How to Sew by Hand

• Thread the needle

If you thread the needle before cutting the thread, 

you know you have the twist of the thread going in the right direction.
The cut end is where you would have a knot, if you had a knot.

• Cut the thread but do not knot it.

A knot is a bump that is subject to friction, and can be worn away.

Instead, take 3 teeny tiny stitches in one spot.

If you plan to remove the thread, for basting: you may knot it 

and enter the fabric a little ways away from where you start to stitch.

A basting stitch is by nature easy to remove.

If I am doing hand appliqué, I bury the end of my thread 

in between the appliqué and the foundation fabric.

My friend Malgorzata J Jenek made the video on hand sewing.

She is a delightful lady in Germany.

Her Etsy Shop is:MJJenekdesigns

• While you sew, the thread becomes twisted. It may look like this:

The solution is to twist the needle between your thumb and finger

 til the thread relaxes and lays straight.

• Finish off with 3 tiny stitches, and either cut the the thread, or bury it, then cut.

Happy Stitching!

By the way: the appliqué pattern I am stitching is from Connie Sue Haidle,
of  ABQConnieSue.