Me and My Sewing Machine

by Kate Haxell

Accessible, good-looking and jargon-free, this text contains everything you need to know to sew well using your sewing machine and nothing more.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, How To, Fashion

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Kate Haxell learned to sew at an early age, making clothes for her long-suffering teddy bears. Her skills have sharpened since and she now sews for real people. She lives in London.

Reviews

[Critterbee❇ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It looked like a nice book, but I had an issue with the tiny font, and the photographs were not the most helpful. The information is not encyclopedic (to be fair, it does not claim to be so) and I was enjoying it while reading.
Because I was reading several books on sewing at the same time, I had others to compare it to in real time, and I usually preferred the others.

[Tashaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice book that gives newbie sewing enthusiasts( how can you not be?) tips and the basic mechanics of your sewing machine.
I borrowed it from the library and will buy the book for my collection.
Great gift to give someone who is newly into sewing. Many folks simply get frustrated with sewing machines. Don't give up! Sewing is super fun!

[Susi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me ha gustado mucho, es muy práctico y bien explicado

[Lauren G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely one of the better beginner books I have seen. Lots of techniques such as multiple seam treatments, sewing curves, scallops, points, properly attaching trims, setting in lace, et cetera. I think this book would be best for someone who has maybe already tried sewing one or two things. I think it has a better variety than most beginner sewing books, and really shows things that will elevate your sewing.

My only gripe is that some of the picture steps really needed one that was pulled back. Specifically on some of the zippers, as well as the tailors ham. I just really needed an extra picture to understand exactly what was going on. I also probably wouldn't make any of the projects at the end of the book, but that's OK. I'm more interested in garments than in home sewing.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has some really good, straightforward information for a hesitant sewing machine user like myself. I think the sections on seams and making bias tape may come in handy in the future. I also like that there are pictures of the different supples and machine feet, and that the author doesn't make a huge list of must-have supplies.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for beginners. I'd happily gift this to a young teen (male or female), as well as any adult who wanted to start from scratch. I borrowed this from my local library online, looking for tips and reminders, hoping to take my sewing to the next level. It was the confidence booster that I needed.

[Enci · Rating 4 out of 5]

very detailed. very good for beginner (i.e. never saw sewing machine before in their lives). beautiful pictures, although the attempts to explained in detailed sometimes made my eyebrow knitted in confusion. not much detailed projects though, which is too bad

[Tressa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a slight book, but it does go over the different stitching techniques. The author also makes recommendations on what to look for in a sewing machine. There were also a few simple projects at the end.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic book for beginners, she does a good job explaining the different techniques. I though the organization of the book was easy to follow, but the craft ideas were basic and nothing too exciting.

[Vksaravanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice book for beginners that gives newbie sewing enthusiasts tips and the basic mechanics of your sewing machine.
It is definitely one of the better beginner books.It was the confidence booster. Don't give up! Sewing is super fun!
It interested in garments than in home sewing.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best beginner book for an inconsistent sewer like me. I feel like I can take on the world. Well, maybe just sew it a large pair of drawstring pants.

[Colleen Vanderlinden · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is just starting to get into sewing, this book has been immensely helpful. The straightforward instructions and clear photographs make it easy to understand different techniques.

[Tiffany White · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first got my machine, I needed a simple book to teach me the basics and this book did just that. And the craft ideas at the end of the book where awesome

[Aja Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes! love all the photos of everything, and also, she doesn't make you feel dumb, hooray! this is a great resource i think.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic overview on sewing machine; nice resource for starting out

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book for beginners. Love the pictures and diagrams.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a beginning sewing book for my granddaughters. Excellent resource.

[Eline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I'm just the "give up" type but this book still was way too difficult for me as a newbie...