The Complete Book of Sewing New Edition

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in the photos are presented in basic colors and the fashions shown are timeless classics, so this book won't look out-of-date in a few years like many sewing books generally do.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).


A wish come true for newbies!   October 16, 2003
 89 out of 90 found this review helpful

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!


Great Reference Book   August 18, 2005
 46 out of 46 found this review helpful

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.


A complete sewing course in hardback cover. Highly recommended!!!   July 6, 2006
 36 out of 36 found this review helpful

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.


MOST WONDERFUL BOOK EVER WRITTEN ON SEWING!!!   December 24, 2003
 91 out of 100 found this review helpful

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!!!