Learn Three Basic Hand Sewing Stitches

Hand sewing is a versatile skill that can be used for a variety of tasks, from mending clothing to creating elaborate crafts. While sewing machines are convenient for large projects, learning to sew by hand is a valuable skill that can come in handy for quick repairs, smaller projects, and even for adding a personal touch to your work.

This guide will cover three basic hand sewing stitches that are essential for any beginner: the running stitch, the back stitch, and the slip stitch. These stitches are relatively easy to learn and can be used for a variety of projects.

1. The Running Stitch

The running stitch is the simplest and most common hand sewing stitch. It is used for basting (temporary stitching), gathering, and for sewing seams where a strong stitch isn’t necessary. Here’s how to do it:

1. Thread your needle with the desired thread. Leave a tail of thread about 6 inches long.
2. Insert the needle through the fabric from the bottom side, coming up on the top side.
3. Take a small stitch, about 1/4 inch long, and bring the needle back down through the fabric about 1/4 inch from your starting point.
4. Continue making small stitches, keeping them evenly spaced.
5. When you reach the end of the seam, tie a knot by passing the needle through the last loop of thread on the fabric and pulling it tight. Secure the knot by tying a second knot.

Tip: To make a neater running stitch, try to keep your stitches the same length and spacing.

2. The Back Stitch

The back stitch is a strong stitch that is used for sewing seams that need to be durable. It is often used for sewing seams on clothing, bags, and other items that will be subjected to wear and tear. Here’s how to do it:

1. Thread your needle with the desired thread. Leave a tail of thread about 6 inches long.
2. Insert the needle through the fabric from the bottom side, coming up on the top side.
3. Take a small stitch, about 1/4 inch long, and bring the needle back down through the fabric about 1/4 inch from your starting point.
4. Insert the needle through the fabric again, coming up on the top side, about 1/4 inch from where you last inserted the needle.
5. Bring the needle back down through the fabric, about 1/4 inch from where you last brought it up.
6. Continue stitching in this way, each stitch overlapping the previous stitch by about half its length.
7. When you reach the end of the seam, tie a knot by passing the needle through the last loop of thread on the fabric and pulling it tight. Secure the knot by tying a second knot.

Tip: The back stitch can be a bit slower than the running stitch, but it creates a very strong seam.

3. The Slip Stitch

The slip stitch is a nearly invisible stitch that is used for attaching two pieces of fabric together or for closing up openings in a fabric. It is often used for finishing seams, hemming garments, and closing up buttonholes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Thread your needle with the desired thread. Leave a tail of thread about 6 inches long.
2. Insert the needle through the fabric from the bottom side, coming up on the top side.
3. Take a small stitch, about 1/4 inch long, and bring the needle back down through the fabric about 1/4 inch from your starting point.
4. Insert the needle through the fabric again, coming up on the top side, about 1/4 inch from where you last inserted the needle.
5. Bring the needle back down through the fabric, about 1/4 inch from where you last brought it up.
6. Continue stitching in this way, each stitch overlapping the previous stitch by about half its length.
7. When you reach the end of the seam, tie a knot by passing the needle through the last loop of thread on the fabric and pulling it tight. Secure the knot by tying a second knot.

Tip: The slip stitch is best done with a thread that matches the fabric color. This will make the stitch less visible.

Practice Makes Perfect

Learning hand sewing takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts are a little messy. The more you practice, the better you will become at these basic stitches. You can find many free resources online that offer step-by-step instructions and videos. Soon, you’ll be stitching like a pro!

Once you’ve mastered these three basic stitches, you can start learning more complex stitches and techniques. There are many different types of hand sewing stitches, each with its own unique purpose. The possibilities are endless!