beginner question

[quidam]

I have a sudden desire to learn how to sew, and have a really stupid question: how do you know what type of stitch to use? I know some basic stitches, but not when to use them. Is there some sort of general rule that tells you when to use a straight stitch vs a whip stitch vs ultra-fancy-stitch-of-doom?

[richila]

http://www.fiber-images.com/Free_Things/Reference_Charts/free_reference_charts_handsewing_stitches.html
I use the back stitch for seams because I change my doll clothes a lot. This chart has the basics and their use.

[Greyhaunt]

Yep, I'd say 90% of what I use are back stitches. They hold the best and look most like machine stitches when they are visible What's most important with hand sewing is to be patient and use small stitches

[Lamia of the Dark]

I only know two different stitches and have no idea what they're called XD

[catshem]

uhhhh there's different kinds of stitching? >_> I just have at with the needle and thread. lol

[Greyhaunt]

LOL - actually yes, there are many different stiches for different purposes! Back stitch, running stitch, whip stitch, blanket stitch.... It all depends on how strong you want your stitch (back stitch for strength) or if you want it to be hidden or what. You just have to remember that what we now do with machines, once upon a time was done completely by hand! While the first sewing machine design was patented in 1790, they didn't really get started until later in the 1800s and were by no means common household objects! If you couldn't afford a tailor or seamstress then you made it yourself!

[catshem]

I wonder if I've been sewing wrong all this time now. lol But it all holds up so the semi-straight stitching I do seems to work.

You know what I can't for the life of me understand? And sorry for hijacking the thread but I imagine this will come up eventually; how in the world do you understand a pattern? I bought some patterns and stared at the directions for an hour, not comprehending it. I already have bad comprehension skills, so something as simple as a sewing pattern makes me feel like a dunce. A laughing at herself dunce, though.

[EAB]

Did the pattern not have an instruction sheet?
There should always be one telling you what to do and in what order.

[catshem]

Did the pattern not have an instruction sheet?
There should always be one telling you what to do and in what order.

Yeah it did, but I think it was designed for people who already had an idea of what darts and so on are. lol

[Iwa_Hoshi]

Did the pattern not have an instruction sheet?
There should always be one telling you what to do and in what order.

Yeah it did, but I think it was designed for people who already had an idea of what darts and so on are. lol

Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't understand patterns. While I understand stuff like seams, there's always all these bits of these and that that they somehow expect you to sew together. Its no wonder I cheat my way through.