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 - 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) - 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) - 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 - 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
Sailmakers stitch
Slip stitch - 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.