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Hand Sewing for Beginners

March 12, 2020 By Nicki 4 Comments

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Sometimes hand sewing is better for a project than machine sewing.

There are several reasons for this including, but not limited to, your machine can’t do a certain stitch or it’s impossible to get the fabric under the needle for the particular task you want to do.

Regardless of the reason, you need to know basic hand sewing skills.

Close up of hand sewing

Needles and Thread

To keep this post focused on helping you learn basic hand sewing skills, I don’t talk in-depth about selecting needles and thread for your project.

However, these are two important factors in hand sewing.

If you have questions or want to learn about hand sewing needles, check out the Hand Needle Guide from Joann.com.

It features photos and descriptions of 14 different hand sewing needles, as well as needle threaders, thimbles and a couple of other hand sewing tools.

Does thread have you confused?

According to this sewingpartsonline.com article Thread Mastery: A Guide to Understanding Thread, all-purpose thread is what you’ll use 95% of the time. It is good for all weights of fabric and is usually made from polyester or cotton.

The Thread Mastery Guide is very in-depth and provides A LOT of information. If you want to learn more about thread, it’s a great resource to read and bookmark for future reference.

Hand Sewing Lessons for Beginners

To help you learn basic hand stitching techniques, I created a series of 6 step-by-step lessons designed with the beginner in mind.

Each lesson includes both photo and video tutorials so you can learn in the format that best meets your learning style.

Three Ways to Tie a Knot in Thread

When you hand sew, the thread needs to be anchored in the fabric so your stitches are secure.

Learn different methods for creating knots to do the job.

How to Close Openings with the Ladder Stitch

Are you sewing a pillow, scrunchie, or another project that needs to be turned right side out?

You’re almost done with your project and need to close the opening with a stitch that can’t be seen.

How to Do a Running Stitch

The running stitch is a straight stitch that can be worked in both straight and curved lines.

Believe it or not, it can be both practical and decorative.

It's one of the basic hand-sewing stitches you want in your sewing skills toolkit.

How to Sew the Blind Stitch by Hand

Do you need an invisible stitch, but the ladder stitch just won't work?

Chances are the blind stitch (also called the slip stitch) will get the job done. 

How to Whip Stitch by Hand

When an invisible stitch (like the ladder or blind stitch) isn't critical, the whip stitch could be the hand stitch you want to use.

The whip stitch is a visible stitch that can be used to hold 2 edges together (finished edges or raw) or hold a raw or flat edge against a flat surface

How to Finish a Stitch in Hand Sewing

Have you been doing some hand sewing and aren't 100% sure how to finish a stitch as you near the end of the thread?

If so, you're in the right place!

You'll learn multiple ways to securely tie off a thread in hand sewing. 

Projects With Hand Sewing

Most of the sewing projects featured on The Ruffled Purse require the use of a sewing machine.

The projects below need a little hand sewing, too.

  • How to Make Pattern Weights
  • Sew a Round Pillow Cover with Fringe Trim
  • Sew a Square Pillow Cover with Pom Pom Trim
  • How to Sew a Fabric Yo-Yo
  • How to Sew a Tic-Tac-Toe Board

There are a couple of projects that require only hand sewing.

  • Applique Smooth Edges on a Curve
  • How to Fix a Rip in Pants

Let’s Connect

My main goals are to support, empower, and inspire you to discover the joy of sewing.

Need help or have questions on this project, pattern, or tutorial? Send me an email at nicki@theruffledpurse.com and we can work together to get it figured out!

Make sure you sign up for Snappy Scissors, my FREE newsletter sent directly to your inbox for ongoing sewing inspiration and education.

Also, like or follow The Ruffled Purse® on Facebook. This is another way to stay up-to-date on the fun things going on at The Ruffled Purse.

You can even follow me on Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube! 😊

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About Nicki

Nicki Hibbits is the writer behind The Ruffled Purse blog. She has spent almost all of her adult life either sewing or thinking about sewing. After 28 years as an elementary school teacher, she has combined her love of sewing with her teaching expertise to support, empower, and inspire others to discover (or rediscover) the joy of sewing.

Comments

  1. Janey says

    June 4, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    I really enjoyed your video on appliqué. Hopefully I will get inspired to start a project.

    Reply
    • Nicki says

      June 4, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      Thank you, Janey! I understand. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. In the meantime, consider making samplers from the different shapes to practice the applique techniques until inspiration strikes.

      Reply
  2. Patricia says

    June 4, 2020 at 5:55 pm

    Really enjoyed the lesson. I never thought it would be so easy(?) to do hand applique. YOu have sparked a new interest in me.

    Reply
    • Nicki says

      June 4, 2020 at 7:50 pm

      Yay! That makes me happy to hear!

      Reply

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Hello, I’m Nicki!

Welcome to The Ruffled Purse® where you can discover (or rediscover) the joy of sewing! I want to inspire you to use sewing to bring to life creative ideas as well as a way to solve everyday problems. With sewing, you can create wonderful things for yourself, your home, and others. About me...

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Safety Disclaimer

Use caution when working with sharp tools and objects including, but not limited to, scissors, needles, pins, and rotary cutters.

Read and follow safety instructions in the sewing machine instruction manual.

Do not use the sewing machine as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the sewing machine is used by or near children.

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