Originally Posted by Peckish

I use a longer stitch (basting stitch) if I think I might have to rip the stitches out. It's much easier to un-sew. For instance, if I'm not sure something will work, if I'm trying something new, if I'm doing some difficult curved piecing - I'll start with a longer stitch. If all is well, then I simply re-sew the seam with a shorter stitch.