Things You'll Need:
- needle, thread, thimble (optional), scissors, measuring tape (optional)
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Step 1
materials for projectChoosing the correct needle is the first step. Think about what you plan to sew by hand. When you go to a fabric store or a discount store, you will notice that there are different types of needles. I went to Wal-Mart and I noticed quilter' s curved needles, needles for crafting, large needles for darning yarn, and embroidery needles. You want to pick hand needles if you plan to sew or repair a garment.
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Step 2
doubled threadI selected an assorted pack of hand needles. Choose a hand needle from your pack, most likely a needle with a round eye. If you are hemming a garment pick thread that is of the same type and quality as the fabric. For example, choose cotton or blended thread for cotton or blended fabric. Unwind the thread to about 38 inches or 97 centimeters. Based on experience it is better not to have the thread too long because of the risk of getting the thread tangled. (The length can be shorter based on your project.) Cut the thread. Take one end and run it through the eye of the needle. Bring the thread through so that when you are holding the needle the thread is half the original length.
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Step 3
Knotted thread about 5 inches longerThe next step is to take one end of the thread and tie a knot. I usually make an end looped circle with the thread around my index finger taking the short end through the circle to tie it into a knot. I might do this same routine a couple of times to get a thicker knot. The knotted end of the thread could be about 5 inches or 13 centimeters longer than the other half of the thread if you want the fabric to be sewn single threaded. Or, the threads could remain the same length when holding the needle. This will just mean that your handsewn project will have double threaded support. Now you are ready to start sewing or repairing your garment.
