Whip stitch (overcast stitch)
Whip stitch, also called overcast stitch, goes up and over the edge of fabric or a fold in small diagonal loops. The stitching shows, so it is best on hidden areas, such as holding a facing at a shoulder seam, or to limit fraying.
Pinny's tip
Make the stitches smaller and closer together for stronger, longer-lasting stitching.
Make the stitches smaller and closer together for stronger, longer-lasting stitching.
What you'll need
- Hand needle: any sharps.
- Thread: matching all-purpose thread.
Step by step
- Secure the thread with a knot or a few tiny stitches on the same spot.
- Bring the needle through the fabric from front to back, then take the thread up and over the edge rather than back through.
- Place the next stitch front to back a little further along, so the thread forms small diagonal loops over the edge.
- For stronger, longer-lasting stitching, make the stitches smaller and closer together.
- Finish with a small stitch on the spot, passing the needle through the loop before pulling tight.
Watch
How to Hand Sew a Whip/Overcast Stitch (Basic Hand Stitches) (2:28)
By sewberry · Open on YouTube
The video this technique page has always pointed to, a 2-minute one from sewberry. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
Common mistakes
- Using it where it shows. The stitching is visible, so keep it to hidden areas.
- Mixing it up with blanket stitch. Blanket stitch passes the needle under the previous stitch; whip stitch simply goes over the edge.
Watch it done
- How to Hand Sew a Whip/Overcast Stitch (Basic Hand Stitches) by sewberry on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
- How to Sew: Whip Stitch | Hand Sewing Tutorial along a Seam or Raw Edge | Beginner’s Quick Lesson by Rokolee DIY on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
- How to Sew a Whip Stitch to Hem by Cutesy Crafts 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.
- Guthrie & Ghani: Hand sewing for dressmaking
- My Sewing Box: A Guide to Hand Sewing
- Mind: Hand stitch guide (PDF)
- YouTube: How to Hand Sew a Whip/Overcast Stitch (Basic Hand Stitches) (sewberry )
- YouTube: How to Sew: Whip Stitch | Hand Sewing Tutorial along a Seam or Raw Edge | Beginner's Quick Lesson (Rokolee DIY)
- YouTube: How to Sew a Whip Stitch to Hem (Cutesy Crafts)