When was the last time you did any hand sewing? A machine is fast and efficient, of course, but sometimes we have situations where handwork is better. For example:

When sewing in small areas, such as for doll clothing, it can be awkward to maneuver the fabric under a machine's presser foot. A few hand stitches will be easier and really don't take much time.

Tricky seam intersections, such as the insertion of godets, can be trouble spots on a machine. Try pinning where the sections join, then sewing by hand.

A quick hand-baste is helpful in controlling difficult fabrics such as chiffon, charmeuse and velvet, which have a tendency to move.

When it comes to accuracy and control, hand-basting often surpasses pinning. Try it the next time you have to match plaids.

Use a slender needle with a small eye to avoid leaving holes when you remove basting stitches. On most fabrics, ordinary thread is fine, but on delicate fabrics, silk thread is preferred.

By KRT News Service