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.

Conceived, designed and produced by Quarto Publishing plc, London.

Introduction to sewing machines with easy to follow illustrations, fun and simple projects, and a variety of skills.

Learn quilting basics from a YouTube sensation and practice your skills with 12 fun projects suitable for all skill levels. Her instructional videos have inspired thousands to start sewing. Now for the first time, sew-lebrity Laura Coia shares written patterns for the most loved video tutorials on her “Sew Very Easy” YouTube channel! Learn the basics of quilt making, from cutting and pressing to borders and finishing. Then practice your skills with a dozen beautiful projects—quilts you’ll come back to time and time again—all suitable for beginners and beyond.

Sewing is the perfect hobby – it is relaxing, creative and extremely useful! But sewing machines can seem complicated. This book has everything you need to know to choose, use and look after your sewing machine with confidence. The first chapters will help you choose a machine, explaining which features to look out for. Once you’ve got your machine home, the step-by-step instructions will help you get to grips with everything. Learn how to set up your machine and its basic functions including: winding a bobbin, threading up and adjusting tension and stitch size. With plenty of information on basic dressmaking techniques, you will soon be tackling seams and hems, zips and buttonholes, gathers and pleats, binding and trimming. Feeling creative? Try out some decorative techniques – with machine embroidery, appliqué, patchwork and quilting. And if you get stuck, there is an invaluable trouble shooting section along with a jargon busting glossary. So whether you want to use your sewing machine to carry out simple repairs, customize and alter your vintage finds, create a whole new wardrobe from scratch, or make a stylish curtains and cushions for your home, be sure to have this manual by your side at all times!

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.