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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.
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.
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!
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I really enjoyed your video on appliqué. Hopefully I will get inspired to start a project.
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.
Really enjoyed the lesson. I never thought it would be so easy(?) to do hand applique. YOu have sparked a new interest in me.
Yay! That makes me happy to hear!