Elementary Sewing Skills

A super-stylish new handbook from Merchant & Mills containing all the answers to sewing’s most frequently asked questions.

Providing an overview on the art of sewing, this handy volume is packed with information on the tools and materials you will need, seasoned with homegrown tips on essential good practice.

Topics given the full Merchant & Mills treatment range from the planning stages through to putting the finishing touches to your project. Measuring and marking, form (including darts and gathering), seams, ease, hems, interfacing and closures such as buttons and zips are all covered. There is expert advice on using and understanding patterns, performing basic alterations, and of course plenty of tips on making the most of any dressmaker's best friend – the iron.

Successful sewing is very achievable: just make sure that you have this book to hand at all times, and bear in mind the Merchant & Mills motto: do it once, do it well.

About the author

Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field, aka Merchant & Mills, produce a range of patterns and ready-to-make kits and superb notions in utilitarian packaging. Carolyn has a degree in fashion and spent several years in Interior Design. Roderick is a photographer and writer with works in the National Portrait Gallery. Merchant & Mills products are stocked by the Design Museum, Liberty, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Selvedge as well as independent retailers all over the UK and selected outlets in France, Japan and the US. Thier first book, Merchant & Mills Sewing Book is available from Pavilion Lifestyle.