Sewing Without a Machine

Dear users, dear authors,
How far can you get if you only sew by hand and don't have a sewing machine?

Dear Josefa,
if you have a lot of patience, you can actually get quite a bit done by hand. I remember that we didn’t have a sewing machine in our household back in the day, and whenever curtains or drapes needed to be hemmed, we’d sew them by hand. First we’d pin it in place with straight pins, and then we’d sew it neatly by hand in good light. I used to do that all the time because my mom couldn’t see very well. It helps develop dexterity. So it definitely works.

If you just want to sew something small—like doll clothes—it’s much easier to do by hand. Or if you’re mending a small item. Sometimes there are spots that are hard to reach with a machine, so you’re faster with a needle and thread in hand.

Today I own a sewing machine and I’m always delighted by how quickly you can sew straight seams or hem pants with it. However, if you want to sew clothes or other items, there’s a whole lot of other work involved before you can actually use the sewing machine.

Best regards, Ina

For years, I sewed everything by hand—it seemed more practical to me than having to clear the table, dig out the sewing machine, and so on.
But now I have a sewing machine again, specifically for those long, tedious seams that can slow you down so much. I still sew teddy bears and other animals by hand, though—I still find it more practical for little things like that.
But when it comes to the long straps of a denim bag, the machine is just unbeatable. And someday I’d like to try my hand at making clothes again; I used to sew a lot for myself, but eventually gave it up entirely.

Veronika, I can only encourage you! I just started sewing recently, and making clothes is just so much fun. And if you’ve done it before, it should be even easier for you. There are so many beautiful fabrics and patterns out there. And in the end, you’ll have something beautiful and unique to wear in your favorite color. It’s a whole new level of freedom when it comes to your own style.

Best wishes, Ina

This pond picture hangs in my bedroom

I like sewing by hand, and you can make a great many things this way, e.g. these quilts

Best regards, Inge

In principle, you can sew anything you’d sew with a machine by hand, provided you have a little patience and can make precise stitches. But the reverse isn’t always true.

Especially in the summer, I find hand-sewing more pleasant than using a machine, because you can easily do your sewing in the garden or on the patio, just like crocheting or knitting.

And as Ina already mentioned, for some small sewing projects, hand-sewing is easier.
When I want to attach a piece of fabric to a crocheted item (e.g., sewing a zipper into a crocheted pillow), I find it works better “by hand.”

Well, patience and precise stitches... To be honest, even the occasional turning opening is a nightmare for me, and that’s exactly what they look like^^

But in principle, it’s all doable.
Some things actually turn out fancier, more delicate, and more classic when done by hand, but I have absolutely no ambition in that regard.

What do you think of these “hand sewing machines”? Has anyone ever tried one of these? You hold it in one hand—kind of like a large stapler—turn it on, and guide it along the desired seam. I only know them in theory, but maybe they’re helpful for people who can’t work with their hands as well anymore (e.g., due to arthritis or gout, or poor fine motor skills). Not everyone has or wants a sewing machine, but sewing by hand might not be as easy anymore either.

Best regards, Ina

I’d be interested to know, too—the ads sound so promising; that would be really handy.

These so-called hand sewing machines aren’t worth the money or the name—they’re a rip-off and nothing but a nuisance! Such a waste of money

Best regards, Inge

Oh, that’s too bad, but good to know.

Veronika, we once took a closer look at these things as demonstration models in a technical class—if you press down too hard, they get bent; the needle doesn’t stay in the holder properly; they grind; you can’t adjust the thread tension at all, and so on. You’re better off using a needle and thread the old-fashioned way—you’ll get more out of it and avoid any trouble.

Best regards, Inge

In theory, you can get just as far sewing by hand as you can with a machine, though it takes a fair amount of time and patience 😉

Sewing machines have only been around since about 1850—first in industry—and the household sewing machine didn’t come along until a few decades later.

I think these small hand-sewing machines are only meant for quickly repairing a torn seam—perhaps while on vacation—and not to replace a regular machine.