Topstitch

Topstitching is a sewing technique where the line of stitching is designed to be seen from the outside of the garment, either decorative or functional.

A shirt placket with buttons and topstitching.

Topstitching is used most often on garment edges such as necklines and hems, where it helps facings to stay in place and gives a crisp edge. It can also be used to attach details like pockets or tabs on zippers, especially on bags.^[1] Decorative topstitching is designed to show, and may be done in a fancy thread or with a special type of stitch.^[2] Otherwise, topstitching is generally done using a straight stitch with a thread that matches the fashion fabric.^[3]

References

1. Mallalieu, Nicole (2014). The Better Bag Maker. Concord, CA: C&T Publishing. p. 23. ISBN 978-1-60705-805-2.
2. Kim, Sue (2011). Bags—The Modern Classics. Concord, CA: C&T Publishing. p. 7. ISBN 978-1-60705-388-0.
3. Conlon, Jane. "Tools for Topstitching". Threads. Taunton. Retrieved 2015-03-29.