Start Here
Welcome to my sewing room! Pick the craft you want to learn. Each one has a short basics collection, the tools I would buy first, and a few easy first projects. Questions are always welcome on the contact page. – Vera
Sewing
Learn to thread the machine, sew a straight seam and press as you go. Then sew a tote bag: it uses only straight lines and teaches you boxed corners and straps.
- Tools to start with: a basic sewing machine, fabric shears, pins or clips, a seam ripper, a tape measure and an iron.
- Sewing Tips & Basics
- Easy first projects: bags and pouches
Embroidery
Three stitches carry most designs: back stitch for outlines, satin stitch for filled shapes and French knots for dots and flower centres. Practise them on a scrap in your hoop, then stitch a small floral.
- Tools to start with: a 6 inch wooden hoop, embroidery needles, six-strand cotton floss, cotton or linen fabric, small scissors and a water-soluble pen.
- Embroidery Stitches & Tips
- Easy first projects: florals
Quilting
Accurate cutting and a consistent 1/4 inch seam are the whole secret. Start with a baby quilt or a table runner: small enough to finish, big enough to learn every step from cutting to binding.
- Tools to start with: a 45 mm rotary cutter, a self-healing mat, a 6 x 24 inch ruler, a 1/4 inch presser foot and quilting cotton.
- Quilting Tips & Basics
- Easy first projects: baby quilts