No-Sew Love

July 21, 2014
Time to stock up on double-sided fusible adhesive tape! It’s the solution to all of a non-sewist’s sewing needs, according to the author, writing her first crafting book. The creator of the popular Make It & Love It blog, she presents 50 no-sew ideas, all scrupulously—and impressively—illustrated with step-by-step photos, after a helpful introduction. In general, her non-clothing ideas are the best, whether she suggests making grommet curtain panels, a pretty fabric mobile of circular motifs, or fabric scrap eggs for Easter and spring celebrations. The clothing, on the other hand, looks fine in the appealing photos, but often involves laborious steps of gluing and matching fabric to create a product that simply won’t be as sturdy as it would be if it was sewn; a “basic skirt,” for example, requires 20 separate steps to complete. Even the author advises that sewists “consider items made with fusible adhesive more like specialty items... not ‘everyday’ clothing.” For sewing-averse, this might prove to be a treasure trove, but most crafters will find only a pattern or two worth trying out. Full-color photos.