The Sewing Machine Attachment Handbook ebook

So glad I purchased this book. I'm a firm believer of vintage sewing machines as opposed to the newer all plastic machines. The newest machine I own and use was made in the late 70's, and the oldest one I have is from the 1920's. I have yet to explore all the interesting sewing feet attachment for the older machines and this book provides a great guide for that. In addition, the photos are clear and beautiful. I only wish it had covered more different types of feet and it had come in a hardcover.

Other reviews pointed out that this book was about vintage sewing machine attachment feet. Having quite a handful of those things it is exactly what I needed. Also all of the accessories covered are still easily available from a variety of resources on line.

If you are looking for instructions for a more modern machine do no pass by this book too quickly. Much of what this book addresses has not changed.

The book is very well written touching on a number of helpful topics and asides that make it not just useful but also interesting. But as well written as it is, the standout feature is the illustration.

The illustrations are FABULOUS! Crisp, clear, color photography, use of contrasting thread and fabric colors to demonstrate how the foot works as it operates, very good close-ups, and so on. There are also a number of very well executed drawings that are very helpful in clarifying matters.

OK, I love this book; so why only 4 stars?

The reason is that I wish it went just a bit further.

The instructions are very concise and clear as far as they go, but they still leave me with several questions about the finer points of technique for using some of the accessories.

Much of what is given as instruction in this book is available elsewhere for free. Notably in free on-line Singer manuals. If you have found some of those free manuals you already know they are not terribly helpful because they do not go far enough nor are they clear enough in their explanations; and as elegant as the old Singer illustrations are, they are nowhere near as clear as the photos and drawings inside this book. So stop wasting time searcing for the Singer manuals and buy this book. You won't regret owning it. But do not expect it to help solve all of your niggling little problems of technique.

It has been my experience (and my experience is admittedly limited) that a number of these accessory feet once started off properly go along just great.... the trick is to get them started correctly..... and off you go until you get to the very end.... when once again it seems to take a trick or two to get good results. This is particularly true of hemmers and binders of various ilks.

Neither the Singer manuals nor any other resource I have been able to find address this knowledge gap satisfactorally. They tell you what you are *supposed* to do, but do not elaborate on the tricks of getting that done neatly and with precision for different fabrics or situations. And often the few suggestions and tips they do offer simply do not work. The instuctions tell you WHAT to do, but leave it up to you to figure out the best way to get it done. Still this book is better than most.

There are *some* tricks and tips included in this book, so it is the best resource I have located thus far. It's just not everything I had hoped for. However, as far as setting up and using a number of the feet that I own I can say that this book has taken me from from utterly baffled to grasping a basic understanding of what they do and how they work, even if I still have some finer points of technique to figure out on my own. Ever wonder how to use that tucker in your puzzle box? This book will get you started, but it is by no means a thorough discussion. Still it is light years ahead of the Singer instructions and illustratons.

And then there are tricks we all learn about what to do when things go wrong. Even experts make mistakes, the difference between and expert and a beginner is the expert knows a) how to generally avoid running into the problem in the first place and b)usually how to fix the problem with minimal fuss. There is not much advice of that sort offered in this book.

Bottom line though: A Wonderful book. Buy it. You will not regret it.

If you want to know how all those shiny mechanical things in your accessory kit work, this is the place to find out. But you will still have to count on doing some trial-and-error on your own to figure out the easiest way to use them. At least with this book you will know which slot the fabric goes through and why, even if you have to muddle out for yourself the best way to get it to go there.

Peter

The Sewing Machine Attachment Handbook is an excellent introduction to identifying and using the most common vintage presser feet and sewing attachments. It is also a good introduction to common modern ones, since many have not changed since they were invented in the 19th century. The illustrations and instructions are very clear.

There are, however, some issues that I wished this book addressed. Many brands of sewing machines, and many designs of feet and attachments, have been manufactured since 1850 or so. I don't expect the author to cover them all. However, it would be very helpful if more extensive information were presented, perhaps in the form of a large table or two in an appendix. The author does not address where to buy vintage attachments. From my observation, the best way to buy them inexpensively is at a yard sale, in a second-hand store, or on eBay. Often the seller has thrown attachments for several incompatible machines into one box lot. It would help to have a detailed reference to exactly what attachments will work with a given brand of machine, of a given date, before bringing such box lots home.

Even better, this book would be improved by a section on using vintage sewing attachments, especially specialized presser feet, with a modern sewing machine. For the more upscale modern machines, it is not uncommon to see a price of $13 to $20 for just one "generic" modern presser foot, and $30 to $40 for the manufacturer's brand of the same foot. Yet vintage presser feet are often available in largish box lots at less than $20 for the entire lot. Some vintage feet and attachments (especially those that side clamp) can be used on modern machines, with or without a special adapter. The price advantages are obvious to any sewer who wants to try out specialized feet. This book would be greatly enhanced by a discussion of this issue, plus a table of which brands of vintage feet fit which brands of modern machines, and what kind of adapter (if any) is needed for each.

Finally, vintage presser feet are often dirty, and certain attachments may need oiling as well. This book could easily contain a short section on restoring these, without embarking on the subject of restoring entire sewing machines.

this is wonderful book that the title says it all I saw one review where the person didn't like it because she didn't think it relevant. well I disagree Sewing machine feet are items that help you with edge finishes and hems regardless of whether or not you have a computer machine or not. I do not own a computer machine but my 4 yr old non-computerized Nechhi hardly could be considered vintage.and I was able to buy new feet from my dealer. I am sure if you look up your make model of sewing machine you can buy new feet for your machine. the author clearly states this in the beginning of her book. she was also making the case for finding orphan attachments at garage sales and flea markets I have some of those just not for this machine. Having a book book such as this to refer to is great, It helps one to understand and give confidence to use these feet.