I tried SEWING clothes entirely BY HAND! 🧵🪡 

So, dear Sewing Friends, what do you think about hand sewing?

I only handsew because sewing machines are highly overwhelming for me (I'm autistic). If you've ever got any questions about what stitch to use where and on what, I'd love to help! It's really cool to watch someone learning because no one else in my life is interested in hand sewing, or has the ability to (lots of arthritis in the fam). I've noticed a few things that may help you, and while I'm aware someone in the comments has probably already said some of these, and you've probably learnt more since filming, I'd like to say them anyway, just incase they help you even a little bit! In terms of sewing straight and having an even seam allowance, I've found it's best to do something to help, because while you will eventually get better at doing it by eye without help, that help won't impede learning that. Drawing a thread (when on grain), marking sew lines with tailors chalk, and basting are all good ways to ensure straight and even lines, without stress. As for types of stitches, you chose well with the backstitch, as you get nearly 3x the stitch length of thread, perfect for stretch fabric. When felling seams and hems on stretch fabric, try to make the stitch longer vertically, so that you leave more thread in the fabric to allow for stretch, or you could just do what I do, and use a backstitch similar to how you would on a machine, but from the outside, so it still looks tidy. The misconception of handsewing being weaker than machine sewing comes from a few different places. One being sewing machine advertising, another being how handsewing is usually required for delicate/intricate work. I'd advise not using a thread more than a couple inches past your elbow from your fingers, both to prevent tangling, and so that the thread is anchored fairly often (is more important when using running stich). You won't find alot of handsewers using stretch fabric, because it takes alot longer to sew, considering you can't use a running stitch without risking it easily snapping. I hope my rant helps at least a little. It makes me very happy to see people learning handsewing because it's great to know it in order to repair any manner of seam, tear, or fray, to beat fast fashion practices. I wish you a lovely day, and much luck on your handsewing journey!

Yes, I would wear and have worn a garment made entirely by hand. I was going to my mother's wedding and the airline lost my suitcase. My mother said let's make your dress and your daughter's dress. It was made by hand because she didn't have a sewing machine. I was a little skeptical but we tackled the dresses. I made mine and my mother made my daughter's dress. They turned out great and we wore our dresses for rhe wedding and many times after.

I sew clothes by hand! I started hand sewing when my daughter was a baby because the machine would wake her. I hand sew exclusively now. I love being able to socialize, watch tv, or let my thoughts drift. The repetitive movements can put me in a really zen mode.

I find hand sewing SO relaxing.

My grandmother was a seamstress. She taught me to sew, by hand starting at the age of 5. I graduated to the machine when I was 7. By learning that way, I have a great appreciation for proper stitches and taking my time. I still do hems by hand. I prefer the control of the garment when it's in my hands vs. zipping through the machine. I occasionally make full garments by hand. Especially when my partner is feeling needy and would prefer if I were in the same room with him. It's quiet! With each item you make this way, you will gain speed. Don't worry about that though, enjoy your make!❤️❤️

Absolutely! I don't use a sewing machine. I find the stitching process therapeutic and my seams are strong and sturdy if you pick the right stitch for the project. If you prepare well there's something about a well made handmade garment and once you're used to it, the process can be quick. Pattern drafting is the longest process for me

So happy you referenced Bernadette Banner, she knows what she's talking about when it comes to hand sewing. I've handsewn parts of garments that were very tricky to get right and it's just so much easier than doing it with a machine! Matching stripes, or sewing a sharp curve, or making small clothing for dolls... it might even be quicker if you take into account how many times you might have to redo a tricky seam on the machine!

Yes, that is how it was done before machines. And most couture garments are sewn almost entirely by hand. If you do this you better have a stong back stitch

Bernadette Banner's channel is amazing. I always learn something when I watch yours, too!

I hand sewed all my cloth masks during the pandemic. Hand sewing is very calming, I really enjoyed it. I would love to sew clothing by hand as well.

I cannot stress enough how much a good thimble changes everything! I never felt comfortable in a metal one, so I created my own leather thimbles from a salvaged old bomber jacket that had been full of holes. The leather was thin and supple, but strong. I could easily cut it with scissors and figure out a way to make a thimble that fit me perfectly and snugly. I wouldn't sew any other way, now. It increases your speed, your confidence, and your accuracy. It prevents injuries. It would simply not be possible to sew for more than a few minutes at a time without one.

As you discovered, hand sewing is wonderfully meditative! Now that I think about it, I also love the idea that with hand sewing, I can take my garment with me and work on it out and about and not be stuck to the location of my sewing machine. It’s such a great idea, thanks for the reminder Alisa.

Bernadette Banner is the one who really got me into sewing! And now she has a book out that is about exactly this!

I did make myself a linen chemise that I sleep in. It’s a lovely soft green and I feel historical and romantic when I wear it. Washes like iron. I was very surprised that I was able to make it. I very much enjoy hand sewing, as it’s quite meditative.

Yes. I have followed Alabama Chanin for many years. I have bought all of her books, taken a few of her classes, and I have made a few completely hand sewn garments. Couture clothes are handmade, but doubt they throw those into the washing machine 😮 Many people in my sewing group did not have a sewing machine at the beginning of their sewing journey, and had to learn to sew by hand. I love hand sewing, and slow stitching is becoming very popular right now. I loved your video.

I can remember the first thing I sewed by hand as a very young girl. We had a sewing bee. I made a pillow case, which turned out well. Then we had to embroider it, everything went downhill from there.LOL. still do most of my hemming by hand too. Great to see you give it a go. You did a great job.

My mother often made my sister and my clothing entirely be hand as and it was beautiful.

Your garment turned out beautiful! Yes, I would definitely wear a hand sewn garment. When I am repairing something, I usually do it by hand.

Yes love handsewing- I was actually thinking of doing this very same thing with some silk fabric that I have been scared to put under the presser foot of the machine!

Bernadette Banner is awesome. I like watching her videos about costume sewing. This sounds like it would be an interesting project!! I've been hand sewing at night making a table runner with Hexi paper pieces! Your top turned out beautiful!! Yes, I would wear an entire out fit hand sewn.

I would totally wear a hand stitched garment! I am currently doing everything hand stitched as I don't have a good set up for machine sewing at the moment. I have made coasters, oven mitts, pot holders, reusable incontinence pads and a pin cushion so far. All have been through several washings except for the pin cushion. I have many other projects I will be working on as well. I will also be doing some simple garments once I get better at my stitches. I may never go back to machine sewing. I enjoy the attention I have to give to each movement and it is so relaxing for me.

I absolutely would wear something hand-sewn, but I would honestly have to look at the seams. I can't imagine the patience involved. No wonder most people had one or two items of clothing! (Can you imagine what went into making Queen Elizabeth I's dresses?)

Yes, I especially like to do hand sewing when going on a car trip. Just this week I added trim to a shawl collar by applying it underneath the collar. From the outside, you take tell that it has been added underneath. It jazzes up the collar.

Your top is beautiful. Well done, and yes I would wear a hand sewn piece of clothing 💖

As a senior desist, I did a lot more hand sewing in my early sewing days. Mama had a treadle machine. I love that you did this. Excellent stitches by the way. And like anything else, we get better and faster the more we do it, right? Oh yes, I’d wear a hand sewn garment. If YOU made it.

Alisa thanks for a great video. Yes I will wear a garment made by hand! I am almost done making a dress for our granddaughter entirely by hand and I am enjoying. I love your enthusiasm, and I am learning a lot too. thanks for sharing.

definitely yes! I purchased some Indian clothing at a thrift store recently and when I came home and took a closer look I realised they were entirely hand stitched. I was in awe. This is such an awesome inspirational video. And very true..I do hand stitching while watching tv at night to stop me snacking (because you can't do both at once right 😉). I wish I could give you 10 thumbs up 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😊

Yes. I have made a dress entirely by hand some time back. It had "princess" seams (so three panels in front), a zip down the back and a scalloped hemline. It was made in cotton. You couldn't see it was made by hand and it did stand up to washing.

Yes - I would wear a hand sewn garment, and I quite often hand sew hems, especially when doing adjustments to RTW garments. They always hold up well, if not better than the original stitching. I also hand sew all the seams on any knitting or crochet garments. They all go in the wash and never come undone. Perhaps it is something we should all think about doing more as a way of slowing down and being more restful.

Great video! I love hand sewing and do not own a sewing machine at all. It's relaxing, requires very little equipment, makes no noise, takes up no space, and you can sew while watching TV. I prefer to sew smaller items that I can easily hold in my lap, but that's because I don't have a big table where I can cut out big pattern pieces. You definitely need a good thimble. I also wear a needle threader on a lanyard and a ring with a small recessed blade as a thread-cutter so I don't need to put anything down and pick anything else up while I work. I recommend basting first and then sewing properly so that there are no pins to tangle up the thread.

If you choose the right stitch and make small enough stitches, handsewn clothes will hold up. The backstitch is known for being strong.

Yes, I've made several maxi dresses and nightgowns by hand. They have held up to regular machine washing in hot for years. I love them. I got a sewing machine this year though, to speed up those long straight seams. However hand sewing is very portable. A well-fitting thimble will help speed things up when hand sewing.

This was wonderful! Your top is gorgeous. I have made and worn items completely made by hand. I appreciate the quality of the finished items and enjoyed being able to take my sewing anywhere to work on it and appreciated the experience of handsewing. I'm glad you had such a great experience!

Years ago I was sewing a patchwork quilt by hand. Not quilting it, just doing the piecing of the little squares and triangles. I took it with me everywhere to work on a few inches any time I had five minutes to sit quietly. Someone saw me, and chided that surely it could not be very strong seams if done by hand. (I guess she had only ever imagined huge clumsy stitches done by a child, or basting stitches or something.) Silently I handed her one of my squares, and she immediately saw that I was producing, without much fuss or effort, about 20 stitches per inch. "It's as good as a machine!" she gasped. I was polite enough not to smirk that it's probably much better than a machine, actually. People don't know what they could do if they tried, because they're too intimidated to try.

Made a vest entirely by hand and it's still working found this channel when I was looking up if anyone else tried it. Great video !!

Hi! Jane here. I have hand sewn my clothes for years. I usually sew my seams with a flat fell seam. Sometimes I will use a running stich and finish with an overcast stitch. Nothing has ever fallen apart for me. I like to spread out my gear on the couch and get cozy.

The top is beautiful! My first thought was no, I would not spend the time to sew a top by hand, but after watching the video, it does look meditative and calming, so I might reconsider.

I wanted to make a pleated long skirt. When looking for ideas I stumbled across Bernadette Banner. She hand sews a lot of her clothes. But she does not wear modern style clothing. However. Her work is impeccable. That’s the bit that I like. Hand sewing actually gives you a lot of control you can adjust as you go. It also gives you a real sense of pride and you can also sew anywhere. Including at the park or in front of a movie. Personally I always try to hand sew hems and facings. One hint I can give you is to keep your thread short. If you have a long one you are stressing the thread by repeatedly pulling it through. Another is to run your thread through some wax. It definitely strengthens the thread and it helps the tread glide through the fabric. Congratulations on getting that top made. It looks lovely and you will enjoy wearing it.

I love this idea! I joined a craft group and I have always struggled with what I should do each week. All of the members do a craft by hand, so I've never felt comfortable bringing my sewing machine, but sewing is my thing. Knitting or crochet, although I've tried both, aren't my niche. Now, I see the possibility of actually taking on this challenge to sew a garment by hand. Wonderful!

Yes. I would love to wear a hand sewn garment. I also do hand sewing and I love it. It's like a meditation for me. Stitches are stronger than machine and you can control stitches easily. Hand sewing is the art. 🪡

Hi, I know I'm late to the game, just saw the video. I actually hand sew my skirts. So yes I will wear a hand sewn project. I love your videos, I look forward to them. I like the way you explain everything so simple for a person like me..😅

I don't have a sewing machine so I made my shorts and blouse by hand. When our neighbor gave their old clothes to me I sew it.and wear it anywhere. I'm a fan of yours stay safe and God bless

I’m actually working on building an entirely hand stitched wardrobe. It’s a different process than machine sewing but you can wash them like machine sewn if you do it right. I sew mostly knits, which is a bit trickier than wovens but I find it easier than fighting my machine. Backstitch is way stretchier and durable than you might imagine.

It looks gorgeous. Repition of stitches bring calm

Beautiful! It looks so elegant.

Your top turned out beautifully. I have hand sewn skirts when I didn't have a sewing machine. I often do simple repairs such as fixing hems and popped seams by hand. I like to embroider.

Since March 2020 I have hardly used my machine at all. Due to Covid and the after effects I find it more comfortable to hand sew. I started small a stack of masks, some old fashioned hankies, some. drawstring bags and hussifs. And of course some alterations and mending. I found it all very soothing and my technique improved lots. In the past I used to make undies by hand in satin and silk.

Your top looks gorgeous Alicia, it looks very professional and I would wear it anywhere. I may try that myself some time ❣

Don’t forget your handmade quilts are all sewn by hand they last for generations

Yes, absolutely! Just finished sewing the Georgia boxy top by Elizabeth Suzann all by hand. It does force one to slow down, be patient, and more mindful. I made the top in a crinkly organic cotton double gauze in dusty pink (a bit challenging, I'd say try hand sewing in a 'flatter' fabric) . Turned out just lovely. Bernadette Banner is wonderful 😁

Beatifully done! I'm very impressed!

Good early am🤗 I'm just now watching this video, and I love it🥰🥰🥰I love this hand sewn top 🥰🥰 you are my absolute favorite sewing channel on RU-vid, I do watch others, but you are my hands down favorite sewing channel🥰🥰🥰 have a great day

Yes, I would wear a garment totally made by hand. My mother taught me to sew by hand. She had been a tailoress before she was married. I'm actually hemming a dress by hand at the same time as watching your video. I hand sew all my hems. It's the way I was taught and I find it theraputic.

You are so very talented! Beautiful blouse.

Just like any skill you need to practise and do it often to get good at hand sewing. I have many hand sewn tops, skirts, and summer dresses and they do fine in my washing machine, never had anything fall apart. But everything I've made was with woven fabric, not sure how stretch fabric would fare.

Yes, I would totally wear a hand sewn garment. My problem is I barely have enough time for personal sewing due to sewing for clients. When I can squeeze out a few minutes or an hour I like to get it done. Maybe when I'm fully retired from sewing for clients I'll give it a go.

YES I WOULD I LOVE HAND SEWING

Wow! What a beautiful job. I always use handstich to repair my clothes or doings the hems. It’s a hard work, but relax you a lot. Thanks for this Alisa.👋🏽💕

I do and have worn garments sewn entirely by hand. There are times when I simply can’t face the machine and make things by hand because it’s quieter and I can do it when I can’t handle noise.

What a great achievement! I would definitely wear such a garment. Thank you so much for all your inspiring videos.

Yes I would and yes I have made many items and worn for years. I did take the extra time to finish or french seam (depending on time) to improve fit. If you have the time it can be very enjoyable and a wonderful learning experience. The needle makes all the difference too 😃

Yes I would wear something hand sewed, I've only done hems and small things by hand. I would have to really practice because my hand sewing is terrible, but hems and things do hold up in the washing machine. You did a good job!

yes I would and I do ! my mum sews by hand and made me many garnements (including pants!!)

I would wear this 100 times happier then clothes sew on machine. This is a quality art piece 1 in the world which is made by hand. Nothing compares to this

Truly amazing. I’ve done lots of hand stitched clothing and recently made smaller throw rugs using old jeans and other fabrics. I then Sashiko stitched them in a simple running stitch and they have withstood lots of foot and paw traffic and many many washings. They just get more beautiful.

You are such a good teacher. I had to laugh out loud when you said, “Let me know if that didn’t change your mind.” I think I’ll stick with my sewing machine. Old eyes and arthritic hands. It’s tough enough to sew as it is, without adding hand sewing to the mix. But I loved watching you do this process. Well done! At some point, when your daughter is older, could you please do some videos of you teaching her how to sew? That is, if you teach her to sew. Of course, I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t!

Great job Alisa. The top looks so neat. Lovely to see a different kind of sewing like hand sewing. I wish I had the patience you do!

Congratulations Alisa. Your top is gorgeous but I t thought you were very brave throwing it in the washing machine. If I had the patience for a very long sewing mararathon and my stitching was good enough I would absolutely sew a simple garment by hand. Many years ago when I did home economics at high school I made a sleeveless white background with pink spots cotton dress and a pink cumber bun to match. I didn't know how to do a zip so I sewed the back closure using those little metal press studs (fasteners). I wore that dress for 2 years. My very first hand sewing items were handkerchiefs! 🐾🥰

I love this! For several years, I only sewed by hand. I believe I get better control of the fabric and fit that way. I do use my machine(s) now, but only due to time constraints. If it's something "for special", I pull out my hand needles, and get going.

I'm a knitter as well as a sewist so I am very familiar with taking a long time to make clothing. If you think hand sewing takes a long time, you should try knitting lol. 16 hours for a pair of socks may sound crazy, but it's also 16 hours of relaxing in front of the tv or having quiet time and not running around doing errands, cleaning, or cooking dinner.

Yes, I made a dress for my daughter entirely by hand.. this was happened when we moved from India to Canada .. I don't have sewing machine that time and my little girl wanted a beautiful blue dress for her 3rd birthday.. She was so happy when she saw the dress.I saw happiness in her eyes,. that was one of my happiest moments too .It was 6 and half years back.Now my younger one is wearing that dress.I will share the photo of that dress if you would love to see.. Thanks Alisa..

I would totally wear a garment made entirely by hand… before watching the video, I thought, sure, as long as I’m not the one to make it… but now I’m reconsidering that specifically because of the mental space it put you in… I recently read that repetitive movements can be calming, relaxing… so maybe I would give it a try… maybe a child-sized garment to start with though

this video reminded me of primary school needlework class. I would definitely hand sew, it feels like the knitting you can take with you anywhere... since I started sewing I don't like leaving the house, so when my husband tells me we're going to visit I get upset because then I know I won't be able to sew. now I'm that crazy person that will take my sewing bag with me to sew, rude i know but back in the day I saw adults visiting with their novels and the knitting and crocheting... I don't see a problem

Well done, it’s excellent that you set your mind to complete the project and you accomplished it. Your top doesn’t look like it was done all by hand. 😉

it looks amazing. Can not tell.

Oh just Beautiful well done you many thanks for sharing 👏👏👏💐💐💐😃😃😃💐💐💐😎😎😎

I loved this video and your top is really beautiful. I would wear it and I agree that the french seams were worth the effort

I already have and wear handsewn garments that I made before I bought my machine :) Im proud of them even with their imperfections

Hand sewing for me is relaxing.

Hi Alisa. It looks fantastic. I just finished hand sewing a stuffed rabbit. Her name is Miss Maggie. I really enjoyed it. I find I have a hard time just sitting without something to do and it was perfect to hand sew. Making a tank top was a great idea. The satisfaction of wearing a hand sewn garment would be great.

I love this video. You put so much effort and research. I want to do this. I don't have a sewing machine. I rarely find tops that are pretty or modest to my liking. I think this is a great idea. It took less time than I would've anticipated. Thank you for including the washing machine experiment too, that was one thing I was wondering about!

39 years ago, before I had a sewing machine I wanted to make a robe for my husband for Christmas. I spent my childhood watching a lot of western tv shows, and admired all of the people on there who were hand sewing their clothes. I gave it a try, and his robe turned out very sturdy, and beautiful!

I have a dress that is hand-sewn, I wear it a lot on hot summer days. I didn't make it myself, I don't have the patience nor the time. My sister made it and it turned out to be a little big for her but perfect for me. She always hand-sews while travelling and she is actually quite fast at it.

Thank you for showing it is possible. I am also making my hand sewed shirt, and it is hard. I followed instructions that using sewing machine, and you are right, I need longer seam allowance. Because of that mistake, here I am watching you. THANKS.😊 ...not like the first video shown on RU-vid that cheat in the middle.....

Oh My Goodness, YES! I love hand sewing and I think sometimes the fiddly bits come out better.

Yes I hand sew most wedding dresses ,alteration, beading, ect. I love your videos !!! Putting in zippers,collars,cuffs and button holes. Regular garments hardly. Men suit alterations yes.

I would absolutely wear a hand swen garment. Great video Alisa, thanks for the insite.

Love the colors you wear I know you make it

I think it looks great, & I would definitely wear it

I love it. great job as always. I would wear a garment sewn by hand. thanks for the inspiration

Beautiful! I'd definitely wear a hand sewn garment. I can see how a well hand-sewn garment would hold up really well! Do you think you could do a video tutorial on basic hand stitches? I actually don't know very many :/!

Looks good! Can’t tell it’s done by hand. If you compare you might even find the finishing looks better than by machine. I like hand stitching as I can do it while sitting with the kids vs machine stitching away by myself. But not for projects that have a deadline.

Its beautiful top. Well done. I often finish my makes by hand, like hems/ bands etc. I also did a lot of hand sewing on my daughters communion dress. I am not sure if I would try hand sewing whole garment but I may do. Especially in evenings when I can't use machine without waking little one

It would be a honor to have/use a hand sewn garment!!! I really really like and appreciate the time and effort that took the person who made it And the uniquely of it!!! Even when we have two garments with the same pattern and sewn by the same person it will never be the same

it looks like knitting actually, a calming and meditating moment. thanks for sharing this with us.

I enjoy hand sewing and wear the things I sew often.

FWIW, I use backstitch or a spaced back stitch for any seam that needs to stretch. But for any other seam I will use a running stitch, with one small backstitch per needleful just to prevent the possibility that a broken seam might ravel far or that a snagged thread might cause a gather. I've heard this is called a "running back stitch". It has never failed me, even on items that I've owned for years and laundered as I would any other item. I've honestly never had a hand-sewn seam fail on me. At first as I was learning, I was confused how many stitches per inch were necessary for a proper seam. I heard anywhere from six to twenty stitches per inch were required, and there was no clear consensus. Now I know it's a matter of letting the fabric and the needs of the item tell you what is best. Any seam that you can pull "open" and not see puckering or gaping is a decent seam. For stretch seams, any seam that allows full stretch of the fabric without stiffness is good. However you achieve those goals (and there's ALWAYS more than one way to achieve those things!) it is a success and you should be proud and confident in your sewing.

beautiful and yes I would make and wear hand sewn items

It looks great. Very elegant. I think people usually assume the clothes are sawn by machine so I doubt someone would notice. I am trying to sew my daughters costumes for Halloween and they turns up pretty good so far but I don't know how they will look dressed up. Gonna find out soon.😀