US_002-003_Title_page.indd 2 07/10/2017 21:56 the SEWING BOOK ALISON SMITH US_002-003_Title_page.indd 3 23/10/2017 16:06 294 312 254 216 166 326 194 346 US_004-005_Contents.indd 4 23/10/2017 16:06 CONTENTS 6 Introduction 208 Sleeves and sleeve PROJECTS 8 About this book finishes 236 Pockets 104 Two-tone tote bag TOOLS 260 Hems and edges 166 A-line shift dress 12 Sewing equipment 282 Fasteners 194 Wrap skirt 38 Fabrics 322 Linings and interfacings 216 Unisex dressing 56 Patterns 334 Professional techniques gown 360 Mending 254 Child’s reversible jacket TECHNIQUES PROJECT PATTERNS 294 Toiletries bag 86 Sewing essentials 368 Using the patterns 312 Envelope cushion 110 Darts, tucks, pleats, section 326 Storage baskets and gathers 150 Facings and necklines 337808 PGalottsesranrsy 346 Oven mitt 172 Collars 392 Index 354 Roman blind 182 Waistlines, belts, 400 About the author and tie-backs and contributors 346 354 104 US_004-005_Contents.indd 5 23/10/2017 16:06 6 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION The Sewing Book provides a comprehensive produce a unique item of clothing or something for guide to all sewing techniques, whether it be for your home is truly rewarding. dressmaking, tailoring, crafts, or soft furnishings. If The book is divided into three sections. The first, you are new to sewing, you’ll find many tips to help Tools, covers all the equipment required to sew, and guide you; if you have been sewing for many including sewing machines; gives an up-to-date years, there will be lots of new ideas to try. I also guide to fabrics—their properties, care, and how to hope the book will be a valuable reference for all sew them; and explains how to alter patterns to students studying textiles and fashion. make clothes that fit you perfectly. Having sewn since my teenage years and taught The next section is Techniques, with over 300 dressmaking and fashion for all my adult life, I am different sewing techniques to try, all in a step-by- truly passionate about sewing. It can be so step photographic format, covering everything from therapeutic—relaxing and satisfying. The ability to basic stitches and seams to professional tailoring US_006-007_forward.indd 6 23/10/2017 16:06 INTRODUCTION 7 techniques. Each chapter begins with a visual contains patterns for the projects, as well as a directory of what the techniques are used for, be it useful glossary of sewing terms. types of pleats or pockets, necklines or sleeves, or Enjoy, and happy sewing. buttonhole shapes. Dotted throughout the Techniques section are 10 gorgeous projects that range from quick and easy cushions to a shift dress and a Roman blind. Whatever your level of experience, there will be something to suit you. All the projects use techniques that appear in the second section of the book and will help you practise your sewing skills and develop new ones. The final section US_006-007_forward.indd 7 23/10/2017 16:06 8 ABOUT THIS BOOK ABOUT THIS BOOK For the photographs, we have used sewing directional pattern, you may need to buy extra to threads of a contrast color to the fabric in order for make sure the pattern works well on the finished item. the stitching to be visible. I recommend that you use a Always cut fabric on the straight grain unless thread that matches your fabric as closely as possible. instructed otherwise. The cutting layouts show fabric All techniques and projects are graded by difficulty folded selvage to selvage for most projects, but this is level, from * for the simple and straightforward to ***** not necessary for plain fabrics. Seam allowances are for the more complex and challenging ones. 5⁄ in (1.5cm) unless otherwise indicated. 8 The visual directories at the start of each chapter Neatening of seams is not always shown in the show what the techniques within may be used photographs because this can distract from the for. They also show you the construction of the technique (seam neatening is only shown when it technique, with red dashed lines to indicate top- forms part of the technique). I recommend that you stitching and grey dotted lines to help you understand neaten your seams using your preferred technique. the structure beneath the fabric. Many of the techniques shown may vary from those The fabric quantity given for each project is the given on your pattern, but you might like to try an minimum needed. If using fabric with a large-scale or alternative technique. There are many to choose from. US_008-009_About_this_book.indd 8 23/10/2017 16:06 US_008-009_About_this_book.indd 9 07/10/2017 21:57 US_010-011_Tools_opener.indd 10 07/10/2017 21:40