whipstitch

Whipstitch, also spelled whip stitch, is a simple hand sewing stitch used to join two fabrics at a raw edge or to finish an edge. It consists of a series of diagonal stitches that wrap around the edge as the thread travels from one side to the other. To perform it, the thread is anchored on the inside near the edge; each stitch is made by bringing the needle up close to the edge, then passing over the edge to the opposite side and slipping down through the fabric a short distance from the edge. Repeating along the edge creates a continuous row of stitches; the thread visibly wraps around the edge on the right side, forming a decorative or functional edge finish.

Whipstitch is commonly used for hemming curved edges, finishing raw edges on felt or light fabrics, or joining fabric layers where a visible edge line is acceptable. It is faster to execute by hand than many other stitches but is less secure for high-stress seams than backstitch or running stitch. It can also be employed in leatherwork and bookbinding to bind edges or near-edge closures, often with waxed thread for durability.

Variations include finer whipstitches for delicate fabrics or longer stitches for leather; the stitch length and thread choice influence rigidity and appearance. In machine sewing, a domestic machine can mimic a whipstitch using a decorative or overcast stitch, but traditional whipstitch is inherently handwork.