Measure, Cut, Sew

Sew simple, sew better, sew by the numbers! With these pure, pattern-free projects, there's no need for photocopying, piecing, and taping. It's as easy as 1,2,3: just measure and cut a few squares, a couple of rectangles, the odd triangle, and the occasional circle—and then start stitching them together. Even novices can quickly make sweet sundresses and girls' pinafores; messenger bags and backpacks; patchwork pillows and a mega-plaid quilt. This is the stress-free way to create exactly what you want!

Susan Wasinger designs houses, products, books, and magazines. Her work has been featured inMetropolitan Home, Stitch, Natural Home, and Piecework magazines as well as on HGTV. She is the author of several books, includingEco Craft, The Feisty Stitcher, Sewn by Hand, and Artful Halloween (all Lark). Susan lives in Boulder, CO.