How to Do Basic Hand-Stitching and Knotting

Hand stitch when you do not have access to a sewing machine or when your sewing task requires a more delicate touch. Stitch in the direction that is most comfortable for you ' right to left or left to right.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing Baskets
• Sewing Kits
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Supplies
• Threads
• Scissors
• Scissors

1. Thread your needle and knot the thread end as explained in "How to Thread a Needle and Tie a Knot" (see Related eHows).

2. Do a running stitch by bringing the needle up through the fabric and then down again and then up again. Take several stitches on your needle before pulling the thread all the way through. Keep stitches evenly spaced ' about 1/8 inch long. Use this stitch when basting or when sewing a seam where there will be no stress.

3. Do a backstitch by bringing the needle up from the underside of the fabric and making a short backstitch. Bring the needle up again one stitch ahead. Put the needle in through the end of the first stitch and out a stitch ahead. Repeat as needed. The backstitch is stronger than the running stitch.

4. Do a backstitch when stitching a hand-sewn seam or a combination of the running stitch and backstitch. Take three or four running stitches, then a backstitch. Repeat as needed.

5. Do an overcast stitch when you want to finish the raw edges of your fabric. Take evenly spaced diagonal stitches over and under the fabric edge. Overcast stitches are approximately 1/4 inch deep.

6. Finish hand stitching by taking several small backstitches on top of each other.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose sharps when shopping for hand sewing. Sharps come in a variety of sizes and are suitable for most fabrics.
• Choose a needle that is small enough to easily slide into fabric, but large enough that it will not bend or break. Use needles with larger eyes if you are using unusually thick thread or multiple thread strands.
• Keep thread length approximately 24 inches long. This length is easier to work with, and thread has less chance of knotting up along its length.
• Protect yourself when hand stitching by wearing a thimble.