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Super Stitches Sewing: A Complete Guide to Machine-Sewing and Hand-Stitching Techniques
The Perfect Stitch for Every Project
Does your sewing machine come with lots of fancy stitches that you've never thought to try? This essential guide to machine and hand stitches will teach you how to use any and every stitch for professional-looking seams, hems, gathers, darts, and more. Unlock your full sewing potential with 57 machine stitches, 18 hand stitches, and tips to choose the correct needles, threads, and sewing machine accessories, complete with detailed step-by-step tutorials and illustrations.
This comprehensive stitch dictionary is a must-have companion for any sewer, whether you just bought your first sewing machine or you’re a seasoned expert looking to polish your skills. If your passion is dressmaking, tailoring, or simply mending your own clothes, Super Stitches Sewing gives you all of the information you need to make every project a success.
Does your sewing machine come with lots of fancy stitches that you've never thought to try? This essential guide to machine and hand stitches will teach you how to use any and every stitch for professional-looking seams, hems, gathers, darts, and more. Unlock your full sewing potential with 57 machine stitches, 18 hand stitches, and tips to choose the correct needles, threads, and sewing machine accessories, complete with detailed step-by-step tutorials and illustrations.
This comprehensive stitch dictionary is a must-have companion for any sewer, whether you just bought your first sewing machine or you’re a seasoned expert looking to polish your skills. If your passion is dressmaking, tailoring, or simply mending your own clothes, Super Stitches Sewing gives you all of the information you need to make every project a success.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 14, 2014
Super Stitches Sewing is an excellent stitch guide for sewers. The book is broken up into three main sections. Section 1 features Machine Stitches and Section 2 features Hand Stitches. For each stitch featured in the guide, there is a photographed example of the stitch and an illustrated tutorial on how to sew the stitch and/or how to use the stitch. The book also lists the difficulty level of each stitch, and there is an “Essential Facts” box for each stitch which has information such as alternative names for the stitch, key features of the stitch, substitute stitches, the common uses for the stitch, the fabric types you can use the stitch with, which presser foot to use if it’s a machine stitch, and the thread and needle types to use.
The third section of the book features different types of tools and equipment. It lists the different types of hand sewing and machine needles, thread, and presser feet, and gives information about each type such as key features, common uses, sizes (needles), the fabrics to use them with, and more. This section also lists the different types of sewing machines and the differences between them.
Also including in this book are “Expert Tips”, which are helpful sewing tips printed all throughout the book, a glossary of sewing terms, and an index in the back of the book.
I consider myself an advanced sewer when it comes to hand sewing and an intermediate sewer at machine sewing. For the most part, I only use the straight stitch and zigzag stitch when machine sewing because, to be honest, I never knew what most of the other stitches were called or how to use them. Well, this book now shows how to use all those stitches in an easy to understand and informative way without having a bunch of unnecessary or confusing information. How to use those stitches is no longer a mystery for me and I can’t wait to try some of them. There are even a couple of hand stitches in this book that I didn’t know before. This book is an excellent sewing reference guide that I would definitely recommend to beginner and intermediate sewers, as well as some advanced sewers who may want a refresher on stitches they haven’t used in awhile. I will definitely be keeping this book next to my sewing machine for reference purposes from now on.
*I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.
The third section of the book features different types of tools and equipment. It lists the different types of hand sewing and machine needles, thread, and presser feet, and gives information about each type such as key features, common uses, sizes (needles), the fabrics to use them with, and more. This section also lists the different types of sewing machines and the differences between them.
Also including in this book are “Expert Tips”, which are helpful sewing tips printed all throughout the book, a glossary of sewing terms, and an index in the back of the book.
I consider myself an advanced sewer when it comes to hand sewing and an intermediate sewer at machine sewing. For the most part, I only use the straight stitch and zigzag stitch when machine sewing because, to be honest, I never knew what most of the other stitches were called or how to use them. Well, this book now shows how to use all those stitches in an easy to understand and informative way without having a bunch of unnecessary or confusing information. How to use those stitches is no longer a mystery for me and I can’t wait to try some of them. There are even a couple of hand stitches in this book that I didn’t know before. This book is an excellent sewing reference guide that I would definitely recommend to beginner and intermediate sewers, as well as some advanced sewers who may want a refresher on stitches they haven’t used in awhile. I will definitely be keeping this book next to my sewing machine for reference purposes from now on.
*I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2014
I took sewing classes ages ago in the pursuit of designing stuffed animals and aprons with my best friend in middle school. Since that time, I've been more or less regulated to hand sewing as all memories of the sewing machine lessons I received have flown out the proverbial door.
My sister-in-law, an accomplished seamstress, whips up all sorts of fantastical costumes with her sewing machine, and she and my mother-in-law decided to purchase a Singer Curvy for me a couple Christmases ago because they knew I wanted to get back in the swing of things. Since then, I've been pleased with the things I've created: a Nintendo 3DS case, a Christmas ornament, a cat bed, but I've been stuck using a straight stitch outside of the odd embellishment (where I have no idea of the proper use).
So I decided to look into this book in an effort to understand my machine just a little bit better, and it helped me do just that. First of all, the quality of the book - the cover, the binding, the feel of the pages - is fantastic. Reference books have to hold up to the rigors of heavy use, and I've been pleased with the feel of the book as I hold it open with my coffee mug or elbow while balancing bobbins and thread.
The contents of the book itself and the explanation of each of the stitches is very straightforward and easy to follow. It's, truly, exactly what I needed: a list of stitches and the details of what they can do. Most of the time when I've looked for explanations I get long, rolling (tl;dr) paragraphs that make my eyes cross or limited lists of a few basic stitches with very little information where I'm expected to "fill in the gaps." There's a lot of power in straight-forward simplicity, and this book made more sense to me than anything I've read online in the past on the subject, truth be told.
It truly helped me understand my machine a bit better, took a lot of (unnecessary) mystery out of the "fancy" stitches listed next to that old familiar straight stitch, and I feel it improved my experience sewing by a large margin. I enjoy being able to have an easy place to go back to and understand what I'm doing better. I would highly recommend checking this book out if your machine has been a bit of a mystery. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.
My sister-in-law, an accomplished seamstress, whips up all sorts of fantastical costumes with her sewing machine, and she and my mother-in-law decided to purchase a Singer Curvy for me a couple Christmases ago because they knew I wanted to get back in the swing of things. Since then, I've been pleased with the things I've created: a Nintendo 3DS case, a Christmas ornament, a cat bed, but I've been stuck using a straight stitch outside of the odd embellishment (where I have no idea of the proper use).
So I decided to look into this book in an effort to understand my machine just a little bit better, and it helped me do just that. First of all, the quality of the book - the cover, the binding, the feel of the pages - is fantastic. Reference books have to hold up to the rigors of heavy use, and I've been pleased with the feel of the book as I hold it open with my coffee mug or elbow while balancing bobbins and thread.
The contents of the book itself and the explanation of each of the stitches is very straightforward and easy to follow. It's, truly, exactly what I needed: a list of stitches and the details of what they can do. Most of the time when I've looked for explanations I get long, rolling (tl;dr) paragraphs that make my eyes cross or limited lists of a few basic stitches with very little information where I'm expected to "fill in the gaps." There's a lot of power in straight-forward simplicity, and this book made more sense to me than anything I've read online in the past on the subject, truth be told.
It truly helped me understand my machine a bit better, took a lot of (unnecessary) mystery out of the "fancy" stitches listed next to that old familiar straight stitch, and I feel it improved my experience sewing by a large margin. I enjoy being able to have an easy place to go back to and understand what I'm doing better. I would highly recommend checking this book out if your machine has been a bit of a mystery. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2015
Not a lot of sewing going on in my world right now. In fact, I had not one, but TWO wadders yesterday as I try to convince my sewing mojo to return. In the meantime I'm doing a lot of reading, of course, including some sewing related material. My new favorite title to add to my crafty book collection is Super Stitches Sewing which is devoted entirely to the very things holding our clothing (and other things) together.
Usually this subject matter is relegated to a chapter in a sewing book or a few pages in the manuals that come with our machines. Super Stitches Sewing is divided into three sections: Machine Stitches, Hand Stitches, and Tools and Equipment. Each entry includes a key to the difficulty of the stitch, common uses, what needles to use and other great information. My favorite thing is that the book is entirely in color. I find craft books with black and white photos really frustrating for some reason. The illustrations on how to sew each stitch are really helpful and sometimes revelatory, especially in the hand-stitching section.
Super Stitches Sewing is a perfect addition to my sewing library, but I doubt it will make it onto the actual shelf. I plan to keep it as close to my machines as possible.
Usually this subject matter is relegated to a chapter in a sewing book or a few pages in the manuals that come with our machines. Super Stitches Sewing is divided into three sections: Machine Stitches, Hand Stitches, and Tools and Equipment. Each entry includes a key to the difficulty of the stitch, common uses, what needles to use and other great information. My favorite thing is that the book is entirely in color. I find craft books with black and white photos really frustrating for some reason. The illustrations on how to sew each stitch are really helpful and sometimes revelatory, especially in the hand-stitching section.
Super Stitches Sewing is a perfect addition to my sewing library, but I doubt it will make it onto the actual shelf. I plan to keep it as close to my machines as possible.
May 23, 2021
This book is meant for experienced sewers, not the layman, and machine-sewers at that. To give you an idea, it shows and describes 50 machine stitches and barely 18 hand stitches. However, the real crime is calling itself the “complete guide” when, on top of actually not having all the stitches, it relies on you already having a fair amount of sewing knowledge. I do not find the instructions very clear.
Might be useful for the intermediate sewer, particularly the machine sewer. A lot of detailed information on machines, including explanations on feet.
Might be useful for the intermediate sewer, particularly the machine sewer. A lot of detailed information on machines, including explanations on feet.
October 18, 2023
Friends of the Library used book winner. Great reference book and another Nerdy pleasure to read.
10/18/23 Followed sewing machine mending advice on page 22 & 23 and repaired a baby quilt I had made my grandson; which had fraying seems (perhaps I sewed too close to the seam allowance-but seams do fray after use). This book not only recommended what machine stitch to use it also recommended inserting fusible interfacing into the seam. Ingenious! I would have never thought of this solid plan on my own!
10/18/23 Followed sewing machine mending advice on page 22 & 23 and repaired a baby quilt I had made my grandson; which had fraying seems (perhaps I sewed too close to the seam allowance-but seams do fray after use). This book not only recommended what machine stitch to use it also recommended inserting fusible interfacing into the seam. Ingenious! I would have never thought of this solid plan on my own!
May 22, 2025
Good stuff, but my machine is mechanical and not computerized. Many of the stitches included can really only be accomplished on computerized machines. This book made me feel like I was operating an ancient doodad. What was applicable was helpful, and the reference materials in the back, on thread, presser feet, needle types, etc., was the best part.
June 5, 2014
About the Book:
Does your sewing machine come with lots of fancy stitches that you've never thought to try? This essential guide to machine and hand stitches will teach you how to use any and every stitch for professional-looking seams, hems, gathers, darts, and more. Unlock your full sewing potential with 57 machine stitches, 18 hand stitches, and tips to choose the correct needles, threads, and sewing machine accessories, complete with detailed step-by-step tutorials and illustrations.
This comprehensive stitch dictionary is a must-have companion for any sewer, whether you just bought your first sewing machine or you’re a seasoned expert looking to polish your skills. If your passion is dressmaking, tailoring, or simply mending your own clothes, Super Stitches Sewing gives you all of the information you need to make every project a success.
About the Author:
Nicole Vasbinder is the owner of StitchCraft, a hip sewing studio and fabric store in Petaluma, CA. Nicole has taught thousands of people the joy of sewing over the last decade through her popular sewing, patternmaking and design classes. In addition to classes at StitchCraft, she teaches classes at Stonemountain and Daughter Fabrics in Berkeley and was a longtime teacher at Stitch Lounge in San Francisco. Nicole has also designed the accessory line Queen Puff Puff since 2003 and sells her designs throughout the United States and beyond. Prior to starting her own company, she worked as a designer and merchandiser in the garment industry. She is an alumnus of the Academy of Art University and Otis College of Art & Design.
My Review:
I have been a very basic sewer since I was about 14. Still after all these years, I'm still a very basic, beginner in this arena. I so wish I could learn more, I love it! I do not know the names of all the stitches, so this book is a very good one to have. It tells you and shows you how to achieve the over 60 stitches in sewing. This is an excellent book for the very beginner or someone that needs a refresher course in sewing. It is also very convenient to have close by as you sew.
Complete with measurements, sewing thread size, and needle size, you will be able to get to work right away. Not only is machine stitching in the book but also some hand stitching instruction has been included. She even gives you some instruction on digital machines, presser feet, different thread types, mechanical machines, and a glossary too. An all inclusive guide to stitching that all sewers need!
**Disclosure**"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
Does your sewing machine come with lots of fancy stitches that you've never thought to try? This essential guide to machine and hand stitches will teach you how to use any and every stitch for professional-looking seams, hems, gathers, darts, and more. Unlock your full sewing potential with 57 machine stitches, 18 hand stitches, and tips to choose the correct needles, threads, and sewing machine accessories, complete with detailed step-by-step tutorials and illustrations.
This comprehensive stitch dictionary is a must-have companion for any sewer, whether you just bought your first sewing machine or you’re a seasoned expert looking to polish your skills. If your passion is dressmaking, tailoring, or simply mending your own clothes, Super Stitches Sewing gives you all of the information you need to make every project a success.
About the Author:
Nicole Vasbinder is the owner of StitchCraft, a hip sewing studio and fabric store in Petaluma, CA. Nicole has taught thousands of people the joy of sewing over the last decade through her popular sewing, patternmaking and design classes. In addition to classes at StitchCraft, she teaches classes at Stonemountain and Daughter Fabrics in Berkeley and was a longtime teacher at Stitch Lounge in San Francisco. Nicole has also designed the accessory line Queen Puff Puff since 2003 and sells her designs throughout the United States and beyond. Prior to starting her own company, she worked as a designer and merchandiser in the garment industry. She is an alumnus of the Academy of Art University and Otis College of Art & Design.
My Review:
I have been a very basic sewer since I was about 14. Still after all these years, I'm still a very basic, beginner in this arena. I so wish I could learn more, I love it! I do not know the names of all the stitches, so this book is a very good one to have. It tells you and shows you how to achieve the over 60 stitches in sewing. This is an excellent book for the very beginner or someone that needs a refresher course in sewing. It is also very convenient to have close by as you sew.
Complete with measurements, sewing thread size, and needle size, you will be able to get to work right away. Not only is machine stitching in the book but also some hand stitching instruction has been included. She even gives you some instruction on digital machines, presser feet, different thread types, mechanical machines, and a glossary too. An all inclusive guide to stitching that all sewers need!
**Disclosure**"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
December 31, 2014
Super Stitches Sewing is A Complete Guide to Machine-Sewing and Hand-Stitching Techniques by Nicole Vasbinder.
I was so excited when Super Stitches came in the mail and I got even more excited as I began to flip through the pages. This book is loaded with so much information and beautiful illustrations that are easy for even the beginner sewer!
I have been sewing for about 10 years and most of what I know I have taught myself. I usually stick to the basic stitches and I knew that I was not getting the full benefit of my sewing machine. Super Stitches has opened up a whole new world for me. I finally "get" what some of the other features of my machine do. The book not only gives step by step instructions it shows step by step pictures so you can actually see what you are supposed to be doing. An example of some of the things shown is how to do a zipper, button hole, hems and smocking and that is just to list a few.
In addition to all the great sewing machine techniques the book also covers hand stitches. I was super excited about this feature as well. I remember a few hand stitches from home economics, but that was quite a few years ago (I'm not telling how many). Like the machine stitching the hand stitching section is complete with instructions and pictures. A few examples of the stitches to be learned are the ladder stitch, darning, basting and the whip stitch and there are many more!
Another feature that I loved about the book is that the author includes a section on tools and equipment. This section describes the different kinds of needles and their uses for both machine and hand stitching, it shows and describes the different pressure foots and also the different kind of threads and their uses.
Whether you are just starting out as a seamstress or you have years of experience this is an amazing book that I know I will be referring back to for years to come!
As a homeschool mom I must add that this book is a great resource for teaching home economics as well!
I was so excited when Super Stitches came in the mail and I got even more excited as I began to flip through the pages. This book is loaded with so much information and beautiful illustrations that are easy for even the beginner sewer!
I have been sewing for about 10 years and most of what I know I have taught myself. I usually stick to the basic stitches and I knew that I was not getting the full benefit of my sewing machine. Super Stitches has opened up a whole new world for me. I finally "get" what some of the other features of my machine do. The book not only gives step by step instructions it shows step by step pictures so you can actually see what you are supposed to be doing. An example of some of the things shown is how to do a zipper, button hole, hems and smocking and that is just to list a few.
In addition to all the great sewing machine techniques the book also covers hand stitches. I was super excited about this feature as well. I remember a few hand stitches from home economics, but that was quite a few years ago (I'm not telling how many). Like the machine stitching the hand stitching section is complete with instructions and pictures. A few examples of the stitches to be learned are the ladder stitch, darning, basting and the whip stitch and there are many more!
Another feature that I loved about the book is that the author includes a section on tools and equipment. This section describes the different kinds of needles and their uses for both machine and hand stitching, it shows and describes the different pressure foots and also the different kind of threads and their uses.
Whether you are just starting out as a seamstress or you have years of experience this is an amazing book that I know I will be referring back to for years to come!
As a homeschool mom I must add that this book is a great resource for teaching home economics as well!
May 28, 2014
I have sewn for many years, starting back as a young child and using a treadle sewing machine, sure wish I had that now. I have recently taken the hobby back up and have ventured into quilting, and all the gadgets that go with it, including lots of material. After all, I really didn’t have any stash when I started, now I do, and can’t seem to stop.
Have recently received a copy of Super Stitches Sewing, and I am in love with this book. After stabbing in the dark about the feet that came with my used sewing machine, I now have a bible to show me what does what, and how to use them. Because my interest in quilting keeps expanding, there are so many techniques; I now have a way of finding the stitches that I want to do by hand. I’m ready to do some of the appliques, and fancy stitching. I’m even hoping to do hand quilting, and seeing this give me the confidence that I can!
You name it, and I can probably find it here in this great find. Which needle shall I use for which fabric? It gives me the information I need, how about the right thread, yes! Also the illustrations are amazing, no more fumbling around for the answers I need. Even the index is great, all the different pages where I can find what I need. This book won’t be going in my bookcase, nope, it will sit right beside my machine for a very handy reference. Just wish I had found this sooner!
I received this book through Blogging For Books Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
Have recently received a copy of Super Stitches Sewing, and I am in love with this book. After stabbing in the dark about the feet that came with my used sewing machine, I now have a bible to show me what does what, and how to use them. Because my interest in quilting keeps expanding, there are so many techniques; I now have a way of finding the stitches that I want to do by hand. I’m ready to do some of the appliques, and fancy stitching. I’m even hoping to do hand quilting, and seeing this give me the confidence that I can!
You name it, and I can probably find it here in this great find. Which needle shall I use for which fabric? It gives me the information I need, how about the right thread, yes! Also the illustrations are amazing, no more fumbling around for the answers I need. Even the index is great, all the different pages where I can find what I need. This book won’t be going in my bookcase, nope, it will sit right beside my machine for a very handy reference. Just wish I had found this sooner!
I received this book through Blogging For Books Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 17, 2015
This is a high-quality craft book! The cover has a nice matte finish, the pages are heavy weight, the photos are crisp and have a consistent color theme, and the diagrams are excellent! One of my favorite features is an info box on each stitch type called 'Essential Facts' which gives relevant information such as common uses, what type of presser foot, needle, fabric, and thread to use, and a substitute stitch. On the diagrams the thread is shown in a nice red so it contrasts with the pale fabric and is easy to decipher. All the stitches covered are ones I'd like to try, and the 'Tools and Equipment' section in the back of the book is especially helpful! Highly recommended to beginners and experts alike.
(Thank you to Potter Craft for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Potter Craft for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
January 14, 2015
This book is strictly a reference book and probably more useful for people with computerized sewing machines, but it does also include hand stitches. It details when to use, which foot to use when sewing with it (if machine-stitched) and what kind of thread is the best.
June 5, 2014
Excellent reference book for new and old sewers.
March 4, 2016
To go to whhen I have trouble when my sewing machine....
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews