Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs

Thought this would be a good book as I wanted to review the basic details of machine embroidery and get more out of my machine. This is not worth the money. Unfortunately I did not look at the publication date - big mistake. This book is very out of date with old pictures and talk of floppy disks! I am not a spring chicken but even I have kept up to date on this score. The projects are not something I would do, some are very old fashioned (granny like, and yes I am a granny although not this out of date!)) and with roughly half the book only dedicated to actual techniques this has turned out to be a very disappointing buy. Can only say that you should take your time and look at date of publication so that you get the most up to date information.

I am new to machine embroidery so am finding this book very useful. Unfortunately, however, I haven't managed to download the designs from the included CD ROM but I'm sure that's my lack of skill rather than anything wrong with the CD.The book starts at the very beginning by helping make the decision on which machine to buy. There are articles on different needles, threads and stabilisers which is very helpful to someone like myself who finds it all very daunting.There are also items on Cutwork, Appliqué, Dimensional Embroidery, Lacework etc etc etc.If I have any criticism of this book it's that it's not ring bound. I was so impressed with Sandra Betzina & Debbie Valentine's book 'Sews for Your Home' that I want all my craft mannuals ring bound now. This is my only reason for four stars instead of five.

Just getting into this as a new hobby and so far this is the best beginners book I have come across -- a little old fashioned but very clear concise and helpful in all aspects - combine it with Marta Alto's DVD on Machine Embroidery and you have an excellent resource to get started.

As a total novice to machine embroidery (havent even bought my machine yet) I found this book extremely helpful. There were many things that I had no idea about and it has helped a lot with the preparation of your work. Especially as regards to what backing to use for different types of material. Without the knowledge Ive gained by reading it, I may have made some costly mistakes by not knowing the correct products to use. I'd recommend any total newcomer to purchase this.

arrived on time. But the book was a little out of date as still referring to floppy discs but the basics covered in the book re stabalizers were very good.