Hand Baste Fabric

Basting fabric is a basic sewing technique. It is a quick and usually temporary way to tack fabric in place. It is used for hemming and quilting.

Steps

  1. Select the fabric you want to attach together and use straight pins to hold it in place.
  2. Thread a needle and knot it. Lightly mark in pencil where you want to sew.
  3. Pull the needle up through both layers of fabric until the knot stops the thread. Push the needle down through the layers to sew a single stitch, about the width of a fingerprint. This is called a "running" stitch.
  4. Using this simple running stitch, continue sewing along the line. Pull the needle through the fabric firmly but not too tightly or it will pucker. Repeat the stitches until you have come to the end of your fabric or pattern.
  5. Cut the thread at the needle and tie a simple knot to secure the stitching.

Tips

  • As an alternative to thread, use craft fabric glue or spray adhesive to baste the fabric. In that case, the glue must dry completely before use.
  • Make sure to use a thimble.
  • Similar to the technique to sew a button, double up your thread.

Warnings

  • Thimbles prevent pin pricks.

Things You'll Need

  • Sewing needle
  • Fabric
  • Scissors
  • Straight Pins
  • Thread
  • Alternative: Fabric glue or spray adhesive

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