There are many types of sewing stitches used in knitting. Most sewing stitches are used to sew seams together when finishing a piece, or as a decorative element. The baste stitch is a temporary stitch used to hold things in place.
Unlike the backstitch or mattress stitch, this stitch is not a permanent stitch. Basting is used to hold pieces of fabric together temporarily. You can baste pieces of fabric together while you check fit. Or while you check the placement of embellishments. Or while you work a more permanent seam.
How to baste knitted fabric
Thread a tapestry needle. Then with RS facing, take needle *under 3 stitches, over next 3 stitches, repeat from * to end.
See also: Mattress Stitch, backstitch, whip stitch, seam – rows to stitches, Kitchener Stitch – Grafting Knitting, garter seam, flat seam, baste, sew snap tape to front bands, sew snap tape