Fabric Manipulation: 150 Creative Sewing Techniques

by Ruth Singer

This is truly an essential resource for all sewists! Set to be the new The Art of Manipulating Fabric , Ruth Singer offers a modern interpretation of fabric manipulation in this book, with hundreds of full colour diagrams. Discover and explore 150 creative sewing techniques including pleating, folding, gathering, smocking, quilting, trapunto and applique. Ruth explains her innovative variations of these traditional fabric manipulation techniques and offers inspirational project ideas demonstrating practical applications to create accessories and home decor. Photographs and illustrations are included to support the step-by-step instruction for each technique and all of the techniques can be done by hand or with a domestic sewing machine without the need for specialist equipment.

Genres: Sewing, Fashion, Nonfiction, Crafts, Art

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Laurla2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

-a neat book with tons of pictures. techniques including pleating, folding, gathering, smocking, quilting, trapunto and applique.
-for the shirring section i would NOT call it step-by-step instructions. more like pictures of a couple different variations, a small amount of description, with only a teeny tiny amount of instruction.
-for the smocking section there were far more pictures and detailed instructions, including an interesting looking lattice design with a lattice stitch diagram.
-i only paged thru the pictures of the other sections. some were interesting but not something i'm likely to try my hand at.
-4 stars? not sure. not a bad book, i was just disappointed in the shirring section (my main reason for checking out this book).

[Eva Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource to have at hand at home. The author did a marvelous job of presenting a long list of techniques that the reader can utilize on their own projects.
I would say the book is not suitable for complete beginners, as it doesn’t tell you when to use what. This is left to the reader’s imagination. If you’re a beginner sewer, maybe look for a different resource first.

[Christa Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly about different ways to smock fabric, but there were some helpful techniques I may use in the future.

[Bonnie Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas

I have a whole handbag sewing business and I'm having a block on new ideas. The hardest thing about sewing handbags is the work that is done inside; like pockets and zipper placement. I wanted more structure for the outside that catches the customers eye. I have looked at several resources on the Internet and none of those resources have given such great instructions. This is a must have for your sewing library.

[Ru4repeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so inspiring! I previously have only done traditional quilting, but with the techniques explained in this book I not only want to try something new, but I believe I will succeed at it too! Excellent material...pun intended. ;-)

[Andrea Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for the novice

I am only just beginning the journey in sewing and I find it relaxing. This book helps it stay relaxing with excellent tips given in an unpretentious manner

[Stephanie Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting ideas, would like more practical projects to have been included

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting fabric origami - and it sort of is but is more about different sewing techniques to create different patterns and texture in sewing. a great reference

[nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is such a great resource for textile art and sewing!!

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book presenting many fabric folding/stitching manipulations, including detailed instructions and photographs. Also contains a nice section up front about materials, tools and techniques. These are many of the techniques I learned about while studying Fiber Arts, but have since forgotten about. Awesome to flip through and check out many different possibilities and ideas for creating decorative fabric details.

[Icelandic Vespertine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly straightforward instructions which are clearly written and photographed.

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good techniques and step by step photographs which made this a pleasant read but I'd really like to have seen more actual projects than just little pictures of step by step techniques.

[Shirin Bagherzadeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty and easy designs to make !!!

[Janine Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with some good ideas and information on techniques.