r/HandSew Jun 12 '25

Help me assemble a FAQ for the sub

22 Upvotes

Please post any resources you have that might be useful for a hand sewing FAQ that I can add to the sidebar and as a sticky thread!


r/HandSew 3h ago

Can anyone help me decode my own note???

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5 Upvotes

HELP hahahah in a classic ADHD move I left myself a cryptic note that I can’t decode. I wrote down the structure for a handstitch but I DIDN’T WRITE THE NAME OF THE STITCH and I can’t find it for the life of me 🥲

the up arrows ⬆️ are needle moving from back to front, down arrows ⬇️ are needle moving front to back.

anybody??

EDIT: I found the video that I got it from (link added). The video also doesn’t include a stitch. Is this an uncommon stitch?? It almost seems like a hem stitch variation.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYKgAmDAdRl/?igsh=azJvY2VwcmxkamRr

EDIT 2: it’s a double back stitch. I should have started on Reddit 😂 thank you, I can finally move on omg


r/HandSew 19h ago

My progress so far

62 Upvotes

Hi! I’m the poster from a week or so ago talking how to begin as a blind person.
I’ll hopefully come back when I get more things that I’ve done. But I’m really proud for my first day.
My grandma and I figured out ways for me to put the thread thorugh the needle which was a bit of a struggle, but I can do it quite easily now. She taught me two simple stitches.
I have successfully fixed two holes on my stuffed animals! Which is definitely progress!!
I just wanted to thank you all so much for all your tips and suggestions that has encouraged me to try even when I felt so defeated today. I feel like I’m really getting the hang of it so quickly. I’ve always been a fast learner, and I think sewing is no different. Thank you all so much for<3


r/HandSew 4h ago

Will this last?

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1 Upvotes

I got a tear in the bottom of my backpack, just from overuse. I used a backstitch with doubled polyester thread, then with the extra went back over the area with a whip stitch. It tore because I'm an avid book lover and hang it off my wheelchair, so it takes a lot of impact. Do y'all think this will last, or should I add some to the inside of the bag as well? Sorry if the stitching is hard to see lol its black on black

Photo 1: black backpack with not so even stitching, taken showing the bottom with a repair along the edge

Photo 2 : same backpack taken from a different angle, with wheelchair in background


r/HandSew 10h ago

need help fixing

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1 Upvotes

This doll is very dear to me and I have 0 idea how to stitch up the hole near its white eyebrow. I figured a ladder stitch might be fine for the hole near the seams (i think) but don't know about the hole near the eyebrow. The whole itself is pretty small (see from the comparison idk if that helps) Thank you!


r/HandSew 2d ago

Zigzaging seams

12 Upvotes

I'm currently working on a shirt and the pattern calls for zigzaging the side seams (meaning the seam allowance). Should I do a hand sewn overlock stitch or should I just backstitch the side seams and then fell the seams? It's my first time handsewing a garment, so I'm hesitant to just experiment.


r/HandSew 2d ago

Irish Chain Quilt Hand Piecing Journey

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32 Upvotes

Update #8
It’s been a while since I have posted an update on my hand-pieced Irish chain progress. Mainly it’s been because it’s summer and with the kids home from school my free time is non-existent. Also, I’m in a very repetitive and slow stage. I have almost all my rows complete. I’ll complete two rows and then sew them together. I have to do this 12 times with an additional row to the bottom. If I get up early before everyone else I’ll put on some YouTube, have some tea, and stitch for about an hour. I baked some banana bread the other day so I have some I’m snacking on. Such a treat!


r/HandSew 2d ago

What do you think about these hair clips ?

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54 Upvotes

Another day another pair of hair clips 😍

Thanks for taking a look! Handmade pieces take time, but seeing them come to life is always worth it. 🌸💛

Made with needle, thread, and lots of patience. 😊


r/HandSew 1d ago

Baby Mittens Project Help

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2 Upvotes

Hi all

I wanted to run a project by the people on here. Most of the details I have down, I made a mock sample that turned out well enough, but the final version I plan to do an elastic around the wrist. Please ignore the messy herringbone stitching, I was kind of rushing to get it done since I wanted a proof of concept. I am thinking a minky material for the outside, and a flannel patterned material for the elastic cuff and the inner liner. For durability, what thread is recommended? I want this to withstand many washes with little issue and I want it to last as long as possible, so I'm between polyester thread and cotton upholstery thread. Any reason not to go with polyester for the strength? Since the minky is polyester based anyways I feel like that fits, but just curious people's thoughts. As well, any considerations when making it from those who have done similar projects? Just want to get some ideas before I start on my final material. Thank you for anyone who reads this.


r/HandSew 1d ago

I want to learn!

0 Upvotes

Hello! I'm a beginner, in the sense that I've never even picked up a needle and thread. However, I need to add pockets to some pants and I would much rather learn the skill myself than pay someone to do it. How do I get started? Please help!


r/HandSew 2d ago

Not the usual project you see here but oh well

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49 Upvotes

There's a ears and a tail too but those were far less labor intensive


r/HandSew 3d ago

Spent my weekend embroidering these floral hair clips 🌸🧵

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123 Upvotes

What started as a random embroidery patch on a train journey ended as these beautiful hair clips.

Each flower and leaf is stitched by hand, and I love how a simple hair clip can turn into something cheerful and unique. The larger pair has soft pink blooms, while the smaller ones are inspired by tiny white daisies.

Still learning and trying new embroidery techniques, so I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Which design do you prefer—the pink floral pair or the daisy clips? Any ideas for future color combinations or flower styles are welcome! 🌼💕


r/HandSew 3d ago

Rate my first time stitching onto clothing hehe

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73 Upvotes

My dog approves!!


r/HandSew 3d ago

First timer and eager to learn!

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20 Upvotes

Hello! I have just started getting into machine sewing and this is my first time hand sewing.

I got these pants a few days ago at a event and they already ripped 💔 I did a back stitch to the best of my ability and put on clear nail polish for the frayed edge but it seems like the whole fabric is unraveling so I’m not sure if the backstitch will actually hold it long term.

Any advice and help would be greatly appreciated!!

(I attached a image of the the stitching as it came originally)


r/HandSew 5d ago

Wonky little handsewn purse

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105 Upvotes

I’ve been working on this little purse with fabric scraps and notions I have in my stash since May on and off. Not perfect but isn’t that the joy of something made by hand?


r/HandSew 6d ago

FO: Hand sewn linen shorts!

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739 Upvotes

Just finished these and super excited. Pattern is slightly adapted from the Chanterelle shorts pattern by Sew Liberated (https://sewliberated.com/blog/chanterelle-pants-round-up). I switched to flat felled seams and a flat front waistband with elastic back.

Pretty much exclusively used backstitch. Pretty proud of my stitches although they're definitely a bit messier when going through the elastic in the back.


r/HandSew 5d ago

Absolute beginner. I'm making a costume out of minky and I'm going to hand sew the face using a henson stitch/ladder stitch, do I need seam allowance?

6 Upvotes

I've been doing practice sewing when I'm too lazy or unable to work on my cosplay directly, so I'm practicing sewing in the mean time... All my practice minky pieces end up being too small. My sewing DOES suck like a lot, but is that the reason and it's just about getting better hand sewing, or do I need to add seam allowance?

And if I do, will I still need seam allowance once I'm better at sewing and am ready to do the actual costume?


r/HandSew 5d ago

Completed my first garment

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129 Upvotes

I posted a while ago about enjoying the freedom of hand sewing outdoors and wanted to share the completed garment. The top was machine sewn in a class (my first garment ever) but the skirt was self patterned and then hand sewn from the remaining fabric.

It’s a simple A line elastic skirt so the pattern is just two trapeziums, the waist is folded over to create a channel for elastic. I used a combination of running backstitch for the side seams, plus backstitch for the upper side seams (around the hips) and waistband. I wanted to add in-seam pockets and actually ripped one side open to try it, but it completely threw off the skirt so I closed it back up. My stitches are horrendously inconsistent and not straight but the waistband is hidden so no one will see. The fabric is forgiving enough that the wonky side seams don’t affect the wearability of the dress.

I wanted to post this as encouragement for others asking about sewing modern garments. FWIW I do not even own an ironing board (I do have an iron). It took me about 8 hours including drafting, and I really am tempted to get a cheap machine now, but knowing myself I probably will continue to hand sew until I get more into sewing.


r/HandSew 5d ago

HELP NEEDED! Could anybody help me make some cranky arm pillows?

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2 Upvotes

r/HandSew 6d ago

is it possible to sew ANY clothes??

72 Upvotes

hi! i am new in the community of sewing, i don’t have a sewing machine, so before spending money, i want to try doing it by hand.

with your experience, is it possible to sew any type of clothes by hand??

like corsets, jeans, skirts, dresses and stuff like this.

also, is it IMPOSSIBLE or do you think that is easier with a machine but still possible? of course it takes more skills or time, what you think??

edit: thank you all for the responses, i got 43 responses in few hours, i never been in a community where people help each other so much. thank you for the advices, they really helped me🩷🩷🩷🩷


r/HandSew 6d ago

Red and white duffle bag

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13 Upvotes

r/HandSew 6d ago

Blind person wants to learn sewing

150 Upvotes

Hello! As the title states I am COMPLETELY blind. No pictures please unless you’re describing them <3
As the title also states, I want to learn. Now i know NOTHING. I used to see like.. 3 years ago. So i have a good grip on basic things.
I have been getting into clay and piano to express myself and the characters I create.
Does anyone have any tips on how to learn? Where to learn? I’m planning on asking my grandma to teach me some things at some point. I want to learn how to hand sew specifically, no machines. Those things have terrified me my whole life lol.
I know about starting big and stuff. I want to specifically make dolls and stuffed animals of my characters. If that helps any.
Any recommendations? Tips? Pointers on where to start? I’m really new to all of sewing, but I think it’s a good hobby to learn since a lot of my stuffed animals often get holes and I would like to fix it myself. Thank you !


r/HandSew 6d ago

Backstich looks ugly on the back

10 Upvotes

My backstiching Looks kind of straight and even-ish for a begginer, but the back looks like a mess. Not like a continuos straight line at all. Even worse, Im making a seam on the most loosely woven muselin in the world (horrible choice, ik) 😭😭😭. Any tips?


r/HandSew 6d ago

My sock monkeys!

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52 Upvotes

Collection of sock monkeys i made and wanted to share🙌


r/HandSew 7d ago

Found a vintage Mirabilia kit….

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22 Upvotes

I always look for and kind of needlework kits for my 88 yr old mom - I am so impressed with the quality of this! Linen, hand dyed threads, lovely