Hand-Sewing: Outmoded but Not Forsaken as a Sewing Method

Despite the many technological advancements incorporated in sewing machines, hand-sewing is a traditional method that will never be forsaken by expert sewers.

Industrial sewing machines are best used for mass produced garments, because the faster rate of turning raw materials into finished product is of the essence. Yet if in terms of achieving results for a single piece of garment, expert sewers can pretty much achieve the same results; or even better. Mainly because some designs or patterns require meticulous attention and precision that can be achieved only by way of hand-sewing.

Take note of the excellent beadwork on formal evening wears created by topnotch designers. Each crystal bead must be hand-sewn carefully and correctly so as not to ruin the delicate and expensive fabric. Even for sewing on buttons or hemlines, most designers prefer them to be hand-sewn to ensure their integrity.

There are still dressmakers in our midst who are into hand-sewing not as a profession but as a hobby. Some others hand-sew for economic reasons but can produce garments that they proudly wear as their hand-sewn creations. Actually, if one is to ask these dressmakers why they still prefer hand-sewing to using sewing machines, they can cite several benefits of this traditional method that many consider as tedious and time-consuming.

Benefits of Hand-Sewing

Sewing by hand allows stitching with greater precision, especially when adding embroidery or decorative stitches. Here, the sewer can accomplish her work while taking a relaxed and comfortable seating position. When using a sewing machine, a sewer needs to stay seated next to the equipment to be able to keep the fabric in place when carrying on with the sewing process.

Hand-stitching allows sewers to bring their sewing projects anywhere, in case they need something to do to pass the time away.

While there are small portable sewing machines that are small enough to lug along, users still need to set them up properly. Although there are small hand-held sewing contraptions, they still require batteries to be operational.

The most important benefit of hand stitching for many sewing hobbyists, is its contemplative and calming effect. While the act of stitching is repetitive, hand-sewers can let their mind wander off and think of other things for the time being and still be in control of the sewing process.