The Sewing Stitch & Textile Bible: An Illustrated Guide to Techniques and Materials

by Lorna Knight

Delivers technique tips you will refer to often. Spiral encased, lay-flat format allows you to work while you read. Whether it's simple repair advice, instructions for soft furnishings or tips for designing fashions, this comprehensive sewing resource contains instructions anyone can understand, and use for years to come. In addition to easy-to-follow instructions, demonstrated in 500+ color photos and diagrams, this book includes a stitch directory with functional and decorative stitches created by hand, machine and serger. Plus, a textile directory with details for working with 70+ fabrics from chiffon to denim, and application advice for seams, edges, buttonholes, zippers and more. This is a foundational reference every sewing enthusiast can use.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts

256 pages, Spiral-bound

First published September 25, 2007

Reviews

[Chris Zable · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very useful reference work. It covers tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing; hand and machine stitches; techniques such as adding buttons, buttonholes, and zippers; and various types of fabric. I have gotten the largest amount of use out of the section on hand sewing stitches. For example, I learned the ladder stitch, which is an invisible joining stitch for seams that can be done from the outside of the work, so it's great for doing those last few inches of seam on a stuffed object after it has been turned right-side-out and stuffed. And today I needed a way to securely fasten one piece of cloth over another showing as little as possible and found the prick stitch, which is a back stitch where the stitches on the top (visible) side are much shorter than the stitches on the other side. The illustrations of the hand-sewing stitches do not have the stitches executed particularly neatly, but that is really the only fault I can find with the book. I don't refer to it particularly often, but it is very valuable when I do.

[4JFJF3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly one to 'finish' reading, rather a reference book to come back to from time to time. Pretty comprehensive for beginner sewers and full of clear, helpful illustrations.

[Heather Childree]

Handy reference guide. I now know how fancy linen napkins are made (among other things)!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I haven't done a lot of handsewing in awhile and this booked helped with giving lots of examples of different hand stitches.

[Katherine]

Handy, handy!