Industrial Stitches 101

Not sure which stitch you need while working in the Fashion Lab? Check out our handy reference guide!

Stitch Name	Description	Image
Single Needle Lockstitch	A strong, straight stitch made with 1 needle thread and 1 bobbin thread. Looks the same top and bottom. Good for woven fabric; can be used on knit fabric if the seam doesn't need to stretch. Use: Juki DDL-8700 & Juki 555
4-thread Overlock	A stretchy stitch with a clean finish, made with 2 needle threads and 2 looper threads. Good for knit material, such as making activewear. Best with textured nylon on the loopers. Use: Juki Mo-3714
"Faux Safety" 4-thread Overlock	A stable, yet slightly stretchy seam made with 2 needle threads and 2 looper threads. Often used to seam and finish in one stitch; good for wovens and knits. Best with textured nylon on the loopers. Use: Brother EFN-N21
"Purl" 3-thread Overlock	A very narrow overlock made with 1 needle thread and 2 looper threads. Often used as a decorative edge. Best with textured nylon on the loopers. Use: Juki Mo-6804S
Lockstitch Buttonhole (Automated)	Push one pedal to stitch a 1 needle thread and 1 bobbin thread button hole; set the length to your button size. Use: Juki LBH-782
Single Thread Lockstitch Buttonsew (Automated)	Push one pedal to stitch a 2- or 4-hole button onto fabric. Use: Juki MB-375
Single-Needle Blind Stitch	1 thread on a curved needle, barely passes through all layers and interlock onto itself. Good for hemming woven skirts and pants, etc. Use semi-transparent or transparent filament thread. Use: US Stitch Line SL 718-2
Cover Stitch	A stretchy stitch made with two needle threads and 1 looper thread. The looper thread underneath covers the raw edge of the seam allowance for a professional looking hem. Best with textured nylon thread on the loopers. Use: Kansai Special W-8003 EMK
6-thread Flat Stitch	A stretchy seam that joins two pieces with no bulky seam allowance. Made with 4 needle threads and two looper threads (1 on top, 1 underneath). Good for athletic wear, like yoga pants. Best with textured nylon thread. Use: Juki MF-3620
Leather Machine w/ Walking Foot	Single needle lockstitch with walking foot. Made with 1 needle thread and 1 bobbin thread. Good for very heavy leather layers. Best with a heavy bonded nylon thread. Use: Leather Stitching Machine
Chainstitch Embroidery	Coming Soon!