This document describes three basic hand stitches: the running stitch, backstitch, and slip stitch. The running stitch is made with small, even stitches that run in and out of the fabric without overlapping. The backstitch is made by doubling the thread back on part of the previous stitch. The slip stitch, also called a ladder stitch, is useful for closing seams invisibly, with the thread following the fold of the fabric.

1. Basic Hand Stitches

2. Running Stitch
A simple needlework
stitch consisting of a line
of small even stitches that
run in and out through the
cloth without overlapping.

3. Step 1:
Begin the running stitch
by poking your
threaded needle up
through the fabric.

4. Step 2:
Poke the needle back
down through the fabric
next to where you just
came up, and pull the
thread down into your
first stitch.

5. Step 3:
Now poke your needle back
up through the fabric,
leaving a space from the
previous stitch. Then poke
the needle back down
through the fabric again
making your second stitch.

6. Backstitch
A stitch made by
doubling the thread
back on part of the
previous stitch.

7. Step 1:
Begin the backstitch by poking the
needle up through the fabric, and then
back down to make a single stitch. Then
poke the needle back up through the
fabric a space away from the first stitch,
as if you were doing the running stitch.

8. Step 2:
Now poke your needle back
down through the fabric at the
end of the first stitch. This is
the "back" part of the
backstitch.

9. Step 3:
Now poke your needle up
through the fabric a space
away from the previous
stitch. You will then stitch
back again. Just repeat this
pattern of stitching and you
are good to go!

10. Slip Stitch
The slip stitch, also
called a ladder stitch or
an invisible ladder stitch,
is a useful hand-sewing
stitch to close a seam.

11. Step 1: Thread your hand sewing needle. Pull the thread through as much
as you think you’ll need for the length of the seam. A good rule of thumb is to
double the length. You have a lot of extra thread, but that is much better than
not having enough to finish your seam.
Step 2: Double the thread over at the needle and cut.
Step 3: Tie a knot to secure the ends.
Step 4: Start the inside of your hem. Hide your knot in the fold of the hem.
Step 5: Right next to where you began, on the other side of the hem, pick up
with your needle just a couple threads of the fabric.

12. Step 6: Next go back down into the fold of the hem. The needle will
follow that fold. This will allow the thread to stay hidden as you make
the seam.
Step 7: Pull your needle out of the top of the fold.
Step 8: Right next to where your needle comes out of the hem. Pick
up a couple threads from the other side.
Step 9: Go back right down into the fold of the hem.
Repeat until you have finished your seam.