What is a stay-stitch?

[Hoopin' Mama]

Hi,
I'm new to sewing.
My pattern told me to stay-stitch, but I didn't know what that meant, so I didn't. It told me to do so around the neck of a shirt.

What is that, and do you think it's necessary?

I need a better sewing reference book, the one I have doesn't seem to have a lot of basic info in it.

Thanks!

[LilithParker]

This is my favorite sewing reference.

Stay-stitching is sort of anti-stretch insurance. It's a straight line of stitching a little closer to the edge than where the seam will be. I don't use it much.

[sabrinat]

I like the Reader's Digest reference too, except I have the classic one from 1976. It rocks! It's all you'll ever really need.
I also have the "simply the best sewing guide"...I like that it's a spiral and you can have it lie flat next to you.
My mom gave me "Sewing Made Easy" by Dorothy Sara...it's from the 70's or 80's and it is also a really good general reference for sewing.

I've looked at tons of them and if I had to pick one it would be the reader's digest one.

[Hoopin' Mama]

Thank you, I need a new reference book.
Sewing is very addicting.