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

Knitters: It's time to take it to the next level. And who better than Debbie Stoller to show you how. The expert knitter and gifted, edgy author who introduced knitting to a new generation with her New York Times bestseller, Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook, now shows her readers how to do more—lots more. Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting is the only knitter's handbook to teach the full array of advanced knitting techniques and skills, such as double-knitting, knitting lace, complicated color work, beading, and more. Writing with the clarity that makes her such an effective teacher, and the attitude that got her dubbed "knitting superstar" (San Francisco Chronicle), Stoller explains how to "knit by the numbers;" get creative with stripes; embellish with crochet, beading, and I-cords; how to make cable patterns; and how to use color forms. There's also a whole section on DIY—which gives a tutorial on creating your own knitting patterns. And then the brilliant icing on the cake—41 cool, funky, and fabulous patterns from Debbie and the Stitch 'n Bitch community: a fluttery Rococco Shawl, Cap Sleeve Lattice Sweater, Jackie-O sequined cardigan, Empire Strikes Back dress, the adorable Button It children's sweater with changeable animal patches. Plus sexy stockings, stylish handbags, blankets, scarves, and more, all photographed in full-color.

Learn how to embroider and personalize almost anything with these 15 projects ranging from phone cases to backpack tags. Transform your plain stuff into awesome stuff with just some fabric and thread! Glam up boring bookmarks, tote bags, and even your jeans! Bored during a road trip or on a rainy day? Grab your favorite color thread and get stitching! Learn and choose from different stitches to make each project exactly the way you want. Make presents that your pals and family will love. Put your own stamp on pillows and picture frames. Stitch up some cuteness!