How to Do a Blind Stitch by Hand

The four most commonly used stitches are the backstitch, hem stitch, whip stitch and blind stitch. Follow these steps to sew a blind stitch and create an inconspicuous hem on just about any fabric. The seam stays tucked away nicely so no one else can see it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Fabric

1. Thread your needle with a thread that matches the color of the fabric as closely as possible. Even though the goal is to allow minimal thread to poke through on the garment side, small specks may show through. A color that matches the fabric takes care of this problem.

2. Point your needle to the left. You'll be working from right to left.

3. Fold edge of the hem back about one-quarter of an inch. Take the first stitch, horizontally, in the garment. Keep all the garment stitches as small as possible so that when it's worn, the stitches can barely be seen if at all.

4. Take the next stitch in the hem side. Point the needle through, about one-quarter of an inch to the left of the garment stitch.

5. Repeat the garment stitch. Point the needle through, about one-quarter of an inch to the left of the last hem stitch.

6. Continue to alternate the stitches from garment side to hem side. Leave one-quarter of an inch between each stitch.

7. Make your stitches even. Also be careful to keep the stitches tight, but not too tight as this can cause the fabric to pull and bunch. You want a smooth, flat hem.