Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques

by Nancy Bednar, JoAnn Pugh-Gannon

If the sewing machine does it, then the technique is here! Anyone looking for advice on those indispensable basics will find a variety of ways to do bias binding, buttonholes, edge finishes, gathering, hem finishes, mitering corners, seam finishes, topstitching, and zippers. Or sewers can learn how to make any item eye-catching with an array of creative touches, including appliqué, crisscross chain stitching, eyelet embroidery, and lacework. Every technique comes complete with machine setups and guidance on fabrics, stitching, needles, threads, tension, and the presser foot.

Genres: Sewing, Reference, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so great, I ordered it for my library. It's true, as one reviewer described, that this book has a lot of decorative techniques. However, those techniques have inspired me to use some of my presser feet and to buy a few more. Some of the techniques and projects were old-fashioned (not counting vintage) or obsolete because of the newer tools available, but all-in-all, this was a great read and will be an oft-consulted resource.

The edition pictured is the 1999 edition, but I'm buying the 2001 edition. There were some typos in the earlier edition that they probably fixed in the later edition.

[Mary Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, just as the title implies. Each technique is shown with finished examples and some have photos of the process. There is a written description, too. Very helpful to me right now, as there are so many techniques (and some have several names). This made me feel more well-versed in a very short time.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful resource to anyone that sews. Covers well known techniques and a lot of more obscure ones. Basicly, anything that you can do by machine is included.

[Cora Kertzman · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok

[Trey]

Don't get the kindle version

The kindle version of this book is just a poor scan of the original. The print is tiny and the entire book is pretty much unreadable on a phone.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what the title says. This isn't an idea book, it's a reference for figuring out how to do that thing with the thread that you've always heard about but never tried. Fairly straightforward instructions (not perfect, but good), photos showing the steps, and a reference for each technique describing suitable needles, threads, presser foots, fabrics, etc. A solid, reliable reference guide.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I'd like to have in my library. Covers all sorts of sewing techniques, the how to's are fairly well described, and if nothing else, gets the ideas flowing on how to add the finishing touches to clothes.

[Espera]

Skimmed the book in the bookstore. It looked pretty promising. I'll see if it'll solve the mystery of my grandmother's pillow covers when I get to try some of the techniques.

[Patty R.]

I did not like it I was looking for emphasis on construction techniques not projects like embroidery.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Color; clear, large print. Older techniques and newer techniques.

[Enikő · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Simple and accurate.

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, an extensive list of techniques.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to own. Easy to follow step by step instructions.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

You must know how to sew in order to get anything out of this book and then what possiibilities there are!