The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition

A sewing novice writes this review. Thus far my sewing has been limited to home decorating. I have made curtains, roman blinds, duvets, and most recently slipcovers. I purchased this book to help me get beyond the basic straight-line sewing that I have been doing. The book covers almost any sewing topic that you can imagine. The book is subdivided as follows: Introduction Tools and Techniques Patterns Fabrics, Threads and Notions Basic Stitches Seams Interfacings and Interlinings Darts, Tucks, Pleats and Gathers Necklines Collars Waistlines Sleeves and Cuffs Hems Edges Fastenings Pockets Professional Techniques This book covers the entire topic of sewing from Sewing Machines to Couture Dressmaking and Custom Tailoring. The book is written in a very easy to read style and format. The numbered step-by-step sequences explain how to accomplish all the various stages of each sewing technique that is covered in the book. The authors also include tip boxes that give additional tips or hints on the related topic that is being addressed. The book does a great job explaining how to alter patterns. In this section alone they cover the following information: 1. How to take all the measurements you will need to know what to adjust 2. Lengthening and shortening patterns 3. Lengthening and shortening darts 4. Lengthening and shortening hem edge 5. Raising or lowering a bust dart 6. Increasing a bust dart 7. Shoulder alterations for square, sloping, broad or narrow shoulders 8. Increasing or decreasing the crotch point or seam There are more alterations discussed but I thought his would give the reader a good idea of the depth of the topic that the book covers. The entire book is written with this much depth. If you have a question about how to sew something properly, this book probably has the answer. I have been very impressed with the depth that this book covers on the topic of sewing. This book is a sewing course in hardback cover. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn how to sew, or just wants to sew better. I think there is something for everyone in this book.

I have carefully compared this book with the New Reader's Digest Sewing Guide. Although some topics are covered in the Reader's Digest book (Patchwork & Quilting, Tailoring, & Projects) that are not in this book, most of the basic sewing topics (Tools, Patterns, Fabrics, Stitches, Seams, etc.)are covered in both books. What I like most about this book was the ease of finding what you need and side by side comparisons/lists, also the photos are easier to look at than the drawings of the Reader's Digest Guide. This book also has a section on mending, and separate chapters for Interfacings & Interlinings / Darts, Tucks, Pleats, & Gathers /and Edges which I did not find in the Reader's Digest Guide. It also shows you how to do things like make bows. And has a chart for fabric care. I would recommend this book for anyone, it is a great reference.

I chose this book after carefully examining it against the Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing. While the Reader's Digest book occasionally went into better detail about some techniques, I chose this book because it is far easier to see how something should be done. This is largely due to the ample-sized, crisp and clear color photos accompanying each technique. The Reader's Digest book has single color illustrations throughout instead and I find photos much easier to follow.The fabrics in the photos are presented in basic colors and the fashions shown are timeless classics, so this book won't look out-of-date in a few years like many sewing books generally do. Everything you need to know about any sewing technique is covered is this guide so you won't be disappointed. As a reference, this book is great for beginners (like myself) and advanced sewer's alike (like my mother).

I love this book, it is truly the most complete book of sewing with EVERY technique in it any sewing beginner OR advanced seamstress would ever need or desire. I am in love with this book and I have truly learned so much about sewing. I am an heirloom seamstress - this book has taught me so many new techniques and is a true encyclopedia of sorts. I love it!!!

This book is so great! I just bought a nice sewing machine but have no idea how to use it. So I went to a bookstore and decided to buy this book for its colorful presentation. I learn how to use my sewing maching just by looking at the step-by-step pictures since they are all very helpful. The colors of the fabrics are presented in high contrast so that the difference is obvious. There are equipment section, pattern, basic technique and professional technique and some more. I recomend it!