BASIC HAND STITCHES Sewing the basic hand stitches are very easy if you learn each step

thoroughly
before you start practicing the next step. Sewing by hand is a skill that most, if not all, people should
probably attempt to master at some point.

Back Stitch Make one running stitch, then take a back stitch to the beginning of the first stitch, thus
overlapping each running stitch. Resembles machine stitching and is used to strengthen a seam made by
hand.

Basting Basting is quite important in successful sewing. This is used to hold fabric temporarily in place,
until permanently stitched. There are four types of basting; hand basting, machine basting, pin basting
and basting edges with an iron.

Running Stitch To make this stitch, push point of needle in and out of fabric until you have several
stitches on the needle. Hold fabric taut with left hand, pull the needle through. Practice until you make
fine even stitches.

Outline Stitch This stitch is similar to the back stitch but it is slanted. Make one slanted backstitch in
front of another letting each one overlap the one before it just a little bit, until the design is filled.

Blanket Stitch Put your needle in 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric, put the thread under the point of
the needle and pull through.

Catch Stitch This is used for a flat finish next to fabric, such as seam binding on a hem. Hold open hem
edge away from you, work from left to right, Take a stitch in the hem, then a tiny stitch to the right just
beyond edge of hem with the point of needle to the left. This makes diagonal lined that cross each
other.

Chain Stitch Insert the needle in and out of the fabric (as in the running stitch). Bring the thread under
the tip of the needle while still in the fabric,