Packed with essential advice and over 800 illustrations, the Hamlyn Book of Soft Furnishings is the complete guide to creating attractive and stylish soft furnishings for your home. Invaluable home reference for both the novice needleworker and those more experienced, this book begins with an exploration of the history of style and a survey of the wealth of fabric available, demonstrating how these sources of inspiration can provide the starting point for an individual expression of taste. The following sections offer a beautiful range of soft furnishings; curtains and drapes, cushions and pillows, soft seating, linens and accessories, with background information, detailed instructions and over 50 stunning step-by-step projects. Useful information boxes contain additional sewing tips, mini projects and optional finishes such as embroidery and applique. A workshop section describes all the basic hand and machine sewing techniques and contains practical advice ranging from information on putting up curtains to guidance on organizing your working area. Finally, breathtakingly vibrant fold-out pages give panormaic treatment to the colourful world of fabrics, inspirational curtains and drapes and stunning outdoor furnishings for the summer months.