Fine Machine Sewing: Easy Ways to Get the Look of Hand Finishing & Embellishing [Paperback]

Carol Laflin Ahles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 1996

Master classic stitching, embellishing, and finishing techniques. Machine-specific charts, troubleshooting tips, and detailed pictures guide readers to create the look of handwork on a machine.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Decorative hand stitchery, applique, fine finishing?all these techniques of heirloom sewing can make both handmade and purchased garments into unique expressions of individual creativity. Handwork, however, demands a large time commitment. Ahles, a frequent teacher at machine-sewing seminars and a former sewing retailer, argues that almost any fine handsewing technique can be duplicated in a fraction of the time by home sewers at any skill level using almost any home sewing machine. This book proves her point. A trouble-shooting guide, tips, and a question-and-answer section supplement detailed instructions and illustrations. A good selection for most public libraries.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

Do you love the look of hemstitching, fagoting, and pintucking? Fine Machine Sewing is the first comprehensive guide to producing details that look handsewn with the ease of the sewing machine. Whether working with a purchased garment or one you are making yourself, you will find clear, step-by-step instructions. This reference book can be used by sewers of all skill levels for mastering classic finishing and embellishing techniques and for learning how to get the most out of any sewing machine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (September 10, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561581534
• ISBN-13: 978-1561581535
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,538,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

96 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars i improved the first time i used it, November 11, 2000

By 

"nickname12345" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fine Machine Sewing: Easy Ways to Get the Look of Hand Finishing & Embellishing (Paperback)

I shied away from getting this book at first, i wasn't sure if it was for me, so many books are written with the husqvarna or elna in mind (i have a babylock) but i finally bought it, because it really is for any type of sewing machine (although it does use the hemstitches that are on the computerized machines) In a bout of insomnia i took this book out and started reading cover to cover, and i realized that i have been using the wrong presser foot!! No wonder my fabric has been puckering and getting crammed into the needle plate, i had been using my zig-zag satin foot when i should have been using my regular foot (ya there is a difference!) There are little things like that as well as techniques like corded buttonholes, scallops, pin tucks, hem stitching (point of paris, venitian, you'll even find out what to do with that daisy stitch) Sewing heirloom laces together is discussed, and there are beautiful blouses for you to try. As a tatter, i really liked the one with the column of tatted insertion.

Besides sewing techniques and stitches, this book discusses optional presser feet, and also how to choose a sewing machine, something very valuable if you are thinking of geting into heirloom sewing and are in the market to get a computerized machine. Bring it with you to a trusted dealer!

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book about sewing technique, December 4, 2002

By 

D. C. Eaton (Avon, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fine Machine Sewing 2 Ed: Easy Ways to Get the Look of Hand Finishing and Embellishing (Hardcover)

This is an incredible book. It is clearly written with profusely illustrated with excellent quality photos. It has greatly expanded my ideas about what is possible on a sewing machine. I read it from cover to cover even though I don't actually plan to use many of the techniques. However, I have already put the author's advice on blind hemming and narrow hemming into practice. I am also intrigued by the possibilities of hemstitching (stitching hems and hemstitching are totally different things). I love this book.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Add this one to your must have list., May 20, 2000

By 

J. Wilson "Domestic Diva" (Montgomery, Alabama, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fine Machine Sewing: Easy Ways to Get the Look of Hand Finishing & Embellishing (Paperback)

Carol Ahles has done a wonderful job of making the reader comfortable with the practical use of many of the decorative stitches on today's newer sewing machines. The color pictures are beautiful and inspirational. I especially liked the reference sections with machine settings to assist in achieving the perfect results every time. This book is easy to read and an absolute must for anyone contemplating a new sewing machine or trying to master the one they already own.