Sewing for the Absolute Beginner

This clear and easy-to-follow guide is the ideal tool for the complete beginner to machine sewing. It is packed with sewing expert Caroline Smith’s helpful advice and 25 exciting projects, ranging from pillows and curtains, to an apron, children's playtime tepee and tote bag.

It covers all the equipment, tools, terminology and techniques a beginner needs to know, guiding readers from the basic hand stitches right through to more complex techniques. This is a new edition of a best-selling and much-loved title.

Book Contents

Introduction 8
Fabric know-how 10
Equipment 14
Hand stitches 18
Sewing machine basics 22
Seams 30
Hems 34
Patterns and scaling 38
Simple pillows 42
Table runners 46
Tab-top curtain 50
Tablecloths 54
Bolster pillow 58
Mitred corners 62
Buttons 66
Loops, ties and tabs 70
Zips 74
Duvet cover 78
Cube 82
Roll-up shade 86
Children’s tepee 90
Pocket storage 94
Bias binding 98
Bias strips 102
Piping 106
Peg bag 110
Apron 114
Nursery bag 118
Eyelet curtains 122
Appliqué 126
Using trims 130
Duffel bag 134
Café curtain 138
Mini beanbag 142
Tote bag 146
Quilting techniques 150
Placemats 154
Oven mitts 158
Beaded quilted throw 162
Padded headboard 166
Lined linen basket 170
Beach roll 174
Dining chair cover 178
Fabric glossary 182
Index 190