Sewing Basics

A starter guide to hand and machine sewing

A practical starting point for newcomers to sewing, covering core tools, basic hand stitches, machine essentials and how hand and machine methods work together on one project.

Hand Sewing Techniques

Backstitching by hand for strong seams

How to backstitch by hand, including the stitch sequence, securing the start and finish, and the seams where this stitch is the right choice.

Hand Sewing Techniques

Basic hand stitches for mending and construction

The four basic hand stitches for mending and construction, running, backstitch, whipstitch and slipstitch, with their typical uses, strength and visibility.

Clothing Care

Caring for wool sweaters so they keep their shape

Wool keeps its shape when it is washed and dried gently. Learn how to hand wash a sweater in cool water, avoid felting and stretching, and dry it flat.

Mending and Alterations

Checklist for deciding whether a garment is worth mending

A damaged favorite is worth mending when the fabric around the damage is sound, the repair suits the garment and the time involved is reasonable. This checklist shows how to judge.

Clothing Care

Common mistakes that shorten the life of your clothes

Heat from dryers and irons, crowded hangers, too much washing and skipped small repairs are the usual reasons clothes wear out early, and most are simple to change.

Building a Wardrobe

Common mistakes when building a capsule wardrobe

The common mistakes that derail a capsule wardrobe, from single-use pieces and poor fit to clashing colors, missing basics and rigid rules, with ways to avoid each.

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