Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-By-Step Beginner's Guide [With 10 Patterns]
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Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-By-Step Beginner's Guide [With 10 Patterns]

4.16 of 5 stars 4.16  ·  rating details  ·  170 ratings  ·  46 reviews
It's hip (think Project Runway), it's hot (with a potential audience of 45 million), and it's coming from exactly the right publisher (remember Stitch 'N Bitch and Generation T). Introducing S.E.W, the beginning sewer's bible.
A reinvention of the postwar sewing how-to, here is a hold-your-hand guide that marries attitude and instruction, that speaks the language of today...more
Spiral, 248 pages
Published November 29th 2007 by Workman Publishing (first published November 8th 2007)
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Community Reviews

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Amy
Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: the beginning seamstress
This is an excellent book for a beginning seamstress. The book begins with a little info about the author, Dianna Rupp, followed by some info on how to start your own sewing circle, and then 10 reasons why the author likes to sew. It's a nice intro to the book which then continues onto subjects like preparing your work space and what supplies you'll want to add to your personal sewing basket, and how to go about purchasing a sewing machine.

If you've lost the manual to your sewing ma...more
Erika
Erika rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: Beginning Sewers
Great beginning projects, all patterns are included, and the author gives some great information for first time sewers. Unfortunately, the author has some strange advice on buying a first time sewing machine, which I do not agree with. She also mistakenly groups Bernina in with other sewing machine companies, saying that a brand name means nothing because machine companies change brands all the time as companies change hands - which makes quality a moot point. Too bad she didn't do her resear...more
Elizabeth
I am sew loving this book! I've decided to relearn how to sew; it's been almost two decades since I touched a machine. Maybe it's the knitting? Inspiring me to make things and this is the next step.

The book starts at the very beginning - machine parts, types of fabric, etc. It is casual and hip but thorough. For example, upon looking my new sewing machine over, my husband asked, "But I don't understand how it actually makes a stitch." Well, wouldn't you know? There's a diagra...more
Rachelle Nicolette
Disclaimer: I am friends with Diana.

When I was first learning how to sew, I took classes at her studio. This book really captures the spirit of the studio: fun and casual yet instructional. Her tone is very approachable and the projects are really adorable.
Pam
Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars
Shelves: sewing, crafty
Well, I have read all the theory in the book (which says something about how fun it is to read considering it's instructional) & now I just have to start applying it! Kinda nervous but excited.

The books reads in a nice conversational tone, and being spiral bound will probably come in handy later when referencing certain sections & techniques.

Lots of 'beginner' sewing books tend to have awful patterns I have no interest in or ones that seem crazy advanced for someone tryi...more
Mimi
Loved, loved, LOVED! While I normally read how-to books by opening and jumping around to wherever I choose I actually started this one from the beginning. She has sooo much information for those that want to sew by pattern. She lays down the rules but also allows for some room to add your own touch. I feel a lot more confident about going to the fabric store and picking something out to make. Her included patterns are fun, too!
Judy
Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: sewing
This book is awesome for the beginner. The patterns are pretty basic but it helps you get started without overwhelming. My friend, who has been a seamstress for years, also agrees this is a great book to get started with. The book comes in a cute spiral/ring hard binder form with a pocket on the inside that includes the patterns. It may seem a bit bulky but will stay on my shelf for quick references.
Heather
I was lucky enough to take sewing classes with Diana Rupp using the patterns from this book. They are very clear and adorable, and I love how in the beginning, she talks about all of the different kinds of material that are out there.
It's a book that tells you where to start, and I think it makes a lot of sense. I also very much adore the Tokyo Tie bag!
Mirela
I haven't attempted to sew anything yet. But I love this book! It's so amazing! I'm very happy with my purchase! Although I would've loved more details and instructions on how to alter and tailor clothing rather than making new stuff. I cannot wait to start sewing all the patterns in this book! :)
Heather
Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars
Shelves: craft, non-fiction
If you are looking to learn how to machine sew and can buy only one book, this is it. Clear with an upbeat conversational tone. The numerous beginner projects at the back are all things you would actually want to make, not just exercises to practice learned skills.
Sarah
Love this one--the best I've found so far in helping with my new hobby that I am loving. Very helpful, and the projects are cute and do-able. I am bound and determined that I will have made the cape (the cape! there's a pattern for a cape!!) by wintertime.
Jenny
Jenny rated it 5 of 5 stars
This is the book that taught me to sew and that I still refer to today. It's easy to follow and written in a down-to-earth way. I highly recommend this to anyone just learning how to sew!
Wendy
Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: sewing-books
I have had a sewing machine for nearly five years. I have sewn maybe five things. This book has changed things. I bought it for myself, pulled out the old machine, revisited the manual, revisited the fabric store, became mesmerized with infinite possibilities, took over the dining room table, and I am now officially a threadbanger.
Jennyslash
So far, everything that I've tried to make from these patterns has worked out just fine. The instructions are fairly straight forward.
Shelly
Shelly rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: sewing
I think this is a terrific starter book. Diana Rupp has very clear instruction and well fitting patterns.
**The Yoga pants are very baggy
erin
erin rated it 4 of 5 stars
fun projects WITH patterns! and the instructions are easy to read/understand for novices like me
Shushlibrarian
I would like to revisit this book. There is a patern for yoga pants that I would like to try.
Olivia
Olivia is currently reading it
we'll see if this helps my seamstressing.
Leah
Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars
Thanks for lending this to me, Melanie!
Juliehoward
Juliehoward marked it as to-read
Sew Everything by Diana Rupp
Casey
Casey rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: crafting-sewing
THE BEST book for beginners!
Alyson
I'm learning to sew with a machine (as opposed to by hand) and have found this book very helpful. It is clearly, yet cleverly, written and helps explain complicated processes in a simplistic manner. The projects are cute and explained well, but I have not used any of the patterns yet. I do turn to it frequently when working on projects from other sources, though.

Things I've made from this book (an ongoing list):
1. Pincushions. Very easy and fun, teach a variety of basic skills...more
Haley Moore
Very helpful!
Nancy
Nancy rated it 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in conjunction with taking the author's Craftsy interactive web course (which I highly recommend). The author's writing style is engaging and witty, the instructions are clear, and the projects are modern and relevant. Overall, this book is a very useful resource for both the beginning sewist or sewist returning to the art after a long absence.
Dawn
Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: nonfiction
I love this book! It was the first book I really used to help me tackle this new sewing endeavor I've begun and I'm forever thankful! It's easy and fun to read and I'm looking forward to reading more... and making more of the patterns. The pin cushion looks great on my sewing table! :)
Cherie
Cherie rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: Venessa, Emily T
Shelves: crafting, non-fiction
A This book is awesome for beginning sewers. Unlike most sewing books that have UGLY UGLY patterns (well, this still has a few!), there's some rad bags I want to sew, a lot of great tips, written in an easy-to-read fashion. It is inspiring me to start sewing again.
hermione
was very good for people who sew I love sewing so this was intresting
Mindi
Mindi rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: Beginning seamstresses/kids
This would be very, very good for a beginner. Any detail you would have a question about for starting is covered.

The patterns are ok for beginners. I am using it to teach my 10 year old to sew better. There is nothing I would wear but I am an avid sewer.
Kristin
This is a fantastic read for a novice as well as an experience sewer. The writing is down to earth, witty, and very informative. The patterns are appealing, but be forewarned that you must draft some of them yourself on pattern paper. Highly recommended.
Meagan
Meagan rated it 4 of 5 stars
I'm LOVING it. It's truly a beginner book. So easy and simple to follow and any jargon is explained. The spiral bound is nice, let's you lay it flat to read (so far that's all I'm doing) but later on for help with the patterns (10 are included!).
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