9 Tips to Make Hand Sewing Easier and More Fun

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

To make hand sewing more enjoyable and easier, we have created this page with 9 tips specifically for you.

Tip 1: Keep your thread shorter when sewing by hand

Hand sewing can be tricky because the thread tangles so easily. The solution is simple: by using a shorter thread, it is much less likely to knot up. A good rule of thumb is the length of your forearm. Hold the thread in your hand and cut it off at the level of your elbow…. Cut the thread with thread snips or fabric shears and use a thimble to protect your fingers. If you sew or embroider by hand frequently, you may develop a small sore on the finger you use to push the needle through.

Tip 2: Wash your hands more often

Wash your hands regularly to get rid of sweat and heat. If you’re like me and get super concentrated while sewing, your hands can become warm and clammy. This makes your thread act up and knot constantly. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix: wash your hands! Washing them cools them down, allowing you to continue sewing smoothly.

Tip 3: Use thread conditioner

Thread conditioner is a great product to make hand sewing easier, especially for stiff fabrics or materials that are hard to pierce. Or simply because it works so well! Our thread conditioner is called Thread Magic and the name fits perfectly. Thread Magic helps prevent twisting and fraying, leaves no residue, is acid-free, won’t melt or freeze, and is safe for all fabrics, threads, and machines. Thread magic garenconditioner also used frequently by quilters…

Tip 4: Take a coffee, tea, or… break

When sewing by hand, you often stay in one position for too long, which isn’t good for your body. That’s why you should take a break every now and then. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, use the restroom, or empty the dishwasher. It’s a simple way to clear your head so you can return to your work feeling refreshed.

Tip 5: Use a needle puller for thick fabrics

If you are making a leather skirt or sewing through many layers of fabric at once, hand sewing can be very exhausting for your hands. If you have a condition like rheumatism or osteoarthritis a needle puller can be a handy addition to your sewing kit. You’ll need much less force to pull needles through the fabric. It’s very easy to use: slide the eye of the needle puller onto the needle and press the lever down to grip the needle. Then, simply pull the needle through the fabric.

Tip 6: Choose the right needle for hand sewing

Just like with a sewing machine, choosing the right needle makes hand sewing much easier. There are many types of hand needles, roughly divided into five categories:

• • Needles for ordinary fabrics (garment sewing, etc.)

• • Embroidery needles

• • Quilting needles

• • Specialty needles for very thick fabrics, leather, etc.

• • Basting and tailor’s tacking needles

Tip 7: A threading aid is always welcome

Needles with large or long eyes are easy to thread, but those with small, short eyes can be a real struggle! There are several types of needle threaders on the market. Check out our range here. The most famous is the classic “Wilhelmina” or “Grandma” style wire threader, but there are also others like the Desk Needle Threader or specific versions for sewing machine needles.

Tip 8: Use the right stitches for hand sewing

• • Hand backstitch

• • Basting/Running stitch

• • Herringbone stitch or blind stitch

• • Ladder stitch (invisible stitch)

Tip 9: To secure or to knot?

When hand sewing thin fabrics, a knot can become visible on the outside, creating a small bump where you started. This is similar to how serged seams can show through when pressed. Therefore, I recommend securing the thread with small stitches (backstitching) for thin fabrics. If you are working with thick fabric or starting in an invisible spot, it’s a matter of personal preference whether you tie a knot or secure it with stitches. To secure your thread: Make a few small stitches back and forth until the thread no longer pulls through. To finish off, you can do the same, or make a final stitch and leave a small loop. Pass the thread through the loop and pull tight so it lies flat.

Bonus tip: Use your fingers

When sewing by hand—especially when basting or tacking—thread knots easily. Yesterday, while I was tacking, I realized I automatically place my finger on the spot where I pull the thread through. I do this to keep the thread from twisting, which prevents knots! You don’t need to press hard; the thread still needs to glide through. Just let your finger rest on it. I also use this technique when working with “difficult” thread that tends to tangle. When attaching a lining to a hem (for example, a sleeve in a jacket), it is best to keep your finger underneath the spot where you are sewing. This allows you to feel if the needle is coming through to the outside, as you will feel a tiny prick on your finger. Once you have more experience with hand sewing, you will naturally develop that “Fingerspitzengefühl”—the perfect touch in your fingertips. Related pages:

• • Stitches for hand sewing

• • Selecting the right needle for hand sewing

More interesting pages:

• • XTREME PRO outdoor sewing thread, the test

• • Threading a needle – different aids

• • Elastic threader by prym

• • Identifying sewing machine needles

• • FAQ about Sewing Machine Needles

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