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Sewing Machine Basics: A step-by-step course for first-time stitchers

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This book takes the mystery out of the sewing machine, holding first-time stitchers by the hand and showing the easiest ways to get the most from their machine.

In the climate of 'make do and mend', sales of sewing machines have soared, but many are only accompanied by a difficult-to-understand technical manual. Here, Jane Bolsover provides a comprehensive guide for beginners. Starting with an essential overview of the sewing machine, learn how to thread it and wind bobbins, why tension is important and which needles to choose. There's information on the basic sewing kit you will need, plus advice on which fabrics to choose and how to cut out. The chapters then build into a complete sewing course, and at the end of each chapter is a simple project to consolidate the skills you have just mastered. The projects include items for the home, including a cushion cover and a lampshade, stylish accessories, such as bags and scarves, plus great clothing basics, such as an A-line skirt and a simple shift dress. Also included at the back of the book are two full-size pull-out paper pattern sections.

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About the Author

Jane Bolsover has over 20 years’ experience as a designer and writer specializing in sewing and crafts. As well as creating sewing and craft projects for magazines, Jane has written seven books on soft furnishings and patchwork, and edited many more. She has also appeared on mainstream television several times. Jane now works as a consultant for a major textile and craft show company, where she organizes craft demonstrations, workshops and feature displays. The author is based in Dorking, Surrey.

Review:

4.2 out of 5

84.62% of customers are satisfied

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book, not sure it’s aimed at real beginners

A.C. · 16 March 2025

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5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners

T. · 21 March 2025

I bought 6+ books as each book as a different of explaining including the Sewing for Dummies book. Hands down, out of all of those, this was the most helpful book for a clueless beginner

4.0 out of 5 stars Good information.

A.C. · 27 May 2024

There is some helpful practical advice in here.Sewing machine and the accompanying manual often makes what I suspect is not that hard seem very complicated. Or decide not to mention some things at all. Other books find it hard to assume you really are a beginner. And quickly move onto how to make all manner of complex things when you are wondering how to change a bobbin, needle or foot presser. A beginner is a beginner.I think this book will help a great deal.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful refresher, or for a complete beginner

L. · 17 February 2012

I haven't used my sewing machine in over 20 years, but recently was moved to get it out and have it serviced. I've more time on my hands these days, and I thought I'd like to make some soft furnishings and small gifts for next Xmas. It's amazing how you forget how to do even the simplest things.I'm delighted with this book, which has been very useful as a refresher, reminding me how to thread the machine, adjust the tension, choose the appropriate attachments, select functions etc.9 pull out patterns, (for basic trousers, blouse, skirt, tote bag, apron, scarf etc.) are included to practice the various techniques, which are clearly described and illustrated.Very useful and excellent value for money.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful idea

n. · 22 March 2025

Hsndy book of tricks and tips to create master pieces

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book

A. · 20 July 2012

I'm not a beginner, but I am an entirely self-taught needlewoman and I fully realise that there are probably easier ways to go about things than the way I do them. This book was remarkable in that it covered every detail of my sewing machine and introduced me to things like the various feet that I'd never fully understood.After the "getting started" section, the book is divided into a series of workshops and each workshop ends with a project to make up, a cushion cover, an apron, a skirt and so on. Just about all the techniques you will ever need are used in these projects and the patterns included seem simple to use. I'm fairly certain I will use all of them - even the child's dress when I have no children, because it looks so pretty (and the charity shop will appreciate it).One of the most useful features is a chart showing different fabrics along with the most appropriate needles, thread and so on to use with them.So far I've had the book less than a week and my new sewing machine arrives tomorrow. My fingers are itching to get started.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

G. · 19 November 2011

I bought this for my young niece who is getting her first sewing machine for xmas. I'm so impressed with it I'm going to keep it and buy two more copies as gifts. It starts at the very basics: how to thread a machine, the different machine feet, types of fabric and thread and works it way through to zippers and pattern cutting. There are 11 projects included ranging from a cushion to a pin tuck blouse but also including a scarf, an apron, a roman blind and a line skirt... so a nice range of things that are modern and usable. As the book goes on the level of detail given increases, for example the formula for working out how much fabric is needed for a blind/curtain where the fabric has pattern repeats, The difference between lining, interlining and underlining..... And best of all, at the back are full-sized patterns for all the projects. They do need tracing because they overlap one another, but they are full sized.I really think this is a good book for beginners and improvers alike.

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful Book but Often Hard to Follow

E. · 18 February 2012

I purchased this book after buying a sewing machine like several other reviewers and like them I wanted a book which not only taught you the techniques but also gave you some projects to work through and put them to practice and in that respect this book fits the bill. There's several nice projects, giving you a wide variety of nice items at the end including bags, scarves, aprons, curtains, blouses and dresses many of which were items I really wanted to own (rather than just made to meet the criteria of testing my new skills).However, I was surprised to find given the universally good reviews on Bolo that I frequently found sections of the book (particularly the "teaching" sections) very confusing. I had to read text many times in some sections and even then I resorted to "having a go" in order to work out exactly what was meant. The diagrams were sometimes helpful but I also found these hit and miss. I think the main issue is that in each "step" you will be given multiple instructions, usually with one diagram which relates to only one of the instructions - often you don't know which! I usually end up either referring to another book to cross-check what I think is meant or looking up videos online.I don't think myself to be someone who usually struggles with such things, so was surprised to see no one else had mentioned this on Bolo. I am potentially comparing this to a wonderful knitting book (Knitty Gritty - by Anneta Patel) which I recently learnt to knit with and it's coming up short against that quite high standard.In summary, this is a nice book with some nice projects but unless you are already familiar with the basics or are willing to do a lot of re-reading and cross-checking as I have done then I feel there may be more clearly written texts available for the novice sewing machine owner.

Sewing book

P.B. · 5 August 2023

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Helpful

S. · 23 March 2012

This book is helpful for me. It gives basic informations of sewing and I just need to re-open when I forget :D

Three Stars

A. · 2 August 2015

The book is good but using more pictures could have made the book more easy

nozioni base per macchina da cucire

l.c. · 6 August 2018

non ho trovato recensioni buone per manuali italiani, così ho acquistato questo e sono soddisfatta: è fatto bene, con spiegazioni dettagliate proprio per principianti, spiegazioni anche dei punti base eseguiti a mano e alcune schede progetti semplici (cuscini/tende)

Muy muy básico.

P.E. · 27 September 2018

Es un poquito demasiado básico, y no explica todos los prensatelas que han venido con mi nueva maquina de coser. Viene con unos" projects" que no me son utíles. Para mi, es una devolucion.

Sewing Machine Basics: A step-by-step course for first-time stitchers

4.6

AED9900

Type: Paperback

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Product origin: United Kingdom

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