Difference between Chain Stitch and Lock Stitch

By | December 23, 2015

Difference between Chain Stitch and Lock Stitch 

Noor Ahmed Raaz
Specialized in Apparel Manufacturing
Owner and Editor in chief Textile Merchandising
Asst. Prof., Department of Textile Engineering
Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology
Email: mnnabi@adust.edu.bd

Chain Stitch:

Chain stitch is one kind of ornate sewing stitch where loops are joined as like the forms of a chain. This stitch is formed by two or more sets of those threads are called needle thread and looped thread. In the garments manufacturing process, generally, chain stitch is mostly used in the seam and out seam of trouser, side seam of shirt and for decorative purposes.

Chain Stitch

Lock Stitch:

Lock stitch is most common stitch in garments where two threads are locked to each other at minor intervals. This stitch is formed by at two sets of threads those are needle thread and bobbin thread. In the garments manufacturing process normally lock stitch is mostly used in the collar, front pocket, bottom hem and undergarments.

Lock Stitch

Difference between Chain Stitch and Lock Stitch:

Some major differences between chain stitch and lock stitch are given below-

S/L
Substance
Chain
stitch
Lock
stitch
01
Definition
Stitches
are formed by two or more sets of threads those are needle thread and
looper thread.
Stitches
are formed by at two sets of threads those are needle thread and bobbin
thread.
02
Thread
Bound
In
this stitch, threads are bound together by interlacing and interloping.
In
this stitch, threads are bound together by interlacing.
03
Stitch
Appearance
Appearance
of stitch is looks like lock stitch at top side and double chain at under.
Appearance
of stitch is similar in both sides of the fabric.
04
Stitch
Strength
Strength
of chain stitch is higher than lock stitch.
Strength
of lock stitch is lower than chain stitch.
05
Seam
Puckering
Here,
possibility of seam pucker formation
is more than lock stitch.
Here,
possibility of seam pucker formation is less than chain stitch.
06
Extensibility
Extensibility
of chain stitch is normally 30%.
Extensibility
of lock stitch is less than 30%
07
Back
Taking
No
need of back tacking at     finishing end but secured by
one      cm thread at finishing end.
Stitches
are secured by back tacking at starting and finishing end.
08
Stitch
Speed
Generally
chain stitch m/c speed 8000 spm.
Generally
lock stitch m/c speed 6000 spm.
09
Thread
Consumption
Thread
consumption of chain stitch is high.
Thread
consumption of lock stitch is less.

5 thoughts on “Difference between Chain Stitch and Lock Stitch

  1. Robin Collier

    Thank you & Very well written! However, your second photo IS NOT of a Lockstitch.
    That is a F.S.T. 514, also referred to as a “Mock-Safety” stitch. It utilizes 2 needle threads and 2 looper threads.
    Generally used in the loosely woven knits, sweats, and other seams where extra seam strength is needed as well as flexibility in the seam. Some denim guys use the seam to help reduce material edge raveling.

    Reply

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