How to Sew Backward With One Hand

One of the most common hand sewing stitches, the backstitch, is sewn backward, or left to right. This gives the stitch extra strength, making it great for all kinds of sewing projects that need a strong, straight stitch. Although the backstitch is usually sewn with two hands (one to hold the fabric and the other to sew), you can sew backward with one hand if you use a heavy book or weight to hold the fabric for you. Or, if you’re very dexterous and willing to practice, you can learn to sew with one hand without using the weight.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric
• matching thread
• hand sewing needle
• scissors
• table or work surface
• heavy book or weight

Sew Backward with One Hand

1. Place the fabric on a table or work surface so that the area of the fabric you need to sew hangs slightly over the edge. Hold the fabric in place by setting a heavy book or weight on top of it.

2. Cut a piece of thread about 18 inches long. Insert the end of the thread through the eye of the needle and pull the thread until the ends are lined up.

3. Tie a large knot in the ends of the thread by making a loop about one inch from the end. Insert the end of the threads through the loop and pull the loop closed, forming a knot. Repeat this until you have about three knots on top of each other, forming one large knot.

4. Hold the needle between your thumb, middle and ring fingers. Use your index finger to help hold the fabric as you insert the needle into the fabric.

5. Insert the needle up through the underside of the fabric, on the left side of where you want the stitching. Pull the needle through until the knot rests snugly against the underside of the fabric.

6. Insert the needle down through the top of the fabric, a short distance from where you first pulled the needle through. Pull the needle until the thread rests snugly against the fabric, but not so tight that it pulls the fabric.

7. Insert the needle up through the underside of the fabric, a short distance to the right of the first stitch. Pull the needle until the thread rests snugly against the fabric, then insert the needle down through the top of the fabric in the same place as you inserted it for the first stitch. This forms the backstitch.

8. Continue back-stitching until you have completed the sewing or run out of thread.

9. Tie a knot in the thread by making a small stitch in the underside of the fabric, and inserting the needle through the loop of thread. Pull the thread tight until it forms a knot. Clip the thread close to the knot.

Tips & Warnings

• If you run out of thread before you complete the seam, you can re-thread the needle and start again close to where you stopped stitching.
• Use caution when working with sharp needles and scissors.