by Marie Clayton
CONTENTS
CHOOSING A MACHINE
Types of Sewing Machine
Sewing Machine Features
The Right Machine
KNOWING YOUR MACHINE
A Place to Sew
Sewing Machine Anatomy
Presser Feet
Needles
Bobbins
Threading Techniques
Serger Anatomy
Threading a Serger
USING YOUR MACHINE
Getting Started
Stitch Glossary
Stitching Fabrics
Troubleshooting
Getting Started with the Serger
Serger Stitch Glossary
Serger Troubleshooting
Sewing Basics
SEWING SEAMS
Straight Seams
Enclosed Seams
Shaped Seams
Darts
SEWING HEMS
Basic Hems
Circular Hems
Covered Hems
Decorative Hems
ZIPPERS AND BUTTONHOLES
Zippers
Buttonholes
Other Closures
GATHERS, TUCKS AND PLEATS
Gathers
Tucks
Pleats
BINDING AND TRIMMING
Binding
Piping
Trimming
DECORATIVE TECHNIQUES
Embroidery
Appliqué
Patchwork
Machine Quilting
GLOSSARY
INDEX
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Sewing is a practical skill that is useful for running repairs and it can also be a great outlet for your creativity. There are so many interesting fabrics available today, as well as wonderful buttons and trims, that you can make something unique and personal with just a little time and effort.
THE BOOK FOR YOU
Modern sewing machines and sergers have so many exciting features that they can look a bit daunting to a less experienced sewer – but these not only make repetitive or complex tasks quick and stress-free, they can also open up a new world of decorative techniques. This book is designed to help you to choose the right machine for you, and then explains how to get the very best from it whatever you want to make.
BUYING THE RIGHT MACHINE
Chapter 1, Choosing a Machine, covers the different machines available, from a simple manual right through to the multifunction computerized models. There is advice on what particular features to look out for, depending on the type of sewing you want to do, complete with a handy flow chart to help you make your choice. Chapter 2, Knowing Your Machine, begins with how to set up your sewing area for efficient working, and then goes into a guided tour of a typical sewing machine and serger, with details of the main working parts and what they do. It covers the different types of presser foot and needle for the sewing machine and what they are used for. There are illustrated steps for basic techniques such as how to wind a bobbin on your sewing machine, and how to thread up for both the sewing machine and the serger, including how to set the correct tension on the threads for perfect stitch formation.
GETTING STARTED
In Chapter 3, Using Your Machine, we get started on sewing, with explanations of how to set up your machine and how to stitch and guide the fabric. A useful stitch glossary covers the basic stitches that are commonly available on the sewing machine and the serger.
Troubleshooting sections look at common stitching or operational problems, what might have caused them, and how to put them right. A brief section on fabric covers the different types, and explains how best to handle some special fabrics. The chapter ends with information on other sewing equipment you will need for measuring, marking and cutting, along with a step-by-step basic skills section covering pinning, basting and simple hand-stitching techniques.
SEWING TECHNIQUES
The remainder of the book introduces sewing techniques that you can use your machine for. Chapter 4, Sewing Seams, covers the most often used types of seam, with illustrated steps explaining how to stitch each one. There is also a short section with a range of techniques to finish the raw edges of the seam allowance after stitching a straightforward seam, to give a more professional look to your sewing. In addition this chapter covers how to handle corners and curves, as well as stitching darts. Chapter 5, Sewing Hems, covers both basic techniques and decorative treatments, while Chapter 6, Zippers and Buttonholes, looks at the different ways of inserting zippers and adding buttons, buttonholes and other closures. In Chapter 7, Gathers, Tucks and Pleats, we start on some decorative techniques, with how to handle gathers, tucks and pleats for a perfect result every time. Chapter 8, Binding and Trimming, details the best techniques for making and adding binding or piping, as well as sewing on store-bought trims. Chapter 9, Decorative Techniques, is all about embellishing techniques, such as machine embroidery, appliqué, patchwork and quilting, including the basic steps for making a complete quilt. At the end of the book is an extensive glossary, which explains all the sewing terms used in the book for quick reference.