Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z

by Martha Stewart

Whether you just bought your first sewing machine or have been sewing for years, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts will open your eyes to an irresistible range of ideas. A comprehensive visual reference, the book covers everything a home sewer craves: the basics of sewing by hand or machine, along with five other time-honored crafts techniques, and step-by-step instructions for more than 150 projects that reflect not only Martha Stewart’s depth of experience and crafting expertise, but also her singular sense of style.

Encyclopedic in scope, the book features two main parts to help you brush up on the basics and take your skills to a new level. First, the Techniques section guides readers through Sewing, Appliqué, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing. Following that, the Projects A to Z section features more than 150 clever ideas (including many no-sew projects), all illustrated and explained with the clear, detailed instructions that have become a signature of Martha Stewart’s magazines, books, and television shows.

An enclosed CD includes full-size clothing patterns as well as templates that can be easily produced on a home printer. Fabric, thread, and tool glossaries identify the properties, workability, and best uses of common sewing materials. And, perhaps best of all, when you need it most, Martha and her talented team of crafts editors offer you the reassurance that you really can make it yourself.

The projects are as delightful as they are imaginative, and include classic Roman shades, hand-drawn stuffed animals, an easy upholstered blanket chest, a quilted crib bumper, French knot-embellished pillowcases and sheets, and Japanese-embroidered table linens, among many others.With gorgeous color photographs as well as expert instruction, this handy guide will surely encourage beginners and keep sewers and crafters of all experience levels wonderfully busy for many years to come.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Sewing, Reference, How To, Art, Quilting

400 pages, Hardcover

First published March 30, 2010

About the author

Martha Helen Stewart is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality. As the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, focusing on home and hospitality, she gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, merchandising and e-commerce. She has written numerous bestselling books, was the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine and hosted two syndicated television programs: Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 to 2004, and The Martha Stewart Show, which ran from 2005 to 2012.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly wonderful reference for all things sewing and textiles!!

I HAVE to make those little ribbon embroidered veggies, they are toooooo cute!!

[Nev March · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good primer but the font isbwaaaay too small

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this book from the library and I think I'll actually buy it. She's got good information on the various ways of using fabric and the things you can make from fabric. If you've read her magazine, many of these projects will seem familiar -- I think all the projects were originally presented in the magazine. I am one who will tear out the projects I like and save them in a binder. This book allows me to toss out all those pages and have one book with the ideas. Plus, its got a CD of all the templates used in the various projects, so no more going to look online for them. The book came out in 2010, so likely projects in the magazine from 2009 and on aren't in this book. And there are likely projects from the magazine that didn't make the book.

The pictures are all in color, and she explains different kinds of fabrics and their uses. There is a section for the various sewing notions and tools one might find and use.

This book only teaches the most basic of sewing skills -- basic hand sewing stitches, machine stitches, some embroidery stitches. But she does not discuss or attempt to teach more advanced sewing techniques -- some I can think of are darts, gussets, making pleats and such. I guess these are used mostly in clothes and she discusses a great deal more than clothes.

Conclusion: it's worth the $22 on amazon if you enjoy M.S. style projects.

[Alea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying this book intimidates me. Being a beginning fabric crafter (that is used to hand sewing and not using a sewing machine) I'm used to in depth instructions both written and illustrated or photographed and this book lacks the step-by-step photography in the projects section. There is photography, more of the finished project or atmospheric variety and there are some illustrations and close-up in process shots but not for every step, which I still feel like I need.

Being a beginner I think the most useful section to me is the glossary and basic techniques section at the beginning. It shares everything from terminology, materials and basic stitches. I think this is the section I will refer the most.

I like how the project section is alphabetical (probably why they call it an encyclopedia) and shows multiple projects and variations under each category (blankets, pillows, dolls).

I'm hoping this is a book I can grow into with time as my confidence in fabric crafts grows and I become more familiar with the process. I would not recommend this to a beginner that has barely touched a sewing machine, but I do think it makes an good overall reference that us beginners can grow into with time.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong: I love the ideas in this book, and I've definitely felt inspired by this book. However, Martha, being a craft-goddess herself, doesn't provide much by way of explicit directions and step-by-step instructions, or illustrations. This book is a good reference, and a good inspiration, but when it comes time to actually creating something, I generally end up looking it up elsewhere or utilizing a pattern.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a self taught experienced crafter and seamstress, I was hoping this book would have some tips that I never learned. Unfortunately it is better for the beginner than anyone with experience. There are sufficient interesting projects that almost anyone would get some ideas from the book.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is getting back into sewing for fun, this book is an invaluable resource. The photography is excellent, in true Martha style.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

yeeeeeessssssss. I can no longer deny. I <3 Martha. So many fabulous projects.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A- Okay, so a lot of these are VERY Martha Stewart (i.e. super complicated) but her basic overview/information is really helpful and great. Good for beginning sewers.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

a great reference for the basics of technique.

[NayDoubleU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

Great easy to follow guide for any crafter new or experienced. The materials section in the back was extremely help for me for

[Ad Astra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks good to me. The bulk of this is filled with projects and a CD with PDF patterns which I think is really valuable. Beginning of the book had some great instructions and illustrations of stitches, what they're used for, anatomy of a sewing machine, ect. It was perfect for me as a beginner who is just trying to learn how to sew for the first time. Really though there should be more of a warning about how much practice you need. I spent 3-4 hours just trying to sew stuff and pulling it all out cause I couldn't get it right, but no no no. You're right. That's not on this book. This is a great gift or reference book for a beginner.

[Sandra de Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a Martha fan, primarily because when she tells you how to do something, she doesn’t assume anything. She explains in plain language what you need, what to do, and how to do it. In her books and magazines, she includes high quality photographs as well. I’ve been wanting a sewing encyclopedia for some time, and didn’t know Martha Stewart had created one until I looked for used books on sewing. I was thrilled when it arrived in the mail, and I sat down and read it cover to cover. I will revisit it many times, I’m sure as I sew regularly.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book! The projects are so cute and practical. All of the patterns are on the CD included in the book.

I especially like the embroidery projects for the state bird quilt and the ribbon embroidery nature pictures. The quilting and sewing tips are detailed and spot-on for a beginner.

I purchased this book at a library book sale a couple of years ago, and I'm glad I picked it up when I did. When I reread the book this past week I found two projects I'm going to make for gifts in the next 6 months or so.

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[Deborah Likens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked this out to read about pillows and what a treasure trove it was! I learned about a lot of different sewing ideas and projects. They are very easy to follow and I love the beautiful colored pics!

[Patricia Litz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to buy if you are into sewing, quilting or embroidery

[Angela Romainger · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST HAVE

If you wanna know absolutely EVERYTHING there is to know about fabric, types of stiches, and how to use that info to create amazing crafts... You need this book.

[Marie Z Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit to being a real admirer of almost all things Martha Stewart-ish. I am no champion house-keeper nor am I a crafting wizard but I do always enjoy the Martha Stewart Magazine and website. In this age of wonderful craft & sewing books -I think that any book that would dare to call istself a 'crafting encyclopedia' would have to be pretty darn sure of itself and this encyclopedia does not disappoint. As always with Martha Stewart products, the instructions are well written & beautifully illustrated. You can find information and "how-to's" about a wonderful, very wide, variety of crafts. General sewing, specialty sewing, embroidery of all kinds,quilting ,applique, printing, dyeing, and many, many other types of craft projects are included in this very well done book. In addition to the book a CD included that contains many templates and patterns that can be printed out . ALso included is an extensive reference guide for all kinds of great sewing and crafting suppliers, equipment and fun things.

This book is, I believe, an excellent addition for any sewer, crafter or "Martha wannabe". Well done, clear, colorful and highly informative!

[penny shima glanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

How does one review an encyclopedia? It took me a while to even want to borrow this book from the library because I thought it would be full of projects and techniques I wouldn't ever do or want. I thought I would become very frustrated with the Martha Stewart Perfection-ness of it really quickly.

I'm not. This book jumped on my wish list within moments of my opening up my library-borrowed copy.

What's to love? Crystal clear photos & line drawings of techniques. Concise instructions and easy to follow tutorials.

A myriad array of projects and techniques including bags! handkerchiefs! sashiko! lots of accessories for home & you.

My only complaint is that while it's a nice sturdy hard back, the binding is not one that easily lays flat.

I know I'll be adding it to my bookshelf soon.. it's a good thing.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, so any of you who know me even remotely well will probably choke on whatever you're eating when you read that I actually read this book, let alone picked it up. I am not a crafty person. The word "adorable" in connection with a craft makes me want to retch. Especially coming from Martha Stewart. But I decided to broaden my horizons and check this book out of the library and I thought the ideas in it were great, as long as I didn't read the part that gushes about the virtues of the crafty project. Yes, surprising though it may be I do have some sewing skills, and some of these projects were ones that were functional enough that I might dust off the old machine and have at it.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

holy cow this was a great book! i already sew and embroider, but i loved reading every page of it. excellent and clear information, with discussions of materials, tools, and techniques for all the crafts listed in the title. the book is organized beautifully, and the craft projects/patterns cover different styles and skill levels as well. there is also a cd included that has all the pattern info you might need, you can print them up yourself. great idea! i would recommend this book to anyone interested in sewing or other fabric crafts and projects, if only because it's so beautiful and nice to read about something that you already love!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a huge Martha Stewart fan, and yes, this book is a bit intimidating. But there is a lot in here. She starts by showing you the basics for different techniques, like sewing a hem. Are there better step-by-step books out there? Yes, but this one covers a lot. You get basic information on a lot of different things. Each section has projects. I like much more detailed instructions, but again, you lose some things by having a comprehensive book. Nothing jumped out at me as "I must make this now!" but I could see browsing it for ideas. Also comes with a CD with printable patterns and templates.

[Laura Reads and Crochets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I checked it out from the library, but I'm going to buy it. It is exactly the detailed instruction book I've been looking for to learn about sewing. I have a sewing machine, but I don't know how to use it and have been reluctant to try. Well, that is not the case anymore. This book explains fabrics, thread, sewing machines and so much more. Now, I have enough knowledge and confidence to buy fabric and thread to begin sewing. One of the great things about this book is that it shows machine and hand sewing techniques. Also, it includes patterns. Actually, it has a CD-ROM to print the patterns. I absolutely love it!

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed by this. It's definitely not a good source to learn how to do sewing and fabric crafts, if you are a complete beginner, but it is a great source for inspiration and perhaps some tips. The "tutorials" are very brief paragraphs with minimal pictures, but I get the feeling that almost all of these have already appeared in Martha Stewart Living magazine, and perhaps there are more detailed descriptions in there?

[Amanda Skinner · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts" is a good reference guide for the crafty at heart. I found it informative and user friendly. I believe it would be a useful tool for someone just learning to sew, or for someone who needs a bit of a refresher.

I found many of the projects not really to my taste, but I believe I will be able to take the instructions and tweak them so the end result works for me.....but then that is what crafting is all about isn't it?!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a wide range of projects in this book, but I wish there was a deeper selection of some of the sections (esp. clothing projects). There were no paper patterns included; instead there was a CD with patterns to print out and put together yourself. It was okay to do for the dog coat, but the pajama pants pattern took 30 pages AND if you didn't line up each piece of paper correctly with the other sheets, things got very wonky very quickly.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'm not usually a Martha Stewart fan, I got this book from the library and found it very useful. So useful that I decided to buy a copy. My two young daughters are wanting to learn how to sew, and I've never felt like I was skilled enough to teach them. Not only is this book full of projects of all skill levels, but it is very helpful instructionaly. My oldest daughter is able to follow the instructions from the book and is about to pass me in sewing skills.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't care what anyone says about her... I love Martha Stewart! Its amazing what she can do; and its amazing what she can do with so little sometimes! I love this book. There are so many simple projects for anyone to do. The beginning of the book is dedicated to the basics. Love that. I am in the process of trying to make a (baby) blanket for the second time and I love that the book explains all the supplies needed. Time to make a baby blanket!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book. It is packed with great information, has clear directions and duplicatable projects all in the true Martha style. I read it twice, picking up things from each reading. The projects are good, useful items - often with variations from basic to advanced. Heart Potholders!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are good ideas, great pictures and some directions in this book. I tried to make a project and half way through realized some steps must be missing or there would be no bottom in my jewelry pouch! The directions were rather vague but I figured it out. Guess i will look online for further craft ideas.