• Home
  • Sewing
    • Patterns
    • Materials
    • Organization
    • Supplies
  • Fashion Sewing
    • Dresses
    • Jackets & Coats
    • Pants & Shorts
    • Tops & Blouses
    • Accessories
  • Home Decor Sewing
    • Curtains
    • Pillows
    • Bedding
    • Novelty
    • Holiday Sewing Projects
  • Hand Sewing
    • Hand Embroidery
    • Crochet
    • Knitting
  • Sewing Techniques
    • Wovens
    • Knits
    • Quilting
    • Sewing Tips & Tricks
    • Specialty Fabrics
    • Sewing Skills
Logo
  • Hand Embroidery
  • Crochet
  • Knitting
You are here: Home / Hand Sewing / How To Sew By Hand In 6 Easy Steps

How To Sew By Hand In 6 Easy Steps

image of a woman seamstress busy sewing | How to Sew By Hand In 6 Easy Steps | how to sew

November 3, 2022 By Sewing.com Leave a Comment

Learning how to sew by hand is truly a rewarding feeling. So if you have little to no experience in sewing by hand, we got you covered with this beginner’s guide.

RELATED: Hand Sewing: 11 Tips and Tricks For Beginners

In this article:

  1. What You’ll Need
  2. The Process
  3. Basic Stitching Pattern
  4. Safety Reminder: Using a Tailor’s Thimble

How to Sew By Hand | Beginner’s Guide

What You’ll Need

  • Spool of thread
  • Scissors
  • Sewing needle
  • Two pieces of fabric

The Process

Step 1: Pull out the Thread

Start by pulling out the thread from the spool. Only take a decent length since we don’t want it to get tangled up. Once you have the right amount, cut it with scissors but don’t cut it straight.

Cut the thread at an angle so it will have a smaller tip and no stray frays.

Step 2: Weaving the Thread Inside the Needle

The next step is to insert the thread into the needle. This can be a real challenge especially for people with poor eyesight.

Fear not because there are ways to easily do this. For starters, roll the tip of the thread between your thumb and index finger so all the stray frays will be aligned with the tip. You can also put some water or saliva at the tip so it will stay sharp.

Step 3: Securing a Knot

closeup shot of thread inside a needle | How to Sew By Hand In 6 Easy Steps

Learning to sew is not possible without learning how to tie a knot. Once you managed to insert the thread into the needle, pull it all the way until both ends are aligned.

Then, put the needle in between your index finger and thumb. Wrap the thread around the needle three times then pull the thread through and just like that, you have yourself a knot.

Step 4: Starting to Sew

Align the two pieces of fabrics then insert the needle through where you like to begin sewing. Avoid starting at the edge because it has the tendency to mess up the over and under pattern.

You won’t be able to fully stretch the fabric if this happens. A centimeter away is ideal for practice. Pull it all the way through until the knot at the end of the thread hits the fabric.

Step 5: What to Do Once the Thread Runs Out

Continue the over and under pattern and keep it straight as much as possible. Make it a habit to keep it at least half a centimeter apart to improve your precision.

If you’re running out of thread on the needle, tie another knot then cut it. Make sure it is long enough that you can wrap the thread around the needle just like in Step 3. Once done, repeat Steps 1-3.

RELATED: 9 Free Online Sewing Classes for Beginners

Step 6: Tying the Final Knot

closeup shot of thread and needles | How to Sew By Hand In 6 Easy Steps

Now that you’re getting the hang of the back and forth motion, it is time to tie the final knot. Don’t fret if you’re about to reach the finish line and your perfectly even patterns will be messed up.

As long as you had it the same length apart, the final output will still look flawless. Once done, tie a secure knot for about 2-3 times.

Now that you have a grasp on how to sew by hand, it is also important to know the different styles of stitching you’ll be using a lot.

Basic Stitching Pattern

Running Stitch

The most basic of all stitching patterns, running stitch is basically stitching by forming a line of small, even stitches that run in and out through the cloth without overlapping. Just remember to start from underneath since you want the knot at the back.

Back-Stitch

Back-stitch is required when you need a stronger stitch. First, do a normal stitch, then poke the needle back to the top and start your second stitch from where the first one ended and pull through.

Simply poke the needle back to the top and stitch to where the latest stitch ended. Continue this pattern until you finish.

Blanket Stitch

Blanket stitch is used when stitching two edges together. For the first stitch, insert the needle in the same place, pass the needle through the loop and pull.

Insert the needle a small distance away from the first stitch. Pass the needle through the loop and pull.

Safety Reminder: Using a Tailor’s Thimble

thimble purple thread measuring tap needle pins and pink and purple flowers | How to Sew By Hand In 6 Easy Steps

Get used to using a tailor’s thimble. Use it on the middle finger of the hand that holds the needle.

When you hand sew, it is typical to push the back of the needle with this finger. Worry not, newbies often have their finger tied down in the right position and that’s fine.

Keep practicing until it becomes second nature.

Want to learn more hand stitching techniques? Watch this video by The Daily Sew:

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! Begin by practicing your hand stitching with the types of stitches you are planning to use.

Just do it row after row until you can make consistent and even stitches. Have patience and learn to love the process.

Sure, it’s going to be hard at first so avoid overthinking until you finish your project. Revel in the act of seeing something instead of having something that’s been sewed.

Learn different stitching patterns along the way, and you’ll have a variety of them in your arsenal. Then, you can properly decide which one to use for what. Good luck!

Which of these tips do you find most useful? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

UP NEXT:

  • 5 Best Sewing Machine Reviews of 2019
  • What Is The Best Leather Sewing Machine For You
  • 11 Hand Embroidery Stitches Every Sewer Should Know | Sewing

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 21, 2019, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Filed Under: Hand Sewing, Sewing For Beginners

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

SUBSCRIBE TO SEWING.com AND GET THIS FREE GIFT!

Sewing-Basics-for-Family-and-Home

10 DIY Roman Shades – Sewing Tutorials And Ideas

DIY Roman shades are practical …Continue Reading

17 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Sewing Project You Can Do This Fall

Fill your home with the colors and …Continue Reading

10 DIY Plus Size Halloween Costumes You Can Sew

Go out of the box by creating the …Continue Reading

Go Shopping

  • Joann’s
  • Fabric.com
  • Michael’s
  • Art.com
  • Bed Bath & Beyond

Other Great Sites

  • DIY Projects
  • Homesteading
  • Garden Season
  • Homemade Recipes
  • Makeup Tutorials

Resources

  • FREE Sewing Patterns
  • Sewing Terms Dictionary
  • Sewing Projects
  • Sewing Machines
  • Sewing For Beginners
  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
Sewing.com
Email Support: [email protected]
Phone: 512-394-8187

Product returns go to:
1889 E Maule Ave, Ste G
Las Vegas 89119

Copyright © 2023 · Sewing.com


This copyrighted material may not be republished without express permission. The information presented here is for general educational purposes only.

MATERIAL CONNECTION DISCLOSURE: You should assume that this website has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection to the persons or businesses mentioned in or linked to from this page and may receive commissions from purchases you make on subsequent web sites. You should not rely solely on information contained in this email to evaluate the product or service being endorsed. Always exercise due diligence before purchasing any product or service. This website contains advertisements.

We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.

Privacy settings

Privacy Settings

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. You may change your settings at any time. Your choices will not impact your visit.

NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using.

This website uses cookies

We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.

Powered by Cookie Information