The first book from the founder of iconic outdoors brand Sandqvist, Heavy Duty Sewing is all about using needle and thread, a sewing machine and stiff materials to make your own practical, hardwearing functional objects.

There are projects here for the experienced home sewer who is looking to try something new, but above all this is a book for people who find the idea of sewing fun but may not have come up with a suitable project, or never even used a sewing machine before. The book explains the basics of making textile products, which materials to use, the equipment and work techniques. In the process you learn all about leather and how to repair your own belongings. The techniques are then put into practice in ten projects for countryside, town and travel, for example hiking rucksacks, toolcases, vanity bags and aprons.

There is no difficult stitching here; you simply need some patience and attention to detail. It’s amazingly good fun and you will end up with handsome objects which you can take pride in using. Welcome to heavy-duty sewing!