Magazine Giveaway: "Threads" Issue #165 (February/March 2013)

Photo: Threads magazine issue #165 (February/March 2013)

WHICH HAND STITCHED DETAIL DO YOU LIKE TO DO THE MOST?
On the Contributors page of Threads issue #165, February/March 2013, we asked our authors, "Which hand-stitched detail do you like to do the most?" Sandra Miller, Pamela Powell, Gail Patrice Yellen, and Alex Sudalnik gave us their unique responses.

THE AUTHORS REPLIED SAYING...
One contributing author said she enjoyed hemming pants using a blind-hem stitch because it is soothing and easy to do while watching TV, while another said she liked doing hand embroidery because it gives her the best control. One found it difficult to decided and said that she loved them all, and another loved backstitching out of all of the options. These varied responses demonstrate the individuality of each and every sewer.

LEAVE A COMMENT AND YOU WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN!
Which hand-stitched detail do you like to do the most? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your response, and you will be eligible to win this magazine issue. Eligible comments must be made prior to midnight on January 22, and the winner will be announced during the week of January 28. The winner will also receive an email notification. Good luck!

Emily Berube, intern
Posted on Jan 7th, 2013 in sewing, design, garment construction, embroidery, giveaway, magazine, hand stitching

Comments (98)

michellepaganini writes: One of my favorites is the catch stitch for hems as it almost magical in its ability to hold the hem even if a small portion of it is torn loose.

I love all hand stitching. I've done a few garments all by hand and it imparts such soft drape. It is also great for precisely matching plaids and is my favorite for inserting zippers.
Posted: 10:22 pm on March 14th

Grandmagwen writes: I love hand embroidery with beading. I practice but I'm still not great at it. Thank you Threads for sharing these great details to us.
Posted: 7:52 pm on February 12th

Artsy_sewer writes: I love handwork while I watch TV as the number of commercials on regular TV are so excessive. And Sashiko is my new favorite. I teach in a summer school and the 1st graders love it, too.
Posted: 2:18 pm on January 22nd

WillaMcNeill writes: I confess to being less than wild about hand stitching in general. There is a certain satisfaction to those last stitches that put the "amen" on the project. I will try to find work arounds to use the machine.

On the other hand, rhythmic stitches from embroidery are fun and relaxing.
Posted: 4:45 pm on January 18th

ONEHAF writes: Hand stitching anything is very soothing and comforting to me. Anything from hemming by hand to hand quilting takes me back to when I used to sew with my grandmother. I love to do embroidery, even if it's just a pillow case or kitchen towel, on a stressful day. I never really thought about it before. Thank you for the pleasant reflections.
Posted: 4:13 am on January 18th

BonniePT writes: I really enjoy smocking. It is very rewarding to stand back and see your completed work. I also like to pic stitch a zipper or do blanket stitch by hand. It is a relaxing hobby.
Posted: 9:26 pm on January 15th

darcibeth writes: I think all hand sewing is very therapeutic, and I love that it's portable. I especially love doing embroidery. In the summertime, when we go out to a park or the lake, and I take along my hand sewing.
Posted: 10:51 pm on January 13th

Maeppcerb writes: It would be good for me to learn more hand stitches. What I mostly do by hand is blind stiching to finish projects after turning it inside-out. It will be nice to learn new ones. Thanks for your e-newsletter
Posted: 5:05 pm on January 13th

Karennn writes: I like to relax with some hand sewing like the back of a binding, a hem or buttons, or currently sewing a ribbon to the waist under the belt loops of my grandbaby's jeans to avoid needing a belt! Love K. Kings's ribbon embellishments!
Posted: 11:16 pm on January 12th

AdrianaHope writes: I love hand-embroidery... as long as I can keep the threads from knotting.
Posted: 12:18 am on January 12th

Arlene_Anne writes: I love hand hemming a really full skirt on the porch on a sunny spring day.
Posted: 7:10 pm on January 11th

smfsprout writes: I like blind stitching hems. I'm not sure why it is relaxing, but it's just soothing to me.
Posted: 10:06 pm on January 10th

stubblytroll writes: I like hand embroidery.
Posted: 2:51 pm on January 10th

user-2343116 writes: Basting, it's quick and so useful. I also like to stay stitch.
Posted: 9:27 am on January 10th

user-1123597 writes: It would be great to learn some other stitches, but my tried and true is the knife-edge stitch for finishing off a pillow or a stuffed dog blanket after turning it inside-out. Satisfying to do those last few closer stitches by hand. Teach me some new ones, tho. I'd love to learn 'em.
Posted: 3:48 am on January 10th

MaryJanuary writes: I like hand embroidery the best...it's fun, creative, and like painting with thread!
Posted: 12:29 am on January 10th

bajjmayer writes: Anything that has blind stitches....I usually challenge myself to improve each project I attempt
Posted: 11:17 pm on January 9th

PatHersl writes: I love to baste--really just love the results. A bit of embroidery can be fun, and I most often do a hand hem. I feel like there is so much more to learn!
Posted: 7:13 pm on January 9th

cindyt7 writes: Beading, beading beading!! Love it. =D

Posted: 4:43 pm on January 9th

SewFancy writes: I think my favorite is hand embroidery, whether it be counted cross-stitch or good old-fashioned crewel work. One of the very first things we hung on the walls in our fixer-upper house as newlyweds was a project I finished before our first anniversary!
Posted: 2:58 pm on January 9th

doodlebug67 writes: I also like to blanket stitch. I find just hand sewing "repair jobs" to be enjoyable, too.
Posted: 2:44 pm on January 9th

Terf writes: hand embroidery is my favorite. Especially counted cross stitch. I reminds me of the old tapestry when you use the small stitches
Posted: 2:03 pm on January 9th

kmegamom writes: I love embellishing with hand embroidery. I have an embroidery sewing machine, but some items just need the old fashioned hand embroidery! It is relaxing to do while watching tv at night or waiting for an appointment.
Posted: 1:56 pm on January 9th

HStorm writes: I'd say a hand-stitched buttonhole is always prettier than a machine-stitched and torn-open-with-a-seam-ripper one. Thanks!
Posted: 1:54 pm on January 9th

SansSouci572 writes: i like to hand baste instead of using chalk to mark darts and such. Its faster than having to go back and find the pattern again because the chalk marks brushed off.
Posted: 1:15 pm on January 9th

sewsite writes: I love needle turn applique. And I like blanketstitch for a country look. I always love Threads, I just wish it was in my budget. Winning would be wonderful.
Posted: 1:01 pm on January 9th

ItaB writes: Blind hem stitch is my favorite
Posted: 12:49 pm on January 9th

CindyBech1 writes: Hemming pants is one of my favorite things to do by hand. I can sit in my chair and watch tv as I do them and can get several pairs done quickly.
Posted: 12:48 pm on January 9th

grampatty writes: I like to outline many things in the blanket stitch. I think it adds a finished look to projects
Posted: 12:34 pm on January 9th

phyllisincanada writes: I really enjoy all kinds of handwork, but my favorite has to be hand stitching the back of quilt binding - very soothing and as my first quilt instructor used to say, a nice way to say "goodbye" to a quilt!
Posted: 11:55 am on January 9th

Kellym90 writes: I have a hard time with hand stitching. When I try, I end up creating my own stitch and I try to remember to keep it uniform and the without variations throughout the piece. I am not sure if it is the astigmatisms or whatever else! But I am creative!
Posted: 11:33 am on January 9th

somethinglisa writes: I enjoy hand embroidery. I haven't been able to do it much the last few years because of carpel tunnel and I really miss it! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted: 11:25 am on January 9th

JanieHolbrook writes: I always carry hand sewing with me. I love to hand quilt and do that several hours a day, riding in the car or while watching a movie on TV. I recently finished hand appliqueing a king sized quilt, which took 20 months. I love to sew clothing and add bead embellishments. I learned a nifty technique from Threads to bead while sewing down facings on dresses. I sew quilt bindings by hand. I love my sewing machine, also, but hand sewing is a relaxing gift I give myself. I would love the giveaway. Thanks!
Posted: 11:23 am on January 9th

3LittleBrds writes: I love embroidery and I LOVE hand stitching the binding on a quilt. It means I am almost done!
Posted: 11:17 am on January 9th

kellybird1954 writes: I like to hand baste. Quick, easy and no shifting.
Posted: 11:07 am on January 9th

nutso writes: I enjoy hemming by hand and basting, both relaxes me!

Posted: 10:27 am on January 9th

Eagle_Storm writes: I love everything hand stitching!
Posted: 10:25 am on January 9th

paollawanglon writes: My favorite hand technique is rolled hems on very thin fabrics. I like challenging myself on making it the thinnest and most invisible as I can. Unfortunately, I don't get to do many of those.
Posted: 10:08 am on January 9th

savannagal writes: I do love hand stitching, but I can't say I do very much. I am not very good at sewing so I don't make very many things. I'm hoping to take some classes this spring to become better. I am a voracious reader, but I find hands on work to be a better learning tool for me.
Posted: 9:56 am on January 9th

LindaKaren writes: I enjoy slip stitching the back binding on a quilt. The quilt is done by machine, but I like to finish the binding by hand. It is relaxing, and as I round each corner, I know the project is in its final stages of being completed.
Posted: 9:53 am on January 9th

NanaJan writes: I too love to hem by hand. I can sit & watch tv with my family. Kind of feels homey & relaxed.
Posted: 9:45 am on January 9th

putznanu writes: Sorry, but although I LOVE to sew I HATE hand work of any kind. I actually dread adding the buttons to a project - but it must be done, so I buckle down and do it. But I do LOVE Threads magazine!
Posted: 9:00 am on January 9th

LorraineD1963 writes: I've just learned the catch stitch and find it fascinating to do, since it is from left to right. It looks complicated but is very easy and fun, once you get the rythmn.
Posted: 8:45 am on January 9th

MrsSmitty writes: Oh My decision,decision, I like all different stitches embroidery, blanket,etc. It is good to know all the different kinds that way if a pattern calls for it you know how to do it. Thank you for the contest
Posted: 7:48 am on January 9th

mmlong63 writes: I find that sewing helps relieve my fibromyalgia pain. When I am sewing I am totally focused on that project and so far this has been my best medicine. This may sound strange but I am a living witness to tell you sewing has been an effective "drug" for me.
Posted: 7:41 am on January 9th

jacaconstr writes: I love the blanket stitch to finish edges. It adds another dimension and can completely change the look/attitude of a garment.
Posted: 5:04 am on January 9th

UppityBroad writes: I love the quickness of hand basting and how it allows me to assemble complex pieces quickly once I get them to my sewing machine. In contrast my other favorite hand-stitch is top-stitching with a pick-stitch; I enjoy the rhythm and challenge of keeping the stitches even and straight.
Posted: 2:20 am on January 9th

Sillydilly writes: I enjoy hand stitching the best. I can sit anywhere to sew. I have just in the past few years been given a sewing machine. I am 50 years old and have been hand sewing since I was right around 10 years old. I still get real nervous and uptight trying to sew with a machine. I am doing better at relaxing and letting the machine do all the work however, there are times when I can not get the machine to do what I want and have to rip the seam out. I end up sewing the seam by hand at this point. So as I enjoy hand sewing all kinds very relaxing and enjoyable.
Posted: 2:16 am on January 9th

Mamato8 writes: After sewing a reversabile apron or a fully lined vest and turning it right-side-out, I enjoy using hidden stitches to close up the seam. I like it when no one can find my hand-stitching.

Thank you for this opportunity to win a copy of the current magazine.
Posted: 12:45 am on January 9th

rdejam writes: I really enjoy combining hand embroidery, beading, and sequins. I like vintage things and enjoy embellishing things I sew.
Posted: 12:43 am on January 9th

jamama writes: I enjoy invisible weaving on garments that have tears or moth holes. Matching the thread is tricky but it is satisfying to see how you can repair something that would other wise have gone into the "get rid of" pile.
Posted: 11:31 pm on January 8th

idosew writes: Sewing in any form is the best stress relief possible.
Posted: 11:03 pm on January 8th

Sunshineinal writes: I love to hand embroidery and hem. The finish is so much more pleasing and to me it's relaxing.
Posted: 10:33 pm on January 8th

msfroggy writes: I enjoy slipstitching binding onto quilts I make and blanket stitching on jackets and blankets, of course.
Posted: 10:22 pm on January 8th

Grandmagwen writes: I really enjoy both hemming by hand and hand embroidery on garments. It is very enjoyable and relaxing plus I can converse with my husband at the same time and we have fellowship together.
Posted: 10:17 pm on January 8th

jzzl writes: Blind applique is my favorite. It is amazing home many places I find to use it.
Posted: 10:10 pm on January 8th

Mayell writes: I enjoy hand embroidery, especially with beading. It can add so much to a garment.
Posted: 9:58 pm on January 8th

Slater7 writes: I really enjoy embroidery. I love to make vintage style dresses. Embroidery adds a special effect that you just can't get with a machine.
Posted: 9:57 pm on January 8th

user-2290988 writes: I enjoy all sort of hand sewing. Embroidery of course, but I guess I'd say it's hand finishing seams and button holes and the like. I make historical costumes for my BJD doll Eleanor (SOOM VEGA). I show her off when I do lectures on clothing through the ages at my lineage societies. I enjoy sewing in the evening quite a bit. Very relaxing!
Posted: 9:18 pm on January 8th

galleon writes: I really don't have a favorite, Ienjoy embroidery, beading and hems, relaxing
Posted: 9:06 pm on January 8th

HEN2 writes: My first sewing lessons were embroidery and I still love the fine details it brings and the opportunity to add colour to the project.
Posted: 8:19 pm on January 8th

Carly_Sue writes: I like putting hems in garments by hand, picking up only one thread so that there are no visible stitches on the right side of the garment. I seem to do quite a lot of hand stitching on clothing and home furnishings....I like the look and it is rewarding to get compliments from other seamstresses. Haute couture sewing requires it too.
Posted: 8:14 pm on January 8th

user-2348100 writes: I actually enjoy basting, but that's not really a detail. I quite like hand-finishing seam allowances.
Posted: 7:58 pm on January 8th

iris68 writes: I must agree - I love doing hem-stitching by hand. Also - some applique and beading. And of course, sewing on the Hand-Made tags
Posted: 7:54 pm on January 8th

Reine writes: I love doing embroidery of any kind. It's so satisfying to see the end result & think "I did that!".
Posted: 7:53 pm on January 8th

seemless writes: Back when I sewed skirts, I'd use a nice lace on the hem allowance and hand-sew it. made a nice little fancy touch only I knew about.
Posted: 7:53 pm on January 8th

user-982422 writes: I love to mend teeny moth holes in garments. There is something about taking tiny stitches to make something like new again. And using darning techniques is rewarding, because the mend is quite strong! Hand mending, especially using items "rescued" from the garment itself (little snips of fabric to incorporate into the hole mend, some pulled threads, etc.), is a reward. It seems too, in this economy, to be an important skill. It provides longer life for a loved garment, a creative outlet in matching the stitch to the mending need, and finally satisfaction and pride at a job well done!
Posted: 7:38 pm on January 8th

Donna_R writes: I don't enjoy a lot of hand stitching but I do like to hand stitch the back of the binding that I sometimes use on necks and short sleeves or even sometimes for a hem. Can watch TV and sew on so it is invisible. Very nice looking.
Posted: 7:36 pm on January 8th

Ellice writes: Hi, I love all hand stitching. Blanket stitch, blind hems and embroidery are among my favorites!
Posted: 7:33 pm on January 8th

KarylC writes: I love crewel work and hand embroidery--I do a lot of historical costumes and it's essential for that.
Posted: 7:31 pm on January 8th

twisset writes: I enjoy doing both the blind stitch for a hem or the cross stitch used to attach the edges facings on the front of jackets. It's fun to do and very relaxing!
Posted: 7:23 pm on January 8th

EDuke writes: There's nothing like a beautifully hand stitched hem.
Since its on the inside, it's like a little secret present to
Myself!!
Posted: 7:08 pm on January 8th

Lady_D writes: I prefer hand-stitched hems in any garment. In particular, I like that the stitches that hold the hem in place can be hidden on the inside of the garment, because try as I might, my machine stitching is never perfectly straight. When the stitches are hidden, it doesn't matter that my hand stitches are still a little bit wonky. They do the job, with nobody being the wiser - until now.
Posted: 7:05 pm on January 8th

Mizmash writes: Hand embroidery is fun and adds delightful dimension to any project.
Posted: 6:47 pm on January 8th

fiberprism writes: I haven't made a skirt in a while, but I always enjoyed hand stitching those arrow head finishes at the bottom of the skirt that has a split at the bottom.
Posted: 6:45 pm on January 8th

clamend writes: I am fond of the blanket stitch. It is clean and easy.
Posted: 6:37 pm on January 8th

ObjetsTrouves writes: I really enjoy mending and reweaving, saving something from the scrap heap. Would love the giveaway.
Posted: 6:32 pm on January 8th

bkpr97 writes: I am enjoying embellishing embroidery and ribbon embroidery with beads. Lots of fun!! And pretty results too!!

Posted: 6:31 pm on January 8th

user-2286205 writes: I like to do the blanket stitch as it looks so neat and tidy when done.
Posted: 6:08 pm on January 8th

heidilyn writes: My favorite stitch is buttonhole stitching with silk thread around each buttonhole. It always comes out looking so nice and is always a nice detail to add to a fine garment!
Posted: 5:48 pm on January 8th

zzz123 writes: I like to do blanket stitching along the edge for decorative effect.
Posted: 5:42 pm on January 8th

squirrel_ee writes: I like to do all styles of stitching on my artwork--similar to the crazy quilt look. Having trouble with tendonitis it is easier to do obvious disorganized stitches as I can only do it for a little while and I was never a good pretty stitcher.
Posted: 5:38 pm on January 8th

shirleyjean writes: I enjoy the back stitch the most, but I enjoy doing bound button holes just as much. I truly enjoy all of it. I find it relaxing.
Posted: 5:37 pm on January 8th

LuvThreadsMagazine writes: I'm tossed between darning (so practical), and the picot stitch (kind of intimates the rough-N-tumble existence of blankets on the prairie).
Posted: 5:27 pm on January 8th

2tango writes: I love making a blind hem by hand, it usually means the project is complete.
Posted: 5:16 pm on January 8th

rubicat writes: I like to hem - I find the rhythm soothing and calming.
Posted: 5:13 pm on January 8th

MamaChamp writes: I love embroidery, particularly with beads. It makes everything seem so much more special!
Posted: 5:04 pm on January 8th

bWhitehawk writes: I love to hand tailor! It is so relaxing and comforting.
Posted: 5:03 pm on January 8th

debrajwebb writes: I enjoy quilting, crewel embroidery, beading, appliqué, ribbons, sequins, glitter, braiding, trims and lace inserts added to fashions, accessories, jewelry and home decor for myself, gifts and selling as fabric art. Great giveaway! Blessings!
Posted: 5:02 pm on January 8th

AnnaBenaan writes: I love embroidery, it can give a unique and personal touch to any garment. I absolutely cherish the items my grandmother embroidered. I would love to win this months issue!
Posted: 4:52 pm on January 8th

little_bee writes: I love french knots!
Posted: 4:44 pm on January 8th

knise writes: I love the handstitch I use to put jacket linings in by hand. Always has been my favorite thing to do by hand.
Posted: 9:15 am on January 8th

ShiningStar writes: I like bead embroidery. It gives a retro/vintage look.
Posted: 3:00 am on January 8th

Missahope writes: The hand-stitched detail I enjoy the most is the blanket stitch!
Posted: 11:10 pm on January 7th

susan718 writes: I like the blanket stitch. THank you for the giveaway.
Posted: 10:40 pm on January 7th

usersuz writes: I use a catchstitch for hems and find it relaxes me. When I establish a rhythm, it regulates the length of the stitches without thinking.
Posted: 6:08 pm on January 7th

jennieMB writes: I enjoy beading on fabrics. It adds a little more definition and sometimes sparkle.
Posted: 12:26 pm on January 7th

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