Bastestitching is defined as which of the following?

• A. 4 stitches per inch
• B. 3 stitches per inch
• C. 2 stitches per inch
• D. 1 stitch per inch

Answer: (C)

Baste stitching is a temporary, easy-to-remove way to hold fabric pieces in place while you position and fit them for the final seam. Because the goal is adjustability, the stitches are made longer rather than tight. Think of stitch length in terms of stitches per inch: fewer stitches per inch means longer stitches. Baste stitches are typically about a half-inch long, which works out to roughly two stitches per inch. This length provides enough hold to keep things aligned without creating a permanent seam, making it simple to remove or adjust as you work. Shorter stitches would be harder to remove and longer ones could let the fabric shift before you finish.