Although sharp sewing needles work for most projects, you can use embroidery, beading, or tapestry needles depending on your project.
If you struggle to thread the sewing needle, buy a needle threader. Push the pointed wire end of the threader into the eye of your needle and insert the thread through the gap. Then, pull the threader away from the needle so the thread works into the eye.
You could also use a tailor’s pencil or sewing pencil. Both of these have sharpened points that make marking simple and the markings are easy to get out of the fabric when you’re done. Pat the chalk marks off of the fabric with your hand or wash the material to remove tailor’s pencil marks.
Pull the thread slowly through the fabric. If you pull it quickly, the thread can tangle and make a knot. Don’t pull too tightly when you feel the knot or you might accidentally pull the knot through the fabric.
If you leave a short space between your starting point, you’ll get a tiny, strong stitch. If you make a long stitch, it will be quick to sew but won’t be as sturdy as a short stitch. Long stitches are great for joining edges or making a noticeably dashed line. Stitch length is completely customizable. Create a lot of short stitches if you want a secure line of stitches for embroidery or edges or make your stitches up to 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) long.
Straight stitches are great for sewing edges of fabric together or making an outline for embroidery.
Remember that you’re stitching up and down to make the running stitch. Don’t sew over the edge of your fabric or embroidery hoop or the thread will catch.
The backstitch looks like the straight stitch that sewing machines make. It’s great for outlining solid embroidery shapes or sewing words.
Keep your satin stitches less than 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) wide or the stitches could snag.
