Step back in time a hundred years - you've just completed stitching a gift to commemorate a special occasion. Many hours have been lovingly been spent working on your project - now comes the task of deciding how to finish it. What were the choices that would have been available to you; given the fact that time was cheap and materials were precious? Fast forward to today. The dilemma of finishing a project is one we still face today, despite the wide variety of materials we have at hand.

The process of finishing your project will be discussed in this booklet in a step-by-step method. Instructions begin by considering the fabric and threads used for your project. A hierarchy of questions is provided to aid in the selection of an appropriate hem. This is followed by a discussion on planning the placement of the hem and the process of preparing the fabric.

After these initial steps, diagrams and close-ups of actual finishing techniques are presented. The stitch charts provided move from the simplest techniques (Satin stitch, Four sided stitch, Basic Hemstitch, Fringe stitch, Nun's stitch and Buttonhole edge) to the more complex (Antique Buttonhole edge, Lacy Butttonhole edge, the folded-hem Hemstitch, and the form of Ukrainian Whitework known as "Chumak's Duda [also called the picot edge]).

The booklet also includes a listing of useful tips and tricks for success, and a complete bibliography of materials that can be used for additional reference.

Purchase booklet with complete instructions for all the finishes shown above:
Handfinishing Techniques, Inspired by Many Cultures