Complete Idiots Guide Big Book of Needle Arts and Crafts

by Ehrlich, Laura; Diven, Gail; Young, Mary Ann; Willis, Lydia

• ISBN13: 9781592572809
• ISBN10: 1592572804
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-11-02
• Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary

The Complete Idiot's Guide Big Book of Needle Arts and Craftsis the quintessential reference book for needlepoint, embroidery, quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and more! With 800 pages of information and projects, this book is the ultimate how-to! Includes patterns for making afghans, hats, window treatments, pillows, and more!

Author Biography

Laura Ehrlich, author of The Complete Idiot-'s Guide to Quilting Illustrated, has been teaching quilting for 20 years. In addition to creating hundreds of quilts, many of which have been featured in New York galleries, she also pieced and quilted a section of the AIDS quilt.

Gail Diven is a freelance needle arts designer, specializing in knitting, crochet, and fabric designs. She served as knitting editor for Vogue Butterick Company and is an author of The Complete Idiot-'s Guide to Knitting and Crocheting Illustrated.

Mary Ann Young, the author of The Complete Idiot-'s Guide to Needlework, is an accomplished needlecraft expert and interior designer who has appeared in Martha Stewart Living, on Martha Stewart Living TV, and in Martha by Mail, as well as Better Homes and Gardens and County Living.

Lydia Wills is a New York-based literary agent who sidelines as a seamstress, specializing in home accents, elegant dresses, and fancy pajamas.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Quilting	1	(232)
1 Time to Plan Your Quilt	3	(8)
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!	4	(1)
What's Your Quilt's Use?	4	(1)
Will Your Quilt Be the Center of Attention?	4	(1)
What Do You Like?	5	(1)
Be Realistic	5	(1)
The Quilt Setup	6	(1)
Block	6	(1)
Lattice	6	(1)
Border	7	(1)
Batting	7	(1)
Backing	7	(1)
Binding	7	(1)
Quilt Designs	7	(4)
2 Tools of the Trade	11	(8)
The Necessities: Supplies You Need Right Now	11	(5)
Pencils	12	(1)
Rulers	12	(1)
Straight Pins	12	(1)
Paper Scissors	13	(1)
Fabric Scissors	13	(1)
Needles	13	(1)
Thread	14	(1)
Poster Board or Oak Tag	14	(1)
Rubber Cement	14	(1)
Sandpaper	15	(1)
Seam Ripper	15	(1)
Thimbles	15	(1)
Things You Will Need Later	16	(1)
Optional Supplies That Are Neat	16	(3)
Graph Paper	17	(1)
Quilter's Quarter	17	(1)
Rotary Cutter	17	(1)
Cutting Mat with Grids	18	(1)
Ruler with a Lip	18	(1)
T-Square Ruler	18	(1)
Quilting Pins	18	(1)
3 Materially Speaking, Now Much Do You Need?	19	(8)
Your Quilt's Dimensions	20	(1)
Lap Quilt	20	(1)
Twin Size	20	(1)
Full Size	20	(1)
Queen Size	21	(1)
King Size	21	(1)
How Many Pieces Can I Get from a Yard?	21	(2)
Do Your Math: Calculate the Right Amount	23	(4)
4 Time to Purchase Your Fabric	27	(6)
What Type of Fabric?	27	(1)
Where to Get Your Fabric	28	(1)
Put Your Fabric on a Scale, Then Do a Background Check	29	(1)
Blending Your Fabric Together: Dominant and Contrasting	30	(3)
5 Knowing and Taking tare of Your Fabric	33	(4)
Don't Forget to Wash!	33	(1)
Keep Your Fabrics Dry!	34	(1)
The Straight- and Narrow-of-Grain Line	35	(2)
6 Words to Live By: Templates Are the Patterns of Success	37	(6)
Materials for Making Templates	38	(1)
Accuracy Counts	39	(1)
Templates for Machine-Piecing	40	(3)
7 On Your Mark, Get Set, Cut!	43	(6)
Equip Yourself	44	(1)
It's as Easy as Drawing from Dot to Dot	45	(1)
Cut Between the Sewing Lines	45	(2)
Stack and Store	47	(2)
8 Do Be a Sew and Sew	49	(8)
Know Your Stitches	50	(3)
Piecing Stitch: Know the Ins and Outs	50	(1)
Appliqué Stitch	51	(2)
How Does It Seam?	53	(1)
Put Your Blocks Together: Sew Row by Row	54	(1)
Ironing Out Your Mistakes	55	(2)
9 Easy Pieced Patchwork Blocks	57	(30)
Double Nine Patch	58	(3)
Churn Dash	61	(4)
Ohio Star	65	(4)
Weathervane	69	(6)
Dutchman's Puzzle	75	(3)
Eight Point Star	78	(4)
Rolling Star	82	(5)
10 Challenging Pieced Patchwork Blocks	87	(24)
What Makes a Block Difficult?	87	(4)
Mirror Images	89	(1)
Slow Down on Curves	89	(2)
Bear's Paw	91	(4)
Clay's Choice	95	(3)
Virginia Star	98	(4)
Pinwheel	102	(4)
54-40 or Fight	106	(4)
Drunkard's Path	110	(1)
11 Combination Pieced and Appliqué Blocks	111	(24)
Appli-What?	117	(1)
Let's Learn the Basic Steps of Appliqué	118	(1)
Dresden Plate	119	(4)
Grandmother's Fan	123	(3)
Honey Bee Patch	126	(3)
Peony Patch	129	(6)
12 Traditional Appliqué Block Patterns: Add a Layer to Your Quilt	135	(16)
Strange Ways to Check Your Frays	136	(6)
Spray Starch Your Templates	137	(1)
Plastic Templates Only	137	(1)
Freezer Paper	138	(1)
Dryer Sheet Method	139	(1)
Appliqué on the Bias	140	(1)
Decorative Stitching for Appliqué	141	(1)
Put Your Techniques to Work	142	(3)
Hearts All Around	142	(3)
Tulip Block	145	(6)
13 Use Your Sewing Machine: Machine-Pieced Blocks	151	(20)
Pressure but No Pain-Your Machine Tension	152	(3)
Let's Start at the Top	153	(1)
Under the Bed	153	(2)
Hints for Machine Piecing	155	(2)
Quick Methods for Joining Blocks	157	(2)
Chain Piecing	157	(1)
Strip Piecing	158	(1)
Machine-Pieced Blocks	159	(8)
Log Cabin Block	160	(5)
Rail Fence	165	(2)
Let's Zig and Zag Your Appliqué Blocks	167	(4)
14 Setting It All Together	171	(12)
Solving the Quilt Puzzle	171	(6)
Side-by-Side Blocks	173	(1)
Alternate with Solid Blocks	174	(1)
Lattice Alone	175	(1)
Use a Different Slant	176	(1)
Joining It All Together	177	(2)
It's Time to Cross the Borders	179	(2)
To Miter or Not to Miter	181	(2)
15 The Three B's: Batting, Backing, and Basting	183	(10)
Don't Go Batty-Know All the Types of Batting	184	(1)
Polyester Batting	184	(1)
Polyester Batting on a Roll or Bolt	184	(1)
Cotton Batting	184	(1)
Other Fillings	185	(1)
Backing: It's Not Always the Wrong Side	185	(1)
What Size Should the Backing and Batting Be?	186	(3)
Wrinkle-Free Basting for Your Quilt Layers	189	(4)
Basting a Small Project	189	(1)
Basting Large Projects	190	(3)
16 Quilting 101	193	(16)
Choosing Quilt Designs	194	(2)
Got an Idea? Mark Your Quilt!	196	(2)
Hand Quilting	198	(6)
Hoop or Frame?	198	(1)
Quilting Frames	198	(1)
Hoops	199	(1)
Rock Your Stitches	200	(3)
Stabbing Is a No-No	203	(1)
Securing Your Stitching	203	(1)
Tie Your Quilt into Knots	204	(1)
Machine Quilting	205	(4)
Thread, Bobbins, and Presser Feet	206	(1)
Support and Seams	206	(3)
17 Your Finished Quilt	209	(12)
Finally Get Rid of Those Frayed Edges	210	(4)
Turning the Border Fabric to the Back	210	(1)
Turning the Backing Fabric to the Front	211	(1)
Attached Bias Binding	211	(2)
Pillow Technique	213	(1)
Do Get Into a Bind	214	(4)
Making Bias Strips	214	(1)
Molar Method of Making Bias	215	(3)
Signing Your Quilt	218	(3)
18 Quilting Project: A Basic Pillow	221	(12)
Making a Pillow	222	(8)
Lace Insertions	223	(1)
Inserting Piping	224	(1)
Applying a Ruffle	225	(3)
Finishing the Pillow Back	228	(2)
Quilts Are the New Artwork	230	(5)
Hidden Sleeve Method	230	(1)
Fabric Loops	231	(2)
Part 2: Embroidery	233	(80)
19 Tools of the Trade	235	(8)
The Material World of Embroidery	235	(2)
Nice Threads!	237	(1)
The Fine Points of Needles	238	(1)
Taut and Tidy Frames	239	(1)
Little Extras Make a Big Difference	240	(1)
Kits: Packaged Goods	241	(2)
20 Technique Chic	243	(10)
Consider Yourself Framed!	243	(1)
Setting Up the Hoop Frame	244	(1)
Mounting Odd Shapes	244	(1)
Binding the Frame	245	(1)
Preparing the Straight-Sided Frame	245	(1)
The Nitty-Gritty Basics	246	(2)
Cutting and Binding	247	(1)
Preparing the Threads	247	(1)
From Start to Finish	247	(1)
Helpful Tips	248	(1)
Enlarging and Reducing Designs	249	(1)
Transferring a Design	250	(3)
Freehand Embroidery	250	(1)
Tracing With Dressmaker's Carbon	251	(1)
Hot Iron Transfer	251	(1)
Basting Through Tissue Paper	252	(1)
Tracing-Paper Templates	252	(1)
21 In Stitches	253	(18)
At First Stitch	253	(1)
Flat Stitches	254	(4)
Running Stitch	254	(1)
Double Running Stitch	255	(1)
Backstitch	255	(1)
Stem Stitch	256	(1)
Straight Stitch	256	(1)
Satin Stitch	256	(1)
Seed Stitch	257	(1)
Encroaching Satin Stitch	258	(1)
Cross-Stitches	258	(4)
Basic Cross-Stitch	258	(1)
Long-Armed Cross-Stitch	259	(1)
Herringbone Stitch	260	(1)
Basket Stitch	260	(1)
Zigzag Stitch	261	(1)
Leaf Stitch	262	(1)
Looped Stitches	262	(4)
Chain Stitch	262	(1)
Lazy Daisy	263	(1)
Blanket Stitch	264	(1)
Checkered Chain Stitch	264	(1)
Open Chain	264	(1)
Feather Stitch	265	(1)
Cretan Stitch	265	(1)
Knotted Stitches	266	(5)
French Knot	266	(1)
Coral Stitch	267	(1)
Bullion Stitch	267	(1)
Scroll Stitch	268	(1)
Zigzag Stitch	268	(1)
Four Legged Knot	269	(1)
Knotted Chain Stitch	269	(2)
22 Embroidery Project: The Art of Monogramming	271	(8)
Making It Your Own	272	(1)
The A to Z of Monograms	272	(1)
Know Your Alphabets	272	(2)
Stitching Simple Letters and Monograms	274	(1)
Padding Your Lettering	275	(1)
Braid and Ribbon Lettering	275	(1)
Using Openwork	276	(1)
The Simplicity of Samplers	277	(2)
23 Combining Stitches and Special Effects	279	(10)
Special Techniques	279	(3)
Couching	280	(1)
Laidwork	280	(1)
Smocking	281	(1)
Smocking Stitches	282	(2)
Stem Stitch	282	(1)
Cable Stitch	283	(1)
Honeycomb Stitch	283	(1)
Beadwork	284	(2)
Stitching With Beads	284	(1)
Applying Sequins	285	(1)
Combining Stitches for Special Effects	286	(3)
Crewelwork	286	(1)
Stumpwork	286	(1)
Whitework	286	(1)
Blackwork	287	(2)
24 Designing Your Own Embroidery	289	(6)
The Forming of Forms	289	(1)
Inspiration for Designs	290	(1)
Helpful Hints for Preparing Your Design	291	(2)
Design Decisions	291	(1)
Type of Fabric	291	(1)
Outlines	291	(1)
Voiding	291	(1)
Backgrounds	292	(1)
Color and Thread Combos	292	(1)
Different Color Effects	293	(1)
Pictorial Embroidery	293	(2)
25 The Embroiderer's Finishing Touch	295	(8)
The Finishing Touches	296	(3)
Blocking	296	(1)
Mounting	297	(1)
Framing	298	(1)
Professional Framers	299	(1)
Getting It on the Wall	299	(1)
In the Wash	300	(2)
Keep Away, Moths!	302	(1)
26 Embroidery Project: An ABCs Sampler	303	(10)
Small, Simple, and Sweet: A Sampler	303	(1)
Getting Acquainted with the Materials	304	(1)
The Fabric	304	(1)
The Needle	304	(1)
The Thread	305	(1)
Helpful Tools	305	(1)
Reading the Chart	305	(1)
The Stitch	305	(1)
Preparing Your Thread	305	(2)
Preparing Your Fabric	307	(1)
Ready, Set, Stitch	307	(1)
Framing	308	(1)
Grids to Make Your Own	308	(5)
Part 3: Needlepoint	313	(66)
27 Needlepoint Tools of the Trade	315	(8)
Your Canvas	316	(3)
Mono Canvas	316	(1)
Double or Penelope Canvas	317	(1)
Interlock and Rug Canvases	317	(1)
Plastic and Paper Canvas	318	(1)
To the Point: Needles	319	(1)
Yarn	319	(1)
Frames	320	(1)
The Little Extras	321	(1)
Needlepoint...Ready to Go	321	(2)
Kits	321	(1)
Hand-Painted Designs	322	(1)
Charts	322	(1)
Tramméd Canvas	322	(1)
28 Needlepoint Tips and Tricks	323	(6)
Fragile...Handle with Care!	323	(1)
Take a Stab at Stitches	324	(1)
Thread Tech	325	(1)
Transferring Techniques	326	(3)
Using Dressmaker's Carbon	326	(1)
The Homemade Light Box Trick	326	(1)
Transferring With Markers and Paints	327	(1)
Charting a Design	328	(1)
29 Just Point and Stitch	329	(16)
Tent	329	(2)
Half-Cross-Stitch	330	(1)
Continental Stitch	330	(1)
Basketweave Stitch	331	(1)
Diagonal	331	(5)
Gobelin Stitch	332	(1)
Encroaching Gobelin	333	(1)
Working Graduated Diagonal Stitches	333	(1)
Condensed Scottish Stitch	334	(1)
Checker Stitch	334	(2)
Byzantine Stitch	336	(1)
Crossed	336	(3)
Basic Horizontal Cross-Stitch	336	(1)
Diagonal Cross-Stitch	337	(1)
Oblong Cross-Stitch	338	(1)
Rice Stitch	338	(1)
Straight	339	(2)
Upright Gobelin Stitch	339	(1)
Gobelin Filling Stitch	340	(1)
Random Long Stitch	340	(1)
Long and Short Stitch	340	(1)
Star	341	(1)
Large Algerian Eye Stitch	342	(1)
Looped	342	(3)
Velvet Stitch	343	(2)
30 Bargello Design	345	(6)
Bargello Basics	345	(3)
Fundamental Zigzag	346	(1)
Adding Curves	347	(1)
Catching Waves	347	(1)
Fish Scales	348	(1)
Two-Way Bargello	348	(1)
Four-Way Bargello	349	(1)
Effects of Color	350	(1)
31 Designing Your Own Needlepoint	351	(8)
Inspirations for Needlepoint Ideas	351	(1)
Sampling Samplers	352	(3)
Freehand Design	355	(2)
Drawing Directly on Canvas	355	(1)
Stitching Directly on Canvas	356	(1)
Supersize It!	357	(2)
32 Adding Your Own Flair	359	(6)
Backgrounds	359	(2)
Not-So-Plain Jane	360	(1)
Blended Tones	360	(1)
Marbled Backgrounds	360	(1)
Patterned Backgrounds	361	(1)
Unworked Backgrounds	361	(1)
Shading Techniques	361	(1)
Creating Texture	362	(1)
Direction of Stitches	362	(1)
Changing Tone	362	(1)
Raised Effects	362	(1)
Touching Up Borders	363	(2)
Border Effects	363	(1)
Shaped Borders	363	(1)
Corners	364	(1)
Overflowing Borders	364	(1)
33 Finishing Your Needlepoint	365
Necessary Tools	365	(1)
The First Step: Blocking	366	(1)
Joining Needlework Pieces	366	(2)
Mounting Techniques	368	(1)
Framing Your Work	369	(1)
Hanging Your Needlepoint	369	(1)
Clean but Don't Scrub!	370
34 Needlepoint Project: A Dollhouse Rug	313	(66)
Making a Dollhouse Rug	374	(1)
Getting Acquainted with the Materials	375	(1)
The Canvas	375	(1)
The Needle	375	(1)
The Yarn	376	(1)
The Chart	376	(1)
The Stitch	376	(1)
Ready to Start	376	(1)
Finishing	377	(1)
Where to Go from Here?	377	(2)
Part 4: Knitting	379	(120)
35 Choose Your Poison: A Yarn Primer	381	(10)
Put Up Your Yarn: Common Yarn Packaging	382	(1)
Watching Your Weight: Choosing the Right Thickness for the Right Job	383	(1)
Threads	383	(1)
Yarns	383	(1)
Selectinga Fiber	384	(2)
Digging for Clues: Learning to Read Yarn Labels	386	(2)
How Much to Buy?	388	(1)
Spinning Yarn into Gold	388	(3)
36 Don't Skip This Chapter! Checking Your Gauge	391	(8)
What Is Gauge?	391	(1)
Can I See Gauge in Action?	392	(1)
How Does Gauge Affect Me?	393	(1)
How Do Patterns Specify Gauge?	393	(1)
What Happens If My Gauge Doesn't Match the Pattern?	393	(1)
Is Gauge Ever Unimportant?	394	(1)
Checking Your Gauge	395	(2)
Measuring Gauge When Knitting	395	(1)
Measuring Gauge When Crocheting	396	(1)
The Height's Okay, but the Weight's a Bit Hefty	396	(1)
Extra Helps: Searching for Gauge Clues	397	(1)
Switching from Swatching	397	(1)
A Final Exhortation	397	(1)
Is Gauge Nothing but a Boil on My Neck?	397	(1)
What Do I Do with All These Little Squares?	398	(1)
37 An Overview of Knitting Tools	399	(8)
Knitting Needles	399	(3)
Straight or Circular?	400	(1)
Is That American or English?	401	(1)
Trekking Through the Material World	402	(1)
Accessories Make the Job Easier	402	(5)
Measuring Tools	403	(1)
Stitch Holders	403	(1)
Stitch Markers	404	(1)
Cable Needles	404	(1)
Bobbins	405	(1)
Crochet Hooks	405	(1)
Needles and Pins	406	(1)
38 Building the foundation: lasting On Stitches	407	(10)
Casting What?	407	(1)
Setting the Stage	408	(6)
The Single Life	410	(1)
Doubles, Anyone?	411	(2)
The Able Cable	413	(1)
The Single Method Cast-On with Your Left Hand	414	(3)
39 The Big Three: Knitting, Purling, and Binding Off	417	(14)
Common Knitting and Purling Abbreviations	418	(1)
Same Stitch, Different Look: Knitting and Purling	418	(1)
Knitting 101	418	(4)
Getting a Grip	419	(1)
Taking the Plunge	420	(1)
Turning Your Work	421	(1)
Purls of Wisdom	422	(1)
Bringing It to a Close	423	(1)
Binding Off in Purling	424	(1)
Left-Handed Knitting	424	(4)
Your Starting Position	424	(1)
The Knit Stitch	425	(2)
The Purl Stitch	427	(1)
The Fabulous Two: Garter Stitch and Stockinette Stitch	428	(3)
Garter Stitch	428	(1)
Stockinette Stitch	429	(2)
40 Special Stitches Using Knitting and Purling	431	(10)
Common Stitching Abbreviations	432	(1)
Simple Patterns That Use the Basic Stitches	432	(5)
Seed Stitch	432	(1)
Ribbing	433	(2)
Checkers, Anyone?	435	(2)
Cable Knitting	437	(4)
Cable 4 Back (c4b)	437	(2)
Cable 4 Front (c4f)	439	(2)
41 Knitting Project: Whip Up a Neck-Loving Scarf	441	(4)
What Do I Need?	442	(1)
How Do I Make It?	442	(1)
Variations on a Theme	443	(2)
42 What Goes Up Must Come Down: Increasing and Decreasing	445	(8)
Common Increase/Decrease Abbreviations	445	(1)
When Too Much Isn't Enough: Increasing	446	(3)
Yarn Over (yo)	446	(1)
Bar Increase	447	(1)
Make 1 (ml)	448	(1)
Losing the Girth: Decreasing	449	(2)
Knit 2 Together (k2Tog)	449	(1)
Slip Slip Knit (ssk)	450	(1)
Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl, k, psso)	450	(1)
When Increasing and Decreasing Doesn't Do Either	451	(2)
43 Knitting Project: Making a Cotton Dishcloth	453	(4)
What Do I Need?	454	(1)
How Do I Make It?	454	(2)
Variations on a Theme	456	(1)
44 Knitting in the Round	457	(8)
Common in-the-Round Abbreviations	457	(1)
Why Go 'Round and 'Round?	458	(1)
Knitting on a Circular Needle	459	(2)
Knitting on Double-Pointed Needles	461	(4)
45 Making Your Knitting Colorful	465	(10)
Common Color Abbreviations	466	(1)
On Your Mark, Get Set, Stripe	466	(1)
Fair Isle Knitting	467	(4)
Stranding Yarn from the Right Side	467	(2)
Stranding Yarn from the Wrong Side	469	(1)
Doing the Twist the Fair Isle Way	470	(1)
Intarsia Knitting	471	(1)
Duplicate Stitch	472	(3)
46 Knitting Project: Knit Up a Hat in the Round	475	(6)
What Do I Need?	476	(1)
How Do I Make It	477	(2)
Variations on a Theme	479	(2)
47 Talking the Talk: Reading a Knit Pattern	481	(8)
Common Knit Abbreviations	482	(2)
And Asterisks for All!	484	(1)
The Asterisk Makes Its Mark	484	(1)
Parenthetical Considerations	485	(1)
Plus a Couple Extra Knit Stitches	485	(1)
Charting the Patterns	485	(2)
Calling All Sizes	487	(2)
48 Correcting Common Knitting Gaffes	489	(10)
Taking the Bull by the Horns: Preventing Mistakes	490	(1)
Turning Twisted Stitches	490	(1)
Catching Dropped Stitches	491	(5)
Using Needles to Pick Up a Dropped Knit Stitch	491	(2)
Using Needles to Pick Up a Dropped Purl Stitch	493	(2)
How to Become a Major Pick-Up Artist	495	(1)
Showing Sloppy Stitches Who's Boss	496	(1)
When All Else Fails: Let 'Er Rip!	496	(1)
Taking Out just a Few Stitches	496	(1)
Going Wild!	497	(1)
Extra, Extra!	497	(2)
Part 5: Crocheting	499	(94)
49 An Overview of Crochet Tools	501	(6)
Crochet Hooks	501	(3)
Parts of a Crochet Hook	502	(1)
Reverting to Type: Crochet Hook Sizes and Types	503	(1)
Afghan Hooks	504	(3)
Measuring Tools	504	(1)
Bobbins	505	(1)
Stitch Markers	505	(1)
Finishing Accessories	506	(1)
50 Getting Started: Basic Crochet Stitches	507	(20)
Common Basic Crochet Abbreviations	507	(1)
Basic Training	508	(3)
Slip Knot in the Making	508	(1)
The Whole Yarn in Your Hands	509	(2)
The Base of All Crochet: The Foundation Chain	511	(3)
Making the Chain	511	(1)
Heads or Tails?	512	(1)
Turning Chains	513	(1)
Basic Stitches	514	(7)
Slip Stitch (sl st)	515	(1)
Single Crochet (sc)	516	(1)
Half-Double Crochet (hdc)	517	(1)
Double Crochet (dc)	518	(2)
Triple Crochet (trc)	520	(1)
Left-Handed Crochet	521	(6)
Left-Handed Basics	522	(1)
Get Ready to Make Your First Chain	523	(1)
Left-Handed Single Crochet (sc)	524	(3)
51 Crocheting Project: A Cozy Afghan	527	(4)
What Do I Need?	527	(1)
How Do I Make It?	528	(2)
Variations on a Theme	530	(1)
52 Shaping Your Work	531	(12)
Common Shaping Abbreviations	531	(1)
Upping the Ante	532	(1)
Less Is More-Sometimes	532	(3)
Singles, Anyone? Decreasing in Single Crochet	533	(1)
Decreasing in Double Crochet	533	(1)
Decreasing in Triple Crochet	534	(1)
New Threads	535	(2)
Working Under One Loop	535	(1)
Working Around the Post of a Stitch	535	(2)
Crocheting Around in Circles and Squares	537	(6)
How to Work Around and Around	538	(1)
Making the Circle Behave	539	(1)
Working Rounds in Double and Triple Crochet	540	(1)
Grannies Have More Fun	540	(3)
53 Chameleon Moves: Becoming a Colorful Crocheter	543	(4)
Adding a New Color at the End of a Row	543	(1)
Your Secret Mission: Hiding Ends in Color Blocks	544	(1)
Crocheting with Bobbins	545	(2)
54 Cracking the Code: Reading Crochet Patterns	547	(6)
Common Crochet Abbreviations	547	(2)
Is This an Asterisk Before Me?	549	(1)
Acing the Asterisks	549	(1)
Practicing with Parentheses	549	(1)
Primed for the Pluses	550	(1)
The Sounds of Silence: Patterns Without Words	550	(1)
Playing the Sizing Game	551	(2)
55 Specialty Stitches and Patterns	553	(18)
We're Not Talking Fish Here	554	(7)
Filet in Spaces and Blocks-Oh, My!	554	(1)
Spinning the Web: Creating Your First Mesh Piece	554	(2)
Filling in the Dots	556	(1)
Forming a Lacet	557	(1)
Increasing and Decreasing in Filet Crochet	558	(2)
Reading a Filet Crochet Chart	560	(1)
Afghan (Tunisian) Crochet	561	(3)
Hooked on Afghans: Practice Makes Perfect	561	(3)
A Stitch in Time	564	(5)
Keeping It Simple	564	(2)
Cluster Stitches	566	(2)
Shell and V Stitches	568	(1)
Variety Is the Spice of Crochet	569	(2)
Irish Roses	569	(1)
Leaves for the Irish Rose	570	(1)
56 Crocheting Project: Set a Stunning Table with Woven Placemats	571	(6)
What Do I Need?	572	(1)
How Do I Make It?	572	(3)
Variations on a Theme	575	(2)
57 Finishing Your Work	577	(16)
Common Abbreviations	577	(2)
Sewing Up the Seams	579	(8)
Backstitching	580	(1)
Overcast or Whipstitching Together	581	(1)
Slip Stitching Together	582	(1)
Weaving Together Seams and Ends	583	(2)
For Knitters Only: Grafting	585	(1)
Final Call: Weaving In Yarn Tails	586	(1)
Blocking	587	(3)
Wet Blocking	588	(1)
Dry Blocking (The Pinning Method)	589	(1)
A Final Bonus: Crocheted Edges	590	(5)
Slip-Stitch Edging	590	(1)
Picot Edging	591	(2)
Part 6: Sewing	593	(130)
58 Man vs. Machine	595	(16)
Machine Make-Up: Know Your Working Parts	596	(3)
The Long and Winding Thread Road	599	(1)
Bob-Bob-Bobbin Along	600	(1)
Tense About Tension?	601	(1)
The Long and Short of It: Stitch Length	602	(1)
Stitch in Your Side	602	(1)
These Feet Were Made for Sewing	603	(2)
Sleight of Hand: Hand Stitching	605	(6)
Needle-Threading Knowledge	605	(1)
Simple Stitch Magic	606	(1)
Hand-Stitching How-To	607	(2)
Tying the Knot	609	(1)
Darn It!	609	(1)
On the Mend	609	(1)
Dodging with a Dart	609	(2)
59 Ready, Set, Prep!	611	(8)
The Straight and Narrow: Finding the Grainline	612	(1)
The Rip Method	613	(2)
The Thread Method	613	(2)
The Lowdown on Layout	615	(4)
Pattern Puzzles	615	(1)
Pressing Pattern Patter	616	(1)
Weighty Measures	616	(1)
Marking Up	616	(3)
60 The Ace of Baste: Seams	619	(12)
Before You Take Your First Stitch	619	(1)
Seam Allowances	620	(1)
Prepare Your Pieces	620	(1)
Ready, Set, Straight Stitch!	621	(1)
Stitch List	622	(1)
Fancy Finishings	623	(3)
Serging Ahead	626	(1)
Beyond the Straight Seam	626	(2)
French Seams	626	(1)
Mock French Seams	627	(1)
Flat-Fell Seams	628	(1)
Seems Like It Will Never Fit? On to Curved Seams	628	(1)
Unseemly Seams: How to Rip Them Up	629	(2)
61 Buttons in a Snap	631	(12)
Getting Your Buttons Straight	632	(1)
Buttoned Up: Hand Stitching	633	(1)
Sew-Through Made Sew Easy	633	(1)
Frank Shank Advice	634	(1)
Security Measures: Button Anchors	634	(1)
Machine Button Magic	635	(1)
Bungleproof Buttonholes	636	(1)
Button Boundaries: Placement	636	(2)
Taking the Buttonhole Plunge	638	(2)
Cutting In: Cutting Buttonholes	640	(1)
Stitch in Your Side	641	(2)
62 Win One for the Zipper	643	(12)
From A to Z(ippers)	644	(11)
The Long and Short of It: Zipper Length	645	(1)
Zipper Zones: Centered, Lapped, Invisible	646	(1)
Staying Centered: The Centered Zipper	646	(3)
Lapping It Up: The Lapped Zipper	649	(2)
On the Fly: The Fly-Front Zipper	651	(1)
The Amazing Disappearing Zipper: The Invisible Zipper	651	(2)
Good as New: Replacing a Zipper	653	(2)
63 The Bottom Line: Hems	655	(14)
Hemming Can Be Your Friend	656	(1)
Brass Tailor's Tacks: Measuring	656	(1)
Stitch in Your Side	657	(1)
The Hand Is Mightier Than the Machine	657	(1)
Ease-y Does It	658	(1)
Motoring Through Hems	659	(5)
Turned and Stitched Hems	659	(1)
Baby Steps: The Baby Hem	659	(1)
Machine Blindhem Stitch	660	(1)
Rolling Along: The Narrow-Rolled Hem	661	(1)
Double the Fun: Double-Needle Hemming	662	(2)
Fusing: The Lazy Alternative to Hand and Machine Sewing	664	(1)
The Finish Line: Hem Finishes	665	(1)
How Much to Hem?	666	(1)
Tailored Pants	666	(3)
How Long Will You Go?	666	(1)
Making It Work	667	(1)
Finishing Up	667	(2)
64 Pressing Matters: Ironing Out the Wrinkles	669	(10)
The Pressing Points	669	(2)
Steamed Seams	670	(1)
Darts	670	(1)
Sleeve Arms and Pants Legs	671	(1)
Set-In Sleeve	671	(1)
Enclosed Seams	671	(1)
Hot Stuff: Pressing Tips	672	(1)
Full Course in Pressing: Fabrics	673	(1)
Pressing Interfacing So It Stays Put	674	(5)
Testing Tips	674	(1)
Musing on Fusings	675	(1)
Foolproof Fusing	675	(1)
Fusing Foibles	676	(3)
65 Tissue Issues: Understanding Commercial Patterns	679	(10)
Flipping Through Catalogues at a Fast Clip	680	(1)
It's So You!	680	(1)
Keep a Level Head	680	(1)
Sizing Up	681	(1)
Figuring Fabric	681	(1)
Don't Sway from What They Say	682	(1)
Pushing the Envelope	682	(1)
Piecing Together Patterns	683	(1)
Deconstructing Instructions	683	(2)
Getting the Pattern Pieces to Fall into Place	685	(4)
66 Sewing Project: Curtains and Shades	689	(16)
One Step at a Time: Getting Started	690	(1)
Homespun Fabric Choices	690	(2)
Hangin' In There: Poles and Tracks	692	(1)
Hang 'Em High: Pole Placement	693	(1)
Ahead of the Game: Curtain Headings	693	(3)
Groovy Gathers: Standard Gathering Tape	694	(1)
Three Times as Nice: Triple-Pleat Tape	694	(1)
Picture-Perfect Pleats: Pencil-Pleat Tape	694	(1)
Drop-Dead Gorgeous: Measuring the Drop	694	(2)
Full-Blown Fabric Measuring	696	(2)
Sheer Magic	698	(1)
The Cafe Way	699	(1)
Romancing Roman Shades	700	(1)
Batten Down the Hatches	701	(1)
Shady Business: Measuring	702	(1)
Easy Hardware Rules: How to Hang Your Shade	703	(2)
67 Sewing Project: Dressing Up the Home with Pillows and More	705	(10)
Pillow Talk	706	(3)
European Sham Glamour	707	(1)
Making the Case for Pillowcases	708	(1)
The Well-Made Bed	709	(1)
How to Do an A-Okay Duvet	709	(1)
The Well-Dressed Table	710	(3)
The Angle on Rectangular Tablecloths	711	(1)
All-Around Easy Round Tablecloths	711	(1)
Lapping-Up Napkins	712	(1)
It's Raining Shower Curtains	713	(2)
68 Sewing Project: Crafty Gift Giving	715	(8)
Cooking Up Something Special: The Chef's Apron	716	(1)
The Raw Materials	716	(1)
The Works	716	(1)
Fit to Be Tied: Scarves	717	(2)
The Raw Materials	718	(1)
The Works	718	(1)
It's a Wrap: A Festive Wrap	719	(1)
The Raw Materials	720	(1)
The Works	720	(1)
In the Bag: Evening Clutch or Coin Purse	720	(1)
The Raw Materials	720	(1)
The Works	721	(1)
The Stockings That Dreams Are Made of: Christmas Stockings	721	(2)
The Raw Materials	721	(1)
The Works	721	(2)
Glossary	723	(16)
Index	739