How To Double Stitch Sewing By Hand
Hand sewing is an age-old practice that has been used to sew torn clothes, to create new pieces of clothing and to create pieces of art using embroidery. Hand stitching was the only method of sewing before machines came into picture. There are many types of stitches used for various purposes. Some are basic stitches that solve the purpose of sewing while there are many decorative stitches that help you create beautiful designs with the help of a needle and colorful threads.
How To Double Stitch Sewing By Hand
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Double stitch is one of the simplest stitches that can be used to give strength to a sewing project by using a single, double stitch at the beginning and at the end. It can also be used to add texture and width to an embroidery project. A double stitch is easy to learn and execute by hand. All you need to know in advance is which needle to use for your project, the type thread that will apt and how to thread the needle. Following are the steps about how to double stitch by hand.
Step to Double Stitch Sewing by Hand
As already mentioned, double stitch by hand is a very basic stitch that is commonly used in sewing as well as embroidery. Here are the steps that will explain to you how you can execute it easily.
- Choose a Needle and a Thread
This is the very first step of an embroidery or sewing project. If you are sewing, you will have to decide on a needle based on the thickness of your fabric and the color of the sewing thread. If you are going to embroider, you will have to choose an embroidery needle and the appropriate thread for your project.
- Thread the Needle
You can thread the needle two ways. One way is to insert the thread through the eye hole and leave the inserted side short and dangling. The second method is to insert one side into the eye hole and pull it all the way down to the other side and then tie a knot. In the first method, you have to tie the knot at the longer end. The advantage of this method is that you can always fix your mistakes by removing the loose side from the needle and pulling out the stitches.
- Fix the Hoop
Sewing does not always need a hoop to tighten the fabric but you need to follow this step for embroidering. Fix the area of the cloth that you want to design in the hoop and stretch it completely.
- Double Stitch
To start the double stitch, press the needle through the bottom of the hooped fabric, which is on the wrong side of the cloth. This way, your knot will always be on the opposite side of the design. Pull the thread to its extreme at the top. Now insert your needle again in the same hole and come back out at a short distance in the front. You do not have a stitch at the front right now. For your first stitch you have to go into the first hole and come back out from the front. The fabric will loop around the two holes at the front side of the fabric and will create a stitch. You have to repeat this step once more to create two loops/stitches at the same place. So, for the first double stitch, you will have to repeat the same step thrice.
You can carry on now with any stitch that you want to do. If you want to continue with the double stitch throughout, you will have to follow the above-mentioned step but only twice to get a double stitch. Again, note that you have to do the in and out step thrice once for the first double stitch, after that you will get a double stitch with just two repetitions.
If you are doing a normal stitch after the initial double stitch, you can use it again at the end right before you the knot. Doing this will give extra strength to your stitches.
What are the 5 Basic Stitches?
You need to have some basic sewing skills so that you can sew a tear in a fabric, attach a button or take up artistic tasks like embroidery and appliqueing. You need a needle, a thread and scissors to execute even the most basic of stitches. Following is a list of 5 simplest stitches that you should learn.
- Cross-Stitch
Cross-stitch is a counted thread embroidery that has been commonly practiced for ages now. It is of the simplest hand embroidery stitches and is done by criss crossing the stitches to form an X-shape on an even or open weave fabric. Cross-stitch is for decorative purposes only. It cannot be used for sewing. You can create a huge design using the simple cross stitch method.
- Whipstitch
Whipstitch is a simple pattern in which the thread spirals on the edge of one or two pieces of fabric, it is commonly used to affix patches which means you can use it to fix a torn cloth or to work on a beautiful applique work project. This stitch is also used in crocheting, knitting and sewing.
- Ladder Stitch
Ladder stitch, also known as mattress switch or invisible stitch is used to close seams while hiding the thread. This is so efficient that it can be used from the outside of the fabric. This stitch feels like a complicated idea but when you sit down to execute it, you will realize it is quite easy to do and works like magic when you want to hide your stitches. This is a stitch used to seal the pillows and soft toys from outside.
- Running Stitch
A running stitch is also known as a straight stitch and is a continuous stitch on the fabric that is made by the needle continuously going in and coming out of the fabric. There is visible spacing between stitches on each side of the fabric. It is used both in sewing and embroidery and is usually the first stitch learned by the beginners. Running stitches are used in sewing to sew basic seam. It is also used in hand patchwork to assemble pieces and is an ideal stitch for quilting fabric layers and preventing them from wadding in one place. This stitch is very easy to be removed and hence can be used for temporary stitching.
- Backstitch
This is a basic sewing and embroidery stitch in which the stitches are made backward to the general direction of stitching. It is generally used to outline shapes and is the go-to stitch for embroidering lettering. When it comes to hand stitching, backstitch is popular as a utility stitch that strongly attaches two pieces of fabric. There are a number of backstitch styles that are used both in sewing and embroidery for their efficacy.
How to Do Double Stitch on a Sewing Machine?
A double stitch on a machine can be made by stitching two lines, parallel to each other. You can place these lines as close you want. Another way to do a double stitch is to replace your needle shaft with a double needle shaft. Double needle shaft has two needles that make it easy to stitch two equidistant lines. This double stitch creates two neat parallel lines and does not look like a hand sew double stitch that looks like a fat stitch. A machine double stitch cannot be used for creating an embroidery design but it can give strength to your garment.
If you know how to stitch or atleast make a few basic stitches you can help yourself by stitching a torn fabric in the time of need. Everyone should learn the basic stitches like double stitch, a ladder stitch or a simple running stitch. You should also have a needle and thread handy for cloth emergencies. Carry it in your bag to work and to vacations.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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