Customer Reviews

Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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)!

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!

I ordered this book because I thought it would be a good "next to the sewing machine" book for reviewing basic stitches (how to do a blind hem stitch, how to reverse applique, etc.) I was pleasantly suprised! This book is a great reference for all of those basic techniques, but it contains tons of great creative ideas as well, like silk ribbon embroidery on the machine, using the marking foot to make fringe, and many more. I use this book all the time for both reviewing the basics and getting inspiration to try something new. The book is well organized, with photographs of each technique. Highly recommended!

This book should be in every sewing room! The instructions are detailed and easy to follow. If you only buy one book for your sewing room, this is the one to have. If you buy two, "501 Sewing Tips" from Nancy Z. is another great one filled with extremely helpful tips.

Okay, I ordered this after reading the reviews here and elsewhere--it sounded like "the" book to have. When it arrived though, I was disappointed. Sure its got a lot of different techniques in it which is great. Unfortunately, each topic is only covered very briefly. Sometimes it skips steps and just assumes you know them which is something that really bothers me in books. Don't assume I know those five inbetween steps, maybe I've never done this technique before. I'm not an idiot, I just might not know one. The other reason this book lost a couple of stars with me is the wasted book space. This book has pages of photos and writing--tiny photos and double spaced writing. Why not make the photos larger so you can really see them and fill in some of that space with more words--like the ones for the missing steps! I returned my copy and am getting a couple of others which will show not only these techniques but many more.

I didn't even know many of the stitches in this book existed. As I learned to sew in 4-H as a kid, I thought I "knew" how to sew when I picked it back up 3 years ago, but this book took me beyond my straight stitch, zig zag, and buttonhole repertoire. I honestly sat down and read this book cover-to-cover when it arrived. Each technique is illustrated by color photos, and has information about how to set up your machine, which presser foot to use, which needles are recommended, and which fabrics are appropriate.

There are too many techniques to list here, but there are 7 hem finishes, 2 types of lace making, 4 types of button holes, and 10 appliquéing techniques. The techniques can be done with an ordinary sewing machine, but some additional presser feet are required.

I really love this book.If you are interested in heirloom sewing or just certain decorative techniques then this book is for you.There is even a section on indispensible techniques that every sewer should know such as zipper insertion,bias binding,different kinds of seam finishes,buttons and buttonholes etc.I really liked the free motion embroidery techniques since I love to embroider but my machine is NOT one of those fancy upscale embroidery machine.I learned that all I really needed was a machine with a simple zigzag stitch,the ability to lower the feeddogs,and a darning foot.I highly recommend this book to sewers of all levels since I still consider myself a beginner/intermediate sewer. There is specific directions and tools on what you need to complete your project.You won't be disappointed.Every sewer should own one to add a little pizzaz to their sewing.

This book shows you how to do most anything with a sewing machine! Have you ever seen something and wondered how it was made? This book will show you! It gives you a list and picture of the tools and step by step directions necessary to complete your project.There are lots of heirloom techniques but also many other techniques seen in modern clothing.This book offers a great way to change something you made from plain to extraordinary!I think it is a must have reference book (and one of my favorites!) For beginner to experienced sewers alike.Some of the things discussed in this book are: Applique,lace making,bobbin work,embroidery and other types of needle wrok,cording,couching,cutwork,fringe,pin tuck,hand sewing, several quilting methods,ruffles,scallops,smocking,shirring,bias,edge finishes,seam finishes,zippers & buttonholes, sewing with ribbon and more! You can't go wrong with this reference book,I reccomend it to all who sew.

I got this book from the library and am now going to buy it. I am a beginner/intermediate sewist who likes hip, cool fashionable clothes, and this book gave me so many ideas on new techniques I can incorporate in my basic designs. With that said, I only gave it 4 stars because the project pictures show pretty traditional and outdated clothing ideas. If you can get past the old-fashioned (no offense to those who like that stuff, but I like more current and classy vintage looks--not quilting and 80's-ish dresses with lace), you will have a treasure-trove of amazing techniques like applique (seems like a million different ways!), ruching, smocking, cording, lacemaking, etc.
The instructions for each technique are clearly presented in a step-by-step manner, with pictures for each step. The layout is not crowded, but spacious so it's easy to read. Each technique is covered in 2 to 4 pages with a list of supplies and what to set your machine to on the first page.