7 Hand Sewing Stitches Every Beginner Should Know

With seven stitches you can repair a hem, close a stuffed toy, attach a patch, finish a blanket edge and assemble a whole project by hand. Each one below takes minutes to learn.

Start right: threading and knotting

Cut a length of thread about as long as your forearm to your shoulder — longer pieces tangle. Thread the needle, then tie a quilter's knot: hold the needle and thread tail together, wrap the thread around the needle three times, pinch the wraps and pull the needle through. You'll get a neat, consistent knot every time.

1. Running stitch

The simplest stitch: weave the needle in and out along a line, keeping stitches and gaps even. Use it for gathering, quilting, sashiko and decorative lines. It isn't strong enough for seams that take stress.

2. Backstitch

The strongest hand stitch and the closest to a machine seam. Bring the needle up one stitch length ahead, go back down at the end of the previous stitch, and come up again one stitch length ahead. Use it to sew seams by hand and to repair split seams.

3. Whip stitch

Stitches wrap over the edge of two layers held together. It's quick and perfect for felt, joining fleece, closing stuffed toys and attaching appliqués.

4. Slip stitch (ladder stitch)

The invisible finish. Take small stitches inside the fold of each edge, alternating sides like the rungs of a ladder, then pull the thread taut — the seam closes and the stitches disappear. Use it to close the turning gap on pillows, bags and toys.

5. Blanket stitch

A decorative edge stitch that also stops fraying. Each stitch catches a loop of thread along the fabric edge. It's the classic finish for fleece blankets, felt ornaments and appliqué.

6. Basting stitch

Long, loose running stitches that hold layers in place temporarily. Remove them once the permanent seam is sewn. Basting is easier than pinning on slippery fabrics.

7. Hem stitch (catch stitch)

Pick up just one or two threads of the outer fabric, then take a longer stitch in the folded hem. Done neatly, almost nothing shows on the right side of trousers or skirts.

A 20-minute practice plan

1. Draw three straight lines on a scrap of plain cotton with a washable marker.
2. Sew a row of running stitch, then a row of backstitch, keeping stitches about ⅛" long.
3. Fold the edge of a second scrap and practice slip stitch along the fold.
4. Join two felt squares with whip stitch, then edge a third with blanket stitch.
5. Tie off each row with a small knot close to the fabric and trim the tail.

Tip: tap each step to tick it off — your progress is saved on this device.

Ready to use your stitches? Try sewing on a button, or make one of the weekend fabric projects.