This a list of stitches used in hand and machine sewing. Types of machine stitches Lockstitch Chain stitch Zigzag stitch Running stitch Back stitch Satin stitch Overlock stitch Types of hand stitches Back tack – backward stitch to anchor tacking or basting Backstitch – sturdy hand stitch for seams and decoration Basting stitch (US) – for reinforcement or for temporarily holding fabric in place (same as tacking stitch) Blanket stitch – used to finish an unhemmed blanket Blind stitch (or hemstitch) – type of slip stitch used for inconspicuous hem Buttonhole stitch – for reinforcing buttonholes and preventing cut fabric from raveling Chain stitch – hand or machine stitch for seams or decoration Cross-stitch – usually used for decoration, but may also be used for seams Catch stitch (also 'flat' and 'blind' -catch stitch) – flat looped stitch used in hemming Darning stitch – for repairing holes or worn areas in fabric or knitting Embroidery stitch – one or more stitches forming a figure of recognizable appearance Hemstitch (Hemming stitch) – decorative technique for embellishing the hem of clothing or household linens Overcast stitch – used to enclose a raw, or unfinished, seam or edge Pad stitch – secures two or more layers of fabric together and provide firmness Pick stitch – hand stitch that catches only a few threads on the wrong side of the fabric, difficult to produce nicely so typically used for hemming high quality garments Running stitch – hand stitch for seams and gathering Sailmaker's stitch – may refer to any of the hand stitches used for stitching canvas sails, including the flat stitch, round stitch, baseball stitch, herringbone stitch. Slip stitch – form of blind stitch for fastening two pieces of fabric together from the right side without the thread showing Stoating – used to join two pieces of woven material, such that the resulting stitches are not visible from the right side of the cloth Straight stitch – the basic stitch in hand-sewing and embroidery Tacking stitch (UK, also baste or pin) – quick, temporary stitching intended to be removed Tent stitch – diagonal embroidery stitch at a 45-degree angle Topstitch – used on garment edges such as necklines and hems, helps facings stay in place and gives a crisp edge Whipstitch – for protecting edges Ladder stitch or mattress stitch – for invisibly closing seams from the outside, i.e. to close a pillow