Learning to hand sew - where / how ?

[Calico]

This isn't a kilt topic in general, but it is for me.

I've only ever used a machine for sewing. I don't know how to do it by hand. I don't even know the correct names for some of the hand stitches, or what the names used really mean.

I'm trying to find a teacher for hands on tutoring. But sewing machine stores that offer sewing classes have not been able to offer anything. Craft stores have offered only knitting or crocheting.

Frankly I'm amazed at the dearth of basic skills instruction available. Can anyone offer advice - where to look, books to try, local teachers to contact?

Thanks,
David
San Diego, CA, USA

[piperdbh]

Try your local fabric store, high school "Home Ec" teachers, and/or Senior Center.

[EagleJCS]

My mother taught me some of the basics. I still can't sew a straight line, but I don't need to most of the time. I usually just sew patches on my Scout uniform and/or patch blanket and the occasional loose button. I can also mend holes and can do an emergency hem on my trousers (good enough to hold until I can get the hem fixed properly).

Mom was a home ec(-onomics) teacher wayyy back when. I would suggest seeing if the local school system has any home ec teachers. Then I would ask nicely if any of them teach hand sewing and would consider taking on a private student.

Have you checked with any tailors and/or dry cleaners? (Some dry cleaners around here have tailors that do alterations.) You might also ask around in the suit departments in your local clothing retailers. The JCPenney I worked at in college had some ladies that did suit alterations, and some of the work required hand-stitching.

Good luck!

[Woodsman]

My mother taught me some of the basics. I still can't sew a straight line, but I don't need to most of the time. I usually just sew patches on my Scout uniform and/or patch blanket and the occasional loose button. I can also mend holes and can do an emergency hem on my trousers (good enough to hold until I can get the hem fixed properly).

You mean I too can progress from sewing scout patches onto uniforms to making my own kilt? If so, this thought has opened up a whole new line of thought for me, thanks.

[jgcunningham]

You mean I too can progress from sewing scout patches onto uniforms to making my own kilt? If so, this thought has opened up a whole new line of thought for me, thanks.

Yeppers. This is basically what I did. I started out at sewing just a few things by hand to machine sewing. I'm a guy. I can run a machine. And it kind of has a gas pedal like my truck. Coolness. Then I made my first machine kilt. Then I desired a hand-sewn tank. So I bought Barb and Elsie's book. Now I've made two by hand.

TIP: Just remember. If you have big fat pickle fingers like me, it helps to use longer needles, not necessarily thicker ones.

[Dixiecat]

There are quite a few youtube type videos on the internet as well as good step-by-step sewing instructions on the web. There's also 4 pages of books available on amazon.com. Try your local library as well.

[Cynthia]

Seconding what Dixiecat said... I've learned most of what I know from the Internet (YouTube, websites, etc) as well as a sewing book or two. I'm also currently learning how to do embroidery from a website with lots of videos and photo instructions.

Good luck and have fun!

[Calico]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone

[Tartan Hiker]

But if you get a copy of The Art of Kilmaking, there are glossaries of terms and appendices showing all the stitches you need. The artwork is very basic, and it isn't video, but it is more than adequate IMHO.

[AKScott]

You might ask around politely at our church. I am confident the lil ol lady brigade will start singing your praises to their own grand daughters after, oh fifteen minutes or less of sewing lessons.