Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques [Paperback]

Nancy Bednar (Author), JoAnn Pugh-Gannon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Every project will have you thinking, ‘That would be fun to sew!’”  —Sew News
“This all-important sewing-room reference will not only dispel fears, but will encourage you to attempt and succeed with expert techniques.”  —Vogue Patterns

About the Author

JoAnn Pugh Gannon has been involved within the home sewing industry for many years, including a long career with Swiss Bernina, later known as Bernina of America, the Untied States importer of Swiss made Bernina sewing machines and related products. As Vice President of Marketing Software for Bernina, she was responsible for all dealer and consumer education, educational material, and Bernina University. In 1994 she began publishing sewing and craft books under the name of Sewing Information Resources. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402742932
• ISBN-13: 978-1402742934
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Art

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

100 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Guide for the Creative Sewist, April 30, 2002

By 

"rainbird16" (KARRINYUP, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques (Hardcover)

Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques by Nancy Bednar & JoAnn Pugh-Gannon

Being fairly new to creative sewing, I found this book particularly helpful as a means of learning the techniques needed to upgrade my skills from plain sewing into the creative area.

A few of the many techniques covered include ten different methods of applique, drawn thread techniques, decorative bobbin work, quilting and trapunto quilting, silk ribbon techniques, thread painting and tucks.

For each technique, there is a description of the technique, the sewing machine set-up is given in a clear and concise manner, together with a list of appropriate fabrics and additional requisites. There are colour plates and smaller photos which illustrate the methods of sewing.

The book is mainly devoted to the creative, decorative sewing techniques, but there is also a chapter which covers 'Indispensable Techniques' from Bias Binding to Placket Zippers.

Altogether this is a book which I shall turn to again and again as I learn to make the most of my sewing machine - and to have fun while doing so!

80 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quick and very practical reference book!, October 25, 2004

By 

Newmie the cat (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques (Paperback)

This is a great book, very well written and easy to understand (even for me who's native language is not english and sometimes has difficulty to understand!) and I fully recommend it for the novice as well as the advanced sewer. It is packed with so many different techniques that it's even hard to choose! At the beginning of each techinque you find a short explanation of what you'll actually learn about. Then the Machine Set-up comes: stitch length and width, presser foot, needles, threads, tension. Fabric Choices and if there is any Additional Supplies She lists that too. It also made it very easy on me before shopping, the list was readily waiting for me, so I didn't forget anything to buy.
Next comes the proceedure itself with pictures and under each and every picture you have a very detailed explanation. One technique is about two pages long so it's not even time consuming to sit down and learn one or two technique when you have 15 minutes. There are techniques in it (not much though) which take quiet a few practise but most of it easy to learn. However, there are cons too. The firs and very short part of the book is about maintaining your sewing machine, work area and lighting, etc. There are not many information on these things (She just bareley mentions it). But after all this book wasn't written about that. Also the book can fall apart easily, not a sturdy construction, although it's nicely printed, it'd be good quality if the glue'd hold it together..and one more thing..for all these techniques you'll need just an ordenary sewing machine with different presser feet (no embroidery, computerised machine or serger)!

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia of sewing machine techniques, May 28, 2000

By 

Sewnmachine "A good dog, a sewing machine, an... (Akron, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques (Hardcover)

This past winter I found this book at the library for the first time. I have a fairly large sewing book collection and when I saw how this book of techniques was presented I was thrilled. I will definately purchase this one. While I had the book I read it like a novel and in my sewing room I constantly was referring to it for new ideas and techniques for different sewing applications. I would recommend putting this book in your shopping cart and then in your sewing room!