CONTENTS
Introduction 6
Sewing equipment 8
Fabrics 28
Stitch essentials 46
Patterns 64
Gathers, ruffles, tucks, darts,
and pleats 80
Hems and edges 104
Fasteners 118
Pockets 140
Waistline, belts, and tie-backs 150
Facings and necklines 168
Collars 180
Sleeves and sleeve finishes 188
Decorative techniques 208
Glossary 214
Index 219
Acknowledgments 224
INTRODUCTION
If you are new to sewing and eager to master the key techniques, Sew Step by Step is the book for you. These clearly laid out pages cover all the basics (plus a bit more) to help you make and restyle simple home goods, clothes, and accessories.
Starting with equipment and notions and moving on through fabrics to the many techniques, Sew Step by Step demonstrates all the basic stitches, shows you how to master seams, hems, and edges, teaches you easy ways to add shape to clothing, with gathers, darts, and waistlines, and how to finish your work with pockets and fasteners.
I hope this book will encourage you to enjoy this satisfying hobby, and inspire you to create beautiful things—for yourself or for your family and friends.
Basic sewing kit
A well-equipped sewing kit will include all of the items shown below and many more, depending on the type of sewing that you do regularly. It is important that a suitable container is used to keep your tools together, so that they will be readily at hand, and to keep them organized.
Thimble
This is useful to protect the end of your finger when hand sewing. Thimbles are available in various shapes and sizes. See page 16.
Tape measure
Essential, not only to take body measurements, but also to help measure fabric, seams, etc. Choose one that gives both inches and centimeters. A tape made of plastic is best as it will not stretch. See page 14.
Zippers
It is always a good idea to keep a couple of zippers in your sewing kit. Black, cream, and navy are the most useful colors. See pages 133–139.
Threads
A selection of threads for hand sewing and machine/ serger sewing in a variety of colors. Some threads are made of polyester, while others are cotton or rayon. See pages 20–21.
Notions
All the odds and ends a sewer needs, including everything from buttons and snaps to trims and elastic. A selection of buttons and snaps in your basic kit is useful for a quick repair. See pages 18–19.
Pins
Needed by every sewer to hold the fabric together prior to sewing it permanently. There are different types of pins for different types of work. See page 23.
Safety pins
In a variety of sizes and useful for emergency repairs as well as threading elastics. See page 23.