Hand Stitches

(puppets my sister hand stitched)

Hand stitches have so many uses! Pretty much any project you do, you’ll have a little bit of hand work to do. It could be finishing a seam, closing a hole, sewing on a button, lots of things. Before the sewing machine, all sewing was done by hand. Even though most sewing is done on a machine, hand sewing is still an important skill to have. Its also really important to know what stitch to use, for appearance, function and longevity.

Depending on what kind of hand work you are doing, you may need a single or double thread. To sew on fasteners (buttons, hooks/eyes, and snaps) you use a double thread, basically everything else uses a single thread. You also want your thread to be pretty short. This is because your thread can get all knotted and tangled if its too long. Usually your thread should be between 12-18 inches, and no longer than 20 inches.

You want to make sure you have the right kind of needed and thread for your project. Here's a couple of tips…

• Use extra-fine thread for basting (basting is sort of like a practice stitch, just to make sure your garment is going to fit together. Like a rehearsal of the real thing. The basting stitch is also used when gathering) Using a fine thread won’t scar your fabric as bad.
• Use top-stitching or buttonhole thread for making buttonholes, and sewing on buttons and other fasteners
• Use a color thread that is similar to your project. Some colors can rub off and stain your project. (especially dark colors)
• Needles come in a variety of sizes and types. Make sure you are using the correct needle for your fabric. For example, a finer fabric requires a smaller needle. Heavy weight will require a thicker needle. Leather needs a wedge type needed. Then there are sharps and ballpoints. If you aren’t sure, talk to you needle retailer to know the needles you buy are right for your project.
• Use a short needle when you are doing one stitch at a time, and a longer one for multiple stitches (like a running stitch)

A well-made hand stitch will…

1. be secured at the beginning and end with no loose threads
2. have uniform length
3. be invisible on the outside of the garment
4. be neat on the inside
5. Knots/threads will be hidden within construction details
6. have correct thread and needle type for the fabric, stitch and task
7. be smooth and not create puckers in your fabric

Want to practice your hand sewing? This page has a bunch of links to cool projects. Need help with hand sewing? Follow these links..

here… HERE…hErE