Stitch size
- Stitch length- Distance from one stitch juncture to the next successive stitch juncture in the sewing line.
- Stitch width- Distance between the outermost stitch juncture or distance between the outermost edges of the lateral thread placement.
- Stitch depth- Distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the stitch.
Stitch tension
Stitch sequence
Elongation
Elasticity
Resilience
Fabric distortion
Yarn severance
Abrasive strength

Stitch Formation and its Uses

Stitch Type	No.	Formation	Characteristics	Application
Single thread chain stitches	101	One needle thread intralooping with itself	elastic, easy to unravel	basting, buton sewing, label setting, back closing , tacking
Single thread chain stitches	103	use a curve needle to penetrate the fabric surface but stitich does not show on the face	invisible on garment surface	hemming of pants and skirts
Hand stitches	200	Done by hand with one needle thread	Flexible use	Basting on tailored jackets
Lock Stitches	301	interlacing of needle thread and bobbin thread	reversible, strong, versatile, secure,neat flat but not stretchable	top stitching, common seam sewing
Lock Stitches	304	similar to 301 but in a zigzag pattern	similar to 301 but stretchable	attaching elastic/lace to lingerie decoration
Multithread chain stitches	401	one needle thread and one looper thread, interlooped and interlaced together	continuous running, strong, duarable, extensible, thick and can be unravelled	waist bands, inseam of jeans, side seam/sleeve seam of shirts, rainwear
	402	a looper thread travels betwen two needle threads on the underside of the fabric and form a ridge	for stimulative effect	stimulate permanant crease on the knitted pants and cording backs of gloves
	402	similar to 401 but zigzag pattern	higher elasticity than 401	attach waist band lining to men’s trousers
	406	similar to 402 but does not ridge up	concealed raw edges on the underside to produce a flat and comfortable seam	cover seaming, sewing belt loops,binding and attaching elastic to underwear,hemming t-shirts and sportswear
	407	similar to 406 but with 3 needle threads and one looper thread	high elasticity , stronger and better coverage effects	attaching elastics to briefs, panties and undergarments
Overedge Stitch	501	one needle thread interlooping itself warps and protects the edge	ealstic , allow the seam to break open, easily unravelled	break open seaming
	502	formed by 1 needle thread and 1 looper thread	Stronger than 501	bag seaming
	503	similar to 502 but the needle thread interlocks with the looper threads on the edge of the plies	better edge coverage than 501 and 502, highly elastic	thin surging on thread,blind hemming on T-shirts
	504	one needle and 2 looper threads interlock on the edge of the plies	higher extensible, tighter structure, prevent fraying but bulky and easily runback	popular serging and seaming of knit garments
	514	formed by 2 needle thread and 2 looper threads	produce a wider bright than 504, strnger and more elastic	strong seaming of knits and woven fabrics
Cover stitch	602	similar to 406 but it has a covering thread on the top surface	provide excellent top and bottom cover and flat seam	attaching knit collar on kint garments
	605	similar to 407 but it has a covering thread on the top surface	better coverage than 602	cut edge bining , elastic attaching
	607	similar to 605 but it has 4 needle threads, 1 cover and 1 looper thread	flat, stretchy and smooth trims and seams simultaneously	flat, butted seams on breifs and panties
Combinatin	401.504	combines stitch types 401 and 504	5 thread safety overedging, serging and seaming simultaneously	side seaming of shirtings