Loved this book, found it really useful and really easy to follow. The instruction was helpful and informative without being talked at or down to and the little tips dotted through the book which really did provide help and ideas on completing projects well. Certainly got me wanting to have a go at a beginners project and feel more confident that I could use the book to complete something to a decent standard.

So can't wait to try some of the neat ideas in this book. I really enjoy learning new tricks and this is full of them. Thanks!

Hand Sewing Magic by Lynn Krawczyk is a bountiful book of ideas. While the title is slightly misleading, the book is wonderful and full of inspiration. The book is about embroidery with lessons and beautiful photos throughout. There are many wonderful chapters in this embroidery craft book. The first chapter being why stitch by hand and the idea of slow stitching. There is information about what to have in your tool kit. Different types of thread, whether it be cotton, wool, silk, specialty threads, hoops, fabrics are discussed and the benefits of each. There is a chapter on utilitarian stitches as well as a chapter on outline and filler stitches. There are additional chapters on decorative and dimensional stitches. There are lessons how to transfer a pattern and various projects throughout. There are pro tips from many sources to help the reader along her journey through creative embroidery.
I would highly recommend this book to those who are interested in embroidery and those who have some knowledge of embroidery or who have experience with this craft.
I would like to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nice simple book for anyone who has never picked up an needle before. The instructions and photos are clear and easily followed. The projects are abstract some any mistakes while learning are not drastic and can only make a project more personal. Could appeal to any age group starting to learn to sew. Lots of different stitches to learn and clear intrutions on how to overcome problems such a tension. Thank you to Quaro publishing and Lynn Krawczyk for this advances publication copy.

Thank you To NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for my unbiased review. The projects in this I did not find personally appealing, but they are well described with ample photos to make them relatively accessible to new as well as experienced stitchers. The stitch reference is superb- I will keep this on my shelf for reference for new and interesting ideas for my felt ornament projects as well as for embroidering other projects. They really are magic! I did also like the scissors mosaic project for decorating a tote or pillow- it looks time consuming to stitch, but might make a clever gift for a sewing friend.

Thanks to NetGalley. and the publisher for an advanced look at this book by Lynn Krawczyk.
I hope to buy a copy for my middle school library in an effort to give them the information they need to make their own hand-sewn designs. The instructions for specific stitches, along with the pictures to illustrate them should motivate our scholars to create projects in the MakerSpace.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Creative Publishing International for the advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!*

Hand Sewing Magic is an in-depth guide to hand sewing and embroidery, complete with projects, perfect for the beginner who is just getting into the craft. I personally am about as advanced as this book when it comes to embroidery and hand-sewing, so I found it right on my level. The pictures are clear and the directions are easy to understand.

One thing that is particularly interesting about this book is that it seems to be a throwback to the 70s in terms of style. Vintage creations abound in the 10 projects, and to be frank, none of them were quite to my liking, simply because they weren't my style of project. The vintage bunny was cute, but wouldn't match my home decor. However, if you're the type of person who seems like they would like that sort of style, and if you're interested in hand-sewing and embroidery, then this is the book for you. Even if you don't like the projects, you can't deny that the techniques are beautifully explained. In addition to that, it's clear that Hand Sewing Magic was created by an author that loves the craft - her enthusiasm is absolutely contagious.

Would I recommend it? Yes.

Hand Sewing Magic was clear and relevant.

I actually got excited about trying out this realm of the craft world (which I previously found too detail-oriented and daunting). This one, with its clear organization with each page being a stitch type with picture examples of what it looks like and how it works, makes the task seem potentially possible. I've seen so many embroidered clothes (it must be 'on trend'??) for a ton of money, understandably so because of the labor it requires.. but maybe after this book I will try a little something myself!

I thought about trying this on a baseball cap and giving that as a gift? We'll see if I get there.

*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review*.

I am new to embroidery, and this book is incredibly comprehensive. I enjoyed the artsy, eclectic feel that the book had, While it is not my style, I would still be interested in purchasing this book for all the good information it had. The projects are cute and useful. My only complaint is that on one page it tells you how to check threads for colorfastness if you want to wash your projects, but it doesn't tell you how to wash your project. I feel that might be important, especially if you use water soluble pens and don't cover up all the markings.

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.

This book is a great learning guide for both learners and intermediate sewers alike. I learned a lot of information that I feel like I should have known for years or perhaps had forgotten and needed to be refreshed on. Highly recommend on those learning to sew with your hands.

#HandSewingMagic #NetGalley

This book is very informative on details that are normally either brushed aside, or avoided because of lack of knowledge or the assumption people already know. Very detailed, especially in regard to threads, what they are, how to use them, what would give you the look you are trying to get. Wonderful tool for people getting into the art. Great work!

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Wow, this is a great book especially for a beginner in hand sewing. The information is really informative and very relevant, the projects are simple quick ones, that I would not be ashamed to give or use myself.
Even for an experienced sewing this book is fun. The information is delivered in Lyn Krawczky no nonsense style and covers every aspect of hand sewing, from how mercerized cotton is made, to all the wonderful stitches (with variations) all simply photographed and explained. The projects are various and I love the negative tote bag - such a simple but effective design.
Love this book

I’m fairly new to hand embroidery and found this a clear and useful basic guide to the different types of stitches: utilitarian, outline and filler stitches, and decorative ones.
Each stitch is carefully explained and the illustrations are clear and easy to follow.
At the end of each section there are patterns so you can practise your stitches on small projects such as a smartphone case, a stuffed bunny and a decorative neck scarf.
I liked the expert tips which, I felt, added something a bit different to what is essentially a basic embroidery guide.
The projects - ten in total - are pretty but not really things I would make.
I’d recommend it as a good introductory book and one that’s surprisingly clear when viewed on an electronic device. The author clearly loves embroidery, which she describes as a form of meditation, and her enthusiasm does shine through.
This is my honest review in return for a free copy of the book from Netgalley.

This is a lovely book with basic embroider technique, hints, and stitches.

You will only find it useful if you are a true beginner. Most of the instructions are for stitches I learned as a child. The pictures demonstrate very clearly how to create the stitches.

The projects are cute but for the most part impractical.


Disclaimer: This book was provided to me in an electronic download by NetGallery in return for a fair and honest review.

Hand Sewing Magic is the perfect "how to" guide for someone new to hand stitching and seasoned stitchers.
This book includes 10 DIY projects and several tips and techniques on hand stitching. It starts with the basics—threads, needles, and additional materials—and tips on how to store them. The subsequent chapters introduce different stitch and embroidery patterns and will teach you how to design items such as book covers, phone holders, tote bags and so on. This includes book includes templates and resources to inspire the reader. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Creative Publishing International for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is an excellent book whether you are a seasoned hand stitcher or beginner. It offers detailed instructions, products needed and some patterns to try out.. I embroider quite a bit, but i admit i learned some stitches i had not even heard of. The pictures are very well done, large enough so the stitch designs are easy to learn. This book has meticulous instructions, illustrations and pro tips to encourage you to try out embroidering by hand. It is fine art i think and i hop;e people get this book and try it out.

I was given an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. The opinions are my own.

There's something a little magical about hand embroidery. Maybe it's the extra effort involved. Maybe it's the time it takes. Whatever it is, hand embroidery adds that special touch to an item, be it a framed decorative piece or an addition to a functional item such as a garment or pillow. This book is divided up into 5 sections: the hand stitcher's toolkit, utilitarian stitches, outline and filler stitches, decorative stitches and dimensional stitches. There are also templates and stitch guides included. Colorful photographs clearly illustrate the steps to create each stitch for easy to follow instruction for multiple projects. Hand Sewing Magic covers the entire process from choosing materials and tools through to finishing a piece for display, making this a perfect jumping off point for the new stitcher.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Creative Publishing International and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Hand Sewing Magic has it all! It is a beautiful book with detailed instructions for a multitude of hand stitches.

The book is divided into five well thought out sections:
The Handstitchers Tool Kit
Utilitarian Stitches (3 projects)
Outline and Filler Stitches (2 projects)
Decorative Stitches (3 projects)
Dimentional Stitches (2 projects)
and also includes templates and stitch guides, and a resources section.

The author explains the use of each stitch and gives clear step by step instructions accompanied by well-done photographs of each step. Success is virtually guarenteed!!

This book is sure to inspire your creative side, and give you a new appreciation for the art of hand sewing!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Creative Publishing International for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

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, dimensional 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