Wendy Gardiner - Complete Book of Sewing Techniques, New 2nd Edition: More Than 30 Essential Sewing Techniques for You to Master

COMPLETE BOOK OF SEWING TECHNIQUES, NEW 2ND EDITION

Landauer Publishing, www.landauerpub.com, is an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc.

Copyright 2022 by Wendy Gardiner and Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc.,
903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

Complete Book of Sewing Techniques, New 2nd Edition (ISBN 978-1-947163-91-1) is an updated edition of the book Complete Book of Sewing Techniques (ISBN 978-1-62008-236-2) published in 2017 by CompanionHouse Books, an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. Revisions include new images and new text.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Fox Chapel Publishing, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review and the enlargement of the template patterns in this book for personal use only. The patterns themselves, however, are not to be duplicated for resale or distribution under any circumstances. Any such copying is a violation of copyright law.

Project Team, previous edition

Editorial Director: Christopher Reggio

Editor: Colleen Dorsey

Copy Editor: Laura Taylor

Art Director: Mary Ann Kahn

Designer: Wendy Reynolds

Index: Jay Kreider

Project Team, current edition

Managaing Editor: Gretchen Bacon

Acquisitions Editor: Amelia Johanson

Editor: Christa Oestreich

Designer: Mary Ann Kahn

Print ISBN: 978-1-947163-91-1
ISBN 978-1-63741-103-2

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022942208

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Note to Professional Copy Services:

The publisher grants you permission to make up to six copies of any quilt patterns in this book for any customer who purchased this book and states the copies are for personal use.

This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein.

There is a huge range of sewing machines available today, ranging from basic models that do straight and zigzag stitch, to computerized embroidery machines that can stitch beautiful embroidery designs that you have customized yourself.

A sewing machine helps you to stitch faster, creating neat, even stitching time after time. Using the correct feet (see ) also helps with different types of sewing, whether it is inserting a zipper or creating perfectly formed buttonholes every time. Using different stitches that are built into the sewing machine enables you to embellish and customize by adding decorative stitching, trims, and fringe.

Electronic models stitch automatically when pressure is applied to the foot pedal the heavier the pressure, the faster the machine stitches. Stitch choice, length, and width are chosen by changing the direction of dials or buttons, usually located on the front of the machine. They might also have a small LCD screen to show selections made.

Computerized models are fully automated they automatically set the correct stitch tension, length, and width for the stitch you have chosen on the LCD touch screen. The screen also displays the recommended foot, and the option to change the stitch length or width, etc., to suit your own preferences. For instance, you may select a straight stitch, but want to increase the stitch length to maximum in order to make a gathering stitch. The automatic tension means that you can sew a single layer of flimsy fabric as evenly as multi-layers of denim or fleece. Computerized models also have a variety of embroidery designs and alphabets built in.

Stitch dials

An LCD display

An embroidery machine

Which type of sewing machine you buy will depend on budget, type of sewing, and personal preference. However, always buy the best you can afford, even if it has more features than you need at the moment you can grow in to them. The following are a few basic guidelines to consider when choosing a new machine:

Try out different models in your budget range to see how they sew different weights and types of fabric. Take your own fabric samples to try.

Check the ease of threading both top thread and bobbin. Can the bobbin be wound with thread without unthreading the top thread and needle? Useful if a new bobbin is needed in the middle of a seam! Drop-in bobbins are less awkward than front-loading (or rotary hook) bobbins.

Most modern machines have snap-on feet, which makes changing feet for different sewing techniques much easier. Check what feet are included in the basic price and what optional extras are available. Essentials are straight stitch, buttonhole, zipper, blind-hem, darning/free motion, appliqu.

Look for a variable stitch speed which allows you to control how fast or slow you stitch. This is very important when stitching around tricky curves and corners or applying appliqu.

If you intend to sew soft furnishings and other large projects, check the size of the throat space between the body of the machine and the needle. Bigger is better in order to fit large quantities of fabric through. Equally, a wide flatbed surface helps guide fabric. Some machines have an optional extension table.

If you intend to carry your machine to workshops, check the weight and portability. What type of cover does it have? Note that computerized machines are much heavier than electronic machines.

Ask about warranty, servicing, and repair facilities. Many manufacturers offer a 3- to 5-year warranty.

Ask about courses, workshops, and after-sales service. Many manufacturers offer tutorials as part of the purchase price.

How easy will it be to update a computerized model? Technology continues to advance, bringing new developments and stitch choices can your preferred model be updated?