For fast and professional edging, hemming, seaming, and decorative stitching, you simply can't beat a serging machine. This all-skill-level book is the perfect guide to make sure you get the most out of your new machine (or out of that old serger that you've never got the hang of!) Photographs and step-by-step instructions guide you through the essential techniques, showing you how to set up your machine, how to adjust the settings to get the best results on a range of different fabrics, and how to edge your fabrics quickly with perfect results. The troubleshooting section provides tips and quick fixes for skipped stitches, snapped threads, and uneven stitching. Also includes a buyer's guide to different sergers, providing you with advice on finding the right machine for you.

Nothing epitomizes the look of the 1950s more for women than the hour-glass silhouette of the tightly fitted bodice and full skirt. This ubiquitous style - first introduced in 1947 with Dior's New Look - was so widely adopted by the mid-50s that it came to define the decade. This practical book introduces and explores the styles and construction techniques used in the 1950s. Step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate how to achieve a well-finished and authentic look using equipment easily obtainable at home. Chapters explain the processes from fabric selection, cutting out and preparation through to garment assembly using traditional techniques for creating the silhouette of the day.

So you've mastered the basics in shirtmaking and you are looking to create your own couture blouses, dress shirts, or jackets... Well, you are in luck then. David Page Coffin, author of "Shirtmaking," is back to help you through amazing custom patterns for men and women Inside you'll find a helpful guide explaining specific concepts, structures, and styles, such as: Dress (or Shaped) Shirt Block, Sport (or Unshaped) Shirt Block, Knit (or Stretch-to-Fit) Shirt Block, Folk (or Rectangular) Shirt Block, and Shirt-Jacket (or Over-Sized) Block. "The Shirtmaking Workbook" also includes lists for further reading, suppliers, and references to help make your custom shirtmaking easier. With these shirtmaking basics, you'll be creating hundreds of fashionable designs in no time

Make your own unique activewear sewing wardrobe that's perfect for your workout. Choose from 13 different styles including yoga pants, crops top and running leggings designed by activewear sewing expert, and marathon runner, Melissa Fehr. Whether you're a runner, a cyclist or a gym bunny, or you're simply looking for the perfect pair of slouchy leggings for elegant lounging, this collection of sewing patterns is for you. Learn all about how to choose the correct fabric for activewear sewing and discover expert tips on working with performance fabrics like lycra and spandex. Before you know it you'll have a truly unique workout wardrobe to wear while you work up a sweat!

Welcome to the charming world of Luna Lapin, a quiet and kind rabbit with impeccable taste. Learn how to sew your own felt rabbit along with her exquisite wardrobe including 20 garment and accessory sewing patterns. All the clothes are made using the finest fabrics including wool felt, lace and Liberty print cotton. Choose from a perfectly tailored wool coat, matching tweed skirt and bag, or pretty lace set. Don't forget the accessories - there are bunny boots and tiny French knickers to create. Luna even has the perfect pair of pyjamas for elegant lounging and a comfy armchair to relax in. You will be captivated by the stories surrounding Luna on her adventures as she goes for a job interview and visits the theatre. Her brother Alfie even makes an appearance in his own dapper outfit of jeans, waistcoat and tailored shirt. These adorable sewing patterns will appeal to the child in all of us and make beautiful heirloom gifts to treasure.

Lisa Lam of U-Handbag brings you a stunning collection of sewing patterns to make your own bags. The book features 12 brand new bag designs with full photographic instructions for how to make a bag with truly professional results. The book features full size patterns on three separate pull-out sheets so that you can get started right away no photocopying or enlarging required. If you're new to sewing and bag making there are simpler projects such as the Compact Groceries Tote, All-Sorted Laundry Bag and Access-All-Areas Pouch to get you started before progressing to the more fully featured bags such as the Geek-Chic iPad Case and Too-Cool-for-School Satchel. All techniques are fully explained with step by step photographs, so you'll be creating professional, practical and great-looking bags before you know it!

Are you looking for the perfect guide to teach your child to sew? Look no further "Creative Kids Photo Guide to Sewing" starts with the absolute basics about stitching, beginning with simple hand sewing, then gradually introduces skills and techniques until kids are sewing safely and confidently at a sewing machine. Founders of The Sewing Tree, Janith Bergeron and Christine Ecker will guide you and your children through creative and fun sewing projects. With over 200 photos and clear, concise instructions in language easily understood by grade-school kids, you're going to be creating crafty sewing projects with your child in no time Each project lists the sewing skills that will be exercised in making it and projects are rated for difficulty, so kids can learn and grow as they develop dexterity and coordination. Your children will learn to sew by making simple projects and building skills by practicing the essentials, and this book provides a sound foundation for a lifetime of sewing enjoyment.

Learn how to make fairies and mermaids to suit every season, and discover the joy of crafting with magic wool. Magic wool is a soft, vibrant material, perfect for creating figures for nature tables, celebrations, and Christmas decorations. From beautiful seasonal fairies, to shimmering mermaids and charming root children, crafters can create a wonderful selection of figures as the perfect focal point for festivals and storytelling. This inspiring book includes clear step-by-step instructions, colour photographs and diagrams for more than twenty standing figures, created using a combination of winding and needle-felting. The projects range from simple figures for beginners to more elaborate designs for experienced crafters.

With this guide to mending and patching, you don't have to say goodbye to your worn favourite clothes. Throwing away damaged, yet beloved, clothes can be one of the saddest things, but what if you were able to fix those holes and extend their life? With Mend & Patch, you can learn to take care of your clothes, mending, patching and repairing so you can cherish all your garments. In the furthest corner of her clothes store in Stockholm, Sweden, Kerstin has a mending studio where she gives a new lease of life to people's favourite jeans. In this book, she arms you with the skills and ideas you need to mend your own clothes, whatever their wear and tear. There are emergency tips for mending in a hurry, including sewing in a button and repairing split seams. You will learn how to enhance your clothes with decorative stitches and how to mend with different materials, including leather, cotton, wool and denim. Packed full of simple fixes, as well as more advanced techniques, this book is perfect for sewers, crafters, and fashion lovers of all abilities and for those who want to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

Beginning sergers will benefit from this introductory guide to the serger machine and basic serging techniques. Information on the function of a serger and instructions on machine maintenance are provided along with step-by-step guidelines on sewing straight lines and curves, turning corners, and creating professional-looking seams. Additional details on stitch types, flatlocking, fabric tension, decorative techniques, and making fast fashion adornments such as collars, gathers, and hems are also included, and exciting projects like the serged napkin, swimsuit, and sweater will help augment the skills of the novice serger.

Edwardian fashions for women were characterized by the S-shaped silhouette, embellished with lace, tucks, ruffles, tassels, frills and flounces. This essential book includes eleven detailed projects, which form a capsule collection of clothing and accessories that might have been worn by an Edwardian governess, a woman travelling on an ocean liner, a campaigning suffragette, or a wife overseeing a busy household in a large country house. It explains making sequences in full and advises in detail on how to give the garments a fine, authentic finish. Eleven detailed projects based on the dress collections at Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove, and Worthing Museum and Art Gallery. Each project includes a detailed description of the original garment, with an accompanying illustration alongside photographs of the original pieces. Scaled patterns are included for all projects with a list of materials and equipment required. Step-by-step instructions are given with information about the original techniques used and close-up photographs of the making process. There are chapters on tools and equipment, fabrics, measurements and sizes, and how to wear Edwardian fashion with ideas on creating new outfits from the featured projects. Finally, there is advice on how to adapt garments to make them suitable for both wealthy, leisured women, and for their poorer counterparts.

You love to sew. How many of you wish you could make a living from sewing? Help to live the dream with this practical guide from professional sewist and pattern designer Virginia Lindsay. Everything you need to know is here, from finding your personal sewing style to creating a product line, identifying customers, equipping a sewing studio, pricing and selling your work, marketing, designing patterns, and handling the business and legal side of sewing. And that's not all! The book also includes 16 projects to start sewing and selling right now. Bonus-16 Starter Projects. * How to sell locally and online * Hands-on guide for starting and running a successful home sewing business is a win for you too-you sell the fabric and supplies * Informative interviews with four women who already run profitable sewing businesses * Includes 16 projects to sew and sell-perfect to pitch as classes to make aprons, tote and messenger bags, tablet covers, baby quilts, and more * Plus pattern pullout

Fresh ideas and techniques for the rapidly evolving area of three-dimensional textiles. Leading textile artist Ann Goddard takes three-dimensional textiles to a new level in this practical book. Drawing inspiration from natural landscapes, organic material and a concern for the environment, Ann's work combines textile and non/textile elements with construction. Linen, loose fibres, paper and yarn are complemented by seemingly unlikely materials including concrete, wood, lead and bark. Fragile is juxtaposed with hard, natural with man-made, beauty with imperfection. The techniques range from stitching, wrapping, couching, and knotting to sawing, drilling, and casting. In this book, previously separate art media are combined to create eclectic works; boundaries are crossed, expectations challenged and categorisation rejected. Mixed Media Textile Art in Three Dimensions takes a linear look at the creative process from themes, research and experimentation through to preparing elements, conveying meaning and constructing three-dimensional forms, encouraging you to broaden your horizons in textile work. Brimming with beautiful artwork from the author and featuring the work of some inspiring and exciting artists creating three-dimensional constructions.

The possibilities for three-dimensional manipulation of fabric - gathering, pleating, tucking, shirring, and quilting woven materials - are seemingly endless. To describe them all would be to describe the entire history of sewing.

In "The Art of manipulating Fabric," Colette Wolff has set herself just this task, and she succeeds brilliantly. Working from the simplest possible form - a flat piece of cloth and a threaded needle - she categorizes all major dimensional techniques, show how they are related, and give examples of variations both traditional and modern. The result is an encyclopedia of techniques that resurface, reshape, restructure and reconstruct fabric.

• More than 350 diagrams support the extensive how-tos, organized into broad general categories, then specific sub-techniques
• Handsome photos galleries showcase the breathtaking possibilities in each technique and aid visual understanding by emphasizing the sculptured fabric surface with light and shadow
• Textile artists and quilters, as well as garment and home decor sewers, will expand their design horizons with the almost limitless effects that can be achieved

Tired of wearing the same clothes? How about revamping your wardrobe with new custom made clothes? This is a practical sewing manual that shows all the steps for making skirts and trousers, from the basics, like different hand stitches and using a sewing machine, to taking measurements and understanding patterns, all explained with detailed illustrations and photographs for each step. The results are bespoke garments, handmade by you. The book includes everything you need to know to get started; no previous sewing experience is needed, but you will be amazed at what you can achieve: a wealth of different types of skirts -straight, curled at the waist, classic, mini, flared, balloon, mermaid, asymmetric and more - and trousers - with or without pockets, classic, skinny-fit, low-waist, and many more.

Tilly and the Buttons: Stretch! offers perfect proof that easy-to-wear clothes can be seriously stylish with a collection of outfits that combine the comfort of stretch fabrics with Tilly Walnes' signature look. The book includes complete, full-size patterns. Even experienced stitchers are often wary of working with stretch knit fabrics, but in this book Tilly demystifies the techniques needed and shows how to sew stretchy makes on a regular sewing machine - no need for a fancy overlocker. However, if you are already an overlocker owner, the book offers a user-friendly introduction to threading and stitching with this machine too. Aimed at dressmakers who have grasped the basics and want to expand their sewing horizons, Tilly's tried-and-tested, learn-as-you-make approach is structured around five made-to-measure, speedy-to-sew garments. Tilly's friendly instructions and the clear step-by-step photographs are accompanied by lots of tips and tricks to make your sewing a breeze, and the multiple variations and ideas will help you customise your garment to suit your own style.

Get info on all of the basics you need to dye fabric, including necessary tools, the best dyes, which fabrics to use, precautions, and more-all in one handy reference tool!

This book shows you how to make twenty Christmas decorations including hanging tree decorations, a Christmas wreath, an advent calendar garland, free-standing felt ornaments, a Christmas cottage storage box and a bottle gift bag. The designs have a fresh, contemporary look that will appeal to a young audience and traditional crafters, and all the projects are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced sewers. The easy-to-make pieces use pre-bought felt, which are relatively cheap to buy and widely available in a huge range of colours. Includes step-by-step instructions, lists of the materials and tools needed, and a beautiful photograph of the finished piece. Templates are provided where required, and the basic techniques and stitches used are included at the start of the book.

Here is the ultimate reference for fitting test garments and transferring accurate adjustments to patterns No matter what size or shape you are, wearing garments that fit perfectly makes you look and feel better. Rather than making commonly accepted changes to a commercial pattern, the method presented in this guide focuses on the way a test garment fits the body. The fabric is manipulated to improve the fit, and then those specific changes are made to the pattern. The result: patterns that fit perfectly

With The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting, you'll learn:

- The importance of a fitting axis and how to use it during a fitting

- How to recognize fitting issues, such as drag lines and folds

- How to manipulate fabric to solve common and unusual fitting problems

- How to transfer the fitting changes to your pattern easily

- Basic pattern-making skills to ensure accurate alterations

See the fitting process from start to finish on basic garments, fitted on real people. Then follow fitting solutions on different body types. The lessons you learn will help you fit any body.

In Putting on the Dog, Melissa Kwasny explores the age-old relationship between humans and the animals that have provided us with our clothing: leather, wool, silk, feathers, pearls, and fur. From silkworms grown on plantations in Japan and mink farms off Denmark's western coast to pearl beds in the Sea of Cortes, Kwasny offers firsthand accounts of traditions and manufacturing methods-aboriginal to modern-and descriptions of the marvel and miracle of the clothing itself. What emerges is a fresh look at the cultural history of fashion. Kwasny travels the globe to visit both large-scale industrial manufacturers and community-based, often subsistence production by people who have spent their lives working with animals-farmers, ranchers, tanners, weavers, shepherds, and artisans. She examines historical rates of consumption and efforts to move toward sustainability, all while considering animal welfare, worker safety, environmental health, product accountability, and respect for indigenous knowledge and practice. At its heart, Putting on the Dog demonstrates how what we choose to wear represents one of our most profound engagements with the natural world.

In Print Play, screen printing designers and teachers Jess Wright and Lara Davies welcome you into their colourful, pattern-filled world with a series of how-to screen printing projects. The book covers all the basics of screen printing at home before delving into projects ranging from homewares to accessories and clothing. The 24 projects are accessible to novice screen printers, as well as keeping more experienced screen printers challenged, and include printed wallpaper, art prints, beach towels, napery, tote bags and planter boxes. There are also chapters that focus on creating colour palettes, finding inspiration and designing your own unique patterns. Written with a sense of fun, and easy-to-follow instructions, Jess and Lara invite you to create some screen printing magic of your own.

A beautiful collection of brand new Tilda projects, featuring seasonal designs in Tone Finnanger's quirky style. Each chapter is themed on a classic children's story, such as Pinocchio, Bambi, The Nutcracker and The Princess and the Pea. Projects include new doll designs (ballerinas, princesses, soldiers and various animals), as well as gifts and decorations using the latest range of Tilda fabrics and products.

TWO FREE METAL CLASPS INCLUDED. Are you curious about using metal purse frames to create cute, boutique-style coin purses and handbags, but find yourself intimidated about working with metal hardware? Then The Purse Clasp Book is just for you! With a step-by-step photo guide, you'll learn just how easy it is to install a metal purse frame and create a beautiful, professional-looking bag. Use your newly acquired skills to stitch up any of the 14 unique designs. These sweet and simple coin purses, pouches, purses, and tote bags make excellent gifts for friends, family, co-workers, and teachers. In fact, most projects can be completed in just a few hours. The best part is that this kit includes two free high-quality metal clasps so you can get started straight away. If you require additional clasps these are available to purchase from www.zakkaworkshop.com for individual orders For wholesale orders please contact [email protected].

Step out of the weaving comfort zone and experiment with something new! Weave structures often have a specific threading and treadling style patterns that are unique to that particular weave structure. These threading and treadling patterns generally are not shared with another weave structure. This book takes you out of the traditional method of weaving overshot patterns by using different treadling techniques. This will include weaving overshot patterns as summer/winter, Italian manner, starburst, crackle, and petit point just to name a few. The basic image is maintained in each example but the design takes on a whole new look. Samples of each of the structures have been woven in the Star of Bethlehem pattern using a consistent color palette. This allows you to see how one pattern has been affected by the design/treadling changes and to make comparisons and understand the overall process. Projects are given for each example, so it's easy to start weaving and watch the magic happen! Try the weaves for scarves, table runners, shawls, pillows and even some upholstered pieces. You'll be learning as you weave.