Handsewn

by Rowan, Margaret

• ISBN13: 9781596687561
• ISBN10: 1596687568
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-03-05
• Publisher: Interweave Pr

Summary

Sewists will never abandon their sewing machines, but there is increasing interest in the sort of heritage hand sewing techniques that add beautiful or couture-like finishing touches to the final project. Often it is the small hand-finished details--a mix of structural finishing and pure decoration--which can quickly become a testament to the style, creativity, and skill of the sewist. Handsewnoffers a comprehensive collection of hand-finishing and embellishing techniques--hems, edges, buttonholes, cuffs, tacking layers and linings, attaching or inserting fabric and trims, embroidery, quilting, appliqué, and cutwork, among others. Some are functional, some are purely decorative, some are both. The guide discusses what each technique is traditionally used for, offers step-by-step instructions, and often shows a photo of a finished example for visual reference. While the bulk of the book is the stitch technique directory, a section at the beginning covers supplies, tips and tricks, and how to troubleshoot mistakes. The book ends with approximately 28 pages of line drawings and templates of sample decorative motifs, with advice for using, transferring, combining motifs, or creating one's own.