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Sewing Machine Magic
Sewing machines are complicated machines, but with the instruction you'll find in Sewing Machine Magic , you can make even an old sewing machine work wonders.
With just a little know-how and the right accessories, you can get the most out of your sewing machine and give all your sewing and quilting projects a professional look !
In Sewing Machine Magic , author and sewing expert Steffani Lincecum shares 30+ years of experience on how to handle a sewing machine with greater ease and confidence, and explains how to easily find and use the right presser feet and other accessories for your machine, whether you purchased it at retail or found it at a yard sale.
You'll learn the logistics of managing thread , how to achieve the proper stitch formation for every project, and how to troubleshoot a variety of common sewing problems . Learn to use more than 30 presser feet and other accessories, from the basics to more specialized tools designed to maximize efficiency, precision, and creativity. The 10 fashion and home decor projects show inventive ways to use some of the feet and accessories.
With just a little know-how and the right accessories, you can get the most out of your sewing machine and give all your sewing and quilting projects a professional look !
In Sewing Machine Magic , author and sewing expert Steffani Lincecum shares 30+ years of experience on how to handle a sewing machine with greater ease and confidence, and explains how to easily find and use the right presser feet and other accessories for your machine, whether you purchased it at retail or found it at a yard sale.
You'll learn the logistics of managing thread , how to achieve the proper stitch formation for every project, and how to troubleshoot a variety of common sewing problems . Learn to use more than 30 presser feet and other accessories, from the basics to more specialized tools designed to maximize efficiency, precision, and creativity. The 10 fashion and home decor projects show inventive ways to use some of the feet and accessories.
144 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2017
86 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 20, 2018
I have been sewing for over 40 years, what I have learned has been by trail and error, but I still have a box of attachments that came with my machines that I have never used - why? because there has never been anywhere that has describes in depth how to use them, or what I could make with them: I have just gone on and did things that hard way, without the use of different feet on my machine. When I have tried, I have been surprised how much it improves my sewing and finish.
This book saves all the angst of trial and error, armed with some lovely projects and clear photos, all is explained, time is saved and professional results are achieved.. It isn't specific to any sewing machine and shows various types of feet. But these is not only about feet, it explains all aspects of the sewing machine from tension, threads, settings and fabrics, as well as any thing else you may want to know about the machine.
The project are a nice way to practise with the new foot or instruction, the are, in most cases, small and easy to make, giving a fabulous confidence boost. I wish there was a book like this around years ago.
This book saves all the angst of trial and error, armed with some lovely projects and clear photos, all is explained, time is saved and professional results are achieved.. It isn't specific to any sewing machine and shows various types of feet. But these is not only about feet, it explains all aspects of the sewing machine from tension, threads, settings and fabrics, as well as any thing else you may want to know about the machine.
The project are a nice way to practise with the new foot or instruction, the are, in most cases, small and easy to make, giving a fabulous confidence boost. I wish there was a book like this around years ago.
February 1, 2018
I recieved this wonderful reference guide from NetGalley to review and my goodness am I glad that I did! This is such a wonderful and informative guide, and something that I am definitely adding to my collection of physical reference books. It is jam packed full of information that can be helpful for so many different skill levels of people!
This books covers everything from what kind of machine you should invest in, to the different kind of fabrics and what they are best used for. There is information on the types of threads you should be using, and the needles best suited for your fabric of choice. There is even a section for common trouble shooting problems! It's fantastic!
The chapters are set up in a wonderful way, so that you get the behind the scenes information before you dive into the basics. The further into the book you go, the more technical you get. At the end of each chapter there are even some projects that you can follow along with and apply what you have learned.
I have picked a few of them that I want to make soon, including the pencil pouch, simple kimono, and the monogrammed pillow!
This book is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf if you have any interest in sewing! :)
This books covers everything from what kind of machine you should invest in, to the different kind of fabrics and what they are best used for. There is information on the types of threads you should be using, and the needles best suited for your fabric of choice. There is even a section for common trouble shooting problems! It's fantastic!
The chapters are set up in a wonderful way, so that you get the behind the scenes information before you dive into the basics. The further into the book you go, the more technical you get. At the end of each chapter there are even some projects that you can follow along with and apply what you have learned.
I have picked a few of them that I want to make soon, including the pencil pouch, simple kimono, and the monogrammed pillow!
This book is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf if you have any interest in sewing! :)
January 20, 2018
A great little resource for all the feet that come with your machine and some you have to buy separately. It contains great hints and illustrations that make it easy to follow, as well as a clearly defined glossary and some project ideas.
January 26, 2018
"Sewing Machine Magic" by Steffani Lincecum is probably one of the most informative books I have read as a quilter and sewer. Ms. Lincecum has taken scattered information one has accumulated over the years from different places and combined it into one concise volume. There is an in depth area for determining what kind of sewer you are, how to determine what fabrics you need for a project, what needles to use, and finally what presser feet to use. She has photos of all of the different types of feet according to use. For example she explains the use of a 1/4 inch foot and show photos of low shank, high shank, snap-on and Bernina. (she includes Bernina because they have different feet than the rest of the sewing world). Ms. Lincecum also includes tons of helpful information to help you in your sewing journey. The photos are clear and helpful. There are also projects interspersed throughout the book.
I wish I had this book 30 years ago! This is a book you should add to sewing library as a reference you will use again and again! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who uses a sewing machine.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ms. Lincecum and Quarto Publishing Group - Creative Publishing International
Creative Publishing international for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I had this book 30 years ago! This is a book you should add to sewing library as a reference you will use again and again! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who uses a sewing machine.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ms. Lincecum and Quarto Publishing Group - Creative Publishing International
Creative Publishing international for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2018
This handy little book is a good basic guide for those just starting out in the sewing world, someone who already knows the basics and wants to experiment with different presser feet and possibly a helpful reminder for more experienced sewers. The tips for smooth sewing are really useful for learners and the projects great for building confidence as well as being handy items to make.
I am a fairly experienced sewer and tend to stick to a few favourite feet. Perhaps if I were in to more than basic embroidery, the other types would become more a more attractive proposition.
Even though the digital version on my IPAD had few pictures (seemed to be missing) I was still impressed with the overall quality of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in return for my review
I am a fairly experienced sewer and tend to stick to a few favourite feet. Perhaps if I were in to more than basic embroidery, the other types would become more a more attractive proposition.
Even though the digital version on my IPAD had few pictures (seemed to be missing) I was still impressed with the overall quality of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in return for my review
January 9, 2018
A fantastic resource that I'd keep next to my sewing machine at all times. With step-by-step instructions, helpful photographs, and projects for practice, this book outlines everything you need to know about the different presser feet available for your machine.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2018
I received a ARC of this book via Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I so can't wait to try all of these with my sewing machine and share them with my friends and family too. We will have a ball with all of this info.
March 13, 2018
This handy little book is a good basic guide for those just starting out in the sewing world, someone who already knows the basics and wants to experiment with different presser feet and possibly a helpful reminder for more experienced sewers. The tips for smooth sewing are really useful for learners and the projects great for building confidence as well as being handy items to make.
May 5, 2019
As those who sew can attest chances are good you probably have one (or maybe more) boxes of feet and attachments hiding in the back of a drawer. Some of the feet are familiar, some are a mystery and some might even be leftover from some long gone machine and might not even fit the machine you have now. Having a guide to not only identify those feet but also put them to use if you want to sew the skill building projects is useful and welcome.
The author not only clearly identifies feet and how to use them step by step but also grounds that information in explaining how machine tension works from top threading to the bobbin. I collect and work on vintage machines and am very glad to see someone explaining the importance of identifying shank style. I also like that actual feet are shown alongside the snap on equivalent throughout the book.
A small nitpick is the presser feet guide shows an incorrect example for the Singer slant shank. The foot shown is a super high shank Kenmore foot, which is not compatible with Singer machines. Kenmore's SHS doesn't seem to appear anywhere else in the book, which is disappointing but not surprising considering those machines are long out of production. (On the other hand, they're fantastic and robust mechanical machines, as are the rest of the Japan made Kenmore 158 series.)
The remaining information about machine types, choosing and frequently changing needles, thread types and fabric uses is very useful. Those tips, tricks and the projects add valuable context to the visual guide and ground the reader by encouraging a positive machine experience to build their feet experimentation on.
I also like that the author is a costuming industry veteran with decades of hands on experience. Solid information shared from actual expertise is almost scarce among more recent sewing book offerings that seem to feature newer (though enthusiastic) sewist/designer bloggers and social media influencer types. This book is closer to Nancy Zieman and Sandra Betzina's excellent reference books.
My sewing reference book collection rather small and curated, but a copy of this book just might make its' way onto that shelf.
The author not only clearly identifies feet and how to use them step by step but also grounds that information in explaining how machine tension works from top threading to the bobbin. I collect and work on vintage machines and am very glad to see someone explaining the importance of identifying shank style. I also like that actual feet are shown alongside the snap on equivalent throughout the book.
A small nitpick is the presser feet guide shows an incorrect example for the Singer slant shank. The foot shown is a super high shank Kenmore foot, which is not compatible with Singer machines. Kenmore's SHS doesn't seem to appear anywhere else in the book, which is disappointing but not surprising considering those machines are long out of production. (On the other hand, they're fantastic and robust mechanical machines, as are the rest of the Japan made Kenmore 158 series.)
The remaining information about machine types, choosing and frequently changing needles, thread types and fabric uses is very useful. Those tips, tricks and the projects add valuable context to the visual guide and ground the reader by encouraging a positive machine experience to build their feet experimentation on.
I also like that the author is a costuming industry veteran with decades of hands on experience. Solid information shared from actual expertise is almost scarce among more recent sewing book offerings that seem to feature newer (though enthusiastic) sewist/designer bloggers and social media influencer types. This book is closer to Nancy Zieman and Sandra Betzina's excellent reference books.
My sewing reference book collection rather small and curated, but a copy of this book just might make its' way onto that shelf.
January 8, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publisher for this review copy given in exchange for an honest review.
I was interested in this book as although I have used a sewing machine before, I don’t really know what I’m doing with one! I can thread one and sew a straight line, but that’s about it! I thought this book would be really interested to find out how a sewing machine worked!
When I first opened the book, bearing in mind that I was reading a digital copy, only part of the pictures loaded. This is obviously only a problem with the downloaded copy (I hope anyway!), but it did mean I wasn’t able to see any of the pictures, so can’t comment on the quality of the photos in the book.
The book gave good instructions for setting up the sewing machine, explaining what all the functions were and how to thread it. It also has a good explanation of sewing terminology, but bear in mind that this book is a US copy and some terminology may differ in the UK.
As the book moves on, there are different chapters for different functions and there are some projects to try for each one. The projects look interesting, but again they are written with US terminology so the pattern may have to be converted first.
I’m not sure if the book is aimed at a beginner level. Personally, looking through the book I think I would struggle to do some of the patterns as I don’t really understand some of the instructions, but it may suit someone with a little bit more experience better. I did think it would be more of a ‘sewing machine for dummies’ but it looks like it is more advanced than that.
A good book for someone who can already work their way around a sewing machine but wants more experience and understanding! Not so good for a complete beginner like me!
I was interested in this book as although I have used a sewing machine before, I don’t really know what I’m doing with one! I can thread one and sew a straight line, but that’s about it! I thought this book would be really interested to find out how a sewing machine worked!
When I first opened the book, bearing in mind that I was reading a digital copy, only part of the pictures loaded. This is obviously only a problem with the downloaded copy (I hope anyway!), but it did mean I wasn’t able to see any of the pictures, so can’t comment on the quality of the photos in the book.
The book gave good instructions for setting up the sewing machine, explaining what all the functions were and how to thread it. It also has a good explanation of sewing terminology, but bear in mind that this book is a US copy and some terminology may differ in the UK.
As the book moves on, there are different chapters for different functions and there are some projects to try for each one. The projects look interesting, but again they are written with US terminology so the pattern may have to be converted first.
I’m not sure if the book is aimed at a beginner level. Personally, looking through the book I think I would struggle to do some of the patterns as I don’t really understand some of the instructions, but it may suit someone with a little bit more experience better. I did think it would be more of a ‘sewing machine for dummies’ but it looks like it is more advanced than that.
A good book for someone who can already work their way around a sewing machine but wants more experience and understanding! Not so good for a complete beginner like me!
February 2, 2018
Starting with the basics, Lincecum shares the lessons she has learned from over thirty years of professional sewing. The different kinds of sewing machines are examined and a chart is provided to help narrow down which would be appropriate for your particular sewing needs. She even explains the differences in presser feet, including shank length and adaptors for different brands of machines. Everything from winding bobbins, threading the machine, what kind of needles to use with specific fabrics, and stitch length is covered. There is even a troubleshooting chart on how to fix common problems. Tips and tricks are sprinkled throughout the text.
Lincecum then presents specific types of presser feet, and simple projects which incorporate using those feet to obtain the desired result. Included are the overcasting foot, elastic foot, ruffle foot, roller foot, pintuck foot, and felling foot. The projects include a zippered pouch, a T-shirt with a ruched collar trim, and a lace applique dress refashion. Detailed illustrations are provided to show exactly what each foot can accomplish.
No matter how long you have been sewing, or if you would like to learn but don’t know where to start, this book has information that can be of help to you. Interesting, easy to understand, and with excellent illustrations, this book contains a wealth of helpful information. I learned that the device I got in a box of sewing items so long ago, but had no clue as to what it was, is actually a buttonhole gauge. The tips, tricks, and correct presser foot will help alleviate the frustrations and help to bring the fun back to sewing. What will you create?
- Kathy, Cataloging Librarian
Lincecum then presents specific types of presser feet, and simple projects which incorporate using those feet to obtain the desired result. Included are the overcasting foot, elastic foot, ruffle foot, roller foot, pintuck foot, and felling foot. The projects include a zippered pouch, a T-shirt with a ruched collar trim, and a lace applique dress refashion. Detailed illustrations are provided to show exactly what each foot can accomplish.
No matter how long you have been sewing, or if you would like to learn but don’t know where to start, this book has information that can be of help to you. Interesting, easy to understand, and with excellent illustrations, this book contains a wealth of helpful information. I learned that the device I got in a box of sewing items so long ago, but had no clue as to what it was, is actually a buttonhole gauge. The tips, tricks, and correct presser foot will help alleviate the frustrations and help to bring the fun back to sewing. What will you create?
- Kathy, Cataloging Librarian
December 19, 2017
This book is an amazing resource for beginning sewers, and even has some nuggets for those who have been sewing for years. Sewing machine feet are key to learning new techniques, and very few books cover the feet to the extent this author does. Not only are they shown in use, in large color photos throughout the book , they are also shown in a lineup with all the various manufacturer’s versions for each style of foot! I loved that. The first part of the book has a very thorough breakdown of things like bobbins, needles, thread tension which all affect your sewing. I can't remember the last time I saw a photo or even a mention of the felt spool cushion! The second part features examples of each style machine foot and gives clear instructions for a making a project using each foot. There are purses, accessories and clothing that anyone can make with out a pattern! Most machines sold today have only a fraction of these feet included, and that is a shame. The internet makes it easy to find some of these, however, and with the pictures to go by, the reader can easily get the info to do some searching. Kudos to this author for highlighting some of the more obscure ones to remind us of the fun things you can do with a sewing machine and some spare time.
February 16, 2018
This book has inspired me to start sewing. I have off & on all my life – usually when my Mom was around to make sure I didn’t break her Pfaff. I have had a few sewing machines myself and I have made things (curtains mainly). This has helped me to narrow down my current search for a sewing machine I would want. Especially the foot sections. Also the chart that helps you decide what kind of sewing machine you are/want/need is awesome. I can see myself buying a physical copy of this book when I do start sewing (whenever that is) so I can refer to it at all times.
I received this book from netgalley.com for a honest review.
I received this book from netgalley.com for a honest review.
March 27, 2018
As a longtime sewer I'm always interested to read books about sewing, particularly as I have recently replaced both my 40 year old sewing machine and overlocker. This book was a great help with learning just what the different presser feet can do - let's face it, most of us just ignore them and carry on stitching straight or zigzag stitches, but learning to use the different feet opens up a whole new world. Nicely illustrated, with basic information about needles, fabrics etc, and a glossary, it ends with projects to help the reader learn the techniques given. A good book for beginners or experienced stitchers.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.
May 14, 2024
I ignored this book for years because I assumed it was yet another simple guide for beginners on how to use a sewing machine. The first chapter does introduce you to the basics in case you didn't know, but it's more thorough than any other guide I've seen.
The true beauty of this in in the rest of the book, which is almost entirely about various presser feet - what they're good for and how to use them effectively. Some non-presser feet are also tossed in, such as wing needles, but they don't seem out of place. There are also a handful of patterns designed to use one or more of the presser feet so that you can practice them.
The true beauty of this in in the rest of the book, which is almost entirely about various presser feet - what they're good for and how to use them effectively. Some non-presser feet are also tossed in, such as wing needles, but they don't seem out of place. There are also a handful of patterns designed to use one or more of the presser feet so that you can practice them.
January 10, 2018
This book begins with a brief overview on different types of sewing machines, and then mainly focuses on troubleshooting, presser feet and various stitches. The instructions are very clear, and the photographs are effective and practical. Overall it was easy to navigate and understand, and was vaguely reminiscent of a DK book (in a good way).
Would be a great addition to any sewing machine owners home library.
*eARC Netgalley*
Would be a great addition to any sewing machine owners home library.
*eARC Netgalley*
June 30, 2020
Wow!
I have been sewing for some years - mostly kites. Like many others during this COVID19 Pandemic, I made some masks and took a notion to have a go at patchwork and Quilting. This book was purchased on recommendation.
What an eye opener. I was familiar with a number of presser feet but Stefani made me aware of many more options. I will certainly sew some of the projects but the female attire will not suit a 69 year old bearded man 😀
I have been sewing for some years - mostly kites. Like many others during this COVID19 Pandemic, I made some masks and took a notion to have a go at patchwork and Quilting. This book was purchased on recommendation.
What an eye opener. I was familiar with a number of presser feet but Stefani made me aware of many more options. I will certainly sew some of the projects but the female attire will not suit a 69 year old bearded man 😀
March 28, 2022
Must have book
I'm a pretty good sewist. I sew every day for a few hours. I very seldom see a book on sewing with any thing new to me. This book is something new. I have the presser foot "kit" you see on Amazon for a decent price. The problem I've had with it was marking which foot was which. I've literally sat with various feet in front of me and I've spent hours trying to identify them. This book was a great help.
I'm a pretty good sewist. I sew every day for a few hours. I very seldom see a book on sewing with any thing new to me. This book is something new. I have the presser foot "kit" you see on Amazon for a decent price. The problem I've had with it was marking which foot was which. I've literally sat with various feet in front of me and I've spent hours trying to identify them. This book was a great help.
January 15, 2018
This book does exactly what it says in the title.
If you only sew straight lines, this will show you how to sew, embroider, and do all sorts of things you didn't know your machine could do - magic!
A book for your sewing shelf.
Recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Quarto Publishing Group via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
If you only sew straight lines, this will show you how to sew, embroider, and do all sorts of things you didn't know your machine could do - magic!
A book for your sewing shelf.
Recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Quarto Publishing Group via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
February 7, 2018
Sewing Machine Magic is not your run of the mill instruction booklet that is such a sad introduction to your new sewing machine. This is full of valuable tips and troubleshooting with step by step photographic assistance on how to do everything you could possibly think of with a modern machine. I appreciated the separate sections describing the different uses of pressure feet. Steffani Lincecum truly performed magic with her resource book that would be valuable for beginners and intermediate sewing enthusiasts. Full Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.
March 19, 2022
Best sewing machine book I've read so far (and I've read quite a few lately). It doesn't try to include everything about sewing like many other books. It sticks to how to use your machine and the accessories that come with it. Clear, helpful photos and easy to understand text. Great for beginning and intermediate sewers.
December 21, 2025
This wasn’t new information to me but it was explained in a very straight forward manner that I liked. It is a good reference but my main complaint is some of the images in the ebook were impossible to read. A few do expand but not all. I already read with enlarged text so minuscule charts were no help.
May 22, 2018
This is a great book if you want to improve your sewing techniques and learn about different sewing feet for your machine. You can read my entire review, including pictures, on my blog Wavoki Crafts
December 2, 2025
Amazing! The full color photos and step by step instructions are so helpful. This book belongs in every city library and in the personal library of anyone who wants to use their sewing machine. I cannot recommend this book enough for a basic guide to all things sewing machine related.
January 17, 2020
Great simple projects included so that one can practice using attachments.
June 30, 2021
Really good tips on how to use my machine better. And I really want to buy some new sewing machine feet now.
August 25, 2024
This book will allow one to go from accurate body measurements to well-fitting clothes. Really exciting concept but mostly the clothes are not my style and not adaptable to handwoven fabrics.
June 8, 2018
#SewingMachineMagic #NetGalley #DYI
This book is a good reference for beginners. The theory and the step by step tutorial are well explained and easy to follow.
This book is a good reference for beginners. The theory and the step by step tutorial are well explained and easy to follow.
July 13, 2018
I am learning how to sew. It's a slow process - not because of the machine or the teacher...but because of the student! I requested to read this book through NetGalley so that I could immerse myself into the world of Sewing Machine Magic a little bit more than I am able to when I am being taught. I was slightly confused by parts of my sewing machine - and still am - but books like this one by Steffani Lincecum are very beneficial to people like me who know nothing about sewing machines! A great read for a want to be sewing machine user!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews