After I recently wrote about “How To Teach Kids To Sew” and shared some of our favourite beginner sewing projects for kids, it got me thinking, that for many it may be helpful to have a “go to place for” basic hand stitches – ie what are commonly used stitches for sewing – especially for kids and when to use them. So I have put together a list and set of instructions on the stitches that I used the most with MY kids. The blanket stitch how to and the French Knot How To, were probably the most requested! They are both fabulous stitches o learn! These basic hand stitches are great for hand sewing, but also for anyone looking at embroidery stitches.
Here we focus on:
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Running stitch
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Overstitch/ Overcast
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Backstitch
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Blanket stitch
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French Knot
Please let me know if you would like me to add something else to this list of basic hand sewing information!!! I am keen to update and make this post as helpful and relevant as possible.
I have many more “Craft Basics” tutorials for you to browse and bookmark on my YouTube channel – from how to finger knit to how to make salt dough!
Let;s get started!!
Running Stitch
The running stitch is probably the easiest of all stitches and a great way to get kids started. My kids loved making little Lavender Bags and Heart Ornaments using this stitch. It is also great for when you need to GATHER fabric, such as when making these pinwheels or flower brooches.
Overstitch or Overcast Stitch
Overstitch is the “next stitch” to teach kids. As again, it is relatively easy to do. The children need to learn to sew a little neater for this one, as uneaveness will show. However, even when a beginner uses the overstitch it looks lovely. I think the overstitch is great for when you want to have a “varied” edge to your craft, but also for when sewing two pieces of fabric together that frays, as the overstitch can keep the fraying contained. We used it for these fun Pincushion Dolls and Bunny Brooches.
Back Stitch
The back stitch is probably the stitch that I used most when handsewing something where I don’t want the seams to show. Ie a sewing project that you need to turn “inside out” afterwards. The back stitch is a very strong and secure stitch and great for keeping stuffing in place. The kids first had a go (but haven’t quite mastered it yet), when we made some bunny softies.
How to do a Blanket Stitch
This is a stitch that I LOVE. I just think the blanket stitch is super pretty and great for most felt projects. We used it for our “nature bag” and for our Christmas Pudding Ornaments! I also love this Felt Heart Mobile, as it shows how using different stitches in one project provides a lovely “variation” to your work. I hope you DO like this Blanket Stitch How to and that it encourages you to have a go and give it a try!
How to do a French Knot
Now the French Knot.. is not REALLY a stitch or knot that you HAVE to know. I just LIKE it. I think it is such a quirky little stitch to know and love it as an added detail to our projects. Again, we used it on our Christmas Pudding Ornaments (it makes great “raisins), but also one our Juggling Chooks for the eyes (a great “beady” eye!!). It IS a LITTLE fiddly at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will want to use it over and over again! Here we go, how to do a French Knot:
How to sew on a button
Buttons are really easy to sew on once you know how to sew on a button!! This is a quick and easy video showing you quite how easy it is. Buttons are great for plus toy eyes, as clasps on DIY handbags or simply for fixing a button on a shirt!
So. I do hope that this is a good summary and resource of the basic stitches that we tend to use when sewing with the kids (and for myself!!!!). I do hope that you find it useful too. Please do let me know if there is anything missing, so I can update the post and provide more information for you!!! Which stitch will you try first? I do hope you give the Blanket Stitch How To and the French Knot Tutorials a go!!!!
Don’t forget to also check out these articles:
beginner sewing projects for kids
Similarly, I have a great “How To Teach Yourself to Crochet” post and if you know any left handed people, as special “How to Knit Left Handed“.
Valarie says
Love the videos! It would be amazing if you would transcribe them so that the captioning is correct.
Red Ted Art says
Sorry, I am not sure what you mean, which captioning? What is wrong?
Kirsten Grant says
I love your blog! I would like to feature you in a blanket stitch tutorial round up on my blog. I think your video is FANTASTIC! It is so easy to follow! Would that be okay with you?
Red Ted Art says
Yes please ๐
Candi says
You need to watch your videos, you are sewing off screen so that noone can see what you are doing.
Red Ted Art says
I do watch my videos, which particular one are you talking about? I am not sure which one you mean!
Gloria Wood says
Thank you, the blanket stitch video was very helpful and I had not seen it done that way before but it is much easier your way. Cheers G
Gloria Wood says
Thank you, your video on blanket stitch was very helpful.
Cheers G ??
Red Ted Art says
my pleasure!
Rachel says
Thanks, these were helpful! I’ve been sewing for decades, but now that my 7 yr-old is ready to learn, I wasn’t sure where to start. Now I am!
Red Ted Art says
So pleased this is of help!!
Deborah says
Hi I am putting together a DIY doll kit for children and want to include some basic stitches. Your videos are perfect. Can I link to them – full credit of course. Thanks Deborah
Red Ted Art says
yes please do!! ๐