Quilting is a hugely popular pastime, with many people all over the world producing beautiful quilts to be displayed as wall hangings for display, as well as to be used as bedcovers and throws. Now available in paperback, this best-selling title is THE essential guide to quilting. This book aims to cover all the basic techniques that are used in making a quilt, whatever kind you might wish to create. Learn about materials and equipment, and choosing the right sewing machine to work for you in chapter 1, then move onto fabrics and their characteristics in the following chapter. A section on colour and pattern will help you design your quilt, as you decide which of the quilt-making traditions you are most drawn to: wholecloth and strippy quilts, pieced quilts, appliquéd quilts, embellished quilts or folded quilts. With inspirational photographs of traditional and well-loved designs in each section, as well as specific techniques that apply to each quilt, you will be spoilt for choice. There is also a section on the care, cleaning and storage of quilts, as well as a glossary of quilt-making terms. This comprehensive guide also offers clear instructions and hundreds of illustrations and diagrams to show each stage of the quilting process. It’ll be the one resource that you will turn to time and time again.

Sewing is an extremely rewarding hobby. With so many different fabrics, embellishments and trimmings now available on the high street and online, it is easier than ever to create unique clothes and home furnishings. Now available in paperback, this best-selling title is THE essential guide to sewing. Each chapter is devoted to one key area of sewing and provides clear and concise in-depth instructions along with step-by-step instructions for basic principles and more advanced sewing techniques. Learn about materials and equipment, and choosing the right machine to work for you in chapter one, then move onto fabrics and patterns in the following chapter. Once you’re comfortable with the basic stitches, seams and techniques, learn how to make clothing, accessories and soft furnishings. With this book by your side, you will soon be able to make anything from a commercial pattern, and will also know how to alter patterns to suit your style. With a section on care and repair, you will find out how to look after and fix homemade and store-bought items. And if it can’t be fixed, learn how fabric and trimmings can be reused or upcycled into something else. This comprehensive guide offers a glossary of sewing terms, clear instructions and hundreds of illustrations and diagrams showing each stage of the sewing process. It’ll be the one resource that you will turn to time and time again.

This new title in the bestselling Ultimate series reveals all the techniques you need to begin beading – all the main crafts that use beads have been brought together in one book. The first chapter takes a brief look at the different ways of working with beads and covers the tools and basic techniques you will need to get started, as well as taking a detailed look at the ready-made beads available and how they are best used. The following chapter covers making beads in several different materials; although ready-made beads are easy to find, making your own can be very easy and is the ideal way to add a unique personal touch to your work. It also includes a section on using found materials as unusual beads. The chapter on bead jewellery covers basic jewellery making techniques and then moves on to threading ideas, and how to incorporate beads with different materials and techniques to make more unusual pieces. In the wirework chapter you will learn how to use wire and beads together for more than just jewellery – this section also covers ideas for decorative items and cardmaking. Bead looming and weaving are traditional techniques for creating closely beaded work, which can be used for everything from vintage-look decorative straps to ethnic bracelets. Beads can also be worked in to knitting and crochet projects as you work; all the basic techniques for doing this are included in chapter 5, along with some unusual beaded stitches to try. The final chapter on beaded embroiderycovers the different ways to combine beads and fabric or thread, from how to add a few random beads for a little sparkle to creating luxurious beaded fabrics or heavily beaded fringing.

The Beading Bible: An indispensable guide to beads and beading techniques, presenting essential beading know-how together with a wide range of inspirational projects, tips and ideas. Beads are the oldest and most widespread art form, having been used in virtually every culture since ancient times. Over the years new materials and methods of making beads have been introduced and now bead workers have a vast array of stunning beads to work with. Beading has also developed over the years and, even though many traditional techniques are still popular, the craft is constantly evolving. With so many techniques, and such a vast array of beads and materials available for the contemporary beader, there is definitely a need for a comprehensive guide. The Beading Bible is just that – an encyclopaedia of beads and beading techniques that aims to educate and inspire anyone who loves working with beads. The Beading Bible begins by looking at beads themselves; how to choose beads from metal, modelled, gemstone, seed beads and cylinder beads to hex beads, crystals, glass and bugle beads. There are handy tables to help you to understand how beads are measured and bead quantities, as well as advice on choosing bead colours. You are then guided through the basic to more specialist tools and equipment that you will need in beadwork. You will find each beading technique explained in detail throughout the chapters. However, the book begins by giving you the basic knowledge of essential techniques, such as working from a chart and knotting. The book is divided into eight chapters that cover all the traditional techniques: bead loom weaving, off loom bead stitches, ropes and cords, fringing, netting and tassels, threading and stringing, wire work and jewellery techniques, bead embroidery and even knitting and crochet with beads. Within each chapter you are guided through the basic skills, tools and materials, before tackling more advanced techniques. Inspiration pages will give you interesting ideas using the different techniques, and there are over 30 fabulous projects, ranging from beautiful bags and jewellery to stylish scarves and accessories – perfect excuses for trying out your new skills! Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, clear diagrams and stunning photography combine to create the must-have resource for beaders of all abilities.

Now available in paperback, this best-selling title is THE essential guide to crochet. Ultimate Crochet Bible is a definitive reference for all aspects of crochet – from the first chain to the care and maintenance of your projects. The first two chapters are packed with useful information such as choosing and using a hook, how to read a pattern, holding the yarn and basic stitches. Once you are armed with the basics, you can go on to learn about a wide range of techniques. Traditional, lace-weight crochet is covered in the Thread Crochet section. The yarn used tends to be fine and the hooks are small, but this allows you to put more detail into a piece of work. Filet and Irish crochet are covered here. The section on Tunisian and Entrelac Crochet shows how elements of crochet and knitting can be combined. Entrelac is a method of creating square shapes in order to make a textured fabric that resembles basket weave. In Working with Colour, the two main techniques of adding colour to a piece of crochet – Intarsia and Jacquard – are explained. And to create some really exciting effects, you can add beads and sequins to your crochet. It’s a relatively easy technique. In addition, there are techniques for edgings, braids, fringes and tassels. Professional Finishing Techniques provides all the know-how you need to take your crochet to a whole new level. But whatever your level of experience, this book will be an invaluable treasure trove of crochet techniques that you will turn to time and time again. Over 35,000 copies sold worldwide.

From Abalone to Zipper Stitch, this profusely illustrated guide covers a broad range of beading subjects and presents encyclopedic entries on historical background, technical details and cultural customs.

Now available in paperback, this best-selling title is THE essential guide to knitting. Whether you want to knit socks, use sequins and embroidery to embellish knitting, adapt a pattern to fit you beautifully or produce the perfect pocket, you can find out how to do it here. A comprehensive chapter on finishing your projects shows you how to get that really professional look and if you do make a mistake, just flip to the ‘Troubleshooting’ chapter to see how to fix it. Each chapter of this essential guide is devoted to one key area of knitting and provides clear and concise in-depth instructions along with step-by-step instructions for basic principles and more advanced techniques. Learn the basic knit and purl stitches, along with cast ons and cast offs, and in no time you will also be increasing and decreasing with ease. Once you’re comfortable with the basic stitches, explore structure and shaping, texture, colourwork, embellishments, finishing and learn how to design and adapt patterns. This comprehensive guide offers a useful section on crochet for knitting, a glossary of terms, clear instructions and hundreds of illustrations and diagrams showing each stage of the process. It’ll be the one resource that you will turn to time and time again. Over 20,000 copies sold worldwide.

From the single strand and pendant to the Lariat and Sautoir, this step-by-step guide presents ten necklace styles. It contains over 35 handmade necklace designs and a range of complementary jewellery projects, including rings, watchstraps, bracelets, brooches and earrings.

“There’s plenty of variety in both style and technique here, making this an appropriate choice for crafters looking to sample different methods for beading.” —Library Journal Discover the amazing versatility of beadwork in this scintillating selection of more than thirty projects that you can make in just one weekend. From jewelry and clothing to home accessories and embroidered textiles, there’s something here for every taste and level of ability. Projects include lampshades, decorative candles, fringed throws, embroidered table runners, tassel covers, embellished scarves, hair accessories, and more. Big Book of Weekend Beading teaches an exciting variety of methods, from general beadwork to stringing, bead embroidery, and wirework. Simple projects at the start of each section give beginners an instant taste of success, leading them on to try larger-scale projects and more impressive techniques. The projects and techniques are designed and written by a team of experienced bead crafters, each one an expert in her field. “A first-class instruction manual for a popular pastime that is sweeping the nation, a perfect activity for quiet winter weekends.”—The Midwest Book Review “If you enjoy using beads or want to learn how to do beading, the Big Book of Weekend Beading by Jean Powers is the perfect place to start.”—Kelly’s Thoughts on Things

Fill the year ahead with handcrafted beads that you can make yourself by following tutorials from Bead-Making Lab! Imagine a year in beads. We're talking 52 handmade varieties all handcrafted by you! Bead-Making Lab makes this bounty of bead making possible with instructions for bead designs that run the gamut from sophisticated to playful. Bead-Making Lab is organized by material, and single-spread lab tutorials for each bead design make the book simple to use. The tutorials are brief, accomplishable, and rewarding. Choose from traditional materials like paper mache and polymer clay, or opt for new materials such as resins and shrink plastic. Once you've selected your medium, follow the lab instructions for the bead-making technique of your choice. Try a new technique each week! With how-tos including molding, carving, painting, gluing, drilling beach glass and pebbles, and creating fiber-art beads with felting and embroidery, you'll have a year of unique projects ahead of you. Bead-Making Lab also offers ideas on how to turn your beads into jewelry and gives you a sneak peek at some contemporary bead artisans' best work. Get busy beading, crafters!