Tools and materials. Basic tools ; Fabric ; Thread -- Technique review. Basic machine stitches ; Useful hand stitches ; Tacks ; Edge finishes ; Straps, ties, and belts ; Closures ; Techniques for shaping ; Casings ; Points, corners, curves, and graded seams ; Embellishments -- Sewing from a pattern. Find patterns ; Choose a pattern ; The envelope ; What’s in the envelope ; Adjust the length of pattern pieces ; Put the pattern on the fabric ; Mark and cut ; Use patternmaking software -- Find the right fit. Use a paper pattern to make alterations ; What is ease? ; Make a mock-up muslin ; Check the fit during construction ; Fitting pants -- Hems and hemlines. Prepare to hem ; Double-fold hems ; Single-fold hems ; Hemline finishes -- Waistline treatments. Waistbands ; No waistbands ; Casings ; Shirring -- Necklines, armholes, and straps. Necklines ; Collars ; Sleeves ; Facings ; Interfacing ; Other finishes for necklines and armholes ; Straps -- Skirts. Skirt lengths and shapes ; Design your own skirt patterns ; Pull-on skirt ; Basic straight skirt ; Basic a-line skirt ; Basic wraparound skirt ; Basic tiered skirt -- Pants. Pant lengths, shapes, and styles ; Elastic-waist pull-on pants ; Basic fitted pants ; Design a pair of pants by deconstruction -- Tops. An overview of top styles ; Shaping ; Make a boatneck top ; Sew a summer top ; Make a tank top -- Dresses. Dress styles ; Dress design elements ; A simple three-rectangle dress ; A sheath dress ; A peasant dress -- Recycle, refurbish, and repair. Make over your denim ; Update a t-shirt ; Change a skirt ; Fix a hem ; Resew a seam ; Mend tears and holes ; Fix pocket problems ; Replace buttons ; Reinforce buttonholes.