Which term describes a hand stitch that is almost invisible on the surface?

Which term describes a hand stitch that is almost invisible on the surface?

• A. Running stitch
• B. Backstitch
• C. Slipstitch
• D. Satin stitch

Answer: (C)

The key idea is invisibility: a slipstitch is made from the wrong side and the stitches are caught along the edge, so on the right side only a tiny seam line shows. This lets hems or openings be closed without a visible stitch line, making the seam nearly disappear. It’s especially useful for hems or shallow openings where you want the finish to look seamless. By contrast, a running stitch shows a noticeable line on the surface, a backstitch creates a continuous visible line, and a satin stitch fills an area with dense, obvious stitches.

The key idea is invisibility: a slipstitch is made from the wrong side and the stitches are caught along the edge, so on the right side only a tiny seam line shows. This lets hems or openings be closed without a visible stitch line, making the seam nearly disappear. It’s especially useful for hems or shallow openings where you want the finish to look seamless. By contrast, a running stitch shows a noticeable line on the surface, a backstitch creates a continuous visible line, and a satin stitch fills an area with dense, obvious stitches.