List of sewing stitches

This a list of stitches used in hand and machine sewing.

Types of machine stitches

Back tack - backward stitch(es) to anchor tacking or basting
Backstitch - a sturdy hand stitch for seams and decoration
Basting stitch (US) - for reinforcement or for temporarily holding fabric in place (same as Tack)
Blanket stitch - used to finish an unhemmed blanket
Blind stitch (or hemstitch) - a 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' & 'blind' -catch stitch) a 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 look
Hemstitch (Hemming stitch) - decorative technique for embellishing the hem of clothing or household linens.
Overcast stitch
Pad stitch - secures two or more layers of fabric together and provide firmness
Pick stitch - a 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 - a hand stitch for seams and gathering
Sailmakers stitch
Slip stitch - a form of blind stitch for fastening two pieces of fabric together from the right side without the thread showing
Stoating
Tack (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

Picken, Mary Brooks (1957). The Fashion Dictionary. Funk and Wagnalls.
Reader's Digest (1976). Complete Guide to Sewing. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. ISBN 0-89577-026-1.