How to Learn to Sew by Hand
Those who know how to sew by hand can hem skirts and pants, repair a torn garment and even make their own clothes. Knowing how to sew by hand might come in handy should you tear a hem or rip a seam in your clothes while away from home. The most basic stitch is the straight stitch, which is a simple task to learn. Learn how to hand sew a straight stitch, so you can fix rips and tears quickly.
Instructions
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Cut a length of thread no longer than 35 inches. Grasp the sewing needle between your forefinger and thumb. Hold one end of the thread between your thumb and forefinger of your other hand.
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Hold the needle up to a bright light, so that you can see the opening in the end of the needle. Insert the thread through the opening in the needle. Pull about 1/4 of the length of thread through the needle. Tie a knot in the long end of the thread.
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3
Cut two pieces of fabric that you can easily hold in your hands to practice sewing a straight stitch. Place the two pieces of cloth together and align the edge of one side to practice sewing two pieces of fabric together. Insert the needle through both pieces fabric in the upper right edge of the fabric.
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Draw the needle and the thread through the fabric until the knot at the end of the thread reaches the fabric. Fasten the knot to the fabric by inserting the needle through the fabric again. Draw the thread through the fabric, but stop pulling the thread when a small loop remains.
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Insert the needle through the loop and pull to tighten the thread. Grasp the fabric in one hand and insert the needle into the fabric very close to the knot. Bring the tip needle back through the fabric a few millimeters from the last insertion point on the fabric. Lay the needle flat against the fabric.
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6
Bring the fabric against the point of the needle to form a tiny bump. Press the needle through the fabric bump. Repeat this step until the needle is weaved over and under the fabric several times. Pull the needle and the thread through the fabric.
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Repeat step 6 until you have a straight line of stitches across the fabric. Secure your straight stitch by tying off the end of the thread. Bring the needle up through the fabric at the last stitch. Loop the thread and insert the needle through the loop into the fabric. Pull the thread to tighten the loop. Repeat to secure the knot.
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Tips & Warnings
Sit in a comfortable chair with plenty of light.
Press hems with an iron set on medium heat before sewing.
Press hems after sewing for a crisp edge.
Needles are very sharp and can cause injury to your fingertips. Use a thimble to push the needle through heavy fabric.
Always select a needle that is the appropriate size for the fabric. Use small, thin needles for thin fabrics. Choose a heavy needle for thick fabrics like denim.
References
Resources
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