A Stitch in Time Saves Nine...or Ten Questions Quiz

Answer: Running Stitch

The running stitch is a basic hand stitch that could be used for a variety of purposes such as assembling the pieces of a quilt together. The red marks represent the thread that is on this side of the fabric and the blank areas in between represent where the thread has gone through the fabric and is on the other side. With a running stitch it is common for more thread to be visible than hidden.

Answer: Cross Stitch

If you have looked at a sampler that features alphabets, sets of numbers, and the like you have seen examples of cross stitches. Depending on your angle, the pairs of stitches are in an x or + shape, with the second stitch "crossing" the first stitch. In many parts of the world, the sampler with its many cross stitches was used to show the skill of the embroiderer.

Answer: Back Stitch

With the back stitch, the individual stitches go in a different direction than the general movement of the stitch line. This type of stitch can be used in embroidery to add detail or outline something. Examples of this type of stitch, which has several varieties, can be found in cloth items that are several hundreds of years old.

Answer: Pick Stitch

I must admit that I cheated a little when I used red/pink to mark out the pick stitch in this image. A pick stitch would often use a thread that is close/identical in color to the color of the fabric so that it would show as little as possible. One common use of a pick stitch is as a hem for a piece of clothing.

Answer: Zigzag Stitch

The zigzag stitch creates more strength at the seam than a simple straight stitch would. If you look at it the right way, the pattern of the stitch seems to be connected the "Zs" that are in zigzag. I must admit that I thought "Charlie Brown Stitch" was a clever fake answer since this stitch reminded me of the pattern on Charlie Brown's sweater.

A zigzag stitch is more commonly done on a sewing machine than by hand.

Answer: Overcast Stitch

The overcast stitch can be used used on a raw seam to prevent unraveling of the fabric. It can also be used to connect blocks of crocheting that will be used to create an afghan blanket. In an embroidery project, the overcast stitch can also be used to outline something.

Answer: Chain Stitch

Chain stitches are used in both sewing and embroidery. The pressure of the needle on the fabric will cause the small loops of thread to form creating the links in a "chain-like" pattern. Several varieties of chain stitches, both hand-sewn and machine-sewn, exist. This type of stitching goes back hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Answer: Lock Stitch

The lock stitch gets its name because the two threads intertwine or lock. This is the most common type of stitch done on a sewing machine. The upper thread is held on a spool on top of the machine and the lower thread is held on a bobbin in the machine. There are several varieties of lock stitch including straight, zigzag, and blind.

Answer: Tacking Stitch

A tailor might use a tacking stitch like this to temporarily set something like a hem in place before a more permanent stitch was used. This type of stitch can also be used on a part of a piece of clothing that would be separated from the main article before cleaning. On occasion, a tacking stitch can even be used to reinforce another type of stitch.

Answer: Blind Stitch

A blind stitch is meant to be as unnoticeable as possible. This type of stitch is sometimes used on hems. This type of stitch can be done both by hand sewing and machine sewing. The secret is for the thread to catch as small a piece of the material as possible with each stitch.