Learning how to create beautiful, neat, and strong stitches by hand is not always easy. Since hand-sewing is no longer considered a “basic life skill”, we’re often left on our own to try and figure it out, without any real guidance. I’ve been hand-sewing, both professionally and privately, for years, and I have learned so much from my teachers and years of experience and research. Today, I want to share with you my 5 tips to improve your hand sewing, without having to really sew anything.
Beginning with using a thimble (obviously…😂), I walk you through what types of sewing threads are best for hand sewing garments, and things to keep in mind for silk, cotton, and linen thread (hint: not all threads are created equal, and sewing thread quality and weight really matter!) Next, we talk about needles – sharps vs. betweens/quilters vs. embroidery, the quality of different needle brands, like John James, Colonial, Dritz, and others, and what size needles to look for! I also rant a bit and demonstrate how important sewing technique and basting are, and how they shouldn’t be overlooked.
Hopefully, whether you’re a beginner sewist, looking to improve your hand sewing skills, or feeling ready to take on a large 18th-century gown project by hand, hopefully, I have something in this video that will help you on your sewing journey!
How to Use A Metal Thimble Video:
🧷Needles:
Roxanne Needles (sharps):
Roxanne Needles (betweens):
Burnley & Trowbridge Needles (they sell Bohin!)
*all* the John James Needles:
Needles Guide:
🧵Threads:
Burnley and Trowbridge Threads (linen and silk):
My favorite (Kinkame) silk twist:
🥳Socials
Instagram:
Patreon:
📸My Video Kit:
Camera:
Lens:
Mic:
💌Business Inquiries *ONLY* abbycox@viralnationtalent.com
(This email goes directly to my management and not to me.)
🎶Music via Epidemic Sound (
**I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. By purchasing items through the links listed above, I could earn a small commission for your purchase, which goes directly to supporting this channel. Thank you.❤
Hi Friends! If you’re looking to purchase any needles or threads I mention in the video, I have links in the description! If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for good hand sewing needles and thread, check out Burnley & Trowbridge – https://www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com ❤️
The basting tip was really helpful! And seeing how you used basting to hem and then roll the hem over and stitch made a lot of sense! Now when I try to do hand stitching, my mom says it isn’t as strong as a sewing machine. Is there a way around that, like different stitches or thread?
Hmm. This is five years later, when in another video Abby said to throw those Dritz needles away. And that she explained why in this video here. And I was like – why should I throw these away? I have been sewing with them for years! Why is she saying they are crap? After watching this video, I realized my Dritz needles, bought more than 25 years ago, are just fine. I had not realized they had such poor quality needles nowadays… And yes, I still need to learn how to use a thimble…
Showing from afar hand stichings technique… Wow, how can anyone comes up with this idea?! Wasted time!
You are Awesome! Your videos are awesome. I respect your skills.