Basting (tacking) by hand and machine

Basting is temporary long stitching to hold pieces in place or test fit. By hand it's a long running stitch; by machine, the longest straight stitch.

Pinny's tip
Baste in a contrasting colour so it's easy to see and remove.

What you'll need

• Contrast thread: easy to spot.
• Hand needle or machine: both work.
• Seam ripper: to remove.

Step by step

1. By hand: knot the thread and take long running stitches, about 0.4 in (1 cm), through all layers.
2. By machine: set your longest straight stitch so the line is easy to unpick later.
3. Check the fit or position.
4. Basting is temporary: once it has done its job, snip and pull the threads out.

Common mistakes

• Backstitching basting. It’s hard to remove.
• Matching thread. You can’t find it later.
• Basting on the seam line. It gets trapped.

Watch it done

• How To Sew A Basting Stitch by Professor Pincushion on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How to Make a Basting Stitch | Sewing Machine by Howcast on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• sewing 101 - basting stitch by DIYraven on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Tilly and the Buttons: How to Sew Tailor’s Tacks and Thread Tracing
2. YouTube: How To Sew A Basting Stitch (Professor Pincushion)
3. YouTube: How to Make a Basting Stitch | Sewing Machine (Howcast)
4. YouTube: sewing 101 - basting stitch (DIYraven)