How to Overhand Stitch

The overhand stitch is a very basic stitch used on tears and punctures. It is also good for reattaching items and even joining lace edges together. For the camper, this stitch comes in handy if you get a hole in your tent or something rips while you're out. If the ear comes off of your child's teddy bear, use the overhand stitch to sew it back on.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing scissors

1. Gather your supplies. You will need a sturdy sewing needle, a tapestry needle is good to use if you are working with canvas or denim. You will also need thread that matches the material you are repairing.

2. Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Start the overhand stitch by pushing the needle through the back of the fabric and then diagonally to the front. The needle should be inserted in a left to right diagonal.

3. Insert the needle behind the first stitch and bring it out the same distance as the first stitch. If the edges start to rip as you draw thread tight, take the needle deeper into the undamaged fabric.

4. Make sure that all of your overhand stitches are the same length. Continue sewing until you are finished. Tie off your thread by taking several stitches in the same spot and threading the needle through the loop of thread you have before you pull it tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Before sewing nylon, burn the raw edges slightly with a lighter to help give the fabric additional support.