<blockquote>
  <p>The theory behind stitch length is pretty straight forward. The shorter the stitches, the more will be packed into each inch of stitching, creating a tighter seam. The longer the stitches, the fewer within each inch, therefore, the looser the seam. Short equals tight; long equals loose. Another way to think about it is: short equals stronger and permanent, long equals weaker and temporary.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>I found <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/setting-stitch-length-quick-look-how-and-why">this article</a> very helpful in understanding the basics of choosing stitch length.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-26T19:47:52.667Z
2016-04-27T01:45:32.237Z
2016-04-27T01:45:32.237Z
Sara Lynn
<p><a href="http://www.the-sewing-partner.com/sewing-stitch-adjustments.html">Stitching lengths:</a></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>2mm is the short stitch length that should be used for lightweight
  fabrics, for satin stitching, and decorative stitching. </p>
  
  <p>2.5 - 3mm is the average stitch length range that should be used for medium weight fabrics. </p>
  
  <p>4 - 5mm is the long stitch length range that should be used for
  basting and topstitching.</p>
</blockquote>

<p><a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/making-machine-stitches-work-for-you.html">Stitches for Dummies puts it this way:</a></p>

<blockquote>
  <ul>
  <li>The average stitch length for mid-weight fabrics is 2.5 to 3 mm/10 to 12 spi.</li>
  <li>The average stitch length for fine fabrics is 2 mm/13 to 20 spi.</li>
  <li>For heavier fabrics, basting, or topstitching, use 4 to 5 mm/5 to 6 spi.</li>
  </ul>
</blockquote>

<p>Personally, I baste by hand and use a shorter length stitch for strength when necessary. This <a href="http://www.howcast.com/videos/454064-how-to-select-stitch-length-sewing-lessons/">video</a> explains where I am coming from! </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-27T02:42:49.327Z
2016-04-27T22:54:12.030Z
2016-04-27T22:54:12.030Z
Ken Graham
<p>When looking to sew a piece of fabric, what factors are looked at to determine the correct stitch length?</p>

<sewing>
How do you choose a stitch length when straight stitching an arbitrary fabric?
beattyac
# How do you choose a stitch length when straight stitching an arbitrary fabric?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-04-26)

When looking to sew a piece of fabric, what factors are looked at to determine the correct stitch length?

**Tags:** sewing


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-04-27. Score: 13 | Accepted answer

[Stitching lengths:](http://www.the-sewing-partner.com/sewing-stitch-adjustments.html)

> 2mm is the short stitch length that should be used for lightweight
> fabrics, for satin stitching, and decorative stitching.
>
> 2.5 - 3mm is the average stitch length range that should be used for medium weight fabrics.
>
> 4 - 5mm is the long stitch length range that should be used for
> basting and topstitching.

[Stitches for Dummies puts it this way:](http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/making-machine-stitches-work-for-you.html)

> * The average stitch length for mid-weight fabrics is 2.5 to 3 mm/10 to 12 spi.
> * The average stitch length for fine fabrics is 2 mm/13 to 20 spi.
> * For heavier fabrics, basting, or topstitching, use 4 to 5 mm/5 to 6 spi.

Personally, I baste by hand and use a shorter length stitch for strength when necessary. This [video](http://www.howcast.com/videos/454064-how-to-select-stitch-length-sewing-lessons/) explains where I am coming from!


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### Answer by username_1 on 2016-04-26. Score: 9

> The theory behind stitch length is pretty straight forward. The shorter the stitches, the more will be packed into each inch of stitching, creating a tighter seam. The longer the stitches, the fewer within each inch, therefore, the looser the seam. Short equals tight; long equals loose. Another way to think about it is: short equals stronger and permanent, long equals weaker and temporary.

I found [this article](http://www.sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/setting-stitch-length-quick-look-how-and-why) very helpful in understanding the basics of choosing stitch length.


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