Think of this cloth-bound book as a sewing table companion, always on hand to help with questions or solutions to a challenging task.

Merchant & Mills Elementary Sewing Skills book is a pocket or bag companion, packed full of useful techniques for wardrobe maintenance and alterations. Bound in linen, with crystal-clear instructions, sequenced illustrations and beautiful photography, it is both useful and beautiful.

Topics include darts and gathering, seams, ease, hems, interfacing, and closures such as buttons and zips. It’s also full of advice on using and understanding patterns and performing basic alterations. Successful sewing is very achievable: just make sure that you have this book to hand at all times. As Merchant & Mills advises, “Keep it simple and do it well.”

Photos: Merchant & Mills