Needlecrafts Sewing Sewing Patterns

Master Hand Sewing With These Projects

By
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove is an award-winning seamstress and tailor who shares her knowledge with beginner sewers on how to work with patterns and fabrics. She has over 40 years experience and has been writing and authoring books for two decades.
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Updated on 07/29/19
Hand sewing
Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

Hand sewing is one of those skills that every person can benefit from learning. With a needle and thread, you can mend clothes and make simple repairs. Beyond that, you can use hand sewing for a variety of sewing projects, including toys and decorative items. If you don't have a sewing machine available or a place to plug it in, you can still stitch up something and keep your hands busy. If you are new to hand sewing, easy projects can help you develop your skills. If you have kids or other beginners, these can be ways to teach them hand sewing.

Hand sewing involves a variety of stitches and techniques. Learn the different hand sewing stitches such as the utility back stitch, the slip stitch for making hems, and basting. Decorative stitches include the blanket stitch and chain stitch. Also be sure you know tricks for threading the needle and knotting off when you are done. You will use these skills often in life for repairing seams, hems, and loose buttons.

  • 01 of 06

    Sew a Fleece Hat

    Easy Fleece Hat With Tassel Top
    Mollie Johanson

    You can make this easy fleece hat with hand-sewn seams or use a sewing machine. When you visit the fabric store you will see many fun fleece patterns that will make you want to whip up this hat. This is also a great project to make for charity hat programs for cancer patients and those who need assistance.

  • 02 of 06

    How to Make a Fleece Blanket

    Children wrapped together in blanket outdoors, portrait
    PhotoAlto/Michele Constantini / Getty Images

    You can make a polar fleece blanket very easily. This snug fabric is self-hemming, it doesn't fray when cut. You can use a simple blanket stitch around the edge of a piece of polar fleece to add a decorative trim. Then you can embellish the blanket further if you wish with embroidery or appliques to personalize it. These make super holiday gifts or a great gift for a college student when made in the school colors.

  • 03 of 06

    Make Fabric Yo-Yos

    Fabric yo-yo

     

    marzena_cytacka / Getty Images

    Making fabric yo-yos is a great skill to master with hand sewing. These colorful items can be used to make or decorate doilies, quilts, Christmas ornaments, and more. This simple hand sewing project uses scraps of fabric cut into a circle. Use economical fabric sources to obtain a wide variety of colors and types of fabric. Get your kids involved to learn hand sewing techniques.

  • 04 of 06

    Hand Sew a Yo-Yo Clown

    Yo-Yo Clown

    Debbie Colgrove

    Use hand sewing to make a yo-yo clown doll. Use up your fabric scraps with this fun project. Your creation may become a treasured heirloom and can make a personalized gift for a baby shower or birthday.

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  • 05 of 06

    Sew a Catnip Mouse Toy

    DIY Felt Catnip Mouse Cat Toy
    Mollie Johanson

    Make a catnip mouse toy for your feline companion with this easy hand sewing project. You will use felt and embroidery floss. It is another project suitable for kids to learn hand sewing while also allowing you to practice your hand sewing skills.

  • 06 of 06

    Make a Hand-Sewn Doll Nightgown

    Lottie doll in a simple hand sewn nightdress with gathered ribbon trim.

    Lesley Shepherd

    Dress up dolls with a hand-sewn nightgown. This can be a fun project to do with your child. You can pick out the fabric and trim together. It's easily done for dolls or stuffed animals of any size. Hand sewing skills will be useful throughout your child's life. This is a great way to learn and practice them together.