Hand Sewing is an Important Life Skill

Sewing by hand is important for mending, sewing on buttons, small sewing projects, crafts, and needlework. Knowing the basic hand sewing stitches is all you need to be successful. These basic stitches allow you to do all of the things mentioned in the first sentence. The basic stitches are used whether you are mending, sewing, or doing needlework.

Materials

Scissors

Assortment of hand sewing needles

Thread

Tape measure

Pins

Needle threader (optional)

Basic Sewing Stitches

I have included links to several online resources for learning basic sewing stitches. I oftentimes need to review some stitches. There are many books which offer guides for these basic stitches. I have a book that I purchased many years ago that I refer to once and awhile for this very reason.

Mending

Mending is so important. Many clothing items, purses, even shoes oftentimes need a stitch or two to maintain their usefulness. I have stitched purses and shoes by hand many times and they have not come apart again. Sewing on buttons is a constant. Shirts, blouses, pants and coats seem to need buttons either reinforced before they actually fall off or the button has fallen off and a new button needs to be sewed on. Hems in pants and skirts also are mending tasks that need to be done a lot. Many hems are put in with one long thread which may become broken, pulled or just come loose. It is simple to fix a hem by hand. Seams which separate because of a broken stitch are also easily mended by hand. When you can fix these everyday problems without even getting out the sewing machine, taking the clothes to an alteration shop or shoe repair it is much more economical, faster and usually the repair lasts longer.

Small Sewing Projects

Many small craft projects may be sewn by hand rather than using a sewing machine. Often times hand sewing offers more flexibility and ease of handing the materials. Using the correct needle and thread makes the project easier to sew. There are charts available online, on some needle packages and in books about sewing that can help you choose the correct needle for your project. Choosing the correct thread is a similar situation. Many of the thread manufacturers offer charts and information online to help you choose the correct thread.

Sewing on Buttons

There is an art to sewing on buttons. Depending on the fabric you will need to choose the correct needle and thread to use. Again, depending on the fabric you may need another button behind the button, a small piece of cloth tape, or another stabilizer to reinforce the fabric so that it will not tear the fabric and come off. When you sew a button on a heavy fabric such as on a coat or jacket it is good to place one or two straight pins under the button as you stitch to allow a small amount of flexibility for the button to be fastened and unfastened. It is always better to attach the button loosely than too tight.

Crafts and Needlework

The basic sewing stitches are the very stitches used in embroidery, cross stitch, quilting and many other projects. Needles and thread are different in each of these projects. It is amazing how many kinds and sizes of needles there are. Thread also comes in so many materials, sizes and thicknesses. Upholstery needles and thread are available in many sewing and craft shops. If you aren't sure of the size, kind or shape of needle or thread you should be using for a new craft or needlework project you may find the information you need by doing an online search, reading about the project or asking at your local sewing or craft shop.

Hand sewing is a skill that may be learned at most any age. Children learn basic stitches when they learn to stitch on plastic canvas with yarn or shoelaces. Most children love to learn to sew. New stitches and techniques are learned with every new project. Most craft kits come with stitching charts which show how to do the needed stitches. Sewing classes and workshops, quilting classes and some craft classes teach new stitches and sewing techniques.

Many sewers belong to quilting groups, sewing clubs or other organizations where they can gather and share in fellowship as they work on their sewing projects. You may be able to find a group by asking at a local craft or sewing shop, your church, or by searching online.