use a longer needle and take shorter stitches.

Common mistakes and fixes

Basting stitches leave marks.

Thread was too tight or pressed in. Remove the basting before pressing hard.

The layers still slide.

Stitches were too long or the bastes too far apart. Use shorter stitches and add a second line.

The thread is hard to pull out.

It was sewn into the final seam. Sew the permanent stitching beside the basting, not over it.

Check your result

Layers are held flat with no wrinkles.
Basting stitches are loose and can be pulled out easily.

Practice exerciseBaste two scraps together along a 6 in (15 cm) line. Sew a backstitch seam 1/8 in (3 mm) beside it. Remove the basting and check the seam stayed straight.

Projects that use this

Shorten a SkirtConfident Beginner1 hr 30 min Take In a Waistband at Centre BackIntermediate2 hr Take In Side Seams on a Skirt or DressConfident Beginner1 hr 30 min Take In Loose Trousers Through the Seat and LegsIntermediate2 hr 30 min Take In a Simple Shirt at the Sides and SleevesConfident Beginner2 hr