Hand Sewing the Running Stitch

You can use a running stitch as a substitute for a machine-sewn seam. It is designed to be a permanent stitch, when a sewing machine is not available. Use a straight needle threaded with single- or doubled-waxed cord or thread. Tie a knot at the end of the cord. The material should be turned under one-half inch. Insert the needle inside the one-half inch fold of one ply and push it through the three remaining plies so the starting knot will be hidden. Continue sewing the pieces together by using the basting stitch. When you come to the end of the row, turn the material around and go back in the opposite direction, filling in the empty spaces as you sew, as shown in figure 10-26. These two rows together become the running stitch. Use four stitches per inch (each stitch one-fourth inch long) and one-eighth inch

Figure 10-25.-Basting stitch.

Figure 10-26.-Running stitch.

^{from the folded} edge. Lock the seam every 6 inches.

Keep enough tension on the thread to form firm, well-set stitches. When you make the last stitch, insert the needle through two piles and bring it out in the center of the plies. Make two half hitches around the stitch extending from the second layer to the third layer of material.