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Book Description

Whether you want to make a quilt, reupholster a chair seat, or fix a hem, sewing is one of the most essential and useful skills you can master. But if you've never even turned on a sewing machine before, learning to sew can seem like a daunting task. Not anymore! Geared toward the absolute beginner, Idiot's Guides®: Sewing teaches the basics of sewing in a series of lessons using full-color, step-by-step illustrated instructions that enable the reader to clearly see how every technique is executed, from threading a sewing machine to creating a buttonhole and reading a pattern. The lessons are accompanied by practice projects, allowing the reader to try out their newly learned skill. As the lessons become more advanced, so do the projects, giving the reader instant gratification as they become more proficient as they learn and have the motivation to keep going. In addition, Idiot's Guides®: Sewing includes over a dozen unique projects for beginner and intermediate-level sewers. This completely illustrated guide is an essential tool for any person who wants to learn to sew. Features include:

- Tailored to the beginner who has never used a sewing machine before, with clear, easy-to-understand instructions.

- Comprehensive, step-by-step, color instructions teach all the basic techniques of sewing, from threading a machine to various stitches and construction.

- Practice projects throughout help the reader learn and practice techniques.

- Handy guides teach how to read a pattern, choose and prepare fabrics, create seams and finishes, and more.

Table of Contents

  1. Contents iv
  2. Part 1: Getting Started 3
    1. 1 Before You Begin 5
      1. Pins and Needles 6
      2. Measuring Tools 7
      3. Cutting Tools 8
      4. Pressing Tools 9
      5. Fabric Defined 10
      6. Fabric Types 12
      7. Preparing Your Fabric 14
    2. 2 Know Your Machine 17
      1. Anatomy of a Sewing Machine 18
      2. Threading a Sewing Machine 20
      3. Machine Needles 23
      4. Loading a Bobbin 24
      5. Sewing Machine Feet 28
      6. Adjusting the Tension and Stitches 30
  3. Part 2: Start Sewing 33
    1. 3 Stitching Basics 35
      1. Straight Stitch 36
      2. Backstitch 37
      3. Zigzag Stitch 38
      4. Tension 39
      5. Threading a Needle 40
      6. Securing the Thread 41
      7. Types of Stitches 42
      8. Practice Project: Bookmark 44
    2. 4 Seams and Hems 47
      1. Sewing and Pressing a Straight Seam 48
      2. Seam Finishes 50
      3. Sewing a Hem 52
      4. Practice Project: Infinity Scarf 54
    3. 5 Corners and Curves 57
      1. Curved Seams 58
      2. Sewing Corners 62
      3. Practice Project: Peter Pan Collar Embellishment 66
    4. 6 Trims and Finishes 69
      1. Types of Trim 70
      2. Sewn In Seam 72
      3. Edge Trims 73
      4. Piping 74
      5. Using Bias Tape 76
      6. Making Your Own Bias Tape 80
      7. Practice Project: Lace-Embellished Tank 84
  4. Part 3: More Techniques 87
    1. 7 Ruffles and Gathers 89
      1. Gathering a Ruffle 90
      2. Shirring with Elastic Thread 92
      3. Making Drawstring Ties 94
      4. Sewing with Elastic 96
      5. Practice Project: Fabric Headband 100
    2. 8 Fasteners 103
      1. Using a Zipper Foot 104
      2. Inserting a Zipper 106
      3. Using a Buttonhole Foot 110
      4. Opening a Buttonhole 114
      5. Sewing a Button 116
      6. Sewing with Hooks and Eyes 118
      7. Snaps and Velcro 119
      8. Practice Project: Zipper Clutch 120
    3. 9 Pleats, Tucks, and Darts 125
      1. Knife Pleats 126
      2. Box Pleats 128
      3. Tucks 130
      4. Darts 132
      5. Practice Project: Pleated Pillowcase 134
    4. 10 Decorative Techniques 139
      1. Applying Appliqué 140
      2. Practice Project: Monogrammed Key Fob 144
      3. Types of Quilting 146 (1/2)
      4. Types of Quilting 146 (2/2)
      5. Practice Project: Pot Holder 152
    5. 11 Basic Clothing Techniques 157
      1. Using Interfacing 158
      2. Pockets 160
      3. Attaching a Collar 163
      4. Setting a Sleeve 166
      5. Making a Waistband 168
      6. Curved Hems 172
      7. French Seams 174
      8. Practice Project: Pocket Tee 176
    6. 12 Patterns 179
      1. Reading the Envelope 180
      2. Understanding the Markings 182
      3. Laying Out and Cutting the Pieces 184
  5. Part 4: A Gallery of Projects 187
    1. Basic Project 1: Peppermint Coasters 188 (1/2)
    2. Basic Project 1: Peppermint Coasters 188 (2/2)
    3. Basic Project 2: Elastic-Waist Skirt 194
    4. Basic Project 3: Mannequin Scissor Holder 198 (1/2)
    5. Basic Project 3: Mannequin Scissor Holder 198 (2/2)
    6. Basic Project 4: Felt Coffee Cozy 204
    7. Easy Project 1: Sewing Machine Cover 208
    8. Easy Project 2: Pincushion 212
    9. Easy Project 3: Tissue Pack Cover 216
    10. Easy Project 4: Reusable Snack Bag 220
    11. Intermediate Project 1: Drawstring Flat Pack 224 (1/2)
    12. Intermediate Project 1: Drawstring Flat Pack 224 (2/2)
    13. Intermediate Project 2: Tablet Case 232 (1/2)
    14. Intermediate Project 2: Tablet Case 232 (2/2)
    15. Intermediate Project 3: Picnic Blanket 238 (1/2)
    16. Intermediate Project 3: Picnic Blanket 238 (2/2)
    17. Intermediate Project 4: Makeup Brush Holder 244 (1/2)
    18. Intermediate Project 4: Makeup Brush Holder 244 (2/2)
    19. Intermediate Project 5: Appliqué Pillow 250 (1/2)
    20. Intermediate Project 5: Appliqué Pillow 250 (2/2)
  6. Glossary 258
  7. Index 262 (1/2)
  8. Index 262 (2/2)
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