To pull out the long, temporary stitches that were used to hold fabric pieces together during fitting or initial construction. Tailors unbaste seams once the final machine stitching is secure, taking care not to snag the permanent threads or distort the fabric. Leaving basting threads in a finished garment is considered sloppy workmanship.
Heard on the job
Once you finish topstitching the lapel, unbaste the edges and give it a good press.
Do not mix it up with
- Unpick: Unbasting specifically removes temporary holding stitches, while unpicking removes permanent stitches to correct a mistake or alter a garment.