Learn to Hand Sew: A Guided Path

Whether you're brand new to hand sewing or brushing up on your repair skills, this curated series of tutorials and articles will walk you through everything you need to know to get started - and keep going!

We've laid out the resources in a recommended order to help you build skills step-by-step and gain confidence as you go. Each tutorial focuses on a specific stitch or technique, and as you progress, you'll start to see how they work together to repair and reinforce different kinds of fabric damage. From sewing on buttons to darning knits and patching holes, this is your starting point for practical, long-lasting repairs.

Start here to get oriented. These articles introduce the tools, language, and materials you'll encounter along the way.

Article: Hand Sewing Tool Kit

An overview of the basic tools you'll need for almost any hand sewing project—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them.

Article: Patagonia Sewing Glossary

Come across a word you don't recognize? Keep this glossary handy as a reference to look up key terms that show up along your hand sewing journey.

Understanding your materials is key! In this section you'll learn about fabric and thread.

Article: Identifying Patagonia Fabrics

This article breaks down fabric structure, qualities, and fiber content. This knowledge will help you understand fabric behavior so you can make smart choices when repairing your gear.

Article: Needles and Thread

Learn how to choose the right needle, match thread types, and tie basic overhand knots.

Also try How to Use a Needle Threader for extra help getting started!

Tutorial: Knot Thread to the Fabric (2 Ways)

Two simple, effective methods for anchoring thread to fabric so your stitches stay secure—both at the start and end of your stitch line.

Article: Hand Sewing Stitches

A reference list of common hand sewing stitches with diagrams, stitch structure, and repair use. Get acquainted (or re-acquainted) before you start your repairs!

Start stitching with three essential techniques that form the backbone of most repairs: backstitch, whip stitch, and herringbone stitch.

While the tutorials focus on specific garment repairs—like hems, tears, and seams—you can absolutely practice the stitches on scrap fabric first.

Tutorial: Backstitch on a Loose Hem

Learn the backstitch while fixing a hem on cotton shorts. It's a strong, flexible stitch perfect for seams, hems, and patch edges.

Tutorial: Whip Stitch on a Tear

This tutorial shows how to close a tear using the whip stitch—a fast, sturdy method to seal small rips and stop fraying.

Tutorial: Herringbone Stitch on a Split Seam

The herringbone stitch, a cousin to the cross stitch, is ideal for reinforcing seams on stretch fabrics or creating flexible, decorative finishes with its crisscross design.

Buttons are one of the most common repairs. These tutorials will show you two techniques for sewing on buttons, each suited to different fabric weights.

Tutorial: Sew a Button

This guide shows how to sew a button onto a lightweight shirt using tight, clean stitches.

Tutorial: Sew a Button onto Heavy Fabric

This guide shows how to sew a button onto heavy work pants using a technique that creates a shank—a small thread post that lifts the button, allowing thick fabric to pass underneath.

Now you'll learn about patches and a few techniques for attaching them!

Tutorial: Make a Fabric Patch

This guide walks you through choosing the right fabric and creating a patch for hand or machine sewn repairs.

Tutorial: Whip Stitch on a Patch

Use the whip stitch you learned earlier to attach a fabric patch over worn areas or holes.

Tutorial: Blanket Stitch on a Patch

Secure a patch with a blanket stitch. Known for its durability and decorative appeal, blanket stitch is commonly used to secure raw fabric edges or attach patches.

Woven darning is a repair technique that weaves together threads or yarns to create a small patch. It’s ideal for small holes or worn areas where fibers are missing and the fabric needs to be rebuilt or reinforced. While it’s a woven method, it can be used on both woven and knit garments!

Tutorial: Woven Darn a Hole in a Knit

This guide demonstrates surface darning by weaving yarns across a hole in a wool sweater. This technique is ideal for small to medium sized holes in knits.

Tutorial: Woven Darning With a Speedy Weave

Use a Speedy Weave tool to organize your threads and streamline the woven darning process.