What is stay stitching?

Stay stitching is a sewing technique used to prevent fabric from stretching and distorting while being handled during the construction of a garment. It involves stitching a line of regular length stitches along a fabric edge, typically within the seam allowance.

Stay stitching is commonly done along curved or bias-cut edges, such as necklines, armholes, and waistlines, where the fabric is more prone to stretching out of shape. It helps stabilize the fabric and maintains its original shape, ensuring that the garment fits properly and hangs correctly on the body.

Stay stitching is usually sewn at a slightly smaller stitch length than the main seam lines and is sewn within the seam allowance so that it does not show on the finished garment. It is important to stitch in the direction of the grain of the fabric to prevent any puckering or distortion.

Overall, stay stitching is a simple but essential technique in garment construction that helps to maintain the integrity of the fabric and improve the overall quality of the finished garment.