Which stitch is used for temporary basting, easing, and gathering, worked from right to left with several stitches onto the needle before pulling through?

• A. Slipstitch
• B. Tacking
• C. Running Stitch
• D. Blindstitch

Answer: (C)

The running stitch is the simple, versatile stitch used for temporary holds and shaping fabric. Because it creates a straight line of stitches that can be easily removed, it’s perfect for temporary basting, easing fullness along a seam, and gathering. For gathering in particular, you can run two parallel lines of running stitches and then pull the threads to draw the fabric together evenly, giving you controlled fullness. The other stitches aren’t as suited to these tasks: the slipstitch is meant for nearly invisible edge finishing, the blindstitch for hems and hidden seams, and tacking is a quick temporary hold but doesn’t offer the same easy control for easing and gathering as a running stitch.