This is a very useful reference work. It covers tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing; hand and machine stitches; techniques such as adding buttons, buttonholes, and zippers; and various types of fabric. I have gotten the largest amount of use out of the section on hand sewing stitches. For example, I learned the ladder stitch, which is an invisible joining stitch for seams that can be done from the outside of the work, so it's great for doing those last few inches of seam on a stuffed object after it has been turned right-side-out and stuffed. And today I needed a way to securely fasten one piece of cloth over another showing as little as possible and found the prick stitch, which is a back stitch where the stitches on the top (visible) side are much shorter than the stitches on the other side. The illustrations of the hand-sewing stitches do not have the stitches executed particularly neatly, but that is really the only fault I can find with the book. I don't refer to it particularly often, but it is very valuable when I do. ( )

Concise information about and directions for a multitude of sewing techniques and stitch types. Well-illustrated and written. ( )