From choosing material to finishing that final hem, here`s everything you ever wanted to know about sewing--in one invaluable reference. Whether you`re planning to stitch up clothes or create
home accessories, personalize garments or jazz up interiors, these techniques help you give them that special, creative touch. Find out the difference between synthetic and natural fibers, and
see how to handle tricky fabrics like velvets and sheers on your sewing machine. Photos and diagrams show you how to stitch in a straight line by machine or hand. Try tricks of the trade for
improvising buttonholes, making seams that lie flat, preventing edges from fraying; adding collars and pockets; and altering purchased clothes. Dressmaking basics range from darts, tucks, and
gussets to sleeves, linings, and bindings, and there are projects for accessories, bags, belts, scarves, and wraps. Or, embellish furnishings with applique and piping, or whip up an entirely
new set of curtains, slipcovers, or cushions. Plus: because a stitch in time saves nine, a section on the care and repair of textiles will keep all your things looking great!
