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‘Amy Butler’s In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects,’ is packed with chic projects.

MCT photos

‘Bend-the-Rules Sewing,’ by Amy Karol, offers plenty of help for beginners.

Sewing is the new knitting.
Even when needles and a ball of yarn became the hot accessories a few years ago, sewing hadn’t quite shaken its dowdy image and 4-H heritage.
But now, sewing’s the “it” hobby. Fabric stores report substantial upticks in registration for sewing classes. Craft bloggers have moved from showing off their knitted scarves and hats to boasting about their sewing exploits and cyber-drooling over new fabric collections. And it’s become cool to talk about your sewing machine like it’s a beloved car, whether it’s a brand-new one with all the bells and whistles, or a vintage score from the thrift shop.
Along with sewing’s renaissance has come a proliferation of books on the subject. Here, a look at a few of the latest books dedicated to the art of needle and thread:

“Amy Butler’s In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects,” by Amy Butler (Chronicle Books, $24.95)

Author credentials: Butler is a fabric and pattern designer known for her eye-catching prints and stylish handbag patterns. See them at www.amybutlerdesign.com.

Sample projects: Floor Cushions, Short Pleated Apron, Patchwork Duvet Cover, Kimono-Style Bath Robe.

For beginners? Maybe. Each project is well-explained, with illustrated instructions. But it’s probably best for seamstresses who’ve completed at least a few small projects on a sewing machine. For an ambitious beginner, though, the beautiful photographs and chic projects might be inspiration to get started.

“Simple Sewing with a French Twist,” by Celine Dupuy (Potter Craft, $27.50)

Author credentials: Dupuy lives in Paris, so the title isn’t just for show. Her designs have appeared in a number of French magazines.

Sample projects: French Wool Beret, Paris Opera Wrap, Bistro Place Mat, Moulin Rouge Beaded Curtains.

For beginners? Yes, patient ones. Dupuy offers a pretty good sewing primer at the beginning of the book, with close-up photos of many basic techniques. The pattern instructions are well-illustrated, though some of the more complicated projects might be frustrating for a beginner. At least one project (the Monet Flower Brooch) requires no sewing at all.

“Romantic Home Sewing: Cottage-Style Projects to Stitch for the Home,” by Christina Strutt (Potter Craft, $25.95)

Author credentials: Strutt is the owner of an interior decorating firm in London, and a stylist for various magazines.

Sample projects: Cafe Curtains, Lampshade Cover, Zippered Cosmetic Case, Cutlery Roll.

For beginners? Not really. The projects themselves are fairly simple, but the instructions are sparse, and there are no basic sewing tutorials. Many of the projects are covers for furniture and pillows, and require doing your own measuring and pattern creation, which can be tricky.

“Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects,” by Lotta Jansdotter (Chronicle Books, $24.95)

Author credentials: Jansdotter designs textiles, stationery, linens and home accessories that reflect her Scandinavian heritage. If you don’t find success with her book, she sells many of her creations on her Web site, www.jansdotter.com.

Sample projects: Napkins and Coasters, Gardening Tote, Magazine Holder, Checkbook Cover.

For beginners? Sort of. Many of the projects are small or simple, but there’s not a lot of sewing instruction. If you start with a fairly simple pattern, though, you should be able to follow Jansdotter’s detailed instructions. Pattern pieces are included in a handy envelope inside the front cover.

“Bend-the-Rules Sewing,” by Amy Karol (Potter Craft, $21.95, available late spring)

Author credentials: Karol is the author of a popular craft blog, Angry Chicken (angrychicken.typepad.com) and the mastermind behind Tie One On, a monthly themed “apron-along.”

Sample projects: Tea Cozy, Simple Bib, Pleated Beauty Handbag, Amazing Tea Towel Apron

For beginners? Definitely. Karol takes crafters through the basics step-by-step, including details that can be hard to find in other books, like how to read the label on a fabric bolt. The projects rely mostly on simple shapes that can be embellished as you choose. And Karol’s hints, tips and words of encouragement throughout make it feel like a friendly seamstress is always looking over your shoulder.