This book hopes to be your ever-ready tutor, to elaborate on troublesome methods or to offer a simple solution to a challenging task.

The 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 are all covered alongside 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. Keep it simple and do it well.