Sewing Machines Books

I love my Sew Fast Sew Easy book. It was so easy to follow and helped me out a lot. The illustrations are done really well and have a lot of detail. This book does a good job covering basics that you wouldn't normally think about like making sure the straight grain is parrallel to the selvage when cutting out and that your fabric doesn't move and how to measure that. It's great, the information in this book. Plus the sewing patterns that it comes with are basic beginner patterns. Great for learning with. One anoying thing though, Amazon has this book listed under a BARGIN PRICE but it's not a bargin price at $19. I had to search "Sew Fast Sew Easy" to get the new book from Amazon at $16. Really weird. I wish Amazon didn't offer books like that, it's really deceiving. Enjoy your book, happy sewing!

I learned to sew with this book and have had great sucess. I just bought the new book "Sew On" to progress my sewing and the patterns and projects are amazing! I have learned even more techniques with the new book and I still use my Sew Fast Sew Easy book for reference. I'm really happy with these books from Amazon.

The book is probably best for true novices. I was never much of a sewer and it has been 30 years since I've sewn anything more than a button or hem. I thought I'd need to review the basics, but this book was too basic for me. i was hoping that it would refresh the basics, but lead me a few steps beyond. I can see where it would be helpful for those who are just starting out, so I can't find much fault with the book itself. It was just not what I need.

I am completely new to sewing, so new that I had no idea how to cut out a pattern. I found a few videos on YouTube that explained how to pin the pattern to the fabric and then start cutting. Anyway, the good things about the book are that it's a very quick read because it's so small, and it does cover most of the basics like getting to know your sewing machine. However, I would recommend Sewing 101 in addition to or instead of this book, as it explains how to lay out the fabric and how to cut, etc. Sewing 101 and Home Decor Sewing 101 have better photos and illustrations of the different steps in making an item, i.e. a pillow or a shower curtain or whatever, and I appreciate the detailed step-by-step illustrations that these books provide.

This is a great learn how to sew book for first time sewers, very easy to understand.

I'm a new quilter and had been intimidated by the Log Cabin pattern. I took a class that taught this method at my local sewing machine center, and was able to complete a wall hanging (which at 68" x 68" is more like a throw) top in an 11 hour class including cutting and chattering time. I'm an Eleanor Burns fan for life now.

I am not an experienced quilter, but I have made several quilts. When I came across this book and thumbed through the pages, I was fascinated by her method. When I last made a king-sized quilt, it took me 3-4 years, mostly because I was discouraged by how long it was taking me to assemble it. I started with this pattern recently to make a king-sized quilt as a gift, and I am astounded with how fast I am progressing. With this method, you can work on it in short bursts if you want, but if you have an entire day, you can get a lot done! I highly recommend it! I look forward to using this method to make quick baby quilts in the future!

Great book with step by step instructions, this would be my pick for the first time quilter. It shows at least 100 different layouts for you log cabin blocks. It is wonderful.

No way one day!. But... in three days I made a 60x60 lap quilt over New Years. With an unfamiliar sewing machine on a dining room table. I think it could be done in two in my own studio.

What this did was give me confidence to go home and finish my QS Triple Irish Chain.

I recommend this book highly for beginner quilters. Sometimes you read instructions and wonder what the quilter was smoking. Not Ms. Burns.

If a guy like me can do it, anyone can.

t in san jose

If you are a quilter and you haven't made this quilt, what are you waiting for? You have to make this quilt pattern at least once in your life. If you are thinking about quilting and can sew a straight line, this is where you want to begin.

It's easy, simple, the results are beautiful. I've made many of these as gifts; I've given the book and fabric as the gift.

This book taught me to be a stripper over 20 years ago. (Read the book you'll understand "stripper".)

I thought I would always have to send my quilts out to be quilted, even though I had bought two quilting machines. This was expensive and not always satisfactory due to the results. So I finally broke down and bought this book. Now I do all of my own quilting, and because of the confidence gained by this book, have recently purchased a long arm. Harriet's ways are understandable, easy, and comprehensive. A real
"NEED TO HAVE" for any quilter!

I have this book and it is the bomb! I've used it for years and even bought the revision to it, it was so worth the money. If you only ever get one machine quilting book, this is the one to get.

Heiloom Machine quilting is just the best if you want to learn to quilt your own quilt top on your sewing machine. This book explains everthing so well and why you need to do certain things to get the job done. I just enjoy this book There are quilting patterns in this book to use and the step by step on how to do them.

harriet hargrave is a master, and continues to become even more amazing. if you are interested in machine quilting, get the next edition of this work--it includes her most recent tips, discoveries, etc.

From the outset, learning why some things are done this way rather than that, I wanted to gather and destroy the five quilts I've made because they don't even approach "good" quality (forget heirloom quality). Getting past that, there was really useful information that made completing the quilt I was currently working on much easier and showed why some of my earlier ones are in the shape they are (sigh - if only I knew then...). The information on batting was comprehensive and very helpful. I still prefer polyester for its economy and fluff, but am going to try cotton and now know what the differences are (besides price). I am not a total beginner but quilts are only one part of my sewing. I consider myself a "hacker" rather than a serious quilter. I have read other machine quilting books which were very good, but I would have to say this is the best, with the most practical information. Note: there are no patterns for quilts, though there are quilt photos throughout the book. There are quilting line patterns to copy, however, with directional arrows to guide your machine quilting.

I just started my own business making swim suits. I had bought a Juki Overlock machine to sew them with. It's a pretty complicated machine and I've been sewing for a while so I thought that I could just figure it out but I failed. It came with a manual but I needed something more. I looked for a book to help me out and chose this one. I'm glad I did. It has been a great book and company to come across. The patterns that came with the book were great to learn on and I downloaded an underwear pattern from their website. Any level sewer can benefit greatly from the info in this book. I was highly impressed with how well the patterns matched up and turned out, especially with using knits.

I ordered this book with the Sew Fast Sew Easy book. The techniques and projects in this book are much more advanced. The Ottoman project is really cool but it's a commitment. The tee shirt and pant on the other hand are preatty simple and come out great. I love these patterns. It also has great attention to detail in the illustrations. The instructions were easy follow and it had info about putting in neckbands that was really helpful. I couldn't distribute the neckband correctly and there is a tip about how to chalk it. I'm super happy with these books and highly recommend. Enjoy!

I bought this book because I wanted to develop my sewing skills further and the reviews for this book were great. When I received this book I was surprised at how well it was written and how detailed the descriptions and instructions are. The "Box Cushion" project is a little more demanding and is the perfect challenge for me. I have other sewing books that are dull and a little hard to understand. This "Sew On" book was exactly what I was looking for. I just ordered their other book "Rip It", I'm sure it will be just as great. I am very happy with my order.

Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

Sew Fast Sew Easy Sew On by Elissa K. Meyrich is an all-out, hip manual to the art of sewing and serging. Made by the founder and president of SewFastSewEasy, a company renowned for helping everyday hipsters become competent seamsters, it is a thorough and appealing handbook for novices to the art of garment creation.

The first thing you notice when you open up the book is that it just looks good. The illustrations, even for highly technical things like threading an overlock machine, are compelling to look at. The subtle use of colors and the intriguing lines are quite frankly, cool. It is a strange experience finding yourself admiring an illustration of a seam ripper, but definitely not an unpleasant one, nor an uncommon one, when reading this book.

As for content, Sew Fast Sew Easy Sew On thoroughly covers the basics of the sewing process, from choosing tools and fabrics, to understanding patterns, to instructions on how to use a sewing machine and serger, to tips on simple sewing techniques like sewing on buttons and how to make a hem. It also includes very handy charts and a glossary. Most importantly though, it contains step by step instructions and included patterns for five projects, such as a simple T-shirt and an iPod holder. I personally, am a big fan of the "hipster drawstring pants," and although it would not be flattering on me, I do appreciate the look of a "scarf halter wrap-around dress" on members of the fairer sex.

The instructions for these projects, and in the book as a whole, are very thorough, and it is very clear that Elissa K. Meyrich is a veteran teacher. Her hours teaching classes at Parsons School of Design and at her company in New York City show through. One of her instructions for threading a sewing machine tells you to turn the handwheel slowly "TOWARDS" you, and just hints at the many, many novices who must have turned the wheel the wrong way.

Her instructions are generally very good, but in a few instances can be a little difficult to understand. For example, early in the book she mentions the right side of fabric, without ever defining it. After a reading a little farther you can figure out it is the side of the fabric that is going to be on the outside of the garment, but in the meantime it can be confusing for a beginner. Such problems are minor though, and do not seriously hamper the book. For those who really want to make something neat, this book will help you do it.

Sew Easy Sew Fast Sew On is a thorough, useful, and stylish book for those intent on learning the art of of clothes creation, and is available at www.sewfastseweasy.com. Also, check out the lessons on the website for some of the best DIY clothing training in New York City and on the web.

Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

This book compliments the first Sew Fast Sew Easy book. I had bought that book to learn to sew and had great success with it. I knew this book would have some great tips and projects but I underestimated it. The projects and patterns that are included were perfectly challenging for me. I learned more techniques with the box cushion. I hadn't ever sewn with heavy fabric let alone turn a corner. Learning about overlock machines and what there used for was an eye opener and I'm now on the hunt for one. I have a new passion and am proud of my progress with sewing. I acredit it to these books.

Book has some amazing projects involving wrapping fabric strips around cotton clothes line. I haven't tried anything yet, but I have all of the materials listed to make a bowl.

I had briefly seen this book at a quilt shop recently and was pleasantly surprised to find it on Amazon at about half the price. It's a great book with a lot of new, innovative ideas for using long, thin leftover fabric scraps. The photos are clear and explicit as are the instructions for making things with simple clothesline and fabric and a sewing machine. I am enrolled in a class in a few weeks to learn the process as well and this book was recommended by the teacher.

I bought this book and could not wait to get started! I made one bowl and showed it to my friends in our local ASG and they made bowls for an auction and they have not stopped dreaming up new color combinations and styles. The bowls make up so fast that I wish I had someone to wrap the fabric for me so I could just spend all my time stitching them together.

This book is awesome. Great gifts and so much fun to do.
Made a basket and it is so pretty and useful. Totes and baskets make good sense around the house.
Can't wait to make more different shaped baskets and even some trivets for the table. Who knew a hank of rope and some 1" fabric strips could be so pretty and useful. Well, I just found out. Try it you'll like it.

The book arrived very quickly and in excellent condition. I am very pleased with the service. Thank you

This is a great book. I keep it next to my sewing machine and refer back to it often.

I checked this book out of the public library. After reading it cover to cover, I immediately signed into Amazon.com and ordered a copy to keep for myself. The book provides easy to read and understand directions for every step in the quiltmaking process.

"Heirloom Machine Quilting" is a book you will refer to many, many times. It will help the beginner as well as expert because it is full of helpful instruction, hints and examples plus learning projects to try. It will expand your mind!!!.

This is an excellent reference book on all types of machine quilting. Gives all of the tips and details needed to be successful at fine machine quilting.

I have many books on this subject among my quilt books but this is the one I would recommend most highly. Takes machine quilting to a new level for home quilters. Her work is done on your ordinary sewing machine and the book has detailed information on how to achieve the results we all want. Do yourself a favor and buy this.

haven't had a chance to look at book yet. Bought it because had taken some sewing lessons and this book was used so was familiar with it and wanted a copy of my own. Also, got one for a gift.

I was searching for a book to improve my basic sewing skills. I enjoy heirloom items but have never done any sewing projects. I am looking forward to applying the techniques shared in this book. The pictures and the instructions are very helpful. I would recommend purchasing this item.

I dearly love this book. It gives great directions and photos of how to do things and is well written. It will be in my sewing room right next to my machine for future reference. I highly reccomend it is anyone interested in learning to do fine machine sewing.

Fine Machine Sewing turned out to be a lovely book. I expected it to cover a wider range of fabrics and finishings, but it realy only covers linen and cotton. If that is what you are looking for, it is hand's down a great book for finishing lightweight clothing. It revealed the mysteries of twin needle stiching, and points out many ways to put realy nice finishes on delicate items. There are lots of close up photos to guide you along.

I learned more in the first 15 pages of this book than I've learned about fine sewing in the last 35 years of experience! I highly recommend this book to those interested in learning and fine tuning their heirloom sewing skills.

I am new to using a serger and found this gem of a book to help me understand how to get the most out of it. The explanations are easy to read with plenty of photos for greater understanding. This handbook covers all you need to know about using a serger,from serger parts, threads, threading, tension controls and techniques. There's guides in the back to help with trouble shooting and machine maintainance as well. I have yet to find another book that explains so much about the functions and features of a serger in such a user friendly format. I'd recommend it to anyone who has, or is thinking of buying a serger - from beginner to advanced!

I own four serger books and this is by far the most useful. It is a great resource for those new to serging, especially if the instruction manual that came with your serger is inadequate. The book covers all of the basics needed for serging without previous experience - serger parts, threading, tension, basic operations, serging knit fabrics, rolled hems, troubleshooting, etc. The author is obviously quite experienced in pointing out common serger pitfalls to the beginner.

I already own a copy of this book so I purchased this for a friend who is new to the sergers. This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn how to use a serger. I have read it three times and each time I learn something new. Sergers are a very different animal than a sewing machine, so regardless to what brand you have this book will help you master how to use it and troubleshoot it when necessary.

If you are new to serging, this book is an excellent introduction to the topic. It covers all the basics very clearly and is well illustrated. Beginners can't go wrong here; experienced serger users will want something more advanced.

Although I've sewn since I was a teenager, I'm new to serging. This is the ideal starter book. Its explanations are clear, as are its trouble-shooting tips, & it's logically organized. It will be sitting next to my serger for some time to come.

I bought the book for a grandchild who was interested in sewing. This book has wonderful practice pages for the beginner sewer. The book explains and illustrates in a very easy way for the beginning person. I think this book would help anyone who wants to learn to sew, yes, even an adult.

Bought this for my granddaughter and hope she finds out the the sewing machine isn't too scary.

Great tools to help your child (or yourself) get used to using a sewing machine.

This is a great book. Inside it has actual patterns for your kids to practice tracing with their machine stitching. Very colorful and excellent quality...thick pages. Can't wait to try it out with my daughter after we give it to her at Christmas.

I purchased this book for my 9 year old grandaughter. What a wonderful introduction to sewing. First and formost, it is fun, visually attractive, in a easy to use spiral format on durable stock. It begins with some nice graphics and games that involve learning the parts of the sewing machine, moves on to some FUN drills that teach little hands how to control sewing lines, curves, points and so on. It ends with some very basic projects that kids can complete on their own giving them a real sense of acomplishment. This is a must have for children learning to sew.

This is one of the more interesting free motion embroidery
Books. I think that any one who can sew can do these projects. They are well illustrated and directions are clearly given. No guess work.

I have tried several of the techniques and the author has made learning free motion very understandable and attainable. It is my favorite new quilting book!

This book presents good technical information on handling thread, etc. for free-motion techniques. I find the examples quite uninspiring artistically, though.

As a freehand embroiderer for more than a couple of decades, I purchased this book a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I must admit that I buy books like this as much to enjoy reading as to learn from. Unlike a prior reviewer, I won't criticize Ms. Fahl for having a different artistic vision that I might have--and my work is quite different from hers. So what? This book is presented as a jumping-off point for the buyer's creativity. This book is a great companion to Ms. Fahl's DVD presentation on working with thread; I have reviewed it separately. For a beginner, this can be a very good first resource.

We just cannot get enough time to try everything in this book It is absolutely inspiring. It is exciting just reading it and makes one long to get to the sewing machine. Why do we have to do housework, cooking and cleaning when there are such exciting things to create. Thanks to Ann Fahl for the work she has put into this book.I will always treasure it as I learn the art of Thread Painting.