Many times we buy a particular dress that looks great on us on trial. However, with our busy schedule, we forget about it until one day we find it again during an inevitable cleaning spree at the corner most section of the closet.
By then the dress is either a tad bit tight or loose. Now comes the hassle of visiting the tailor and getting it fitted once again. Why? Because you neither have a sewing machine nor do you know how to hand stitch. By the next couple of days, we forget about it once again, and the story repeats.
However, if you know simple hand sewing, this problem does not arise at all. To many, Hand sewing looks scary and complicated because that is what we see in various Medical dramas. People being hand-stitched by doctors!
You might want to know, where can hand stitch work?
Well, my friends, hand stitch works well in any fabric related issues like
- Tear repair
- Size altercation
- Joints
- Extra fabric attachments
- Appliques
- Embroidery
- Button repair
- Pillow covers etc.
From cotton to polyester and stretch sequin fabric, hand sewing can be done in any material very easily, and it holds better than machine stitch in some cases.
For beginners learning a few primary hands sewing method can help a lot in handling any day to day life issues related to clothing. 5 of the most comfortable hand sewing methods to learn if you are a fresher in the world of sewing includes
- Running Stitch
This is the simplest of all the stitch work done by hand and is often used to join fabrics together or alteration of dress material. This stitch is also used as filler in embroidery work as it gives a very nice overall look to the design. Indian Katha Stitch and Japanese Shashiko Stitch are two famous embroidery patterns of Running stitches still in practice in the handicraft industry.
Start by entering the needle from the opposite on backside of the fabric and then enter the needle from the top at a minimal distance closest to the ext point of the stitch hole created while entering from the bottom. Keep repeating the process until the end and then knot the finished segment.
- Basting Stitch
This sewing method is the same as running stitch. However, the length of the distance between needle holes on the fabric is longer. This sewing method is generally not used for any fabric designing work. Instead of using pins and clips to hold pieces of clothing together, many prefer using Basting stitch.
They are straightforward to do and do not need much accuracy except the rough measurements. Once the final product design is ready, and the final fixture is in place basting stitch can be removed by a single pull from either end after removing the knot.
- Cross Stitch
Do not mistake Herringbone stitch with Cross Stitch when you Google search for images related to how Catch Stitch looks. This stitching style serves dual purpose. It fixes the hemline of the fabric and also gives it a natural embroidered look due to the criss-cross patterned trims.
Starting at the bottom side of one end make diagonal or angular stitches along the hemline. Make sure that the entry point of the needle is at a distance of just a few millimeters. Continue until the opposite end. This stitch works well in circular fabric and on any stretchable fabric.
- Chain Stitch
One of the most commonly used and very easily doable hand sewing style is Chain Stitch. This kind of stitching style works well in case of designing patterns and artwork definition on the different type of fabrics.
From the bottom side of the first take the needle out and then once again through the same hole pass the needle to enter another spot a few millimeters away. Leave a bit of loop at the end instead of pulling the entire thread from the second hole. Through the loop pull the needle out and enter it through the top of the second hole.
This gives it a chain-like appearance. Hence the name.
- Ladder Stitch
This is also known as Slip Stitch. It works well in joining torn segments as on completing the stitch work, the torn area looks almost invisible, and the thread is completely hidden away.
Folding the ton segment on both sides is the first step. Start by passing the needle through the bottom side of the folded hemline of one side and enter the needle from the top end of the other side hemline. Continue this until you reach the end and pull the entire thread outwards.
This creates a zip up like closing, and the torn sections come together to form a tight midline. Ladder stitch primarily works well in case of jeans fabric repair and size alteration along the sidelines of the dresses.
The names might sound frightening, but in reality, they are effortless to do and learn. Each hand sewing method is different than the other and works for a few particular kinds of fabric work.
Few points to remember while hand sewing –
- Make sure to knot the loss end of the thread before you start stitching. This will prevent the thread from slipping through the fabric gapping’s and undo the entire work.
- Once you finish stitching it is crucial to knot the finished end for the same reason.
- It is always best to use more fine needles, as this will create minimum gapping in the fabric.
Contrary to popular misconception, hand sewing is much more comfortable and very efficient in the management of the number of situations. A roll of cotton thread in universal colors like black and white and simple stitching needs is enough if you have just 5 minutes in your hand.
Sadly, with the advent of technology, hand sewing has almost vanished from our day-to-day life usage. We rely so much on types of machinery that this simple and extremely efficient method of fabric work is no more a part of our learning and developmental skills.
Hand Sewing is a perfect option for various DIY projects besides being a savior at certain times when your tailor or designer is miles away, and you do not have sufficient time in hand to visit either.