Hand sewing · First steps · 10 minutes

Running Stitch and Basting

The running stitch is the simplest stitch there is: in, out, in, out. Small running stitches make light seams and gathers. Long, loose ones are called basting, a temporary stitch that holds things in place until you sew them for real.

Running stitch: stitches and gaps the same size. Dashed lines show the thread underneath.

You'll need

needle and knotted thread
two scraps of cotton fabric
pins

Step by step

Tick each step as you go if you like; ticks stay on this device.

Start from the backBring the needle up from the wrong side so the knot stays hidden.
Weave the needlePush the needle down and up through the fabric a few times along your line, so several stitches sit on the needle at once.
Pull throughPull the needle and thread all the way through, smoothly, so the fabric lies flat and doesn't bunch up.
Keep them evenFor sewing that should last, keep stitches small, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Make the gaps the same size as the stitches.
Baste with long stitchesTo baste, make the stitches much longer and don't fasten off tightly. Pull the basting out once the real seam is sewn.
Fasten offTake two tiny stitches in the same spot on the back, or tie a finishing knot.

Tips

Draw a line with chalk to follow at first.
Pull up a running stitch gently and the fabric gathers into ruffles.
Running stitch isn't strong. For seams that get pulled, use backstitch.

See it in the old books

Pictures and lessons from sewing and knitting books published more than a hundred years ago, free at the Internet Archive.

Sources

These are free how-to guides for families. There's nothing to earn, pass or send in.