Gain confidence knowing over 35 basic stitches! This contemporary reference offers dozens of variations on straight stitches, cross stitches, chain stitches, knots, couching, wrapping, and more through step-by-step instructions, photography, and expert tips.

Draping—the art of using cotton muslin to create womenswear directly on a dress form—is an essential skill for fashion designers. Through a series of step-by-step projects, designed to develop skills from the most basic to more advanced techniques, this book will guide you in creating both classic and contemporary garments, as well as historical styles and costumes. Draping projects include dresses, bustiers, and jackets, and highlight key fashion garments such as Audrey Hepburn's dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket. Starting with the basics of choosing and preparing the dress form for draping, the book advances through pinning, trimming, and clipping, and creating shape using darts and tucks, to adding volume using pleats and gathers, and handling complex curves. Advanced skills include how to use support elements such as shoulder pads, under layers, and petticoats, and how to handle bias draping. The book culminates with a chapter on improvisational skills. Each skill and technique throughout the book is explained with step-by-step photographs and line drawings that bring the art of creating womenswear in three dimensions to life.

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.

**Stitching the Basics Your Ultimate Guide to Mastering Hand Embroidery** Embark on a colorful and creative journey with "Stitching the Basics," the ultimate guide to mastering hand embroidery! Perfect for novices and seasoned stitchers alike, this comprehensive eBook equips you with everything you need to transform a simple piece of fabric into a work of art. **Unlock the Secrets of Hand Embroidery** Dive into the rich history of this timeless art form, and discover the essential tools and materials that will set the stage for your stitching success. Learn how to set up your workstation like a pro, ensuring every project begins on the right foot. **Master Fabric Fundamentals** Understanding your fabric is crucial to embroidery perfection. Explore different types of fabrics, learn how to prepare and secure them, and grasp the importance of fabric tension for flawless results every time. **Perfect Your Stitching Skills** From the simplest running stitch to more complex techniques like the French knot and feather stitch, "Stitching the Basics" guides you through essential stitches with easy-to-follow instructions. Combine these stitches to create beautiful designs that add texture and personality to every piece. **Create Stunning Embroidery Designs** Translate your artistic vision onto fabric with tutorials on transferring patterns, choosing thread colors, and creating eye-catching color schemes. Stitch letters, words, and intricate patterns to personalize your projects uniquely. **Incorporate Embroidery with Style** Whether embellishing garments, enhancing home decor, or crafting personalized gifts, find myriad ways to incorporate your embroidery into everyday items. Plus, discover advanced stitches and techniques to elevate your craftsmanship to new heights. **Join a Thriving Community** Connect with fellow embroidery enthusiasts, participate in challenges, and showcase your creations. Develop your personal style, experiment with mixed media, and build a portfolio that highlights your artistic journey. "Stitching the Basics" is more than just an eBook—it's your passport to a world of creativity and serenity through the art of hand embroidery. Get ready to stitch your heart out and transform your everyday moments into extraordinary works of art. Purchase your copy today and start your stitching adventure!

“A spectacular encyclopedia of embroidery, sharing valuable techniques passed down through the generations . . . you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.” —Sew Magazine Enjoy the tranquility of slow stitching with this step-by-step, visual guide to 149 embroidery stitches, motifs, and extras. Go beyond basic color theory–robust color charts take the guesswork out of choosing thread, silk ribbon, buttons, beads, and trims. Then take your embroidery to the next level with luxurious seam treatments and stunning stand-alone designs. Bestselling author Christen Brown’s traditional and contemporary techniques are showcased in a colorful gallery of crazy-quilted projects. “An overview of embroidery stitches and techniques as well as inspiration for embroidery projects . . . She dissects several of her pieces, summarizing the color palette, decorative elements, and stitches used.” —Library Journal

This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn how to sew, or just needs a quick refresher course. Friendly and easy-to-follow directions will have you sewing with confidence, making repairs, and creating new garments from scratch. From cutting patterns and sewing seams to binding edges, gathering fabric and installing zippers, each new skill is accompanied by a quick practice exercise to try, allowing you to learn as you sew. Fifteen simple and straightforward projects are provided for sewing fun accessories from plushies and pincushions to placemats, hand towels, hats and more.

How to Embroider Almost Everything is an inspiring, fun, and sophisticated collection of 500+ stitch motifs from embroidery designer Wendi Gratz that offers a fresh new take on embroidery. Get a detailed checklist of everything you’ll need to embark on your stitch journey: threads, needles, fabric, and more. Find step-by-step tutorials for essential stitches and other techniques for creating the motifs, plus answers to common questions and invaluable tips and tricks. Explore an amazing 500+ modern motifs for almost everything, including people and pets, trees and flowers, everyday objects, food, home, and more. Either re-create the motifs exactly as shown using the accompanying templates and stitch guides, or give them your own creative spin by changing details and colors to suit your own style. How to Embroider Almost Everything helps you take your first steps to embroidering to your heart’s content and creating beautiful drawings with needle and thread! Each book in the Almost Everything series offers readers a fun, comprehensive, and charmingly illustrated visual directory of ideas to inspire skill building in their creative endeavors.