Sewing with Heavy Duty Fabrics

Rezensionen / Stimmen

Isn't it nice to receive a book to review with a subject matter that most sewing books only touch on. Laura is an accomplished author having studied textiles in both Germany and Finland. The accompanying landscape photography by Tobias is beautiful. All presented on quality paper in a matt finish gives it all a feeling of hygge. A lovely introduction to getting started using different types and weights of fabric. It also includes a range of accessories and suggested tools. A helpful stockists page is at the back of the book.



Eighteen projects all presented with its difficulty level and patterns, materials requirements. Each item is supported by clear photographs and numbered instructions to guide you through. Some helpful tips are added when needed. There are some lovely projects to make for yourself or gifts using a domestic sewing machine. As you would expect using a heavy duty fabric the majority are bags but all different sizes and styles. Great ideas you will be keen to try. * Sandra from Half Yard Sewing Club * This is an interesting book containing 18 practical projects using heavy duty fabrics. Projects range from hanging basket holders, mini bags, through to larger projects including a sturdy backpack and a canvas log carrier. Each project is accompanied by pattern pieces and full instructions. Details are also given on recommended fabrics to use and how to make straps and buckles amongst other techniques. Lots of helpful tips are interspersed within the projects. A practical, useful book, for making practical useful projects. * Jayne from Half Yard Sewing Club * If you've sewn many a tote bag, pouch and the like from quilt cottons and are now looking to "up your game" this book is a good place to start.



Waxed canvas, waterproof cotton, upholstery fabrics and leather, even, are lovely materials to work with resulting in robust, durable projects that can withstand wear and tear for many a year and Sewing With Heavy Duty Fabrics by Laura Sinikka Wilhelm provides insight and instruction on how to do this.



It's a book of 18 designs from a rucksack to a log carrier to a sunglasses case and a lot more in between. Along with all the instructions on how to make them up there are the pattern shapes, some of which require enlarging by a specified percentage, otherwise it's get your ruler out and start cutting shapes, mainly four sided - there are some triangle and circular shapes but all relatively easy to compile. The pattern pieces are laid out in an easy to follow diagram. Dimensions are in centimetres and inches.



The designs are really good and adaptable, for example it wouldn't be too difficult to customise a project by taking away, adding in or resizing a pattern piece, for example changing the pockets on the backpack to meet individual or specific needs.



Working from this book you will need your wits about you as many of the designs call for cutting out squares and rectangles for pattern pieces, so remember measure twice, cut once! And, according to Laura, you can sew the projects on a domestic sewing machine as long as you have the correct needle installed.



There are good clear photographs of the projects so you know what you're trying to achieve, but not step-by-step photographic instructions. However there are sections covering Tools, Basic Equipment, Techniques, Buckles, Straps, Zips and Edging with more detail and photos.



If you've made a tote or two before that's good news you'll probably get along fine with this book, however beginners may find some instructions a challenge. I would suggest starting with the Zip-up bags or the Tablet & Smart Phone Cases (difficulty level 1) to familiarise yourself with your materials, the book and Laura's style. * Jules from Half Yard Sewing Club * Textile designer Wilhelm (Stylish Sewing) offers a solid collection of projects meant to "be used and loved for a lifetime." Each design uses weighty materials including canvas, sailcloth, waxed canvas, and leather, which hold up to wear and tear and "acquire character in the process." A section on necessary materials and accessories explains how to choose leather (or faux alternatives), and notes that binding screws are useful for attaching leather straps to fabric. As for tools and equipment, crafters will need denim needles, a craft knife for cutting leather, and a sewing machine (the author recommends buying secondhand rather than getting a "cheap, new" one). Wilhelm's projects are labeled according to three difficulty levels: hanging herb baskets, a roll-up utensil pouch, and a canvas log basket are perfect for beginners; a stunning waxed cotton backpack and retro bag inspired by bowling bags are for more experienced crafters; and a bike bag and shopper tote fall in between. Project-specific tips are peppered throughout, Wilhelm's straightforward instructions will help crafters take her guidance off the page, and the photos that accompany each step are a boon. Sewers seeking to expand their skill set should give this a look. * Publishers Weekly * Until reading this book I was afraid of using heavy duty fabric, but it has opened my eyes as to how much I can do on my domestic machine. The book offers 18 great sewing projects, all of them very useful items, along with tips, techniques and patterns for you to follow, to make all of them. There is extensive information on materials, accessories and tools you will need to start making your project. Laura covers Straps, Zips, Buckles and all the hardware you will need. I can't wait to get started and I'm sure you will agree, that at GBP15.99, it is a very useful book to own. * Blodwen from Half Yard Sewing Club * This book considers the different firm and heavy duty fabrics, giving detailed descriptions of them along with 18 projects to make. Laura, the author explains the different types of accessories used in bag making, advises on tools that will make the projects easier to complete and a chapter on basic equipment as well as an explanation on cutting out the patterns.



Laura shows, with very clear pictures, all the techniques that are required to make your projects have a professional finish. The 18 projects vary in difficulty rated from 1-3, complete with pattern layouts, sizes, suggested fabrics and handy tips. No pattern pieces are provided as explanations and designs are shown clearly with required measurements.



There are a great variety of practical use projects for all styles and types of bag which can be adapted if you require. A great book if you want to try using these heavier weight fabrics as the clear photographs and explanations give confidence to even the most novice sewer. * Helen from Half Yard Sewing Club * What a great book. For those who Iove to make bags and storage items for in and around the home then this is a must have book. This takes bag making up a level using harder wearing heavy duty fabrics that many of us may be fearful to sew such as canvas, waxed fabrics and leather. The book includes a section on different materials accessories and tools. Plus techniques for using straps buckles and other bag haberdashery. There are eighteen projects to make and suggested materials for each of them with really clear instructions and illustrations of the pattern pieces. The book is beautifully illustrated with a Nordic style. I reviewed this for the half yard sewing club but I will definitely be making good use of this book trying out the projects. I particularly liked the duffel bag and canvas storage baskets. * Jackie from Half Yard Sewing Club * Really enjoyed reading through this book. l am a sewist and try to find different fabrics to use to make items for family and friends. This book was just what l was looking for, as I had some heavy canvas I wanted to use.



The author talks you through materials and accessories and what heavy-duty and firm fabrics are. From sailcloth, waxed cotton, right through to leather. Then she tells you about different accessories to enhance your projects, which are coming further into the book. Tools and basic equipment are also discussed, including traps, zips, and how to edge and trim your projects. Then onto 18 projects for you to sew, from hanging baskets, log holder, a sunglasses case, and lastly a much-needed shopping bag.



At the end of all the projects, she gives you a list of stockists to purchase materials to make the projects.



This is a superb book and can't wait to try some of the projects with instructions, photos and measurements as well. Well worth the price and would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to make items to use day after day. * Lynne from Half Yard Sewing Club * The 18 projects feature heavy duty fabrics including canvas, waxed cotton and leather. All techniques needed are explained using clear, simple steps and there's advice on choosing the right stitches, needles and threads, along with simple, easy-to-use patterns. * Machine Knitting Monthly, October 2025 *