Super Stitches Sewing: A Complete Guide to Machine-Sewing and Hand-Stitching Techniques

I love this book! Even though I've been a sewing enthusiast for 30 years and a professional seamstress for 20 (I even worked at a busy independent fabric store for many years), I have wondered all this time where a book like this existed! We've all had machines that had extra stitch functionality that we've never used, didn't know where to apply, or stitches that were only vaguely described in the sewing machine manual. This book helpfully clears up these mysteries with clear diagrams and beautiful photographs. Ms Vasbinder also explains how and when to use a whole host of hand-sewing stitches, and there is an extended glossary in the back with further information about sewing thread, needles, and common sewing machine feet.Think you know it all? Maybe you'll discover the true use for many stitches that sat dusty and un-used on that old mechanical sewing machine? Or like I did, perhaps you'll consider buying a new, electronic machine that features many of these decorative and specialty finishing stitches. As a full-on junkie for antique mechanical sewing machines with limited stitch capability, I never felt the urge to go and buy a new machine until I read this book!Ms Vasbinder not only tells you what the stitch is, what it is commonly used for, and shows a beautiful example of the stitch on real fabric, but she also shares which machines are likely to feature the stitch (electronic only, machines with mechanical cams) and whether or not the sewing machine automatically secures the stitch for you. The same attention has been paid to the hand-sewing segment; all of those stitches are thoroughly explained and clear diagrams easily teach the reader how and when to use the stitch.Sewists of all kinds will find this an extremely valuable resource, but I believe it will be of particular interest to those who sew garments, home fashions and decor, and home crafts. Quilters who use their machines for applique will enjoy the wealth of stitches available for this purpose. I would also highly recommend this book for someone who is in the market for a new machine, as they could note stitches or features to look for in a new or used machine and use that as a buying and test-driving guide!I consider this book an unmatched reference for sewing educators, serious sewing students, professional clothiers, and fabric stores. On top of the quality of information, it's a good size (not cumbersome) and is graced with beautiful fonts and colors throughout. A lay-flat binding would have been nice, but hey - you can't have everything!

If you're a visual learner, this book is for you. Where called for, several stitches are presented on a 2-page spread, with an actual color photo on one page, and clearly illustrated step by step instructions on the next. You'll find both machine stitches, and hand stitches covered. If you have a sewing machine that offers several different stitches, this book will come in handy. You'll know which fabrics are best for which stitches, and you'll know which presser feet are needed for each stitch. Also covered are machine needles and hand needles. I'm guilty of using the same needles for everything, but this makes it easier to know when it's best to use a specific kind. I have a new machine capable of making many stitches, and I didn't want to just find myself utilizing the straight and zig-zag stitches. I think this book will give me the confidence to try different stitches, and get more out of my machine. I am very pleased with this resource!

I love the layout of the book, the procession of stitches instruction, the clear Close up illustrations that include photo as well as simple graphic examples found on every single page. The book is divided between A large section of machine stitches followed by a large section of hand stitches. The last section of the book describes starting with clear graphic examples of needles both hand and machine, thread, presser feet, and both computerized and manual sewing machines.It includes 50 machine stitches and 20 hand stitches.

Includes great descriptions and pictures of both sewing machine stitches and hand stitches. Wonderful reference guide to keep near your work table. Happy it was recommended to me for sewing 18-inch doll clothes. Very versatile.

I have been sewing for some years and have many books on sewing. This book puts it all together. The sewing machine stitches are laid out thoroughly listing the tension, foot to use, other names the stitch goes by, if that stitch is not on your machine, which stitch to substitute and lots of pics on how to create the stitch. Machine feet, Threads and Needles are also thoroughly reviewed. This would be a great book for any beginner, intermediate sewist and I think its a great book for the advanced sewist too.

This was informative, but not quite the book I was hoping it would be. I was looking for something that had more specific information for using decorative stitches and such.

This book is well done, i love it.

Maravilloso libro de puntadas, sus usos y aplicaciones. Ofrece tambien alternativas de puntadas similares. No debe faltar en cualquier taller de costura.

This is a great little book. Well organized, illustrated and explained. It's a handy book to have while you're planning out your project.

Received it today ....very interesting book. thank you!

Excellent reference