Basic sewing kit

Celebrate your love of stitching with these delicate designs by Susan Bates 44 quick-and-easy motifs Susan Bates’ design inspiration Stitches for every skill level Helpful tips and advice Unique gift

Eking out the life of your gear can save you £££. Here’s how to approach choosing, maintaining and fixing outdoor clothing for longevity

MATERIALS ■ Lightweight fabric: 1.5–3m (see notes) ■ Shirring elastic: 2–3 reels ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit MEASUREMENTS NEEDED ■ W: 1.5 x bust ■ L: distance from armpit crease to desired he

The ‘make do and mend’ slogan may have been used in Britain during the Second World War to advise people how to be frugal during harsh rationing restrictions, but the sentiment is still alive and kick

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 1.5–2mx110cm ■ Elastic, 25mm wide: enough to fit around your waist ■ Brass eyelets, 7mm, and installation kit ■ Cotton cord, 4mm wide: 1m ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing

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