How To Sew Basic Hand Stitches
Sewing by hand has always held a special place in my heart. There’s something so peaceful and meaningful about slowing down and crafting something from scratch. With just a needle and thread, you can bring warmth, personality, and beauty into the things you make. For me, it’s also a lovely way to feel connected to those who came before us—our ancestors who made their belongings with love and care. So let learn how to sew basic hand stitches.
Over the years, I’ve sewn everything from cozy pillows to unique dresses and even a cherished soft blanket—all right here on our farm. And now, I’m so excited to share that joy with you. My hope is that you’ll discover the same satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful with your own two hands.
This post contains affiliate links. As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
A Peek at What We’ll Cover
We’ll go over three basic stitches that I use all the time:
- Running Stitch – the easiest and most versatile.
- Backstitch – super strong and durable.
- Railroad Stitch – my favorite for neatly closing up seams.
Along the way, I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve learned, including how to hide your knots like a pro. So grab your supplies, and let’s get stitching!
Running Stitch
Your go-to all-purpose stitch.
The running stitch is the simplest hand stitch and perfect for straight lines, seams, or decorative work. I like to load several stitches onto the needle at once, instead of sewing one by one like you often see on TV.
To perform the running stitch, start by marrying your needle and thread and tying a knot at the bottom of the string.
How To:
- Thread your needle and tie a small knot at the end.
- Start from underneath your fabric and bring the needle up through to the top.
- Push the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line, making even stitches.
- Pull the thread through gently, keeping your fabric flat (don’t pull too tight or it might pucker).
Pro Tip: How to “Pop” the Knot
To hide the knot between two layers of fabric:
- Hold the thread near the knot and gently tug it so it slides inside and disappears.
- Works best with small knots, but larger ones can still work with a little care.
Start from underneath your fabric and bring the needle up through to the top.
Push the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line, making even stitches.
Pull the thread through gently, keeping your fabric flat (don’t pull too tight or it might pucker).
Backstitching
Strong, reliable, and perfect for areas that need reinforcement.
This is the stitch I rely on when making clothing—especially in high-stress areas like underarms. It creates a solid, continuous line that holds up over time.
How To:
- Thread your needle and bring it up through the fabric.
- Take one small stitch backward, inserting your needle behind where the thread last came out.
- Now bring the needle up a stitch-length ahead and repeat, always sewing “backward” into the previous stitch.
Think of it as looping backward each time—it may feel tricky at first, but it becomes second nature with practice!
Thread your needle and bring it up through the fabric.
Take one small stitch backward, inserting your needle behind where the thread last came out.
Now bring the needle up a stitch-length ahead and repeat, always sewing “backward” into the previous stitch.
Once you feel comfortable with this stitch, you can speed up the process by weaving the needle into the fabric like a running stitch, going only to the next stitch.
Railroad Stitch
My go-to for invisible seams—great for pillows, stuffed animals, and more.
I love this one. My grandma taught it to me, and it totally changed the way I finished projects. If you’ve ever struggled to close a pillow or toy neatly, this stitch is your new best friend.
It’s similar to a ladder stitch, but instead of pulling to hide the thread later, you’re stitching inside the seam from the start—so it stays hidden.
How To:
- Fold the two edges of your fabric inward to form a tunnel on each side.
- Bring your needle up through one side, then insert it directly across into the other tunnel.
- Keep alternating sides, creating little “rails” across the gap—hence the name!
- Pull gently as you go, just enough to close the seam without puckering.
It might take a few tries to get it right—and that’s totally okay. Be patient with yourself. Your first try doesn’t need to be perfect (mine sure wasn’t!). With a little practice, this stitch becomes magical.
Fold the two edges of your fabric inward to form a tunnel on each side.
Bring your needle up through one side, then insert it directly across into the other tunnel.
Keep alternating sides, creating little “rails” across the gap—hence the name! Pull gently as you go, just enough to close the seam without puckering.
Go Make Something Beautiful
I truly can’t wait to see what you create with these stitches. Hand sewing is more than just a craft—it’s a way to slow down, focus your mind, and bring something lovely into the world with your own hands.
Remember:
- Don’t worry about being perfect.
- Keep experimenting.
- Be kind to yourself as you learn.
Every stitch is a step forward. You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
Need to know how to thread, marry and knot your needle and thread click here.
We would love to see what you make. Please show us in the comments.
