Beginner's Guide to Machine Sewing

Clémentine Collinet has been a professional children’s illustrator producing pictures, games and books for toddlers for over 15 years. About 10 years ago she discovered the wonderful world of fabrics and began designing and making soft toys, mobiles and other toys for children. Clémentine is inspired by fabrics and enjoys creating personalised gifts and designs for others.

• Before starting 8Your sewing machine 10Preparing the bobbins 12The ideal sewing box 14Commonly used terms 17Sewing simple items 20Prepare your work 24Sewing using a straight stitch 25Make a corner seam 26Finish off a seam: reverse stitch or knot 28Oversewing 30Cutting 30Closing up a seam 31Simple cushion 32Working from a template 36Sewing shapes 37Adding a piece of fabric 37Sewing several layers of fabric 38Covering a button 40Sewing a button using your presser foot 41Closing up a seam by hand using small, invisible stitches 41Soft toy 42Using a zigzag stitch 48Sewing bias binding in one single seam 49Bunting 50Embroidering a buttonhole 54Topstitching a pocket 56Sewing on a flat button 57Preparing drawstring casing 58Preparing a tape 60Sliding a tape or piece of elastic into a drawstring casing 61Small drawstring bag 62Sewing frills 66Following guide marks 67Frilly flower brooches 68Sew your own clothes 70Sewing darts 74Sewing facings 75Making a fine tape 76Hem by machine 77Simple, strappy top 78Work with raw edges and seam allowances 82Make bias binding 83Sew bias binding 84Sew on press studs 85Skirt 86Sewing a shoulder 90Inserting a sleeve 91Making a reversible garment 92Baby’s reversible kimono 96Sew accessories 98Add rickrack braid 102Attach heading tape 103Make a flat hem 104White curtains 106Stiffening fabric 110Sewing an appliqué 111Inserting a zip fastener 112Cushion with star appliqué 114Quilting 118Quilted throw 122Preparing and sewing simple patchwork 126A patchwork throw 130Prepare and sew piping 134Attaching piping to a cushion 136Cushion with piping 138Sew a bag 140Making a reversible bag 144Preparing and attaching straps 145Adding a braid 147Shoulder bag 148Embellishing with decorative stitches 152Removing excess fabric 153Denim bag 154

September/ October 2014Aimed at the beginner, this is the perfect introduction to the world of sewing. After chapters on basic equipment, there are fifty lessons covering all the skills necessary to proceed on to making the exciting projects that follow. Full size pull-out patterns are included, with full step by step instructions, ensuring satisfying results for all. This is the perfect book for the novice sewer wishing to expand their knowledge, especially useful with the current trend of home sewing. Excellent value for money.