Overcast stitch

Overcast stitch is one of several types of sewing stitches, this type being used on a raw, or unfinished, seam or edge. The purpose is to prevent unraveling of the fabric.

Overcast stitches may be reversible, as when they are used to join together crochet block pieces of afghan blankets. There are several different kinds of overcast stitches. A straight overcast stitch is used for finishing edges in eyelets and cutwork fabric. A blanket stitch, used to finish edges of wool blankets, is another common overcast stitch.