Five hand stitches every maker should know

You do not need a sewing machine to make good things. Five hand stitches cover almost every small project, from mending a seam to finishing a felt ornament.

The five stitches

Running stitch is the simplest: in and out of the fabric at an even spacing. Use it for gathering, basting and decorative lines.

Backstitch is the strong one. Each stitch goes back to meet the end of the last, which leaves a solid line that looks like machine stitching. Use it for seams.

Whip stitch wraps over an edge to pull two pieces together. It works well for closing felt, joining fabric edges and attaching patches.

Blanket stitch loops along an edge and finishes it neatly. It stops felt and fleece from fraying and doubles as a decorative border.

Slip stitch is nearly invisible. It hides the thread inside a folded edge, so use it to close the gap on a stuffed toy or a lined bag.

Tools to start with

• Sharp needles in a few sizes, with an eye big enough for your thread
• Polyester or cotton thread; embroidery floss for decorative work
• Small scissors and a thimble if your finger tips get sore
• Pins or clips to hold layers in place

Practice tip

Stitch each one on a scrap of felt for ten minutes. Aim for even length first, speed comes later.