Simple tasks like hand sewing become more beautiful when loving, humble hands get to work. Our hands are often the most overlooked tools in the house. If you are getting started sewing, want to sew more, or get kids into sewing a sewing machine isn’t required to fully dive into this craft.
To get started in hand sewing, you’ll just need a needle and thread; most have some form of this on hand. I often talk myself out of hand sewing. Telling myself it is too slow to get the tasks done. I convince myself to wait until the “next time” my sewing machine is out, does this sound familiar?
How many times have I ripped a project done on a sewing machine because I was going too fast? How long did it take to get my machine set up for a “small job?” Some days, by the time I’ve pulled out my sewing machine, I usually could have had the button sewn on by hand and been on to the next project.
Is Sewing By Hand Faster?
The idea that hand sewing is slow hasn’t seen an experienced quilter fire a line of stitches. When you are getting started with hand sewing you may put it off in fear it will take too long, like me but sewing by hand may surprise you. As you learn and grow in confidence, you will surprise yourself with how fast your trained hands become. You make decide you like it so much you want to slow down and try some slow stitching, like these stitch scrolls made from scraps below.
Hand Sewing Equals No Set Up Time
Hand sewing has little to no step-up time and it easily portable. A small box of tools and thread is enough to complete large and small projects. It’s easy to picked up and put down, allowing you to get to your work more often throughout your day.
Confidence in basic by-hand stitches and techniques will allow you to move through your projects more quickly. This knowledge will translate to a deeper understanding when you are using your sewing machine. Basic hand stitches to learn: Running stitch, invisible/ladder stitch, whip stitch will get you doing all sorts of projects, mends, and creative pursuits.
Hand Sewing is More Accurate:
Sewing machines constrict movement and view of our sewing. Fabrics lay better when sewn by hand leading to better fit, add comfort, and increas longevity for your clothes. When you are approaching a tricky item, hand sewing is going to be more accurate. You will have fewer mistakes that end up wasting time down the line.
Tools and Techniques for Sewing by Hand Faster
When gettiing started with hand sewing explore any tools you might like. Most small sewing notices are inexpensive. I love using instant threading needles or rubber thimbles for pulling quick threads. A simple needle minder can go a long way in keeping track of your needles too.
If you are doing English paper piecing, use sew tites. I’m always looking for new notions to make sewing easier. It took me a long time to figure out what thimbles I like. I wear this leather one on my right middle and two (sometimes three) rubber style on my pointer, thumb, and sometimes middle finger.
Another way to increase your speed in hand sewing is to load many needles up with threads so you can continue without stopping if you have a lot to sew. This tip has been a game changer for mending and quilting for me. I usually end my session by loading up more needles for the next time I sit down.
The Joys of Hand Sewing
In the waistband of my quilted skirt, I procrastinated for weeks before deciding to hand stitch the buttonhole.
I used wonderfil thread for the whip stitch. I love this type of sewing, I can easily get absorbed in it. The chunky and colorful thread makes a statement. It’s funny how quickly you can go from loving it to criticizing it.
On my very last stitches, I thought about how the threads would be more secure if instead of whipstitching I had passed the needle through the loop, it would create a nice edge of knots on the inside of my buttonhole… Isn’t it always the good ideas that come to you after the fact?
Eager to wear my skirt this season, I forced myself not to rip out what I had accomplished. The ease and flexibilty of sewing by hand vs. machine let’s me call this one a wearable work in progress and I can always come back to it. As a sewer, I’m drawn to making adjustments in clothes and mending but this frustration with perfection feels like a procrastination setting me back from enjoying this warm skirt.
As my hand stitching skills improve, it reminds me that all my clothes can work in projects, a canvas that evolves for as long as we wear the article.
Think of hand sewing vs machine when you have an awkward positioning or problematic fabric. Think of hand sewing as a way to slow down, care for your things and add your own personal touch. Whether you’re adding to your clothes, or making something for the home your hands will bring the most character to whatever you are trying to make.
