Machine stitches
A sewing machine sews fabric together with thread. Straight and zigzag stitches do most of the work.
What it is
Straight, zigzag, blind and stretch stitches.
Who it suits
Anyone with a sewing machine.
What you need
Your machine, its manual and scraps.
A first project
Testing each stitch on a scrap.
The machine stitches guides
Beginner's guide
What you need
Techniques and stitches
How to choose the right stitch
Match the stitch to the job.
How to sew stretch fabric on a basic machine
Stitches that won't snap.
Mistakes and fixes
Next steps
Related Learn guides
- How to change a sewing machine needle (Machine basics)
- Choosing the right sewing machine needle (Machine basics)
- Loops, knots and puckers: fixing thread tension (Machine basics)
- How to sew in a straight line (Machine basics)
- How to thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin (Machine basics)
- What a walking foot does and when to use it (Machine basics)
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
