Sewing Manual

Laura Strutt, a freelance journalist, is the former Editor of Craft Business magazine, the leading trade publication. She launched Sew magazine, a monthly contemporary stitching title, in 2009 and continued as Editor until 2012, leaving to pursue freelance work. She enjoys all aspects of sewing from dressmaking to quilting, embroidery to customising and everything in between. Laura lives in Colchester, Essex, and this is her first book.

• Essential kit: different varieties of scissors, needles, measures, markers, pins and advanced tools.Sewing machines: choosing one, the functions and terms, specialist machines, how they work, setting tension, care and maintenance.Fabrics: varieties, properties, patterns and preparing for sewing.Materials: threads, stitches, webbing, interfacing, wadding and stuffing.Techniques: straight sewing, curves and corners, seam allowance, starting and finishing.Fastenings: zips, buttons, Velcro, and hooks and eyes.Techniques: trims, edgings, pleats, gathers and tucks.Embellishment and customisation: embroidery, applique, Suffolk Puffs, beads and sequins.Clothing and dressmaking: sizing, patterns, darts, hems, pockets, waistlines, collars, sleeves, linings and mending clothes.Home furnishings: curtains, blinds, cushions and quilts.Step-by-step projects: embroidered napkin set, applique phone case, wrap scarf, snap-frame purse, envelope cushion cover, no-pattern skirt and bunting.ORIGINAL HARDBACK VERSION ISBN : 978 0 85733 279 0