A straight stitch is a basic sewing technique that creates a straight line of stitches. It is commonly used in both hand sewing and machine sewing. This stitch is ideal for joining two pieces of fabric together or for hemming edges. The straight stitch is versatile and can be adjusted in length depending on the project requirements. In sewing machines, the straight stitch is often the default setting and is represented by a simple line on the machine's stitch selector. It is essential for various sewing tasks, including quilting and garment construction. Mastering the straight stitch is fundamental for anyone learning to sew, as it forms the foundation for more complex stitches and techniques.