Edges and corners are design opportunities, whether you're sewing a new blouse or a set of curtains for your home. Here, collected in one easy-reference volume, is a range of classic and creative ways to make every project reflect your personal style.

Linda Lee, an accomplished sewing expert, covers Turkish box corners, mitered ribbon flanges, ruffles, hemstitching, and much more. The text is clearly explained for sewers of all skill levels, and both hand and machine techniques are included.

INTRODUCTION

1 CORNERS

Knife-Edge Corners
Box Corners
Mitered Corners
Turkish Corners
Tassels-in-Piping Corners
Knotted Corners

2 PIPING, CORDING, AND TUBING

Flat Piping
Corded Piping
Filled Tubing

3 FLANGES

Simple Flanges Sewn to an Edge
Simple Flanges as an Extension of the Original Cut
Ribbon Flanges
Ruffles as Flanges

4 BANDS

Single-Layer Bands
Double Bands

5 BINDINGS

Bias Binding
Single Bias Binding
Double (French) Binding
Mitering Bound Corners
Knit Binding
Cord-Trimmed Binding

6 HEMS

Baby Hems
Single-Line Zigzag Hems
Hems Created Using Pressing Templates
Shirttail Hems
Blind Hems
Rolled Hems

7 NOVELTY EDGES

Twisted Yarn Edges
Exposed Serged Edges
Zipper Teeth Edges
Double Cloth Edges
Elastic Edges
Rickrack Edges and Seams
Picot Edges
Machine Scalloped Edges
Rayon Seam Tape Edges
Yarn Fringe Edges

SOURCES

Edges are the beginning and the end. They define a work like no other detail. We think of ruffles as feminine. Pleats are more tailored. Bands are flat and extend the importance of an edge. Cording interrupts an edge with decoration or finishes it durably. And despite the current trend of leaving edges raw, most projects are hemmed in some way. Edges are everywhere.

Corners, of course, are part of an edge, the connecting point that brings edges together. They typically require some special manipulations -- a miter, some ease, or a knot -- to assemble them correctly.

Skills are needed to invent and produce good edges. Because they are so often contrasting or decorative, they need to be done well or they ruin a project or make them look homemade. They take practice and patience, but the results are worth it. And there is no better time to start than now. This book is designed to store in your library of references and bring out to research some ideas. Most of these techniques are universal and can be applied to fashion sewing, home decorating, and craft and quilt projects. When you are stumped about how to end something, unsure about the best solution for your fabric or application, or ready to try a new approach, I hope you will pick up this book, find what you need, and go to it.