How to Sew Basic Stitches by Hand for Beginners

How to Sew Basic Stitches by Hand for Beginners

Learning how to sew basic stitches by hand is an essential skill for anyone who wants to start making their own garments and fabrics. You don’t need a machine to start, all you need is a needle, some thread, and some fabric scraps to get started. Sewing by hand can be a relaxing, rewarding pastime, and these simple steps will help you learn the basics of any hand sewing project.

Preparing to Sew

• Choose the right thread for your project. Choose a thread that matches the fabric you plan to sew, or use a contrasting color to add a fun touch to your project.
• Pull a length of thread from the spool and double it over. Thread it through the eye of the needle, then tie a knot in the thread at the end. This knot will prevent the thread from slipping off the needle.
• Thread your needle a few inches at a time. Repeatedly spooling the thread off the spool and then pulling it through the needle can cause too much friction and fray the ends of the thread.
• Cut your fabric to the ideal size. Make sure the fabric is smooth and free from wrinkles before you start sewing.

Sewing the Stitches

• Start with the basics: a running stitch. To make a running stitch, insert the needle into the fabric from the wrong side, then push the needle up to the right side and pull it out a few millimeters away. Pull the thread through and put the needle back into the fabric in the same spot you pulled it out. This stitch is ideal for quickly joining two pieces of fabric together.
• Create a short stitch for finer details. An overcast stitch, also known as a whip stitch, is ideal for seam finishing or mending small tears and holes. To make an overcast stitch, insert the needle at an angle into the fabric and pull the thread through. Take a small bite of fabric with the needle and pull the thread through. Keep going until you reach the end of the fabric.
• Sew a strong stitch with a backstitch. This stitch is ideal for hems and edges, as it is stronger than a running stitch and won’t unravel. Push the needle up from the wrong side of the fabric, then take the needle down a few millimeters farther along and pull it out. Insert the needle a few millimeters in front of the last place you pulled it out and pull the thread through. This creates a small loop that secures the stitch.

Finishing Your Sewing

• End your sewing with a knot. Push the needle through the fabric from the wrong side to the right side and pull it out. You'll need to wrap the thread around the needle twice before pulling it all the way through. Once the knot is secure, you can snip off the thread or tie it into a bow.
• Press or steam your fabric to finish your sew. This will help set the stitches and ensure your project looks neat and finished.