When is it necessary to lengthen the stitch length in sewing?

Lengthening the stitch length in sewing is particularly important when the goal is to create a temporary stitch, such as in basting. When using a longer stitch, the stitches are easier to remove, which is essential for temporary sewing applications. This is often done to hold layers of fabric together or to mark hemlines without committing to a permanent stitch, allowing for adjustments before final construction.

In contrast, a shorter stitch length typically creates a more secure and permanent seam, which is not appropriate for temporary holding purposes. Longer stitch lengths can also be beneficial when sewing through thicker fabrics, but this is not the primary reason for lengthening stitches. Tighter seams, on the other hand, require shorter stitches for increased durability and strength, which would not align with the concept of creating a temporary stitch.