This book had a lot of overlap with another I read recently: [b:Slow Stitch: Mindful and Contemplative Textile Art|24886854|Slow Stitch Mindful and Contemplative Textile Art|Claire Wellesley-Smith|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1438047849l/24886854._SX50_.jpg|44535292]. I think the instructional introductory method of Hand Sewing Magic was better, though, and less focused on the philosophy. ( )

Thanks to NetGalley I received access to a digital ARC of Hand Sewing Magic by Lynn Krawczyk in exchange for an honest review.

The book is split into five main sections, beginning with The Handstitcher’s Toolkit, then followed by 4 sections of stitches classified by type, from utilitarian stitches to dimensional ones. There are also templates and stitch guides at the back, and a chapter on resources.

The first section is thorough and covers thread types, embroidery hoops, needles, fabrics, essential and pattern transfer tools, tension, troubleshooting and how to best stitch whilst ensuring you aren’t straining your eyes, hands or body as you work.

The sections on stitches are divided into the following useful categories: Utilitarian Stitches, Outline and Filler Stitches, Decorative Stitches, and Dimensional Stitches. Each stitch gets at least one page with thorough directions and large, clear photos of how to stitch it. There are also smaller, captioned photos showing variations of the stitch shown at the bottom of each page. At the end of each section are ten small projects showing how to utilise the stitches, from corner bookmarks to embellished coats.

This is a very good book with lots of photographs, and clear descriptions. Because of the name, I was rather surprised to find it focused so much on embroidery and decorative stitching. As I would like to acquire basic hand sewing skills for sewing in buttons correctly, and finishing off seams in plush toys invisibly, this was not the book I was looking for. Though I won’t be adding this to my collection of sewing books as soon as possible, this book is certainly on my short list of books to buy should I develop an interest in embroidery or using hand stitching as an embellishment. ( )

Hand Sewing Magic
Essential Know-How for Hand Stitching--*10 Easy, Creative Projects *Master Tension and Other Techniques * With Pro Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
by Lynn Krawczyk

A book that returned me to the 70’s when I and my mother used some of the stitches in this book to embellish shirts and jeans that I used to wear with pride – what fun it was to revisit my past through the stitches in this book!

Chapters titles include: hand stitcher’s tool kit, utilitarian stitches, outline and filler stitches, decorative stitches, dimenisonal stitches, templates, guides and resources. Threads are discussed as to what they are made of, how to organize them and how to use them. A variety of needles are shown and discussed. Fabrics to use are suggested and how to keep tension as it should be.

I believe that this is a book that provides a wide variety of stitches to try and use in a variety of projects, some of which are provided in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Creative Publishing International for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars ( )