Have you always wanted to sew, but felt you simply didn't know where to begin? Or has it been years since you used your sewing machine for anything other than mending and now you need a refresher on some of the fundamentals? SewBasic features more than 30 essential skills you can use to get started, from buying your fabric and thread to inserting zippers and sewing seams.

In addition to sewing instruction, SewBasic covers such topics as:

• choosing tools and notions
• understanding your sewing machine accessories
• using pressing as a sewing aid
• keeping your sewing machine running smoothly with regular maintenance

A collection of "Basics" articles from Threads magazine, this handy reference is written by professionals in the field, including sewing authors and teachers Claire Shaeffer and Shirley Smith. Concise instructions, detailed drawings, and clear photos work together to create valuable, easy-to-use information ideal for beginners and veterans alike.

Even the most intricate garments began with the basics. SewBasic will put you on the right track.

Introduction

Before You Sew
A Trip to the Fabric Store
Grainline
Choose the Correct Pattern Size
Making a Duplicate Pattern
Tissue- and Pin-Fitting
Making Your Mark
Shrink before You Sew
Pattern Layouts
With-Nap Layout Basics
Cutting Out
Preventive Sewing-Machine Maintenance

Needle and Thread
Straight Pins
The Secrets of Machine Needles
Presser Feet
Construction Threads
Must-Have Tools

Perfect Seams
Staystitching
Sew a Perfect Seam from Beginning to End
Easing in a Seam
Directional Sewing
Trimming and Grading Seams
Clip & Notch for Smooth Curves & Sharp Corners
Understitching
Flat-Felled Seams
Pressing 101
Utility Stitches
Ripping Out Stitches
Fastening Threads
Sewing in a Zipper
Darts Build Shape into a Garment
Pleats
Great Gathering -- A Sure Thing
Bias Strips Made Easy
Perfect Piping

Contributors

Resources

Credits

Index

Have you always wanted to sew but felt you simply didn't know where to begin? Or has it been years since you used your sewing machine for anything other than mending, and now you can't remember how to read a pattern, much less how to sew in a zipper or create pleats? Relax.

Sewing is not a mysterious art requiring great innate talent. It's a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned and enjoyed by nearly anyone. All that's required are a bit of eye-hand coordination, the ability to think logically as you follow directions, and the understanding of some basic sewing terms. To help you hone these skills is a collection of 34 articles from Threads magazine that will give you the confidence to sew nearly any project you want to undertake.

Confidence begins with feeling comfortable buying a pattern and the right fabric and supplies you need for a project and ends with a garment that looks every bit as perfect as if a professional had made it. With the basic skills included in SewBasic you can sew that perfect garment and it will fit and look better than any mass-produced garment you could buy in a department store. So, what are you waiting for? Get sewing!