Learning Hand stitches 

Today, with sewing machines being so useful, hand-sewing is used mostly for repairing garments.  Hand stitching can be done with all purpose thread doubled for extra strength.  You may want to use special threads that are stronger for heavy-duty sewing, buttonholes and top stitching.

Different Types of Hand Stitches:

• Blind hem - A hem in which the stitches do not show on the right side of the fabric.  This stitch can be done by hand or by machine. This is probably the most useful stitches of all. This hand stitch is useful for repairing or taking up hems.
• Backstitch - After making a stitch, back-up halfway through your stitch and do another.  This is the strongest hand stitch.   This stitch is the closest hand stitch to machine sewing.
• Blanket stitch - Used for decorative purposes as well a holds two layers together.  A blanket stitch is best using a heavyweight thread.
• Gathering Stitch - This stitch is similar to a running stitch. Used to gather an edge.   
• Cross stitch - A stitch where all the stitches are formed by crossing over each other.
• Running stitch - Very small (¹/₆ to ¹/₈ inch) stitches sewn in a straight line.  The most basic of all stitches.
• Slip stitch - This stitch is used where you don't want stitches to show by taking a small piece of the fabric (just a few strands) from the bottom and from the top of the fabric.  Useful in securing hems to linings, attaching trims, and closing gaps left in casings.

Examples:            Guide To Hand Stitches                    

Hand Stitching vs. Machine Sewing

Sewing machines have become so easy to use and extremely time saving. You can use sewing machines for most of your sewing upon learning how they operate. The machine is indeed mightier than the hand stitching method. However, there are some cases in which your hand needle will be necessary:

• Attaching lining - If you machine stitch a lining into a garment, the stitch will show on the outside of the garment.  To keep the lining stitch invisible, you must use your needle and thread.
• Button fastening - Buttons with a shank (rather than "sew thru" holes) must be sewn by hand
• Closure -  (As an example), When sewing a pillow,  you will leave a small opening to turn the fabric inside out (to the correct side), then stuff the pillow.  Then you will close the opening with needle and thread.
• Finishing touches - Sewing the last minute details such as, tacking down facing, stitching on snaps, keep flaps in place, etc..
• Hand basting - A temporary way to hold fabric together. After replacing the basting with a permanent stitch, you will remove the temporary stitches.
• Astray seams - To fix hard-to-reach seams that have unraveled, use a slip stitch.