Basting Basics: Two Stitch Options for Basting Fabric

Whether you're fitting a garment, hemming slippery fabric, or securing quilt layers before final stitching, basting stitches are your best friend. These long, temporary stitches hold fabric layers together without locking them in place—making adjustments easy and stress-free.

In this post, we’ll explore two basting stitch options available on your BERNINA machine, each designed to give you flexibility, control, and precision.

What Is a Basting Stitch?

A basting stitch is a long, temporary stitch used to hold two layers of fabric together before permanent sewing. It’s especially helpful for:

• Garment fitting and alterations
• Sewing hems on slippery or delicate fabrics
• Securing quilt layers before quilting

Option 1: Straight Stitch #1 + Long Stitch Function

This method uses your standard Straight Stitch #1 with a twist—activating the Long Stitch Function in your machine’s editing tools.

How It Works:

• The Long Stitch Function tells your machine to sew every second stitch, creating a longer straight stitch.
• Set your stitch length to 6 mm.
• With the Long Stitch Function active, your machine produces 12 mm long stitches—about ⅜" in length.

Ideal for: General basting needs, garment fitting, and medium-weight fabrics.

Option 2: Long Stitch #21

For even longer basting stitches, try Long Stitch #21—a programmed stitch designed specifically for temporary holding.

How It Works:

• This stitch sews every fourth stitch, skipping three in between.
• Set your stitch length to 6 mm.
• The result? A basting stitch that’s approximately 1" long.

Ideal for: Quilting layers, heavy fabrics, or projects where extra-long stitches make removal easier.

Final Tips for Basting Success

• Use a contrasting thread color for easy removal.
• Don’t backstitch—remember, basting is meant to be temporary.
• Test your stitch settings on a scrap before sewing your project.

With these two stitch options, your BERNINA becomes a basting powerhouse—giving you the flexibility to prep, fit, and layer with ease.

Keep Making Stitches