Staystitching: stop curves stretching

Staystitching is a line of stitching just inside the seam line on curved or bias edges, such as necklines, sewn before anything else so they can't stretch out of shape.

Pinny's tip
Staystitch as soon as you've cut. Necklines start stretching the moment you handle them.

What you'll need

• Sewing machine: regular straight stitch.
• Matching thread: it stays in the garment.

Step by step

1. Look at your pattern for curved and bias-cut edges: necklines, armholes, waistlines.
2. Use your regular stitch length or a little shorter, about 2 to 2.5mm (1/8 in).
3. Sew a single layer about 0.4 in (1 cm) from the edge for a 0.6 in (1.5 cm) seam allowance (6mm (1/4 in) for a 0.4 in (1 cm) allowance) so it stays hidden in the seam.
4. Sew each half from the shoulder towards the centre so you don't stretch it in one direction.
5. Don't pull the fabric; let it feed through naturally.

Common mistakes

• Stitching on the seam line. It can show. Stay just inside the allowance.
• Doing it after handling. Do it straight after cutting.
• Sewing one long line round a neckline. Work in from each side.

Watch it done

• How to Sew a Stay Stitch - Updated by Professor Pincushion on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• WHAT IS STAYSTITCHING? And why you don’t want to skip this crucial step in sewing! by Evelyn Wood on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• Stay Stitch for Beginners | Sewing Tutorial with Angela Wolf by Craftsy 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 Staystitch Fabric (and When and Why You Need To)
2. YouTube: How to Sew a Stay Stitch - Updated (Professor Pincushion)
3. YouTube: WHAT IS STAYSTITCHING? And why you don’t want to skip this crucial step in sewing! (Evelyn Wood)
4. YouTube: Stay Stitch for Beginners | Sewing Tutorial with Angela Wolf (Craftsy)