Linen Books

Wouldn't it be great to have an expert with you as you roam the aisles of the fabric store in search of the perfect fabric? Sandra Betzina does just that in More Fabric Savvy.

America’s best-selling quick guide to selecting and sewing fabrics is now completely revised and updated, with over 100 new tips, all new photography, the latest new fabrics, and entirely new and useful features, such as a guide to stain removal. Sandra has taken the fear out of selecting and sewing fabrics by providing the essential information you need to create the perfect garment or home-decoration project. This indispensable and easy-to-use reference belongs on your shelf or, better yet, in your handbag.

• Includes 19 new fabrics not included in the original Fabric Savvy for a total of 100 fabrics
  
  
• Updated Glossary and Sources to provide up to the minute fabric information
  
  
• includes a handy stain-removal chart for tackling over 50 types of stains
  
  
• two new features include a lining chart, and a "burn test" chart to determine a fabric's content
  
  

About the author

Sandra Betzina is best known as the dynamic host of HGTV's Sew Perfect and the author of Fabric Savvy, Fast Fit, Power Sewing and Sandra Betzina Sews for Your Home , all from The Taunton Press. She has recently debuted her own line of patterns for the Vogue Pattern company called "Today’s Fit by Sandra Betzina."

"This book gives detailed instructions and diagrams to construct a quality linen garment. With it you can simply and easily achieve the results that separate a classic garment from one made with loving hands at home."
I.V. Drake

Characteristics of Linen Fabric

If you were to create the perfect fiber, much of what you'd ask for is present in linen fabric. Its unique combination of strength and beauty as well as its legendary comfort are but two of its many attributes. The fact that it's prone to wrinkling seems to be a small price to pay, given its other charms.

Linen's fibers do not fray or rub, so neither lint nor static is created. The list of its other qualities is impressive: It is fade resistant, colorfast, softer and stronger when used, mildew and moth resistant, and non-allergenic. Its durability is unmatched.

Sewing Techniques

The level of sewing can easily be elevated by using a little extra care. Redo a crooked row of stitching, baste before you sew, pin carefully measure accurately, and press patiently. The smallest of details combine to make a garment a technical success.

Sew with your head, first and foremost, and become a shrewd observer of your work. Know when it's right, and know when it needs a little more effort. Learn to take delight in the decision-making process - it is as important to the creative process as designing the perfect sleeve or matching the pattern to fabric. There are endless technical decisions before you - Which seam width? Which closure? Where to put interfacing, and which one to choose? Try to get in the habit of weighing the possibilities, reviewing their pros and cons, and assessing the results of your actions.

Tips

• Clips on a curved seam should be staggered so that the fabric isn't overly weakened in any one spot.
  
  
• Slanted Pocket - The facing of a slanted pocket can be positioned so the slant line is on the straight of grain, an orientation that will stabilize the slant line.