Complete Book of Sewing Techniques

by Dorothy Wood

This is the complete guide to sewing, patchwork and embroidery. Whether you are cutting out a pattern, turning hems or deciding which type of zipper or seam to use, comcise instructions guide you through each stage, one step at a time.

Genres: Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2006

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book while browsing at my local library while looking for books on patchwork quilting. As the title suggests, this truly is a practical guide to sewing techniques. The clear layout and colour pictures make it easy to read and follow the steps. Sections are divided as follows:

Sewing - Dorothy Wood provides a guided tour of a sewing machine, an understanding of the different types of fabric, explains lining, interfacing and thread, and all kinds of sewing.

Patchwork - I loved the explanation: "For many pioneering women, making a patchwork quilt offered an opportunity for creative expression in a bleak world. The activity of quilting, too, became a social occasion involving a whole community of women." This section explores materials and equipment, fabric colours, tones, shades and values, choosing wadding (batting) and then covers planning and construction.

Different types of quilts and techniques covered: mosaic quilts, speed-piecing a one-patch block, working with right-angle triangles, American block quilts, piecing star designs, joining g curved seams, English crazy patchwork, Log Cabin designs, Seminole patchwork, hand stitched appliqué, machine appliqué and quilting.

Embroidery - hand and machine embroidery techniques are described and illustrated in detail.

Simply put, I think this book belongs in my personal library.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent book, had to get a copy of my own, borrowed from my local library, so many techniques and explanations clear and easy to follow, From darts and pleats, curtains to tassels a good book to have in your collection if you enjoy sewing and patchwork.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a complete book of sewing, but a comprehensive one.

[Jo Bennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing little book that covers most aspects of sewing, patchwork and embroidery with clear well written text, step by step colour photographs and some simple projects.

The book is in three sections starting with Sewing which gives an excellent grounding in the sometimes baffling world of the huge range of options available. It introduces the reader to the basics of equipment (both hand and machine), fabrics and dressmaking techniques.

Then it moves on to the more specialised areas of patchwork and embroidery.

Patchwork covers specialist equipment, terminology, templates, hand and machine piecing, a variety of blocks and the various forms of applique, quilt assembly and the various forms of quilting and has projects with templates included at the end of the book.

Embroidery covers specialist equipment, preparing fabric, a wide variety of stitches for various uses (illustrated with clear photographs, excellent stitching diagrams and easy to follow text giving a bit of information about each stitch and tips), shisha, ribbon embroidery, counted thread work, assisi, blackwork, drawn-thread work, needlelace, goldwork, beadwork abnd machine embroidery.

Given that most techniques are covered with a two page spread the book is in many ways just an introduction but the information is clear and excellent.

[Tim Chase · Rating 2 out of 5]

too little detail for beginner or depth for advanced sewer; needs editing (misspellings & some pics miscaptioned); breadth ok

[Amberwench · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a one stop reference for all your sewing needs!