Running stitch
Running stitch is as simple as they come! If you’ve ever used a basting stitch to hold something in place when sewing - running stitch is similar to this, except the stitches are smaller and closer together. You can find the tutorial on page 21.
Although running stitch is very simple, it is used all the time in hand repairing, primarily to hold two pieces of fabric together, but also in decorative ways to add interest and beauty to a repair.
What it's used for:
Attaching a patch
Adding additional reinforcing stitches over a patched area
Decorative geometric patterns stitched over a patched area, such as on a knee repair.
Repairs on non-stretch garments.
Running stitch is not a stretch stitch
Back stitch
Back stitch is only slightly more complex than running stitch, yet it gives a much stronger result. The stitch loops over itself on the reverse side, providing the added strength. On the front side, the stitches look like a sewing machine stitch and so the stitch is a great option to repair small sections of broken topstitching or other visible seam repairs. You can find the tutorial on page 22-23.
What it's used for:
Repairing a seam that has broken
Repairing a section of machine stitched hem that has come loose
Repairing a section of topstitching, such as on jeans
In repairs where strength is required, such as sewing down a belt loop or strap.
You can see the difference between the two on page 23. You can see how the backstitch creates a much stronger reinforced stitch than the running stitch.
These basic stitches will be used time and again in different hand sewing and repair techniques. You can check out the tutorials with photos in the booklet or in the video by Renee below.