Hand stitches
Sewing is fastening pieces of fabric together with a needle and thread, one of the oldest textile arts. Hand stitches such as running and back stitch are where it starts.
What it is
Stitches sewn with needle and thread by hand.
Who it suits
Everyone: no machine needed.
What you need
Needles, thread, scissors and a needle threader.
A first project
Sewing on a button.
The hand stitches guides
Beginner's guide
What you need
Techniques and stitches
First project
Next steps
Related Learn guides
- Basting (tacking) by hand and machine (Hand sewing)
- How to tie a quilter's knot (Hand sewing)
- Running stitch and backstitch (Hand sewing)
- Slip stitch (ladder stitch) for invisible closing (Hand sewing)
- Whip stitch (overcast stitch) (Hand sewing)
Sources
All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
