The Complete Sewing Machine Handbook (A Sterling/Sewing Information Resources Book) [Paperback]

Karen Kunkel (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Sterling/Sewing Information Resources Book | Publication Date: June 30, 1999

Stop right here--for the last, best word in buying, maintaining, updating, and using your sewing machine! Get all the details you need, from what to look for in a new machine, to what accessories will help you complete a task, to all the experts' tricks of the trade. This full-service guide--spiral-bound to make it simple to use--covers every step of the process. Close-up color photographs focus on every item discussed, and show you every stitch--straight stitch, zigzag, and variations, buttonholes, decorative stitches, and more. See how to select needles and thread, and add decorative touches to whatever you sew. Bonus: a troubleshooting guide for every sewing problem you'll face. 160 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10. NEW IN PAPERBACK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806978058
• ISBN-13: 978-0806978055
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,945,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just What You Need, May 5, 2000

By 

Theresa R. Torres - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Sewing Machine Handbook (A Sterling/Sewing Information Resources Book) (Paperback)

This book is full of instructional photographs with very clearly worded descriptions. It has been a while since I last used a sewing machine; this book is just what I needed to refresh my sewing skills and to update me on new techniques.

I found several techniques that I am going to try by following the step-by-step directions.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ---A terrific book with LARGE photographs and Clear instructions---, February 12, 2011

By 

Judith Miller (Bluemont, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Sewing Machine Handbook (A Sterling/Sewing Information Resources Book) (Paperback)

I had never liked sewing and only sewed when absolutely necessary. I would sew on buttons, repair a small tear or ripped hems. I never even touched a sewing machine until I was well into my forties.

What changed me was the fact that I fell in love with quilts! I wanted to make quilts for my family and friends. Since hand sewing was not an option for me, I had to learn to use a sewing machine. I purchased an old used machine that didn't have an instruction book and I played around with it, but never really knew how to do things correctly. I'm not the least bit mechanical! I'd spend so much time trying to figure out how to do every little thing that I felt frustrated. Yes, I did manage to make a few small quilts, but when I'd make mistakes, I didn't really know how to correct them. I was frustrated and never did much sewing for a number of years, but I still wanted to make quilts!

Well, my husband insisted that I get a brand new high end machine that came with an instruction book and a 2 hour class! The class was helpful, but now that I'm old, I need close up pictures. Well, my good friend, Nancine, who also happens to be an accomplished quilter wanted me to head in the right direction and gave me this book as a gift! Wow! This is the book that I should have been born with!!! There are large close up photographs which is a big help in understanding the use of the many accessories that are part of the machine. You can even learn about setting the tension! Who knew? I thought tension was a frustrated feeling! There's also the twin needle concept. And feet. I thought there was only one foot on a machine! I've learned so much from this book. You can even blind stitch. That one scares me a little bit, but maybe I can peek under the blindfold! I'm still counting all the feet. Sorry, kidding aside, I got carried away!

The bottom line is THE COMPLETE SEWING MACHINE HANDBOOK by Karen Kunkel is a wonderful book. Buy it for yourself, someone who's learning to sew, or a sewing machine challenged person. They'll love you for it!