Sewing is a wonderful skill to have, as it allows you to mend, create, and personalize textiles. Here are some fundamental sewing techniques that are important for beginners: 1. **Threading a needle** - This sounds like a simple task but it is a fundamental skill that requires practice. Make sure the thread isn’t knotted when you begin. 2. **Knotting thread** - This is important to prevent the thread from pulling straight out after a few stitches. Simply make a small knot at the end of the thread after you've threaded your needle. 3. **Running Stitch** - This is the most basic form of stitching. You need to pass the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight or curved line. 4. **Backstitch** - A backstitch is used when a very sturdy seam is required. It is done by pushing the needle and thread in reverse direction or backwards to the direction it came from to overlap stitches. 5. **Basting Stitch** - Basting Stitch is a temporary running stitch used to hold layers together until they are permanently sewn. It can be easily removed. 6. **Hemming** - Hemming is technically a kind of border, used to give finished edges to your fabric. It can be done by hand or machine. 7. **Sewing a button** - Knowing how to sew a button is fundamental. The method varies slightly between flat buttons and shanked buttons (ones that have a stem-like structure under). 8. **Sewing a zipper** - This can seem daunting, but with practice, you'll find it's fairly straight forward. Two types of zippers you should get started with, are: Sewing a regular zipper and an invisible zipper. 9. **Seam ripper usage** - This tool is used to remove stitches you're not happy with, but it's important to learn to use it without damaging your fabric. 10. **Understanding patterns** - Sewing patterns can seem very confusing at first, but gradually you'll understand the means of different marks, lines and symbols. The key to all these skills, like anything, is practice. Start with smaller, simpler projects initially. As you become more comfortable, try more complex designs and fabrics. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and most importantly, enjoy the process of learning and creating. Online tutorials and sewing handbooks can be great resources to help you understand these concepts in more detail. Good luck!