What type of stitches are used for temporarily holding fabric pieces together?

Basting stitches are specifically designed for temporarily holding fabric pieces together before the final stitching is done. These longer, loose stitches can easily be removed once the permanent seams are completed. Basting is particularly useful in situations where the fabric may need to be adjusted or repositioned during the sewing process, allowing for more flexibility and ease in handling the materials.

While other methods such as pinning can hold fabric together, they do so without sewing, which doesn't provide the same level of control and stability as basting. Running stitches are more commonly used for permanent seams, and overcasting stitches are meant to prevent fraying on raw edges rather than holding pieces together temporarily. Thus, the choice of basting stitches directly addresses the need for temporary assembly of fabric, making it the correct answer.