The document provides instructions for various basic hand stitches including the running stitch, backstitch, saddle stitch, basting stitch, whipstitch, overcast stitch, catch stitch, buttonhole/blanket stitch, blind hem/slip stitch, and vertical hem/couch stitch. It also provides some useful tips for hand sewing such as choosing an appropriately colored thread, using the right needle for the job, handling the needle and thread carefully to avoid bunching fabric, and closing threads by backstitching or knotting.
2. Running stitch - The running stitch
should be among the first stitches
you master as a beginner due to
how easy it is. It’s also very versatile
with uses in gathering fabrics,
seams, and even as a decorative
tool in embroidery. Even when you
look at a simple example of the
running stitch, it seems like a
straight line where the stitches are
equal in length.
3. Backstitch - The backstitch is a
nice, tight, and all-around
dependable stitch that
shouldn’t be too hard to learn
as well. Like the running stitch,
you start at the bottom to hide
the knot. Once the needle is
through to the top side of the
fabric, push it through the
fabric back to the underside.
This should create your first
stitch.
4. Saddle stitch - A saddle stitch is
mainly used on leather, and it
ends up creating two rows of
stitching in a single row of holes.
It also ends up in magazines,
booklets, catalogs, and more. You
first need to make the holes
before you begin stitching. Use
pricking irons, although you
might need to use a mallet to
push them through.
5. Basting stitch - The basting stitch
isn’t hard to figure out since it’s
almost identical to the running
stitch. As such, you should follow
the same methodology to pull it
off. However, the basting stitch
uses long stitches as compared
to the running stitch. As such, it
is often used in place of pins
since it comes off easily. Also, it
can be used to gather fabric.
6. Whipstitch - If you want to get nice
flat seams in your craftwork, the
whip stitch is a great way to do it.
The whip stitch should also be close
to the edges of the fabrics that
you’re sewing together. First,
separate the two layers of fabric
where you intend to start the
stitch. Push the needle through the
back fabric from front to back. This
means the knot on the thread will
end up between the fabrics.
7. Overcast stitch - An overcast stitch is
more or less like a whip stitch. People
often use it to make sure the raw edges
of the fabric don’t unravel. Start by
pushing the needle through the fabrics
from back to front. You can separate
the two fabrics for the beginning of the
first stitch to hide the knot. After that,
pull the thread over the edges of both
pieces of fabric and then push the
needle through the fabrics from back
to front again. Do this repeatedly and
at regular stitch intervals until you
finish the seam.
8. Catch stitch - The catch stitch
works exceptionally well with
hemming knit garments.
Additionally, it’s similar to an
overcast stitch in that it can help
reduce fraying or unraveling of
the garment’s raw edges. The
first time you see the stitch, you
might think it’s a difficult stitch
to handle, but it gets easier once
you know the steps.
9. Buttonhole / blanket stitch - The
blanket/ Buttonhole stitch is just as
the name suggests. It is used to
create buttonholes, and it works
exceptionally well when you use it
to finish a raw fabric edge.
However, this stitch is used on
fabric that doesn’t fray. Also, it is
sometimes used as a decorative
element, and consequently, you
may want it to be more visible than
other stitches you work with.
10. Blind hem/slip stitch - The
blind hemming stitch/ slip
stitch is just like the catch stitch
in that it works best for hems.
However, unlike the catch
stitch, which can be seen on
the inside of the hem, the
resulting stitch is almost
invisible on both sides of the
garment.
11. Vertical hem/couch stitch - The
last hand stitch hemming
technique that we’re going to
cover is the couch stitch. Again you
need a hem to make it work. You
will start in between the fold to
anchor the thread while hiding it.
As such, insert the needle through
the inside of the hem from back to
front. The entry point should 3-
4mm below the edge.
12. Hand Sewing Useful Tips
1. Always choose a thread color similar to the color
of the fabric. If the same color thread is unavailable,
use a thread that is darker colored compared to the
fabric. However, there is an exception when it comes
to the basting stitch. Also, use a finer thread for finer
materials. The same applies to needles since they
vary in size. Finer needles tend to work for finer
materials as well.
13. 2. Remember to use the right needle for the job. Use a specialized
needle for any job, whether it’s embroidery, quilting, or more.
There are even needles in the set with big eyes.
3. how you handle the needle and thread. Don’t pull too tight, or
else you risk bunching up the fabric. Of course, if that was the goal
all along, you can make an exception. Also, thread the needle with
just enough thread as this will help prevent tangling.
4. Make sure you close the thread by either backstitching or
knotting when you’re done. This will anchor the thread and prevent
it from unraveling.
