Learning how to hand sew is a basic skill. That’s because all hand sewing projects start with this step. There is no need to get frustrated over this process. In this article, you’ll learn one of the basics every sewist needs to know — how to hand sew. You’ll find a lot of beautiful creations out of sewing and most of them would require hand stitching. You might be wondering why learning how to hand sew is important. That is because hand stitching gives more detailed stitches than a sewing machine does. Read on to learn the steps in hand stitching!
TL;DR: How to Hand Sew
- It covers the basic tools and setup for hand-sewing: choosing the right needle length, thread type, fabric orientation, and starting knots.
- It walks through fundamental hand stitches every sewist should know, running stitch, backstitch, slip (ladder) stitch, whipstitch, and when each is appropriate.
- It highlights technique tips: use short thread lengths to prevent tangles, maintain even stitch size and tension, and secure starts/ends with knots or back-stitching for durability.
- It emphasizes practical uses of hand-sewing: small hems, mending seams, attaching buttons, finishing hems, and details when a machine is unavailable or not appropriate.
- It advises beginners to practice on scrap fabric, focus on consistent, neat stitches, and gradually move on to more visible/critical hand-sewn elements as confidence grows.
Sewing 101 | How To Hand Sew
How to thread a needle and stitch
One of the sewing fundamentals we should have in our arsenal is to know how to sew by hand. I learned how to thread my needle and sew by hand at the age of ten. My grandmother taught me how to do it, and along the way, she gave me her own tips and tricks as well. My love for sewing started with her. I recommend that you learn this life skill, too. Let’s get started!
What you need:
- Needle
- Thread
- Scissor
- Needle threader (optional)
Ready, get set, sew!
Step 1. Thread through the needle’s eye
Let’s start by choosing the right needle. Estimate the amount of thread you will need and cut it. Push it through the eye of the needle. This might take a while, so patience is a virtue! 😉
Step 2. Tie a knot
Once the thread is pushed through the needle’s eye, pull it so the two ends of the thread are of equal length. Tie the two loose ends with a double knot, then slip the needle to the middle of the thread.
Step 3. Pierce the fabric
Get your chosen fabric and cut it according to the pattern you want. Then pierce through the two layers with the needle.
Step 4. Pierce it again and again
Sew around the edges by allowing the needle to pierce the fabric back and forth, following a certain pattern. You can use a running stitch as a beginner. Do this until all the edges are sealed.
Step 5. Double knot and lock
To seal the stitch, we would need to do a double knot. Do this twice so the knot is thick enough not to slip through the fabric.
So, do you still think learning how to hand-sew is a daunting task?
Check out how Wendy showed us how to thread a needle and sew a heart decor for a Christmas tree in this video:
Just think of the possibilities you can do once you start learning how to hand sew. Teach yourself basic hand stitches to grow your repertoire. With this skill, you can easily fix accidental tears and sew loose buttons.
Sew much fabric…sew little time! Need a little more thread? Click here.
Like this? You will also like these:
25 Sewing Hacks To Make Your Life Easier8 Essential Tips On Choosing the Right Sewing Thread15 Must-Have Sewing Supplies
