Ultimate Sewing Bible

Sewing is an extremely rewarding hobby. With so many different fabrics, embellishments and trimmings now available on the high street and online, it is easier than ever to create unique clothes and home furnishings. Now available in paperback, this best-selling title is THE essential guide to sewing. Each chapter is devoted to one key area of sewing and provides clear and concise in-depth instructions along with step-by-step instructions for basic principles and more advanced sewing techniques. Learn about materials and equipment, and choosing the right machine to work for you in chapter one, then move onto fabrics and patterns in the following chapter. Once you’re comfortable with the basic stitches, seams and techniques, learn how to make clothing, accessories and soft furnishings. With this book by your side, you will soon be able to make anything from a commercial pattern, and will also know how to alter patterns to suit your style. With a section on care and repair, you will find out how to look after and fix homemade and store-bought items. And if it can’t be fixed, learn how fabric and trimmings can be reused or upcycled into something else. This comprehensive guide offers a glossary of sewing terms, clear instructions and hundreds of illustrations and diagrams showing each stage of the sewing process. It’ll be the one resource that you will turn to time and time again.

Quilting is a hugely popular pastime, with many people all over the world producing beautiful quilts to be displayed as wall hangings for display, as well as to be used as bedcovers and throws. Now available in paperback, this best-selling title is THE essential guide to quilting. This book aims to cover all the basic techniques that are used in making a quilt, whatever kind you might wish to create. Learn about materials and equipment, and choosing the right sewing machine to work for you in chapter 1, then move onto fabrics and their characteristics in the following chapter. A section on colour and pattern will help you design your quilt, as you decide which of the quilt-making traditions you are most drawn to: wholecloth and strippy quilts, pieced quilts, appliquéd quilts, embellished quilts or folded quilts. With inspirational photographs of traditional and well-loved designs in each section, as well as specific techniques that apply to each quilt, you will be spoilt for choice. There is also a section on the care, cleaning and storage of quilts, as well as a glossary of quilt-making terms. This comprehensive guide also offers clear instructions and hundreds of illustrations and diagrams to show each stage of the quilting process. It’ll be the one resource that you will turn to time and time again.

This volume in Collins & Brown’s bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques you need to begin making beautiful projects with paper. The book covers all the basic papercraft techniques, many of which can be achieved using only paper, scissors and glue. There is even a chapter on materials as well as a useful tools section for more advanced papercrafting techniques. Once you've got the basics covered, you will be amazed at the variety of paper techniques there are to explore. Various paper treatments are covered in the sections on colouring, decorating and texturing. You will learn how to make beautiful cards for family and friends in the cardmaking chapter, and add a special personal touch to gifts by making your own envelopes, giftwrap and gift boxes. The scrapbooking chapter is packed full of ideas on ways to preserve memories of trips and events. Decorative techniques can be found in the papercutting and origami chapters, and there is a final chapter on other papercrafts which includes techniques such as papier maché, decoupage, quilling and advice on the best ways to make your own paper.

Star of the Great British Sewing Bee and doyenne of the Women’s Institute, May Martin has been teaching sewing for over 40 years. Now for the first time she shares her tips and tricks, offering the ultimate beginners’ guide to sewing.

Sewing is the perfect hobby – it is relaxing, creative and extremely useful! But sewing machines can seem complicated. This book has everything you need to know to choose, use and look after your sewing machine with confidence. The first chapters will help you choose a machine, explaining which features to look out for. Once you’ve got your machine home, the step-by-step instructions will help you get to grips with everything. Learn how to set up your machine and its basic functions including: winding a bobbin, threading up and adjusting tension and stitch size. With plenty of information on basic dressmaking techniques, you will soon be tackling seams and hems, zips and buttonholes, gathers and pleats, binding and trimming. Feeling creative? Try out some decorative techniques – with machine embroidery, appliqué, patchwork and quilting. And if you get stuck, there is an invaluable trouble shooting section along with a jargon busting glossary. So whether you want to use your sewing machine to carry out simple repairs, customize and alter your vintage finds, create a whole new wardrobe from scratch, or make a stylish curtains and cushions for your home, be sure to have this manual by your side at all times!

A one-stop reference volume devoted to every aspect of crochet Comprehensive information for both beginners and experienced crocheters More than 400 step-by-step photographs and illustrations for techniques Ultimate Crochet Bible is a definitive reference for all aspects of crochet – from the first chain to care and maintenance of your projects. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, the book boasts more than 400 step-by-step illustrations and diagrams to guide you through the process. With a simple format and cross-references on virtually every page, this one-stop volume makes every aspect of crochet accessible to crocheters of all ages. Other titles in the series include: Ultimate Sewing Bible (9781843404118), Ultimate Knitting Bible (9781843404507) and Ultimate Quilting Bible (9781843405023).

The latest volume in Collins & Brown’s bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques of the masters in an easy-to-understand format. This comprehensive new reference book contains everything you need to know about drawing and painting. The Tools and Materials chapter lists all the essentials you’ll need to satisfy those creative urges. Techniques are covered in detail, with clear step-by-step instructions. There are chapters on Drawing, Watercolour, Acrylics, Oils and Other Media including gouache, egg tempera, chroma colour and collage. Once you have settled on your medium, the chapters on Still Life, Landscape, Figures and Animals are full of tips and hints to get the best out of your subject. Other titles in this series include: Ultimate Woodworking Bible (9781843405740), Ultimate Sewing Bible (9781843404118), Ultimate Knitting Bible (9781843404507), Ultimate Quilting Bible (9781843404507), Ultimate Crochet Bible (9781843405634) and Ultimate Papercraft Bible (9781843406723). Word count: 60,000

This new title in the bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques you need to begin beading – all the main crafts that use beads have been brought together in one book. The first chapter takes a brief look at the different ways of working with beads and covers the tools and basic techniques you will need to get started, as well as taking a detailed look at the ready-made beads available and how they are best used. The following chapter covers making beads in several different materials; although ready-made beads are easy to find, making your own can be very easy and is the ideal way to add a unique personal touch to your work. It also includes a section on using found materials as unusual beads. The chapter on bead jewellery covers basic jewellery making techniques and then moves on to threading ideas, and how to incorporate beads with different materials and techniques to make more unusual pieces. In the wirework chapter you will learn how to use wire and beads together for more than just jewellery – this section also covers ideas for decorative items and cardmaking. Bead looming and weaving are traditional techniques for creating closely beaded work, which can be used for everything from vintage-look decorative straps to ethnic bracelets. Beads can also be worked in to knitting and crochet projects as you work; all the basic techniques for doing this are included in chapter 5, along with some unusual beaded stitches to try. The final chapter on beaded embroiderycovers the different ways to combine beads and fabric or thread, from how to add a few random beads for a little sparkle to creating luxurious beaded fabrics or heavily beaded fringing.