The Sewing Machine Classroom: Learn the Ins & Outs of Your Machine

The only sewing lessons I had were 50 years ago in home ec classes. For 40 years, I didn't sew at all and then, a couple of years ago, I decided to pick it up again. I had forgotten how much I loved it. However, my knowledge of my machine, fabrics, choice of needles, etc. is greatly lacking. Did I know I was supposed to change my needle every 6-8 hours of sewing?! Heck, I think I have used one needle for months! It explains a lot of my frustration in lousy stitching. And that's not all I learned from this book. Now I understand the importance of machine maintenance (and I do mean at home, not just the crisis visit to have it cleaned and tuned up professionally). I have just ordered 100 needles in bulk (yes, they are cheap). I have ordered a better, dual ended brush to clean out the dust and some additional feet. I recently bought a new sewing machine and armed with my newfound knowledge. As advised, I have thrown away ALL of my old thread (some had belonged to my grandmother). I have a lovely peg display for my threads, but now I understand they should not attract dust. So I have covered it up when not in use. I better understand fabrics and why you pre-wash before using. This book is written in clear, easy to understand segments. Love the "Sewing 101" highlights that offer great tips. Good instructional photographs. Excellent trouble-shooting advice. I have many "aha" moments. So for a beginner, or someone who has just a few basic sewing skills, I highly recommend this book. It will be a "go-to" for me that I will keep close at hand.

I haven't even finished this book, and already I have gotten my 25-year-old Pfaff Hobby-Matic sewing like new again, which it wasn't even after the repair man left! I don't know HOW I did it -- I just went through and looked at all the suggestions Charlene Philips made, and when I was finished, the machine was no longer mangling thread beneath the foot plate.I also learned more than I ever had any idea there was to know about threads and how they are made, how to match thread to needle to fabric (okay, I sort of already knew how to match needle to fabric, but not needle to thread!) I'm sewing more now than I have since the first year I had the machine. I'd had a 1222e before the Hobby-Matic, and the H-M was such a step-down that I despaired of ever making anything more complex than pot-holders with it, where I'd been making anything and everything with the 1222e.I've also gotten a set of feet, and am learning to use them -- what an adventure that is! She has also talked about feet in the book, so that has given me a lot of courage.Do I still want a nicer machine? You bet! Am I finding out a lot more about what my HM can do? Oh, yes! I'm making a Halloween quilt right now!

It's been years since I've used a sewing machine and honestly, I never really took the time then to learn to use a sewing machine properly. Since that is the case and I have so much basic information to learn, I started looking for a book to teach me these things. Since I have very limited funds I feel very motivated to make the best choice I can for a reference to keep next to me while I sew. I have borrowed many books from the local library whose titles suggest they are for new sewers. I wanted to say that this is absolutely the BEST book I've seen so far for folks who are not experienced with sewing machines. There is so much basic information I wanted that is simply not covered in the sewing machine manual or even (believe it or not) on the sewing machine manufacturer's website. This book includes charts with the specific information I was looking for, excellent pictures and simple, complete explanations. I strongly recommend you consider purchasing this book.I love that I can borrow books from our local library and evaluate them prior to purchase. If you are financially challenged like me, I also recommend you check out the used books available on Amazon as the price is usually much less and if you purchase one that is listed as "Like New" and "Very Good" conditions, they are in excellent shape.

Very neat book that functions mostly as a reference tool for people who have already grasped the basics of sewing. E.g. there are pages and pages that are dedicated solely to thread. There is certainly a lot of valuable information for totally inexperienced sewers, but it's not the best book to guide someone through sewing for the very first time. The title is a bit misleading because it makes the reader expect it will focus mostly on how to operate a sewing machine, but that's not the case. This book does include helpful/interesting info about machines, but it's less focused on 1 topic and instead covers an array of topics. Definitely a valuable resource that I would recommend to anyone who sews. I'm fascinated just looking through the pages. There are beautiful pictures that really help you understand the meaning of the text. My mom learned to sew when she was just a child and has sewn for most of her life..she couldn't put it down and even commented that she needed a copy. Guess they already have another customer (or at least another sale!) If you sew, or even if you want to learn, I would recommend this book. Notice that while it wasn't what I expected, it is a fantastic book and I'm a happy customer!

Has a lot of very basic how to information. Wish it had more tips and info for more challenging projects.

The book's coil binding allows it to easily lay flat on a work surface, the non-beauty photo shots support instruction, the instructions seem conversational, easy to read with "pop up" sewing 101 highlights that provide that extra something-something that comes through years of teaching experience - in answering an anticipated question or an issue a novice may encounter or it provides advice or more helpful detail for the novice. It is filled with useful reminders and details that even the more experienced can appreciate. I also like that it did not use space on "outdated" project patterns, opting towards timeless useful information. This is a reference book, it is a keeper to refer to and to pass on!

Awesome book. I ordered it from the library and then bought myself a copy. It contains all you need to know as a beginner sewer with regard to your sewing machine and problems that you might encounter. I would recommend highly. Really pleased with my purchase.

I bought this book for my daughter-in-law. She is just starting to sew and this book explains a lot of sewing terms and also explains the many parts of the sewing machine and how they work. I found it to be very easy to understand and the photos also are very helpful. It is not overwhelming but all the pertinent info that you need is there for you to learn by. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning to sew.

Very informative.

For beginner to experienced this book is very informative. Lots of tips. Definitely recommend for everyone who sews. Makes a great gift too.

Good reference book. Use it to develop those skills not learned when younger.