How to Hand Sew a Seam | The Basics of Back Stitching

All you need is a needle and thread! This is a very simple step-by-step tutorial for how to back stitch a basic back stitch seam.

First, cut your thread to length. Measure out three times the length of your seam. Bite the string so it gets a pointy cut. I find using scissors gives a blunt cut that's prone to fraying and is much harder to thread the needle.

Thread your needle by rolling the thread in between your thumb and index finger. Slowly reveal the tip of the thread. Rest your needles eye on your finger and push the thread through the eye. I thread the needle through while my fingers are squishing the thread. Yes it can be a little hit and miss, but just line up the eye and the tip of the thread!

Draw a pencil line to give a sewing line. I find it impossible to sew in a straight line! Also, if youre sewing on a curve, this is a perfect way to plan your route and get a nice seam.

Now, the neat, slow & steady method is to sew one stitch at a time. The quicker way is to weave multiple stitches. See what works for you. Also, different materials (stiff or thick) can sometimes be difficult for the multiple-stitch weave method.

If you need to take a stitch out, just pull the needle off the thread, and pull each stitch out individually using the needle for control. Then re-thread the needle and you're good to go. The stitches are easier to reverse than in knitting & nothing will fall apart, so don't be worried about taking out stitches.

To sew a back stitch, remember to turn the thread back on itself and seal up every one of the stitches.

Finally, knot up your seam so it doesn't fall out. Make a stitch, but before your pull it through, pass the needle in the loop to make a knot.

If you're looking for a practical project to hand-sew, I have a face mask tutorial that is linked here:

Need a wee hand to get started?

#HandSewing #SewingTutorial #Sewing #HowToSew

A most practical video on how to backstitch, without any roundabout talk.

[crasmussen]

Thank you so much! This tutorial was short, sweet, and to the point. I literally know nothing about sewing, but using this tutorial was able to repair my son's hoodie pocket. 🥳

[Aelynthii]

This helped me out so much! One of my favorite t-shirts had a seam coming apart and I hadn't been able to wear anywhere for a while. This video was so clear and concise, that even a novice like me was able to execute it pretty well!

[jcmamcknight]

As a fifty-six year old man, I sure can use this. Thank you for this tutorial.

[s.c.]

I didn't know how to back stitch, and wanted to make the mask on your channel. So thank you for the tutorial

[you-nhxo]

If anyone is wondering why the audio kept cutting off at certain points, it's because she was swearing from frustration 😂

[mikesenay]

How does this video have less than 5k views? Everything you need to sew a seam, beautifully explained, in just over five minutes. It's perfect.

[senyobotchie]

Now i officially know how to do a basic back stitch in a straight line!😊 Thanks Emma.

[SUPERSTUDIO]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. My favorite pants just ripped at the seam and you explained how to do a simple stitch so well! Im glad I can try to sew it myself at home with your amazing directions <3

[kamifae]

Thank you very much- this video was extremely helpful, informative, and concise as well !! I'm very appreciative 🙏🩷 You have such a lovely voice too, so it was calming as well- onto the crafting !!

[Raven-yvdi]

Easy to understand and a sweet voice to go with it, 10/10

[melissajon]

Marvelous step by step!! I love how i learned how to thread the needle and tie it off properly. :)

[lily-mpih]

Thank you, this was very helpful, as I do not have a working sewing machine

[curiousseal]

Thanks! Accidentally ripped some of the stitches on my backpack while on a hike. I really like this backpack, so it's nice to be able to learn how to repair it myself...for when I inevitably tear more stitches on it again...from overstuffing it...again ✌️😅

[Otterfran]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, I have finally been able to figure out how to sew ripped seems!

[taratoronto]

Thank you so much for this! The seam in my pups bed came apart and the stuffing was going everywhere. Great to-the-point video helped me get it fixed up like new! Thank you!

[nickynance]

Thank you for this! 🙏🤩 helped me sew up the bottom of my jeans 🥰

[danieladiazsoto]

This is a very nice video showing the basics of a double running stitch, fast and secure. For beginners this hand posture it´s ok, but if you plan to stitch by hand and want to do it fast then you should use a thimble and change the posture, so it´s easier and the grip feels secure.

[andra.newgirl]

I did it wrong for 30 years… this was helpful

[SongsByAngel]

Thank you so much. Easy tutorial with no fluff. ❤