Natalie Chanin

This sewing guide reveals a breakthrough method to simplify learning stitches of all kinds, with more than 100 stitches from the simple to the fanciful.
As makers, we tend to learn different stitches over time without thinking much about how they relate to one another. But when Natalie Chanin and her teams at Alabama Chanin and The School of Making began to look at needlework closely, they realized all stitches are based on geometric grid...

Meet fashion pioneer Natalie Chanin and begin as she gives a brief overview of her sustainable, organic approach to sewing. Then she helps you choose the color, fabric and design for your project: a universally flattering swing skirt.

Continue exploring appliqué techniques as you look at positive appliqué: stitching shapes onto surfaces instead of cutting them away. Natalie shows you how to use the four key stitches, add beads to simple stitches, plus dimensional techniques such as relief appliqué and couching.

Now, prepare your organic cotton jersey fabric and get ready to cut out the pattern. Natalie demonstrates how to find the grain line, place the pattern pieces on the fabric, trace around them, and cut the top layer. You'll then use your cut-out pieces to trace and cut the second layer.

Natalie shares her methods for layering, smoothing and pinning the skirt layers. Watch as she demonstrates two popular embellishment techniques, reverse appliqué and negative reverse appliqué, to create the richly stitched and textured panels.

After you finish your swing skirt, see how to customize it with patch pockets or piping. Finally, Natalie shares examples of some more advanced embellishment techniques, such as bead embroidery. Your journey to a slow fashion wardrobe is just beginning!

Start embellishing your skirt by stenciling a design on the top-layer pieces. Find out how to make a stencil using the included artwork, then apply the design by inking it with a permanent marker, stenciling with fabric paint and a sponge or brush, or stenciling with an airbrush.

Build on previous lessons by combining beading and appliqué techniques for inspired new designs. Follow along as Natalie walks you through beaded couching, inside and accent beading, faded beading and more. Finally, learn how to add texture, sparkle and dimension to garments and home accessories that you already own. Plus get Natalie's tips on how to plan for future projects and use your practice swatches two different ways.

Guide to sewing and embellishing basic wardrobe pieces including mid-length skirts, fitted dresses, and fitted tops.

As makers, we tend to learn different stitches over time without thinking much about how they relate to one another. But when Natalie Chanin and her Alabama Chanin and The School of Making teams began to look at needlework closely, they realized all stitches are based on geometric grid systems--and by using grids as guides, they could make learning stitches, even seemingly elaborate ones, as easy as child's play. In The Geometry of Hand-Sewing Chanin...