How to Sew

People began sewing around 20,000 years ago. There is evidence of bone needles that
were most likely used to sew skins and furs together in very early times [23]. However, sewing is
a lost practice among the generations today. It can seem like a daunting task so people stay away
from it but once learned it can be extremely simple and helpful. Knowing how to make a simple
stitch can save countless buttons and make long pants a problem of the past.

Materials Needed: Words to Know

 Needle
 Thread Eye – the opening at the top of a needle
 Scrap fabric where you insert the thread
 Scissors
Spool – a cylindrical device on which
Optional: a thimble thread is wound a cylindrical device on
which thread is wound
Warning: Needle can be extremely sharp. Be sure to
use properly to avoid poking yourself. Tail – an untrimmed thread end

Running Stitch – a basic straight stitch in

hand sewing that looks like a dashed line
How to Thread a Needle:
1. Choose your thread and a needle that has
a large enough eye to fit the thread.
2. Cut at least 12in of thread off the spool.
3. Insert the end of the thread through the eye of the needle.
Tip: Try licking the end of the thread before threading the needle to keep the fibers
together and make it easier to go through the eye.
4. Pull about a quarter of the thread through the needle to create a tail.
5. On the non-tail end of the thread tie a secure knot.

There are devices called needle threaders to assist in threading a needle if you’re not having
any succuss threading it yourself.
 [34
]

How to Create a Running

Stitch:
Tip: Drawing a line on the fabric in calk or even light pencil
help keep your stitches in a straight line.

1. Bring the threaded needle up through the back of the fabric so that the knot is hidden.
The needle should now be at the front side
of the fabric.
2. Move ahead about a half inch and push the need back though the fabric.
The needle should now be at the back of the fabric.
[2]
Tip: Varying the length of the stich will vary its strength. Shorter stitches are
stronger than longer stitches
3. Continuing in a straight line move another half inch ahead and push the need up through
the back of the fabric.
The needle should again be at the front of the fabric.
4. Continue these steps until your stiches are at your desired length.
How to Finish a Stitch – Loop Method:
Tip: Make sure you are working on the back side of the fabric. This should be the side where the
original knot is

1. Slide the needle under an existing stitch.

2.

3. Pull it partially through to make a loop with the thread.

4. Move the needle through the loop.

5. Pull the needle to close the loop and make a knot.
For added security repeat the same stitch to make a second knot.

[1]

6. Cut the thread.

References

[1] Hand Sewing? There's more than one way to tie a knot. The Ruffled Purse®. (2020, March
12). Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://theruffledpurse.com/how-to-finish-a-
stitch-in-hand-sewing/.

[2] Poskin, A. (2019, May 4). How to sew by HAND: 6 Helpful stitches for Home Sewing
Projects. Apartment Therapy. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-sew-basic-stitches-221433.

[23] Team/KN, M. O. A. H. W. (n.d.). Stitches in time. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from
http://www.moah.org/stitches/.

[34] Tie the perfect knot in YOUR Embroidery Floss!: Crafts Sewing patterns, learning to
Embroider, CREATIVE EMBROIDERY. Pinterest. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2021,
from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/307652218297509952/.