Stitch types (ISO 4915) cheat sheet
5 min read
ISO 4915 gives each stitch a class number. Writing the number in the construction page removes any doubt about which machine and thread set-up to use.
| Class | Name | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 301 | Lockstitch | Most woven seams, topstitching, plackets, collars |
| 401 | 2-thread chainstitch | Felled seams on shirts and jeans, waistbands |
| 406 | 2-needle coverstitch | Knit hems, neck binding on T-shirts |
| 504 | 3-thread overlock | Edge finishing on wovens |
| 514 | 4-thread overlock | Seaming knits |
| 516 | 5-thread safety stitch | Seaming and finishing wovens in one pass, trousers |
| 605 / 607 | Cover / flatlock | Sportswear, flat seams on activewear |
| 103 | Blindstitch | Invisible hems on trousers, skirts and jackets |
Write SPI too
Stitches per inch change strength and look: around 10 to 12 for most seams, 12 to 14 for shirts, 7 to 8 for heavy denim topstitch. Put it next to the stitch class.
Make this faster in the studio. Tech Pack Studio loads standard POMs, tolerances and grade rules for 42 garments and draws the flats from them. Start free.