What is staystitching?
Staystitching is a line of straight stitches that prevents curved or bias edges, such as necklines, shoulders and waistlines, from stretching out of shape as they are handled during sewing and pressing. The pattern instructions will tell you where to staystitch and the illustrations on the pattern's instruction sheet will you show which way to stitch. Staystitching is always done from the outer or wider edge in towards the center or narrower edge. The only exception is a "V" neck, where the stay-stitching goes from the point of the "V" up to the shoulder edge.

Where should I do it?
Staystitch 1/8" (3mm) inside of the seam allowance, between the seam line and the cut edge. On a standard 5/8" (1.5cm) seam allowance, this distance is 1/2" (1.3cm) from the cut edge.

Can I omit it?
It’s not a good idea! We recommend it for areas that are prone to stretching. Staystitching takes only a few minutes to do. The rewards are a lifetime of stretch-free wear and a garment that will look more professional. Once you have transferred your pattern markings and removed the tissue, do all of your staystitching. Remember...you don't have to staystitch every seam—just where it is indicated.

Do I have to remove the staystitches after I sew the seam?
No. Staystitching remains in the garment as a permanent aid to prevent stretching and buckling. Because it is in the seam allowance between the seam line and the cut edge, it will be invisible on the finished garment.