Difference Between Stitching And Sewing
Sewing and stitching are two fundamental techniques used in garment construction and other crafts. Though often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between sewing and stitching. Understanding the nuances between these two techniques can help you choose the right approach for your projects.
Overview of Sewing and Stitching
Sewing refers to the process of joining two or more pieces of fabric or other materials using stitches made with a needle and thread. It involves techniques like stitching, binding, cutting and joining fabric pieces to create garments, quilts, crafts and other items. Stitching specifically refers to the action of making stitches using a needle and thread to bind fabrics or materials together.
While all stitching can be considered sewing, not all sewing involves just stitching. Sewing encompasses stitching as well as other techniques for constructing and embellishing fabrics.
Key Differences Between Sewing and Stitching
Here are some of the main differences between sewing and stitching:
- Purpose: Stitching mainly creates connected seams and hems and is used for joining and mending. Sewing has a broader purpose of crafting full garments and items using stitching as well as other techniques.
- Process: Stitching only involves passing threaded needle in and out of fabric. Sewing includes cutting fabric pieces, stitching, adding fasteners and other steps.
- Techniques: Simple running stitch is the main stitching technique. Sewing uses various stitch types like zigzag, backstitch, blind hem, etc.
- Tools: Only a needle and thread are needed for stitching. Sewing uses needles, thread, sewing machines, scissors, seam rippers and other tools.
- Skill Level: Stitching is beginner friendly. Sewing has advanced techniques and requires more skill.
Tools and Supplies for Sewing and Stitching
Though basic stitching can be done with just a needle and thread, having some additional supplies can make the process easier:
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter: Used to cut fabric neatly and accurately.
- Pins: Help keep fabric pieces aligned while stitching.
- Measuring tape: Essential for measuring and cutting fabric.
- Iron: Helps flatten fabric and neaten seams.
- Seam ripper: To undo mistakes by removing unwanted stitches.
- Thimble: Protects finger from needle pricks when hand-sewing.
For machine sewing, a sewing machine suited to your project type along with extra needles, bobbins, thread spools etc. are needed. An ironing board and tailor’s chalk are also useful sewing supplies.
Types of Stitches Used in Sewing
Stitching forms the foundation of sewing. Some common types of hand and machine stitches used are:
- Running Stitch: Simple straight stitch for seams and gathering.
- Backstitch: Stronger straight stitch for seams requiring reinforcement.
- Basting Stitch: Used to temporarily hold fabric pieces together.
- Zigzag Stitch: For finishing raw edges and making decorative patterns.
- Blind Hem Stitch: Creates invisible hems on garments.
- Buttonhole Stitch: Forms a buttonhole over fabric slits.
- Top Stitch: Decorative straight stitch made on top of the fabric.
Differences Between Hand Sewing and Machine Sewing
Hand sewing and machine sewing achieve the same result of joining fabric, but have some key differences:
| Hand Sewing | Machine Sewing |
|---|---|
| Slower process but allows control over stitch placement | Much faster, but less control |
| Portable, no equipment needed | Stationary, requires flat surface and power source |
| Ideal for small or delicate items | Better for large projects with long seams |
| Variety of stitch options | Mainly straight and zigzag stitches |
| Needs frequent knotting and thread cutting | Continuous sewing without stops |
| Lower cost, only a needle and thread needed | Higher cost for purchasing machine |
Common Sewing Projects for Beginners
Some beginner-friendly projects to practice hand stitching and sewing are:
- Drawstring bags: Simple stitched squares with a drawstring channel.
- Aprons: Rectangular fabric with neck and waist ties.
- Headbands: Rectangle of fabric stitched into a ring.
- Scrunchies: Rectangles of elastic stitched into a tube.
- Blanket stitch edges: Decoratively finish frayed fabric edges with blanket stitch.
- Patch pockets: Stitch pockets onto garments and bags.
Sewing Techniques for Intermediates
After getting familiar with stitching, try out some more intermediate sewing techniques:
- Darts: Shaped fabric tucks that create contours.
- Pleats: Folded areas of extra fabric that add fullness.
- Seam finishes: Neaten raw cut fabric edges using zigzag stitch, overlocking or binding.
- Zipper insertion: Sew in both visible and concealed zip closures.
- Buttonholes: Use machine stitching to create button openings.
- Pockets: Add patch, welt or in-seam pockets to projects.
- Hems: Evenly fold and stitch fabric edges using blind, slip or catch stitches.
- Lining: Insert a lining fabric into garments and bags for a neat inside finish.
Tips for Successful Sewing and Stitching
Follow these tips to improve your sewing and stitching skills:
- Choose the right needle and thread type for your fabric. Match heavy duty needles and thicker threads for denim and lighter ones for silk.
- Always pre-wash fabrics before cutting and sewing to allow for shrinkage and prevent later distortion.
- Mark fabric cutting lines with tailor’s chalk which can be easily wiped off. Avoid pens or pencils.
- Learn to read a pattern with its special markings and directions before starting to cut and sew.
- Stay stitch curves and bias edges to stabilize them before main construction sewing.
- Press as you go with an iron rather than waiting until the end for a neat finished look.
- Unpick errors with a seam ripper and redo rather than trying to cover mistakes.
Difference Between Hand Sewing and Machine Sewing
| Hand Sewing | Machine Sewing |
|---|---|
| Slower stitching process but with full control | Much faster stitching but less control |
| Portable, requires just needle and thread | Stationary, needs flat surface and power |
| Better for small, delicate fabrics | Ideal for large projects with long seams |
| Variety of creative stitch options | Mainly just straight and zigzag stitches |
| Frequently needs knotting and thread cutting | Continuous sewing without interruptions |
| Lower cost supplies of just needle and thread | Bigger investment for purchasing machine |
FAQs About Sewing and Stitching
What is the difference between sewing and stitching?
Sewing involves both stitching and other techniques like cutting, joining, adding closures to make an end product. Stitching specifically means using a threaded needle to bind fabrics together with stitches.
Is hand stitching better than machine?
Hand stitching allows more control and creative stitches but is slower. Machine sewing is faster and better for long seams but has less flexibility. Choose based on your project, skill and time constraints.
What are the basic hand sewing stitches?
Some common hand sewing stitches are running stitch, backstitch, basting, hemming, blind stitch, blanket stitch and buttonhole stitch.
Can you use a sewing machine just for stitching?
Yes, a sewing machine can be used just for straight stitching to quickly join fabric pieces together. The machine offers more consistency and efficiency than hand stitching.
What fabrics are best for hand sewing?
Lightweight woven fabrics like cotton, linen, voile work well for hand sewing. Avoid very thick and stiff fabrics which are hard to stitch through by hand.
Can you sew without using a stitching technique?
Some non-stitched sewing techniques include gluing, stapling, tape binding, riveting and using fusible webbing. However, stitching remains the most common and durable sewing method.
Conclusion
In summary, stitching refers specifically to the technique of using needle and thread to join fabrics with stitches. It differs from the broader definition of sewing which includes cutting fabric pieces, stitching, adding closures and other finishing steps to make complete items like clothing, quilts or crafts. Both hand stitching and machine sewing have their own advantages. With practice and the right supplies, you can create beautiful handmade items using stitching and sewing techniques.