A straight stitch is a basic sewing technique that creates a simple, straight line of stitches. It is commonly used in both hand sewing and machine sewing to join two pieces of fabric together. This stitch is versatile and can be used for various projects, including clothing construction and home décor. In machine sewing, the straight stitch is typically the default setting on most sewing machines. It is created by the machine's needle moving up and down through the fabric while the feed dogs move the fabric forward. This stitch is essential for beginners and is foundational for more complex sewing techniques.