This book takes the mystery out of the sewing machine, holding first-time stitchers by the hand and showing the easiest ways to get the most from their machine. This book takes the mystery out of the sewing machine, holding first-time stitchers by the hand and showing the easiest ways to get the most from their machine. In the climate of “make do and mend,” sales of sewing machines have soared, but many are only accompanied by a difficult-to-understand technical manual. Here, Jane Bolsover provides a comprehensive guide for beginners. Starting with an essential overview of the sewing machine, learn how to thread it and wind bobbins, why tension is important, and which needles to choose. There's information on the basic sewing kit you will need, plus advice on which fabrics to choose and how to cut out. The chapters then build into a complete sewing course, and at the end of each chapter is a simple project to consolidate the skills you have just mastered. The projects include items for the home, including a cushion cover and a lampshade, stylish accessories, such as bags and scarves, plus great clothing basics, such as an A-line skirt and a simple shift dress. Also included at the back of the book are two full-size pull-out paper pattern sections.

A complete course in machine-sewing for children aged 7–11 Sewing is a skill that has so many benefits for children and can give them real pride in their achievements. Angela Pressley has been teaching children to sew for over 13 years, and knows how to encourage and inspire them to learn, starting with the basics and building up a portfolio of skills. And to keep them interested, she has designed 30 makes that will help them cement the knowledge they've gained, from sewing simple seams to patchwork, curves and corners, hems, linings, and so much more. The book starts with an introduction to the sewing machine and some of the basic skills and equipment needed to sew. Then there are four chapters, each beginning with a techniques section, followed by projects that put into practice the skills just learned. Every project includes clear artworks plus a difficulty rating, from "easy peasy" to "you're on your way", "you've got this", and "you're a star". As children progress through the levels they will learn how to make their own toys, bags, accessories, and clothes, and will be encouraged to put their own creative ideas into their sewing.

Originally published: Millers Point, NSW: Murdoch Books, 2011.

Discover How To Master The Art Of Sewing And Unlock Your Inner Artist With Amazing Projects - That You Can Do TODAY! Learning how to sew might seem complicated. If you're a complete beginner, it can definitely be intimidating to start, getting all the essential skills down pat, and producing some really nice projects. However - with the proper guidance, even a beginner like you can produce EYE-POPPING sewing projects that will impress your family and friends! In this complete beginner's book to sewing, you will find tons of easy, step-by-step sewing projects that you can easily create for yourself. Everything is explained in-depth, with clear illustrations and pictures to help you get the most out of your tools and achieve the very best result in as little time as possible! Here's what you're going to find inside: Proven ways to help you master essential sewing skills from cutting patterns and sewing seams to gathering fabric and installing zippers Foolproof tips and tricks to choose the right equipment, select the perfect fabric and use the right sewing techniques for your specific project needs Step-by-step instructions with illustrations for making awesome sewing projects from light dresses to curtains and more Common sewing mistakes made by both beginners and experts and how to avoid them And much, much more exclusive and updated content you cannot find anywhere else! Improve your DIY skills, make your own clothes and furnishings for your home with the outstanding projects contained in this book! This book is great for: Beginners who want to get started with sewing but have no idea where to begin Intermediate and expert seamstresses looking for inspiration for new projects Gifting any DIY lover and craft enthusiast who loves to craft and sew

This jargon-free, fully illustrated guide to using your sewing machine explains essential techniques and offers easy projects for getting started. Straightforward and accessible, Me and My Sewing Machine contains everything you need to know to get the most out of your sewing machine. There are no intimidating specialty techniques, painstaking procedures, or complicated methods. Instead you will find easy-to-understand, practical and decorative techniques that make sewing simple, even if you have never used a machine before. Author and professional crafter Kate Haxell shares clever tips and shortcuts, as well as advice on when you can use these speedy methods and when it really is better to do something the traditional way. Everything is illustrated with step-by-step photography and finished samples. Haxell also includes easy sewing projects that are simple without skimping on style.

“With its diverse selection of fabrics and designs, A Quilting Life is a fine pick for any quilter looking to produce family-oriented keepsake results.” —The Needlecraft Shelf Bring the handmade tradition home with these charming quilts and home accessories. Inspired by a grandmother who loved to sew for her family, quilter and blogger Sherri McConnell gives traditional patterns like hexagons, stars, snowballs, and Dresden Plates a new look featuring fabrics by some of today’s most popular designers. Nineteen cozy projects include pillows, tote bags, table runners, and larger quilts—quick and easy designs that make great gifts. “Sherri’s book is a treasure! It’s full of fun and straight-forward patterns for quilts, table toppers, pillows, bags and more—all the goodies to make a cozy home.” —Thimbleanna “Would you like the opportunity to make tomorrow’s heirlooms in today’s vast selection of prints? . . . If so, this could be the reference book that will get you started. There are 19 projects, mainly focusing on handmade household items but including some larger quilts too.” —Fabrications Quilting for You “Beautiful inspiration if you are a seasoned quilter, but also a great resource with clear and in some cases, simple patterns for newbies as well.” —Diary of a Quilter “Color photos of finished needlework projects accompany step-by-step diagrams and assembly patterns, while at-a-glance sidebars covering materials and cutting allow needleworkers to gauge the complexity of each project.” —The Needlecraft Shelf

All the techniques, clear step-by-step artworks, and patterns you need to make 24 wonderful skirts All the techniques, clear step-by-step artworks, and patterns you need to make 24 wonderful skirts INCLUDES THREE FULL SIZE PATTERN SHEETS FOR US DRESS SIZES 4 TO 22 Follow Wendy Ward’s tutorials to make a wide range of stylish skirts. From 8 basic shapes—circle, A-line, stretch pencil, wrap, bubble, tailored pencil, front-opening, and culottes—you will learn the skills to make variations that have pockets, color blocking, gathers, ruching, darts, and much more. All the basic techniques you will need are also explained, so you’ll feel confident with essentials like inserting zippers, attaching waistbands, gathering, pleats, making buttonholes, and adding linings. There are also handy hints and tips on how to take measurements and on choosing the right fabric. Skirts are the perfect first garment for beginner dressmakers, and there are some really simple designs here—the jersey pencil skirt is just two pieces of fabric with an elasticated waistband! So arm yourself with this book, some fabric, and Wendy’s sewing wisdom, and you’ll be on your way to updating your wardrobe with unique skirts that are a perfect fit.