Sewing by hand..., Is it still a thing that sewists do a lot of? Or is it a sewing skill that is less preferred and is rarely used?
A few weeks ago, a longtime friend asked me if I had ever used a blind hem foot? I had to admit that i had not. I revealed that my refer to hand sew invisible hems. After my answer, we continued to just talk about sewing and other things. But later that day, I pulled out the many, many sewing machine feet that I own, thinking I should try it. Soon, I pushed them aside and started to pull out my thimbles. I have a few functional and for show ones.
I actually love handstitching. Beading is a favorite.
One of the first things that I teach young sewing students is some basic handstitching. I also teach them that you can make an entire tailored suit by hand, but you can not make one by machine.
One of our first projects is to make a needle book by hand. A few examples.
My second question is, what are your thoughts on handstitching? Machine vs. Hand sewing?
Happy Sewing!
C
Hi Cennetta!
ReplyDeleteI like to sew by hand, if it´s not to much ;) have to take care of my fingers.
Some pillows and place mats were quilted by hand, also the binding of sofa quilts. Sometimes I have to repair clothing by hand, but what I really love to do is cross stiching!
Have a nice day,
Sophia
I set collars and sleeves in by hand mainly for accuracy; put on all buttons by hand and enjoy nothing more than to sit in front of the tv with a chunk of hand work and catch up on my latest shows. I have never mastered the art of the metal thimble so my favorite is the leather thimble. I have several of them and must keep them away from the cats. They think my leather thimbles are toys to bat around. Hand sewing is almost as important to me as pressing.
ReplyDeleteVery nice thimbles. I like the sew needle book idea.
ReplyDeleteI had to finish a flower girl dress by hand when my sewing machine broke down in December. I was short on time and even cried, fearing that I couldn't finish it in time. I did finish the dress and it turn out beautifully.
Since that time I have been sewing by hand. I have finished a girls pinafore and dress all done with needle and thread in my fingers.
Hello Cennetta,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate hand sewing, be it basting to ensure all layers where they need to be; best for repairs because nothing rips in easy to reach places (by machine); and the quiet appreciation of my own new make when sewing final buttons, hooks or other closures. And the gift of bodgeing: can’t figure out the instructions, seams looks weird, but heck with it hand tacking and odd but FIRM backstitches that will never give, that gets the job done (‘who will ever know") sewing situations. Been sewing since age 6 (now in 50s) and still figuring out how best to use a thimble - admiring your half finger brass one. Regards, Samantha (aka TartanMicrobe)
I stitch by machines& by hand. I recognised your thimble as being from. “ The Thimble Lady”.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to hand-baste collars, cuffs, front plackets, and anything where I want to control shifting whilst at the machine. I found that using pins just didn't work for me and would usually result in lots of un-stitching. Even though it takes a bit more time to hand sew, it's far less frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy hand sewing. I've been doing it since a young girl. It was part of my curriculum in school every day. Years later I took up crewel embroidery with a passion and later much hand smocking for my grandchildren. I hand sew as I machine sew my garment more the longer I sew them. I do a great deal of basting now and find it so worth the effort and actually saves time. No ripping out! Your thimbles are lovely. I find them difficult to use but will try a leather one. I think that could be what I need.
ReplyDelete