The running stitch is the simplest hand-sewing stitch and the foundation for most repairs
A running stitch is a straight line of small stitches that holds two pieces of fabric together. It is the fastest hand stitch to learn and the one you will use most often — for hemming pants, closing seams, patching tears, and attaching patches. The stitch works by pushing your needle straight down through both layers of fabric, then straight back up, in a repeating motion. Once you can do this smoothly, you can sew almost any basic repair.
The running stitch is not the strongest stitch for heavy-duty work like mending a bag seam that bears weight, but it is strong enough for everyday clothing repairs and is much faster than a backstitch. Most people learn this stitch first because the hand motion is straightforward and the results are visible right away.
Key Takeaways
- Thread your needle, tie a knot at the end, and push the needle up through both layers of fabric from underneath so the knot stays hidden on the back.
- Push the needle straight down through both layers about one-eighth inch ahead, then push it back up one-eighth inch ahead of that, and repeat in a steady rhythm.
- Keep your stitches the same size and space them evenly so the seam looks neat and holds securely.
- Tie off by making two small stitches in the same spot on the back of the fabric, then trim the thread close to the knot.
What you need before you start
Gather a needle, thread, two pieces of fabric, and scissors. The needle size should match your thread — a size 7 or 8 needle works for most everyday sewing. Use thread that matches your fabric color or choose a neutral shade like gray or tan if you cannot find an exact match. If you are practicing, any two scraps of cotton fabric will work.
You do not need a thimble to start, but one protects your finger when you push the needle through thick fabric. A thimble is optional until you are sewing denim or canvas. Sit in a place with good light so you can see your stitches clearly.
How to thread the needle and tie a knot
Cut about 18 inches of thread from the spool. Trim the end at a sharp angle with scissors so it is easier to push through the needle's eye. Push the thread through the needle's eye — if it frays, wet the tip slightly with your tongue and try again. Pull the thread so about 6 inches hangs on one side and the rest on the other.
Hold the longer end and wrap it around your index finger once, close to the tip. Slide your finger down slightly so the loop tightens, then push the loop off your finger with your thumb. You now have a small knot at the end of the thread. If the knot is too small or loose, repeat the wrapping step. The knot should be about the size of a pea — large enough that it will not slip through the fabric.
How to position the fabric and start the first stitch
Place the two pieces of fabric on top of each other with the sides you want to sew facing inward. If you are hemming a pant leg, fold the fabric so the fold is on top and the raw edge is underneath. Hold the fabric steady with your non-sewing hand, or pin it if the pieces keep sliding.
Push the needle up through both layers from underneath, about one-quarter inch from where you want the seam to start. Pull the thread until the knot catches on the back of the fabric — the knot stays hidden inside or on the back. This is your starting point. You are now ready to make your first stitch.
The basic running stitch motion
Push the needle straight down through both layers of fabric about one-eighth inch ahead of where the thread came up. The distance between stitches is called the stitch length. One-eighth inch is a standard length for most repairs — small enough to hold securely but large enough to sew quickly. Push the needle all the way through until it comes out the back, then pull the thread snug.
Now push the needle back up through both layers about one-eighth inch ahead of where it went down. Pull the thread snug again. You now have one complete stitch — a small line on the front and a small line on the back. Repeat this motion: down one-eighth inch ahead, up one-eighth inch ahead, down, up, down, up. Keep the rhythm steady and the stitch length even.
As you work, the thread will naturally twist slightly. Every few stitches, let the needle hang and spin freely for a moment so the thread untwists. This keeps your stitches from looking bunched or uneven.
How to keep stitches straight and even
The most common mistake is making stitches different sizes or angling the needle instead of pushing it straight down and straight up. Look at the line you are sewing along — if you marked it with a pencil or chalk, follow that line exactly. If you are hemming, the fold of the fabric is your guide.
Push the needle perpendicular to the fabric, not at an angle. If the needle tilts, the stitch will angle and the seam will look crooked. Count your stitches if that helps you stay focused — "down, up, down, up" — and say the count out loud if you are learning. After a few seams, the motion becomes automatic and you will not need to count.
If you make a stitch that is too long or too short, you can leave it — one uneven stitch will not ruin the repair. If you make a stitch in the wrong place, pull the thread back and start that stitch over. Do not try to fix it by sewing over it again, because that wastes thread and makes the seam bulky.
How to tie off and finish the seam
When you reach the end of the seam, push the needle to the back of the fabric. Make two small stitches in the same spot — push down and up in the same holes twice. This creates a small knot on the back that keeps the thread from unraveling. Pull the thread snug after each stitch.
Trim the thread close to the knot with scissors. Leave about one-quarter inch of thread so the knot does not slip out. If you are sewing a seam that will get a lot of stress, like the crotch of pants, you can make three small stitches in the same spot instead of two for extra security.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should each stitch be?
One-eighth inch is standard for most repairs and everyday sewing. Smaller stitches (one-sixteenth inch) are stronger but take longer. Larger stitches (one-quarter inch) are faster but weaker. For a first attempt, aim for one-eighth inch and do not worry if some are slightly bigger or smaller.
What do I do if the thread keeps breaking?
The thread is probably too long — cut it to 18 inches or shorter. If it still breaks, the needle eye may be too small or rough. Try a larger needle or a new needle. Also check that you are not pulling the thread too hard — pull just enough to keep the stitch snug, not tight.
Can I sew a running stitch on a machine instead of by hand?
Yes, a sewing machine makes a running stitch automatically and much faster. Hand sewing is useful for small repairs, delicate fabrics, or when you do not have a machine nearby. Both methods create the same basic stitch.
How do I fix a mistake in the middle of a seam?
Pull the thread backward to undo the stitches back to the mistake. You may need to pull several stitches at once. Once you reach the bad stitch, cut the thread and pull it out, then rethread the needle and start again from that point.
Is the running stitch strong enough for a torn seam in a jacket?
Yes, for most jacket fabrics. If the tear is long or the jacket gets heavy wear, a backstitch is stronger. For a quick repair that will hold through normal use, a running stitch works fine. Test the repair by pulling gently on the seam — if it holds, it is find enough.