Heirloom Sewing: More Classic Techniques

Meet Susan Stewart and start by learning how to prepare narrow rickrack with water-soluble stabilizer. Then, join your rickrack to lace with precision zigzag stitching, or join it to entredeux for curved edges.

Cut bias strips from fabric and get comfortable using a bias tape tool. Susan shows you how to interweave the strips in an over-under pattern to create an appliqué. And you'll explore Susan's favorite combination of linen bias strips on a batiste base layer.

Discover the transparent reverse appliqué technique of creating a shaped fabric "window" with an intriguing faced edge. Then, stitch a sheer fabric layer into the window. Plus, find out how to adapt this technique for a sheer edge treatment that's perfect for skirt hems.