Nanna Betty Sewing School

Sewing Cards

Two old photographs of Nanna Betty: as a young girl with her father, and as a young woman in a smart suit. Label reads: Nanna Betty, Born 1915, Salford U.K.

Sewing Made Easy · the card deck by Collette Costello

Sew like Nanna did

My Nanna Betty, born 1915 in Salford, taught me how to sew when I was a little girl. We would spend cosy Sunday afternoons together, sewing and sharing stories. Because of her I became a fashion teacher. Now I want to share her sewing skills with you.

One card, one technique. Five cards, one finished make. Pick something to make, learn the five cards it needs, then sew it.

Start with the tote bag
See all the makes

How it works

1. Start here

Learn the three starter cards first: threading your machine, starting to sew and what to do when it won’t sew.

2. Pick a make

Each make lists the cards to learn first, in the order you’ll use them.

3. Learn, sew, finish

Work through each card and try it on scrap fabric. When you’ve done them all, sew your make.

Start here

Everyone starts with these three cards. Learn them once and you’re ready for any make.

Card 06

Thread Machine

Thread it right and it keeps sewing.

Card 07

Start Sewing

Five steps so your threads never tangle.

Card 08

Machine Won’t Sew

The 8 fixes to try first.

Pick a make

Beginner

Tote Bag

5 cards to learn first

Beginner

Coasters

5 cards to learn first

Beginner

Drawstring Bag

5 cards to learn first

Improver

Cushion Cover

5 cards to learn first

Improver

Scrunchies

5 cards to learn first

Improver

Zipped Bag

5 cards to learn first

Confident

Elasticated Waist Skirt

5 cards to learn first

Confident

Pyjama Trousers

5 cards to learn first

All the cards

37 cards in five suits, one for each chapter of the book.

Getting Started

5 cards

Card 01

Sewing Kit

The 10 essentials to start sewing.

Card 02

Sewing Machines

The only two machines you need.

Card 03

Machine Feet

Standard, zig-zag and zipper feet.

Card 04

Needles & Threads

Which needle and thread for which fabric.

Card 05

Fabrics

Three fabrics for most makes.

Your Machine

5 cards

Card 06

Thread Machine

Thread it right and it keeps sewing.

Card 07

Start Sewing

Five steps so your threads never tangle.

Card 08

Machine Won’t Sew

The 8 fixes to try first.

Card 09

Machine Stitches

Straight stitch and zig-zag stitch.

Card 10

Seam Guide

Even, straight seams every time.

Start Sewing

8 cards

Card 11

Seams

Joining two pieces of fabric.

Card 12

Overlocking

Seal an edge so it won’t fray.

Card 13

Stretchy Fabrics

Sewing fabric that stretches.

Card 14

Hand Stitches

Tacking, back-stitch and blanket stitch.

Card 15

Pins

Hold fabric together before you stitch.

Card 16

Corners

Turn and cut sharp corners.

Card 17

Curves

Stitch and snip smooth curves.

Card 18

Back Stitch

Strengthen seams that get pulled.

Dressmaking

12 cards

Card 19

Facing

A neat finish for necklines and edges.

Card 20

Interfacing

Give cuffs, collars and bags body.

Card 21

Ironing

Iron as you go for a neat finish.

Card 22

Hems

Fold and stitch a straight hem.

Card 23

Curved Hems

Hems for A-line, flared and circular skirts.

Card 24

Buttons

Buttons and buttonholes by machine.

Card 25

Zips

Fit a centred zip.

Card 26

Elastic

Encased and attached elastic.

Card 27

Notches

Marks that show what joins where.

Card 28

Darts

Folds that shape bust, waist and shoulders.

Card 29

Gathering Ease

Gathers that shape sleeves and skirts.

Card 30

Fitting Sleeves

Set in sleeves the quick, easy way.

Using Patterns

7 cards

Card 31

Measure Body

Chest, waist and hips.

Card 32

Hemming

Get the length right.

Card 33

Patterns

Choose and cut the right size.

Card 34

Markings

What the symbols on a pattern mean.

Card 35

Grain-line

Lay the pattern the right way.

Card 36

Cutting on the Fold

Cut a full piece from folded fabric.

Card 37

Stretch Clothes

Cutting and sewing stretch garments.