The Girls Guide to Sewing is the ultimate guide for the modern woman who wants to sew some simple items for her wardrobe, handbag or office! Aimed at the novice, it covers all the basics, from setting up a basic sewing box to basics on a machine, preparing material and cutting patterns and putting on some trimmings on a favourite shirt.

It is suitable for anyone who is new to sewing, with simple clothing and also lifestyle accessories to make. Patterns are simple, with fabrics suggested – plus there is room to experiment and add your own style.

Filled with top tips, techniques and inside secrets, it also gets down to the nitty gritty of sewing skills. There are fun projects graded from easy-peasy to difficult, with something for every ability and purse.

Introduction includes all you need to know about sewing techniques and equipment:

• Setting up a basic sewing box

• Needles on hand

• Sewing machine basics

• Materials – fabrics for clothing and furnishings including curtain materials

• Trimmings and Fastenings

• Preparing material and cutting patterns

• Sewing seams, gussets, hems, piping, handles.

Cheryl Owen began her career as a fashion designer and pattern cutter before moving on to writing instructions and drawing scale patterns for a well-known sewing pattern manufacturer.  A best-selling author, she has written more than 40 craft books and is a project designer and maker for home style and craft magazines.  She is the author of many books, mostly recently Love Sewing, The Book of Bags and Home Sewing Techniques.