Compendium of Finishing Techniques
by Naomi McEneely This nifty book has a spiral binding inside the hardcover book so you can lay every page out flat while you read and work, then close it back flat when finished. Finishing techniques encompass crochet, embroidery, knitting, knotting and weaving. You will find the contents broke up into chapters for edges; seams and joins; braids, cords & trimmings; embroidery and miscellaneous. The instructions are easy to follow. Each technique is set up with a photo example plus illustrations. There are oodles of tips and techniques that will help you to finish many projects. You will find plenty of fast and easy cords to make; a braid that looks round but is worked in knitted rows; Peruvian braids, flat and in reverse order; needle woven braids and braided braids. The instructions for multiple strand braids are easier to comprehend than many books on the same subject. There are knitted tassels, tassels with crochet trimming, and a sweet little pompom. I never thought of making a very small pompom with specialty fibers; this little how-to has got my imagination going. Closures include buttons that are knotted; crocheted in berry shapes and circles; some worked over rings while others utilize a button shank form as a base to cover and knotted closures. There are tips on how to reinforce shank buttons and buttons with holes through them. Techniques for hand sewing button holes and loops are simple and attractive. There are several stitches for embroidery; the arrow tack was a new one on me. The padded satin stitch is perfect for raised monograms. Joins and seams provide alternate methods for finishing. I had never thought of using the rya technique for this purpose. You will find the zigzag running stitch applicable to more than finishing; I use it for some fiber jewelry techniques. There are several crochet stitches for edge finishing and knitted stitches for bias bands and edgings. Very easy knots and weaving methods result in a diversity of finishes and optional fringe. Wrapping and needle weaving bring fresh ideas for a finished edge. Darning may seem like too much trouble today when you can just purchase new items. However, if you have a knitted, woven or crocheted a wearable that you spent time and money making, learning a few darning techniques can be of valuable. Compendium of Finishing Techniques is good reference book with fast and easy techniques to make your finishing touches a breeze. |
