Even though people started sewing as early as the Paleolithic, it can still be daunting to figure out how to use a needle and thread without any help. Since it is impossible to address such a vast topic in a single article, these instructions are aimed at the beginner who wants to have basic training in hand sewing.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Learn the Basics
Step 1. Iron or wash the fabric
If the fabric tends to shrink, you'll be glad you did. Do this early enough before you start sewing - the fabric must be completely dry.
- Follow the washing instructions for that specific fabric. Whether it is machine washed, hand washed or dry cleaned, the instructions must be followed.
- If you put the fabric in the dryer and it comes out a little wrinkled, iron it. It will be much easier to sew it.
Step 2. Thread the needle
The more thread you have the better. Cut twice as much if you think you might need it. Take one end of the thread between your thumb and forefinger, insert it through the eye of the needle. Then, bring the needle to half the length of the thread by joining the ends together. At that point, secure the ends by making a knot.
Cutting the thread with sharp scissors and wetting one end with saliva can make it easier to insert it into the eye. If you can't do this, the cause could be the thread too thick or the needle too small
Method 2 of 3: Sew Your First Straight Stitch
Step 1. Pierce the wrong side of the fabric with the needle
That is to say, put the needle on the inner side, the hidden one. Pull it out on the other side (you may need a little force), following the thread until it locks into the knot. If the knot goes through the fabric, just tie a larger knot.
- You have to start from the wrong side because in this way the knot does not end up on the visible part of the garment or fabric.
-
If the knot goes through the fabric, it could be for several reasons:
- You may need to tie a larger knot.
- The needle may be too large, making a hole in the fabric the same size or even larger than the knot by pulling it through.
- You may have pulled the thread too hard.
Step 2. Pass the needle under the right side of the fabric
Next to the starting hole, push the needle inside out. Pull the thread out to its full length and keep pulling until you feel some resistance. You just made your first straight side stitch! Congratulations! It looks like a little dash, right?
The stitch should be tight enough, but not so tight that the underlying fabric puckers
Step 3. Repeat the previous two steps
Always staying close to the last point, he punches the backhand one more time. Pull out all the thread and voilà: you have made the second point. Continue like this, making sure that each stitch is as long as the previous one.
-
Generally, the points must form a straight line, like many dashes on the computer, similar to these:
- - - - - - - -
This type of stitch, with large intervals between each round of thread, is called a basting stitch. It is generally used to hold fabrics together or to collect pieces of fabric
Step 4. Finish by punching the right side
Are you done! The needle and thread should now be on the inside, where you can close with another knot. Tie the knot as close to the fabric as possible - otherwise the stitches can sag, loosening the seam tension.
However, there is an alternative. You can push the needle straight, without pulling too hard. On the reverse side leave a small loop of thread. Go back to the wrong side with the needle and pull the thread so that on the visible part the stitch is perfect while the ring remains underneath. Now pass the needle through this small loop and pull until the ring closes blocking the thread. You can repeat the step for more hold
Method 3 of 3: Learn More Stitches
Step 1. Make points closer together
The basting stitch, as described above, is fine to start with. However, the wider the stitch, the more likely it is to tear or come off.
The basting stitch is quite long - while the sturdier stitches have medium or short lengths. When you pass the needle from the right side to the back, the second hole must be as close as possible to the first point
Step 2. Start sewing in a zigzag pattern
This is a stitch that goes from one side of the fabric to the other and is used when a straight stitch is not sufficient, such as for reinforcing buttonholes or for stretch fabrics. It can also be used to temporarily join two flaps together. It looks just like a zigzag (hence the name) and can also be done with short, medium or long stitches.
A blind stitch is a variation of the zigzag stitch. It is also called "invisible point". It is very similar to zigzag but includes several straight stitches like the regular one. It is done to create a blind hem; since the zigzag alone shows on the fabric, alternating it with a straight stitch will require fewer stitches thus reducing the visibility of the seam
Step 3. Join two pieces of fabric
If you want to try this process, lay the fabric so that the wrong side is facing outward (and the straight sides are touching inward). Line up the edges along which you want to join them and sew them in a line.
Once finished, separate the pieces. They will be held together by the seam you just made, and the thread will be barely visible. A better way to do this, however, is the slipped point
Step 4. Patch a hole
Sewing a tear or tear is not too difficult. Just join the edges of the hole together, inwards. Sew the edges together. Make short stitches (leave no space between stitches) to prevent the fabric from breaking.
Advice
- Wet the tip of the thread with saliva to make it easier to pass through the eye of the needle.
- Use a thread with a color similar to that of the fabric so that it is less visible if you make mistakes.
