Let me show you three basic things to know about hand sewing! I’m not even going over the actual stitches because there are so many of those. I’ll just show you how to knot the thread, how to hold the needle, and how to knot the thread when you’re done.
First, how to quickly knot the thread so you can start sewing.
Wrap the thread around your index finger like this.
Then use your thumb to roll the thread up toward your fingertip, twisting the thread together. This starts the knot.
Now pull the thread and use your fingernail to tighten the knot.
With practice it will take a second or less to make a solid knot that you can start sewing with. When you start sewing, insert the needle from the underside of the fabric so the knot won’t be visible on the outside (unless the knot will rub against your skin, for example when sewing on buttons – then the knot can be on the outside because it will be hidden under the button).
Second, how to hold the needle.
Use your thumb and index finger to hold and guide the needle, and use your middle finger to hold the thread at the eye of the needle so it doesn’t unthread.
Put your ring finger over the thread like this and you can really tug at the thread as you’re sewing without it coming unthreaded from the needle.
Third, how to knot the thread when you’re done sewing, or just before you run out of thread.
Start a small stitch with the needle like this. If you can, form the knots on the back side or other inconspicuous area of the fabric.
Wrap the thread around the tip of the needle three times.
Then pull the needle through. Keep a finger over the threads while it’s forming the knot. Otherwise it may knot up early and you don’t want that.
Here the knot is almost formed (you should still have a finger over the knot as it forms).
And here it is completely formed. Use your fingernail to tighten the knot, then make another knot for safety.
Then you can make a large stitch to bury the thread tail.
And snip the thread to hide the tail. There’s not much to it. With practice your fingers will develop muscle memory and it will feel more natural.
I started sewing cross stitch patterns with my mom when I was about six years old, so hand sewing comes very naturally to me after doing it for almost 30 years! When was the first time you hand sewed anything? Or are you getting ready to try for the first time? Share your hand sewing stories in the comments!
