What are the essentials for sewing? How do you go about basic sewing? There are a series of questions you can think about before starting your sewing profession. In this guide, you will learn the essentials of how to sew by hand for beginners.
Besides, you will get an opportunity to learn the basic stitches for beginners. Read on for all the sewing lessons for beginners.
Choosing Thread Info
The color and the type of fabric you have are two of the main factors to consider when choosing the thread to use in your sewing exercise. Before going for a thread for your fabric, question whether the thread will blend into your fabric.
You may also need to differentiate thread to use in stitching the edge and topstitching.
Common Types of Threads
Below are a few of the common types of threads you will need for your sewing exercise.
- Polyester thread. This is one of the main and best choices for most sewing. A few of the aspects that make this thread outstanding are its strength, heat and mildew resistance, stretch characteristics, and a wide range of color options. You may also find this kind of thread an excellent choice for smooth fabric. Thanks to its wax or silicone finish.
- Cotton thread. This thread might have a slight stretch compared to polyester but has significant advantages for various sewing projects. Cotton thread is excellent for heirloom sewing, embroidery, quilting, decorative stitching, and patchwork.
- Cotton-wrapped polyester thread. This is a stronger option of thread with a low sheen that can be used for all-purpose sewing.
- Silk thread. This thread is usually robust, smooth, and lustrous. If you are sewing silk or wool, you might find this thread an excellent option.
- Heavy-duty thread. This is a polyester thread ideal for sewing home dec projects.
- Metallic thread. If you want to give your cloth a touch of class, you will want to use metallic thread. The most common metallic thread includes the Purl and Japan threads.
Beginners might find it challenging to choose the right thread for a particular fabric. However, determining your material’s size, weight, and other properties is crucial in matching the right thread.
For instance, you can use cotton thread for sewing natural fibers and polyester for synthetic blend fabric. If you are not sure about thread matching, you can go for an all-purpose polyester thread available in several colors.
Choosing Hand Sewing Needles Info
Finding the correct needle is another essential item in learning how to sew by hand for beginners. Needles for hand sewing vary according to:
The Size and Length of the Needle
Knowing the size of the needle might seem challenging for hand sewing for beginners. For example, a 3 is bigger than a 9! Is it not tricky? Right, it is crucial to note that needles come packaged with every packet having a number.
In this case, thicker and longer needles will have smaller numbers. On the other hand, finer and shorter needles have a larger number.
The Shape of the Eye
The shape and size of the needle’s eye will determine the type of thread you will have to use. It will also determine the fabric best suited for the needle.
If you have thick thread, you will need to go for a needle having a long and open eye.
Type of Point
The point of the needle mostly corresponds with the eye of the needle. If you are working on thick fabric, you will need a sharp pointed needle. A blunt needle, on the other hand, is ideal for tapestries.
If you are working on stretch knits, you will also need a needle with a ballpoint tip. Curved needles are best suited to upholstery.
The Purpose of the Needle
Before you go for a needle, it is recommended you know the purpose of the needle. This will help you choose a needle with the appropriate size, length, eye, and point size, and the shape of the eye and the point.
You can also tell the kind of hand sewing needle suitable for a particular fabric with a definite purpose.
Common Types of Hand Sewing Needles
Here are common types of hand sewing needles in the market
- This kind of needle has a medium length, a sharp tip, and a small eye. The needles come in various sizes and packs.
- This type of needle is commonly used for embroidery, cross-stitch, and making thicker yarn. The needles are characterized by a sharp tip and an elongated eye. This makes it easy to thread multiple pieces at once.
- Tapestry needles. Tapestry needles are characterized by blunt tips and an elongated eye. Like the chenille counterparts, tapestry needles can be used for embroidery. Due to their blunt end, tapestry needles are suitable for open-weave fabrics that require no piercing through.
- Ballpoints might make a good choice for hand sewing projects for beginners. These needles are known for their rounded tips that make them suitable for sewing knit fabrics. The tips make it easy for the needles to pass seamlessly through the fibers without snagging or cutting through them.
- Crewel needles. They have a sharp tip with a medium eye ideal for embroidery.
- Quilting needles. These needles are characterized by a sharp tip and short length. They are also fine to make them pierce through thick quilts as well as make fine stitching.
- Beading needles. These needles are ideal for beads and sequins. They are fine with a sharp tip and a long length.
- Their large and blunt tips make these types of needles ideal for threading elastic through casings, ribbons, and cord.
- Upholstery needles. These are curved needles with a sharp tip used for sewing fabric and surfaces with access from the outside only. They can make an ideal choice for upholstery and furniture sewing.
How to Thread Hand Sewing Needles
Threading a hand sewing needle is one of the hand sewing techniques that are essential for beginners. Learning how to sew by hand for beginners will require a beforehand know-how of threading the sewing needle.
To make threading your needle easier, you can use two methods.
Method 1: Using fingers
If you have to use your finger to thread through the eye, you will need good eyesight. Also, ensure you have the right-sized needle eye for your thread. Before threading your hand sewing needle, cut it to enable easy threading.
It is recommended to cut off 18 to 20 inches of the thread from the reel to avoid tangling the thread while sewing. Also, ensure the cut is made sharp and at a diagonal angle.
After cutting, push the thread through the needle’s eye to the other side. Most individuals employ their thumb and index finger when threading.
If you find it hard to get the end of your thread through the eye of the needle, you may try to wet it. Also, ensure that you are in an area with enough light.
Black threads tend to pose a harder challenge when threading due to their blend with the background.
Method 2: using a needle threader
If you have a problem with your eyesight, you might find the needle threader an excellent option. Most needle packets will come with a free needle threader.
The threader has a coin-like appearance on one end and a diamond-shaped wire on the other end.
To use this tool, start by pushing the needle threader’s diamond-shaped wire through the eye of your needle. Pass the end of your thread through these wires.
Then pull back the threader. Your thread will have been passed seamlessly through the eye of your needle. You can then hold the end of your thread and pull it through.
Thimbles
If you are looking for lessons on how to sew by hand for beginners, you might also want to know about thimbles. So what exactly is a thimble, and why do you need it?
Most individuals, especially beginners, find it hard to complete a hand sewing project without pricking or accidentally piercing their hands.
To prevent these scenarios, experts have come up with a small tool that you can fit on your finger for protection. This tool is what is known as a thimble.
Thimbles are also crucial when sewing thick fabrics and leather, where you need extra pressure in pushing the needle.
If you plan to undertake beading or prolonged hand-sewing projects, you will also need a thimble. There are three common types of thimbles perfect for hand sewing for beginners. They include metal, leather, and rubber thimbles.
These protective tools tend to be more practical than the traditional thimbles. Some of these modern thimbles also have cutouts ideal for individuals with long nails.
How to Baste
Learning basting skills is essential when learning how to sew by hand for beginners. Basting is a kind of sewing that involves making long stitches that can be removed easily. These stitches are intended to join fabrics temporarily.
Below are hand sewing tips for beginners essential for basting.
- Start by pinning the fabric that you intend to sew.
- Thread your sewing needle using a single thread. Remember to knot it at the end.
- Insert your needle and start stitching from one end of your fabric. Run the stitches through the seam allowance.
- Sew a line of running stitches. Ensure the stitches are removable. In the end, it is recommended to sew around two stitches in place rather than knotting. Leave a thread tail to make it easier when removing the basting.
How to Sew on a Shank button
Unlike flat buttons, shank buttons don’t have holes through its body. Instead, they have an eyelet piece with a hole extending below the button. Shank buttons usually have a more decorative appearance, with the entire top surface left for embellishment.
If you have a shank button that needs to be sewn in place, the steps below on how to sew by hand for beginners might be helpful.
- Thread the needle and tie a knot. Choose the correct needle size according to the type of fabric you have. Thread the needle with a thread matching the color of your fabric. Then knot the double thread at the end of each length of the thread.
- Mark the spot you want to fix your shank button on top of your fabric. You can use a water-soluble marker of a different color from the color of your fabric.
- Pass the needle through a small length of your marked area. This should not reach to the underside. Then pull the thread tight to the point of your knot. Cut the excess thread beyond the knot.
- Pass the needle and thread via the shank.
- Pass the needle and thread through the fabric. Ensure you make consistent threading through the shank and tighten the thread every time you pass it through the material. Repeat this process until your shank button is secure.
- Once the button is secure, pass the needle through the fabric and make an ending knot. To make a knot, leave a loop of the thread and pass the needle through it. Then tighten the thread.
- Once you are done knotting, clip the thread next to the knot you made.
How to Sew on a Flat Button
Sewing on a flat button tends to be easier than the shank button. However, this is one of the essential hand sewing techniques in learning how to sew by hand for beginners. Look at the steps below to learn these simple hand sewing tips for beginners in fixing a flat button.
- Thread the needle and tie a knot. Like you will do in a shank button, choose the correct needle size according to the type of fabric you have. Since the thread is visible over the button, be attentive in choosing the thread color that matches your button and fabric.
- Use a water-soluble maker of a slightly different color to mark the point of sewing the button.
- Pass the needle through a small length of your marked area. This should not reach to the underside. Then pull the thread tight to the point of your knot. Cut the excess thread beyond the knot.
- Pass the needle into the button from the underside. Place the button on your marked area. Pass the needle down the button through an opposite hole and out of the bottom of the fabric. Repeat this process through the two or four holes until the button is secure.
- Once the button is secure, make a loop on the underside of the fabric and make a knot. Then clip the excess thread near the knot. If you want both sides to be clear, pass the needle to the top of the fabric below the button, make a knot, and cut the excess thread.
How to Sew a Basic Fabric
There are several fabrics in the market meant for different sewing purposes. Those looking out to start their sewing profession or hobby read through the procedure below on how to sew by hand for beginners. This applies the basic sewing every beginner should learn first.
Step 1: Unravel the thread and cut. Ensure you unravel enough. Do not unravel too much to avoid tangling. Use your scissors to cut the thread.
Step 2: Pass the thread through the eye of the needle. You may use a needle threader for easy threading if it is available. Pull the thread through so that the needle is in the middle, leaving the same thread length on both sides. Join the two sides of the thread and tie a knot at the end of the double thread.
Step 3: Start sewing at least a centimeter from the edge of your fabric. Pull the threaded needle till the knot hits the fabric. Put your needle back into the fabric at least half a centimeter away beside the point you passed the needle first. Pull the needle till the thread is tight. Repeat the process through the area you want to sew. Ensure you make the same length (half a centimeter) through the line.
Step 4: Tie the final knot. Once sew to the end of your fabric, make a knot about 2 times to make it secure. Then use the scissors to cut thread beyond the knot about a centimeter from the knot.
You can use this simple guide to sew almost any fabric. Consider choosing a thread of the same color as your fabric to make any mistake invisible.
Knotting the End of The Thread
This is one of the easiest techniques to learn on how to sew by hand for beginners. This is because the sewing can be meaningless if you forget or ignore making the knot.
You can make the end knot in two simple ways.
Methods 1: Using Fingers
This is simple. Professionals can do it even with their eyes closed. But for a start, you will have to learn. To make the knot, grab the end of your thread and make a loop or two loops around the first finger of your right hand. Then twirl it in the first finger using your thumb to mix up the loop. Finally, ease the loops from your finger and tighten the knot by pulling the thread.
Method 2: Using the Needle
You can also make a knot using the bullion knot twirls. Bring the end of the thread towards the eye of the needle. Twirl the thread around the needle at least twice. Ease the twirls from the thread. This will tighten the twirls as you go down.
Basic Stitches For Beginners
Learning how to sew by hand for beginners cannot be complete without learning these basic stitches. These stitches are essential for different kinds of home items.
Running Stitch
This is one of the common stitches for beginners. Sewing by hand makes it easier to sew narrow spaces that can otherwise be harder to reach by machine.
To make this stitch, pass the needle through your fabric, pulling the thread up to the knot repeat the process up to your required length.
Slip Stitch
This is another common stitch that involves sewing folded edges. It is also essential for crocheters and knitters.
This stitch requires you to pass the needle to the point where the hem folds. Then make stitches relatively loose at about half an inch apart.
Backstitch
If you are going to learn how to sew by hand for beginners, you will have to learn the backstitch. This is because the stitch is known to be stronger compared to most stitches.
If you want to sew a fabric that will require extra strength for resisting strains and pulls and mending seams, you will need to employ this stitch.
To make a backstitch, pass your threaded needle through your fabric from the underside through the top.
Make a small stitch passing your needle at the end of the previous stitch and bring it forth following through a single line. Repeat this process to your required length.
Buttonhole Stitch
Buttonhole stitch was initially used in securing the edges of the buttonholes. Over time, more individuals are using these stitches for the same purpose as the blanket stitch.
Buttonhole stitch can be used for securing the edges of fabrics.
Cross Stitch
Cross stitch is one of the oldest stitches that are still relevant among modern makers and crafters. This type of stitches comprise of X-shaped stitches done on even and open weave fabrics.
This stitch involves employing a cross-stitch chart to determine where to stitch and the right color to use.
Chain stitch
Chain stitch is another simple stitch with a deep history in Asian and European cultures. The stitch gives an appearance that looks like petals lined up.
To make this stitching, start by making a tiny stitch. Pass the needle a short distance from the end of the previous stitch. Then pull your floss until it is relatively tight.
Pass the needle through the same spot that your floss exited and pull the thread all the way. Repeat this process through the pattern that you intend to make.
Overstitch
Overstitch is commonly used for securing the edges of the fabric and mending a tear. It is crucial for preventing the fabric from unraveling.
French knot
The French knot is considered one of the most challenging stitches to do. However, the stitch can be done easily with little knowledge.
Start by threading your needle and making a knot near the end of the double thread. Push the threaded needle through the fabric to the knot. Hold the needle across a short distance behind the floss.
On the other hand, wrap the floss around your needle three times. This wrapping depends on the size of the knot you want to make. Insert the wrapped needle into the fabric, a short distance from the first stitch.
Pull the floss slowly up to the point you see a knot have formed. Anchor the back of the knot to secure the stitch. If you are making the next knot a distance less than an inch, you can repeat the process using the same threaded needle.
Conclusion
Sewing is not all about having a sewing machine. If you want to sew for fun and as your hobby, it is essential to learn how to sew by hand. The sewing profession will also require knowledge of sewing by hand.
There are those stitches that will not work with a sewing machine alone. Some fabrics will require hand sewing. This absolute guide on how to sew by hand for beginners could be all you needed to start your sewing career or hobby.
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