Part 1: Getting Started ............................ 3
1 Before You Begin.............................................5
Pins and Needles .............................................................6
Measuring Tools ...............................................................7
Cutting Tools .....................................................................8
Pressing Tools ...................................................................9
Fabric Defined ............................................................... 10
Fabric Types .....................................................................12
Preparing Your Fabric ..................................................14
2 Know Your Machine ...................................17
Anatomy of a SewingMachine ...............................18
Threading a Sewing Machine .................................20
Machine Needles ......................................................... 23
Loading a Bobbin ......................................................... 24
Sewing Machine Feet ................................................. 28
Adjusting the Tension and Stitches ......................30
Part 2: Start Sewing ................................33
3 Stitching Basics ............................................. 35
Straight Stitch ................................................................ 36
Backstitch .........................................................................37
Zigzag Stitch .................................................................. 38
Tension .............................................................................. 39
Threading a Needle ...................................................40
Securing the Thread ....................................................41
Types of Stitches ........................................................... 42
Practice Project: Bookmark ......................................44
Contents
4 Seams and Hems .......................................... 47
Sewing and Pressing a Straight Seam .................48
Seam Finishes ................................................................50
Sewing a Hem ................................................................52
Practice Project: Infinity Scarf .................................54
5 Corners and Curves ....................................57
Curved Seams ...............................................................58
Sewing Corners .............................................................62
Practice Project: Peter Pan
Collar Embellishment ..............................................66
6 Trims and Finishes .....................................69
Types of Trim ..................................................................70
Sewn In Seam ..................................................................72
Edge Trims ........................................................................73
Piping..................................................................................74
Using Bias Tape ............................................................. 76
Making Your Own Bias Tape ...................................80
Practice Project: Lace-Embellished Tank ...........84
Part 3: More Techniques ......................87
7 Ruffles and Gathers ....................................89
Gathering a Ruffle .......................................................90
Shirring with Elastic Thread ..................................... 92
Making Drawstring Ties .............................................94
Sewing with Elastic .......................................................96
Practice Project: Fabric Headband .....................100
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8 Fasteners ...........................................................103
Using a Zipper Foot ..................................................104
Inserting a Zipper .......................................................106
Using a Buttonhole Foot ..........................................110
Opening a Buttonhole ..............................................114
Sewing a Button ...........................................................116
Sewing with Hooks and Eyes..................................118
Snaps and Velcro .........................................................119
Practice Project: Zipper Clutch ............................120
9 Pleats, Tucks, and Darts ........................125
Knife Pleats ................................................................... 126
Box Pleats ...................................................................... 128
Tucks ................................................................................130
Darts ..................................................................................132
Practice Project: Pleated Pillowcase .................. 134
10 Decorative Techniques ..........................139
Applying Appliqué ....................................................140
Practice Project: Monogrammed Key Fob......144
Types of Quilting ........................................................146
Practice Project: Pot Holder .................................. 152
11 Basic Clothing Techniques ................ 157
Using Interfacing ........................................................ 158
Pockets ............................................................................160
Attaching a Collar ...................................................... 163
Setting a Sleeve ..........................................................166
Making a Waistband .................................................168
Curved Hems ...............................................................172
French Seams ................................................................174
Practice Project: Pocket Tee ...................................176
12 Patterns ..............................................................179
Reading the Envelope ..............................................180
Understanding the Markings ................................. 182
Laying Out and Cutting the Pieces ................... 184
Part 4: A Gallery of Projects .............187
Basic Project 1: Peppermint Coasters ................ 188
Basic Project 2: Elastic-Waist Skirt ...................... 194
Basic Project 3: Mannequin
Scissor Holder .......................................................... 198
Basic Project 4: Felt Coffee Cozy ...................... 204
Easy Project 1: Sewing Machine Cover ........... 208
Easy Project 2: Pincushion .......................................212
Easy Project 3: Tissue Pack Cover ...................... 216
Easy Project 4: Reusable Snack Bag...................220
Intermediate Project 1:
Drawstring Flat Pack .............................................224
Intermediate Project 2: Tablet Case ...................232
Intermediate Project 3: Picnic Blanket ...............238
Intermediate Project 4:
Makeup Brush Holder ...........................................244
Intermediate Project 5: Appliqué Pillow .......... 250
Glossary ............................................................258
Index ................................................................... 262
vContents
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Sewing. This ability comes a bit more naturally to some people than others, but in either
case, it’s a skill that should be taught, encouraged, and developed. Sewing is a great
creative outlet, and the feeling of accomplishment you get when you make something
yourself is indescribable.
Some of my earliest memories are of my mom sewing. We would take trips to fabric
stores and pick out lots of great fabrics. Out of those fabrics, she would make me clothes
while I sat alongside and created clothes for my Kimberly doll out of the scraps. A friend
of my grandma’s, who worked for the famous designer Bob Mackie, even gave me scraps
of fancy material from his studio that I would use to make dresses for my doll. I still have
Kimberly and those original Bob Mackie fabric outfits. They weren’t exactly perfect, but
they were pretty good for an 8-year-old.
My mom taught me to sew, and it was my passion immediately. I didn’t realize it at the
time, but I was pretty lucky. She worked for a fashion designer in Santa Monica before I
was born, so she was a pretty amazing sewing teacher.
My mom realized I was pretty obsessed with sewing when I accidentally sewed into the
tip of my finger while making an outfit and had to go to the doctor to get x-rays to see
if the needle was still inside. The next day, I told her I had to keep working on my project
and needed her help replacing the needle. She just smiled.
Many years later, when I started Liberty Jane Clothing, I was on my own, sewing and sell-
ing. The lessons and advice I learned as a young girl came back quickly. Fortunately, I was
then able to start to build a team of amazing seamstresses. As I asked them about their
early experiences, I discovered that our journeys were very similar—their moms played a
big part in their early sewing lessons.
As I put this book together, I tried to create it in a way that anyone could follow. Whether
you’re trying to learn on your own for yourself or to teach your children, this book is writ-
ten for you.
The chapters are designed to give you a step-by-step guide with simple-to-follow
instructions. I begin with the very basics by walking you through the anatomy of the
machine and how it functions. I then provide lessons that build on each other, so that by
the time you reach the end of this book, you’ll know everything from how to sew a simple
stitch to how to insert a zipper. I’ve made sure to include lots of close-up images to really
help you understand the practical sewing tips taught in this book.
Introduction
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I also supply a variety of projects in this book to help you practice your
sewing. The projects at the end of each chapter use the skills taught in the
sections of that chapter, while the projects in the last part are a way to prac-
tice a number of dierent skills you learned throughout the book. Don’t feel
intimidated, especially when you get to the intermediate-level projects—just
take them one step at a time, and you’ll be amazed at what you’re able to
create!
My hope is that the journey of learning to sew is not stressful at all, but
encouraging and fun! I wish you all the best in your sewing journey.
Cinnamon
Acknowledgments
I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity to pass along the things
I’ve learned. Thank you to Marilyn Allen, my agent, whose advice
and guidance have gotten me to this point. Your encouragement and
support have been amazing. I’d like to say a special thanks to Karin
Pascho and Melinda Schlimmer, who worked with me to create the
amazing projects included in this book. Your skill and talent have been
such an inspiration, and your friendships are invaluable. I’d also like to
thank my mom, Victoria Arnold, not just for being an amazing mother,
but for taking the time out of her busy day to teach me to sew. You
have passed along a great gift. A shout-out to my three kids, Jordan,
Makena, and Liberty—thank you for putting up with the crazy sched-
ule and long hours; you guys are the best. And of course I want to
thank my amazing husband, Jason Miles—your support and encourage-
ment have meant the world to me. I’m so excited to be on this lifelong
journey with you.
1Introduction
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Part 1
Getting Started
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