More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric

This book is a great resource that answers basic questions about working with different fabrics. I don't know about the person who can't find things in the book; fabric types are discussed alphabetically and almost every fabric I've looked up, I've found in this book. Fancy fabrics can be intimidating even for the experienced sewer. You spend all this money on the fabric, only to run into problems because it slips when you cut out the pattern or the tension won't accept the fabric or the needle is the wrong size. How do you reduce your losses before you begin? You get this book, that's how. In the "Search Inside" feature, we see African Mudcloth (exotic), Alpaca (expensive) and Batik (exotic and expensive). But there are entries for more commonly used fabrics such as denim, crepe de chine, lace, and double knits to name just a few. And there's a ton of info on each fabric: sewing tips, how or whether to preshrink, how to lay out the fabric, how to mark it, what size needle to use, how to finish your seams...there's more after that. I love this book. I love the spiral binding that allows it to lay flat without any effort on my part, the excellent use of color and page layout that makes the information jump off the page, and the wealth of information presented. There's a 6-page section on seam how-to's, 2 pages on details, 4 pages on closures, 6 pages on hem how-to's, and lots more info on linings, stain removal, a glossary AND a thorough index. There is a lot of useful info in this 234-page volume! This book rocks. If you're brand new to sewing or you've been at it for 40 years, your bookshelf should include this volume. Save yourself time, money, and grief and get this book before starting that wedding dress project or that ripstop windbreaker. You'll be glad you did. More Fabric Savvy gets an A+ from this seamstress.

Everyone else has already said it so well... don't spend another moment's hesitation on whether to buy it or not... just buy it! It is absolutely the sewer's bible! And I loved the comment about bringing it with you to the fabric store. I do a lot of fabric and pattern buying online and I have found that I don't complete the purchase without first referring to this book! Okay, 'nuff said!

I LOVE this book. There is everything you will ever need to know about sewing any type of fabric successfully. Do not hesitate to get your own copy. You won't be sorry.

This is one of my 3 main sewing references. (All 3 by Betzina! The other two are Power Sewing and Fast Fit.) I learned to sew when I was 8. Twenty years later, I've taken it up again, and am very appreciative of these books. This book teaches you which needles, interfacing, seam finishes, threads, hems, presser feet (and more) to use with each type of fabric. This knowledge has greatly reduced my frustration with sewing. (Who knew that the wrong needle could cause so many problems! Not my 8 year old self, that's for sure.) I haven't read Schaeffer's guide on this subject (though her book Couture Sewing Techniques absolutely blew me away!), so I can't compare the two. But I do really like this guide. Thank you, Sandra Betzina! -a big fan

This book is the best. I could have never sewn my sister's wedding dress (in a week, no less) without all the helpful tips in this book. The dress sewed up beautifully and easily. Now I check with this book anytime I'm about to tackle a new fabric, or one that's given me grief before. And it's never let me down. I've tried Sew Any Fabric by Claire Shaeffer, but didn't find it to be very helpful. It may have more information, but this one has what I need to get my projects done!