Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew? It’s easy! Read this blog post for the basics on sewing and some basic sewing instructions. You’ll be able to start your first project in no time.

Sewing is a practical and enjoyable skill that anyone can learn. Sewing is a valuable skill to have and a fun way to kill time. You can stitch strips of fabric together, mend holes, and create different stitching patterns and designs. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to master, and everyone can do it.

Hand sewing

There are various steps involved in sewing, which serve as a guideline and tutorial towards creating your textile masterpieces. These steps go as thus;

Basic sewing tools needed.

These tools will create a lovely little sewing kit for you;

• Needles: For basic sewing, you’ll want to seek “sharps.” Quilting is done with “Betweens.” Embroidery or “crewel” needles have wider eyes (the opening at the top of the needle) and complement thicker threads such as embroidery floss and upholstery.
• Scissors: You would need to acquire a decent set of shears (usually referred to as “dressmaking shears”) and a set of pinking shears. Pinking shears are made up of little triangular teeth that pierce through the cloth in a way that prevents unraveling. Threads can also be snipped with smaller embroidery scissors.
• Pincushion & Pins: You will pin almost everything you stitch to protect the fabrics from slipping. They are kept tidy with the use of a pincushion.
• Measuring Tape: This is used to measure fabrics cut into appropriate sizes.
• Water-soluble/Air soluble marking pens: ideal for pattern and embroidery.
• Seam Ripper: This will assist you in correcting errors.
• Beeswax: I know it sounds strange. However, it is required for hand sewing. When the thread runs through the beeswax, it forms a protective covering that keeps it from tangling and strengthens it.
• Thimbles: Thimbles could either be leather, metal, or wood. They will protect your fingers from becoming irritated or punctured.
• Floss or Thread: A general-purpose cotton thread can be used for various projects. However, there are other threads from which to choose. You will usually choose thread based on the fabric you are working with – cotton material = cotton thread, silk fabric = silk thread, and so on. Floss is significantly thicker, usually in six-string strands. It will be used for finishing and embroidery.
• Fabric: I suggest visiting a local sewing store to purchase some fabrics (remnants) to kick off your sewing.

You can consider getting a self-healing cutting mat, an iron, rulers, and a rotary cutter. However, they aren’t completely necessary!

Now that we have covered the basics let us get started with threading a needle.

Getting the needle threaded

There are primarily two ways to thread the needle: single thread and double thread. First, you will need to trim the end of the thread put through the eye with exceptionally sharp scissors. Trimming it would give it a smooth edge and make passing through the needle’s eye easier.

If you have trouble threading the needle, you can purchase a needle threader. It is very helpful for people who have impaired eyesight or shaky hands.

Now you must choose whether to use single or double threaded needles.

Single-Threaded

Insert the thread through the eye until the needle reaches the end of the thread. After that, you can cut the thread to your desired length. Finally, you can tie the single lengthy thread in whatever way you want and then start stitching.

While stitching, maintain the shorter piece of thread close to the needle; otherwise, it will slip out of the eye, and you will have to keep rethreading it.

Double Threading

Double the thread after pulling it through the eye of the needle. The thread from the spool will meet up with the end threaded through the eye. You will have two tail ends this way. These will knot them together and then sew together with the doubled-up thread.

Finishing with a knot

We would look at three different ways to knot. How you decide to knot is largely dependent on what you are stitching. However, in most cases, you will choose whichever method is not convenient for you to begin sewing.

• Purple Thread knot: This is for a thread that has been doubled. Cut the thread just below the needle’s eye, which would result in two tails. Make a standard knot by tieing the two tails.
• Pink Thread Knot: This is suitable for a double or single thread. Hold the needle, and the other, the thread with one hand. Pull the thread through the needle in a counterclockwise loop. It would help if you now had the start of a knot. Tighten the loop by guiding it down to the fabric. You can achieve this by using your finger to hold the knot in place as it tightens. You can do it twice.
• Green Thread Knot: Green thread requires having a close-by stitch on the wrong or backside of the fabric. Make a loop with your needle by slipping it under the stitch. Tighten the loop by threading your needle through it. You can repeat this process two to three times.

Basting and Running Stitches

A running stitch is widely and commonly used by people. A lengthier version of the running stitch is the basting stitch. Basting stitches are primarily used to hold two pieces of fabric together for applique, fitting, or machine sewing when pins impede.

Running stitch

Run the needle through the back of your fabric until the knot touches the fabric. Then stitch to the right or left of the thread’s exit and rethread the needle backward. Repeat the process continuously.

Basting stitch

You can do a basting stitch by using longer stitches, ranging from 1/2″ to 1/4″.

Note that both sides of the basting and running stitches should appear the same.

Backstitch

Backstitch is easier to keep a straight line than a running stitch because it is stronger and smaller. It is the closest you can get to machine sewing without using a machine.

Take the needle up through the wrong or backside until you reach the knot to do this basic stitch. Next, stitch it to the left or right using a small fabric part. You will bring the needle up through the material a stitch away from the last one as you go back through the backside. Then, near the end of the first stitch, you will press the needle past the fabric.

Slip Stitching(ladder stitch)

To master slip stitch is difficult, but it is a fantastic way to finish your work. The nicest stitches are invisible stitches. Slip stitching is a fantastic technique to finish small items or projects that require a lot of attention to detail, and once you have mastered it, doing it all the time becomes a habit.

You will need a squared piece of fabric to practice slip stitch. Fold and press it in half. Fold each part into the middle line when it has been opened. Press and fold down the centerline, and you will end up with something that resembles the fabric you are working with.

Most people choose double threads to slip stitching since it is more noticeable. If you want a stronger seam, use a double-threaded needle, but if you prefer the stitches to be practically undetectable, use a single-threaded needle and a matching thread.

Knot it and insert the needle through the top folded edge of the fabric to draw it through the top of the fabric. Draw the thread until it catches on the knot. The needle should now be moved to the base fold. Stick the needle horizontally into the crease and press it together behind the fabric for at least 1/4 inch. Draw the needle back up to the crest fold and draw it through again. Draw through the top fold with the needle pushed horizontally through it. Carry on in this manner till the end.

Make a little stitch in the fold opposing the last long stitch at the end. Draw the thread until a small loop forms. Thread your needle twice past the loop—Pull on the thread to create a knot. Repeat the process twice for added endurance.

Decorative stitches

Whip stitch and Blanket stitch are commonly utilized as visible seam stitches in various projects. You will see them on appliqua, blankets, and plushies, among other things. They can be used to join two pieces of fabric or as edges on a single piece of fabric.

These stitches are apparent on felt, and the stitches are black embroidery twines made with an embroidered needle.

Putting the floss through the needle’s eye is the most difficult step. You can do this by making sure to use sharp scissors to trim the end of the threads and wet the threads with your mouth. You may flatten the ends between your forefingers and thumb after they are moist. Threading will be easier as a result of this.

Blanket stitch

Pull the thread to the front, near the fabric’s edge. Then, starting from where the thread is, draw diagonally to the back of the fabric with the needle. Notice how the thread wants to form diagonal stitches as you pull it.

Draw your needle past the loop to make a 90-degree angle in the stitch. But you will keep stitching and pulling until you are finished.

Slide the needle reaching the right of the last vertical line formed by the thread to round off. As we’ve been doing, bring it up past the cloth and form a loop. Make a knot by passing the needle past the loop several times.

Whip stitch

It is easier to do whip stitching. A piece of fabric should be folded in half and pinned in place. Open the upper fold and put the needle to protrude from the front. When it is on the front side, thread the needle past the back and out the front to level with the first stitch. Carry on in this manner until you reach the end.

Hand Sewing Stitches and Techniques

Basic hand sewing skills enable you to quickly make repairs and complete little tasks. Even though you possess a sewing machine to create the straight stitch, among other patterns, there are occasions when hand sewing is the best option for achieving the desired results. Learn to sew by hand, sew them, and which technique is suitable for a particular project.

Thread a hand sewing needle

To thread, a sewing needle can be a time-consuming process. However, a few pointers can make it a little easier. For instance, you can place something with white background at the back of the needle to make the eye and thread easier to notice. Next, cut the thread at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors. Finally, make sure the thread is stiffened with either saliva, wax, or water.

Use a needle threader.

Needle threaders are available in practically every sewing area and come with some sewing needles. These are the fundamentals:

• The threader’s handle should be held between your fingers and thumb in your dominant hand.
• Place the diamond-like wire past the needle’s eye and to the needle’s handle.
• Thread your needle through the diamond-like wire. Hold the thread firmly with one hand.
• Pull the needle far off the threader handle and support the wire.

Hand sewing needle

Hand sewing needles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The tinier the needle, the larger the size number in most circumstances. Thin or delicate materials require finer needles, while larger fabrics require heavier needles.

Tieing a knot at the end of the hand-sewing thread

Master how to tie a knot at the end of a hand sewed thread. With minimal practice, you will be able to tie an excellent knot in no time. The basic process is as follows:

• Place the thread’s end on your index finger and secure it with your thumb.
• Wrap the thread a few times around your index finger.
• Put the thread loops through towards the end of your index finger with your thumb. As you get closer to the end of your middle finger, the loops will cover up each other.
• Draw the thread to strengthen the loose knot, then slide it to the end of the tread.

Sewing on buttons

Making a shank button requires hand stitching. Although some sewing machines can stitch on a flat button, it is faster to hand sew. So instead, use stronger threads like carpet thread or button.

Sewing a shank button requires making a few anchoring stitches, excluding the button. After that, sew at least six stitches past the button’s shank. You can utilize a pin or toothpick to assist you with keeping the fastens free enough, so the shank does not jab through the material.

To make a flat button, stitch an “X” on the material where you want the button to go. Through the “X,” slide a toothpick or pin. Sew multiple times back and forth through the button’s holes. Take your thread and needle directly up beneath the button on the final pass.

Wrap the thread many times through the base of the button. Thread the needle through the bundle a couple of times. After that, return the needle to the fabric’s backside. Make a loop and a knot by stitching through the stitches.