Table of Contents
The Basics
all about sewing machines
the sewing machine
machine features
machine needles
bobbins
presser feet
specialty accessories
stitch patterns
the serger
serger stitches
tools of the trade
hand-sewing tools
measuring tools
cutting tools
marking tools
all about thread
pressing tools
pressing pointers
interfacing, stabilizers & fusibles
how to apply interfacing
lining in garments
lining and interlining in home décor
functional trim
decorative trim
elastics
working with patterns
commercial patterns
pattern sizing
finding the right size
design & wearing ease
the pattern envelope
the instruction sheet
the pattern pieces
simple length adjustments
getting set to sew
choosing the right fabric
prepare your work space
winding & loading the bobbin
threading the sewing machine
checking stitch tension
prepare your fabric
straightening fabric grain
preparing & laying out the pattern
pinning the pattern
cutting the fabric
marking the fabric
check before you sew
essential techniques
construction stitches
the perfect seam
trimming a seam
types of seams
seam finishes
hand-sewing
hand stitches
securing hand stitches
basting methods
machine-sewing
machine stitches
sewing darts
stitching and mitering corners
making bias binding
mitering bias trim
attaching trims
sewing elastic to fabric
inserting elastic in a casing
making welting
attaching welting
making piping
making fabric bows
making tassels
forming gathers
sewing ruffles
sewing pleats
easing
marking & preparing hems
hemming methods
zippers
zippers
inserting a zipper
inserting a lapped zipper
inserting a centered zipper
closures
buttons and fasteners
attaching fasteners
buttonhole tips
making buttonholes
sewing on buttons
reinforcing buttons
working with fabrics
fabric glossary
woven fabrics
knit fabrics
cotton
linen
silk
wool
rayon, acetate & triacetate
synthetic fibers
sewing special fabrics
sewing stretch fabrics
sewing slippery fabrics
sewing sheer and lace fabrics
sewing napped fabrics
sewing striped, plaid & print fabrics
sewing stripes, plaids & prints
matching stripes, plaids, and prints
laying out pattern pieces
home décor
before you begin
choosing the right fabric
trims
cutting the fabric
piecing fabric widths
pillows and cushions
selecting a pillow style
fabric choices
pillow forms and fillings
closures
fabric requirements
sewing a knife-edge pillow
sewing a boxed pillow
bedroom and bath accents
bedroom fashions and fabrics
measuring the bed
fabric requirements for bed covers
sewing a duvet cover
sewing a dust ruffle
bathroom fashions and fabrics
sewing a shower curtain
sewing bath towels
kitchen & dining room accents
table fashions and fabrics
fabric requirements for tablecloths
shaping tablecloths
hemming tablecloths
sewing a ruffled tablecloth
sewing placemats and table runners
sewing napkins
window treatments
basic window treatments
formal window fashions
casual window fashions
fabrics for window treatments
hardware for window treatments
decorative hardware
mounting boards
measuring windows
fabric requirements
sewing edge-to-edge lining
sewing interior lining
sewing unlined rod-pocket curtains
making tabs
sewing tab curtains
heading tapes
attaching heading tapes
mending and repair
mending basics
assessing the damage
checklist of considerations
common repairs
notions
tools
general guidelines
fixing with fusibles
fusing tips
darning
about darning
darning by hand
darning knit fabrics
darning by machine
patching
about patches
fusing an iron-on pat
patching on the right side
finishing the edges
patching on the wrong side
surface and seam fixes
thread snags and pulls
repairing straight seams
reinforcing stressed seams
mending patch pockets
repairing in-seam pockets
reattaching decorative trim
repairing edge finishes
about closures
closures
choosing replacement buttons
multiple buttons and fabric mends
fixing frayed buttonholes
making a new buttonhole
quick fixes for buttonholes
creative buttonhole repairs
replacing elastic
replacing snaps
replacing hook fasteners
fixing drawstrings
zippers
zipper care
repairing a zipper
fixing a zipper slider
about replacing zippers
replacing a centered zipper
replacing a lapped zipper
replacing a fly-front zipper
replacing a separating zipper
construction and fit fixes
repairing lining
guidelines for adjusting fit
when it's too tight
when it's too loose
when it's too wide
stretched and frayed necklines
hemming
fixing a torn hem
repairing hems by hand
repairing hems by machine
making a simple hem
shortening with fabric tucks
hemming decorative edges
shortening tapered or flared garments
lengthening at the hem
lengthening with a facing or ruffle
lengthening with a cuff
specialty repairs
camouflaging flaws
adding an appliqué
adding beads, sequins, and stones
decorative stitching
decorative trim
adding a patch pocket
adding a pocket flap
refolding pleats
mini makeovers
mending lace
mending leather and suede
mending pile fabrics
mending stretch knits
care and prevention
washing and drying
fixing ironing accidents
storing garments
fabric-cleaning products
how to treat a stain
caring for carpets and upholstery
stain removal chart
index