Can anyone recommend or know of maybe an online course for learning to hand sew, at least the basics? It would be nice to have more of a foundation and to also understand some of the terminology related to sewing and stitching etc.
I can follow a video tutuorial on YouTube OK, but there are SO many videos that it takes me a long time to choose one.
Any suggestions/recommendations would be most appreciated! I'm in no hurry to get started or anything, but it would still be nice to know ☺️
Thank you!!
OK, I'm a book person, so I took a quick look through my bookshelf to see if there's anything there that might be of interest. I don't have any single book that fits the bill, but there are a couple of books that have some good information. The first (and my favorite) is Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire Schaeffer. She's a goddess in the sewing world, but her work is focused on techniques used by the couture houses to make very expensive garments - think Chanel. The second chapter of this book offers a concise, yet thorough, explanation of basic hand stitches used to make fine garments. The other book I like quite a bit is the Sewtionary, which may be out of print but possibly still available on Amazon. It's a sewing dictionary that's really good, IMHO. That book is broader than hand sewing, but offers a lot of information on basic sewing tasks that, taken together, comprise most of the things a home sewist would need to know how to do. I love hand sewing and think there are about 5 basic stitches you need to know: the running stitch, the back stitch, the whip stitch, the catch stitch and the slip stitch. I think if you find a few tutorials on these, you will have plenty of things to keep you busy until you determine your level of interest in hand sewing. I find I'm seldom happier than I am with a needle, thread, and fabric in my hands.
If you have occasion to spend time with older women, it's a safe bet that most of them know how to sew and someone would be happy to share her knowledge with you. And it's always great to make new friends who share your interest!
Most of the books in my personal library are specifically on embroidery, but if you learn basic running stitch and backstitch, that will give you what you need for a lot of hand sewing. You can also check out some of the new books on mending (like "Mending Matters") if you're looking for more of a slow-fashion viewpoint. And, in my professional opinion, at least 50% of "sewing" skills are actually the ironing, so getting comfortable with your iron is a big part of hand sewing.
I love Jacqueline Enthoven's "The Stitches of Creative Embroidery" and The Anchor Manual of Needlework, but those might be a bit more embroidery-minded than what you're looking for. I'll keep my eye out for any good books and repost if I find something. I agree with Debera that a local sewing shop/quilting shop might be a great way to get started as they often have beginner classes.
Oh, goodness, I learned how to sew from my lovely little Grandma many years ago. If you know anyone who would teach you, that may be the quickest way. Sorry I can't be of more help. You might see if there are any sewing groups or lessons where you live - local quilt shops and fabric stores are often good places to start.