Teach Yourself to Sew is now available. Our Threads editors will walk you through the sewing fundamentals and answer your most-asked questions in this special issue. An hour-long companion DVD is also included.
Don’t forget that you can also purchase the tablet edition of Teach Yourself to Sew Winter 2013 for the iPad and Windows devices. The tablet edition also includes an hour of excerpts from all four seasons of Teach Yourself to Sew.
The Highlights
- Get in the Race
- On Your Mark. Tools for transforming essential information from pattern to fabric
- Get Set. Setting up your sewing space takes more ingenuity than room
- Go! How to drive Your Machine. Manage curves, take corners and keep your sewing smooth
- Make the Cut. Scissors or rotary cutters―you’ll love them both
- Photo Finish. Pressing makes all the difference
- Get in Form. When it comes to fit, a custom dress form is your best friend
- Build Your Skills
- Seams. How to make a lasting fabric connection
- Sew in Shape. Use darts to sculpt garments to your curves
- Edges are Everywhere. Here are a few techniques for finishing them
- What is Interfacing? It’s the key to keeping the shape you want
- Fabric Fundamentals. Identify three basic textile types
- Go with the Grain. Knowing the difference between straight grain, cross-grain, and bias is essential to good sewing
- Discover Patterns
- Read a Pattern Right. Everything you need to know is on―or inside―the pattern envelope
- Navigate the Pattern Universe. There are all kinds of ways to get patterns
- Get to Know Ease. It affects how your patterns fit
- Pattern-Free Sewing Projects. Key measurements and gathering know-how turn 2 garments into 12
- Sew Like a Pro
- Measure Your Clothes. Step into your closet for a pain-free fitting lesson
- Make a Muslin. Test your pattern in a throwaway fabric
- Buttons Matter. It’s important to put the right size button in the right place
- Got Curves? A technique for sewing smooth curves that go in opposite directions
- Fit & Fine-tune
- How to Take Perfect Measurements. Mark first, then measure
- 12 Terrific Finishing Tips. The Association of Sewing and Design Professionals shares strategies for finishing garment edges
- When Good Darts Go Bad. Rotate the dart to reposition fabric fullness
- For a Great Fit, Start at the Shoulders. Your shoulder slope affects the fit of every outfit, so alter patterns to match your body
- Seam Finishes. Match the technique to the fabric for attractive and durable seam allowances
- Fashion Projects
- Trim a Purchased Top. A quick fix for an unloved garment
- Pillow Talk. Make them any size from any fabric
- Dress Your Duvet. Good measurements and great seams get you covered
You’ll also find the following departments:
- Editor’s Note
- Tips
- Web
- Hot Topics
- Quiz
- Quick Reference
- Troubleshooting
- Resources
- Video excerpts from all four seasons
I want to make real all the projects I visualize in my mind
using all the fabrics l love.
I think that truly is my biggest problem -- I have purchased some really special fabrics, patterns, notions, etc., but haven't used my spare time well. I LOVE to create and the process of it all!!!