Sewing in a Straight Line: Quick and Crafty Projects You Can Make by Simply Sewing Straight

by Brett Bara

Create an entire world of sophisticated projects using one simple skill.

Absolutely anyone can sew in a straight line. And with this one skill and some basic guidance, television host and crafty expert Brett Bara demonstrates how you can make custom home decor, stylish fashions, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Sewing in a Straight Line is a step-by-step guide to creating 28 deceptively simple projects that look like they came from a chic boutique—far more impressive than you would expect for such little effort! These easy-to-make items offer quick gratification that even the busiest among us will appreciate. From a flirty two-hour miniskirt to the cutest plush toys, many of the projects take only a spare afternoon.

With Brett's eye for fresh, modern style and her encouraging advice, sewing couldn't be easier. So break out your needle and thread, fire up your machine, and get creative. A world of handmade possibilities is a few easy stitches away!

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Fashion, How To, Quilting

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Alana Klinka · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited to get my hands on this book, but found it entirely disapointing. The projects are good ideas and the photography and stylish shows a very current perspective, but the instructions and diagrams are useless. I already sew and was looking for some inspiration on quick projects. I like to see how diferent instructors teach sewing technique because I am a crafts and arts instructor. These instructions were very odd and incomplete. The author asks you to use your mesurements but does not follow through with enough information for the "patternless" sewing.

I recomend The Complete Family Sewing Book. It has great information on threads, fabric, creating clothes for your body type and updating the garments you already own. It also has really helpful charts, diagrams and groovy 70's illustrations.

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the concept of this book - that succesful sewing is as easy as sewing in a straight line. There is good information up front in this book for beginners on everything from tools to techniques and the author writes from her own personal sewing experience. The projects definitely have a modern style, and although I don't care for all of the garment projects (I do like the Sewing School Skirt) it is good to see a book for beginners that includes a variety of clothing. I do love the Magic Sewing Kit, the 9 to 5 Folder, and the Bucket Tote and plan on making at least one of each of those projects. The best thing about this book is the uncluttered way it is presented with clear illustrations and nice photographs. Good for beginners and even better for confident beginners who already have a little sewing experience under their belt.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am inspired to be crafty in a new way.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read through the book once and I thought it was okay. The pictures show the finished item well and there are various diagrams to show assembly. Then I decided to use one of the patterns (the 9-to-5 Folder) to make a gift, and found that the instructions were a bit difficult to follow. I had to reread them and review the pictures half a dozen times before I figured out how to assemble the piece.

Overall, I think the designs are easy enough for beginning sewers to make, but are also useful, which can be difficult to achieve in an introductory tutorial book like this. The downside is that the instructions require a careful read-through or two before doing any measuring or cutting.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued so thought I'd take a look. I'd say about 85% of garment sewing is all straight lines anyway and reading through this book made me realize how little tweaks make a huge difference. Instead of plain boxy shapes, a bit of shaping - a tapered skirt or darted bodice, still using straight lines - makes a huge difference. (Like, that One-Hour Skirt is gonna look like it!) Then I realized, it isn't that hard to sew a curve! So, this is a beginner's book that one will quickly outgrow. The projects are interesting and varied. There are plentiful photos but some of the how-to illustrations are too teeny.

[Katherine Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good beginner's guide to sewing.

No home-ec class available? This is a great beginner's guide. Written in a breezy style, there are lots of clever, modern projects to appeal to a crafty girl with a sense of adventure. The first section includes a clear explanation of essential equipment and techniques. Projects start simple, with no patterns, just rectangles of fabric based on one or two measurements... and of course, only straight seams. A good gift for a teenager who wants to learn to sew.

[Stephchows · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has anyone actually made the skirt featured on the cover? It's a make your own pattern based on your measurements. There is a huge typo which totally had me cut the back fabric too small... you take your waist measurement add 1.5. Divide by 2 then add 10. For me that meant a 24.5" wide back piece. The back has 6, 3" pleats. 6*3=18" 24.5-18 = too small for an adult to fit into. Meanwhile the front 2 panels are waist plus 1.5 divide by 4, add 13. Aka 40 inches of fabric for the front... 24 in the back. I dont know about you but my bum takes up more room than my front :) uggg totally bummed!!!

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has easy projects , good tips on how to choose fabric and other embellishments for your diys . Probably 1-3 projects got my attention .

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

simple and basic - some classic patterns - something to recommend to new sewers who want to make something easy and creative.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabric, design or model...which makes these projects desirable. Not sure. I will check out again soon!

[Besha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The typography makes this book almost unreadable.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m confused. Each clothing pattern says to cut two rectangles, each as wide as the circumference of the widest part of my body, and sew them into a tube. Won’t the whole thing be twice as big as it needs to be, then? Am I missing something?

—

This book was useful in that it taught me enough about clothing geometry to decide to make shaped garments after all. When I was reading all the books about making person-shaped clothes, it seemed so complicated. This book makes it so simple, but looking at the way some of the things come out, I’m now convinced it’s worth it to do it right. After all, you can make a triangular piece of fabric and still sew it with only straight lines.

In particular, I wanted to make the super shirred dress on p. 36. It’s so pretty! But what makes it pretty is the fabric, so I went on a quest for gorgeous fabric. I found some, too! But then I was like, wait a minute, I think this fabric is too good for this construction method. Fabric this glorious deserves to become a dress that’s really smashing. Based on the weird way the model is standing, I don’t believe this recipe would produce a smashing dress. I’m thinking it would probably produce a big ungainly sock. That fabric will be waiting until I practice with a few other things first.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It motivated me enough to at least try some of the projects. Whether or not I'll actually sew something is debatable. So far, it's my favorite book for super-beginner sewers.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book for quick and easy craft projects and simple sewing. The beginning of the book has information on getting started, that is, basic tools that are needed, basic stitching by hand techniques, basic stitching by machine techniques, basic sewing techniques, and fabric basics. Each design is easy to finish with great instructions. Each design starts with finished dimensions, supplies needed, fabric suggestions and any notes needed. Next it goes into details about measure and cut, then how to sew or put the item together, then finishing touches for the item. There are also pictures to show the end product as well as details throughout the making of the item to know how things should be along the way. Not to mention there is a “Go Custom”, for example, section as well. There are lots of helpful hints from working with chiffon to patterns to tips of how to create the item. It is a great book for first time or beginner sewers, but also great for easy projects for experienced seamstresses as well. Sometimes the funniest things are the easiest. Not everything has to be difficult and many seamstresses tend to do this, I know from experience. Great book.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great starter guide to sewing. I actually may even buy this book for future projects. :D

[Lana. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, modern, and attractive projects (fashion, home, and gifts) that only require the ability to sew in a straight line. Simple, right? Well, putting in a zip is sewing straight but not necessarily easy and other techniques will help with the finish of the final projects... But, overall, I was really impressed by how the clearly explained, simple parts came together for a much more complicated look.

I plan on using the detail on the origami dress for a project, and I might actually try one of the quilt patterns (others I've seen have been too intimidating).

Added bonus: A couple of projects here I can see actually saving me money, such as making my own duvet cover.

[Aja Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

most of these projects aren't that interesting to me, and the ones that are i'm pretty capable of already, but i liked the positive approach she has in the introductory pages, even though by now, with all of the sewing books i've been breezing through, i'm pretty tired of reading about all of the necessary tools and the like-- but i still read all of that thinking that maybe i'll hear something new or refreshing. in any case, the projects i was most interested in were the quilts-- especially the ones with the wonky geometrics and such. i'm not really in a place where i want or need to make a quilt, but that might be something i'd like to look into sometime down the line.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the title is a little misleading. Becuase I knew that all projects featured only sewing straight seams, which I can do, I assumed they would be a little easier than many in this book. Several are absolutely not for beginners, even if all seams are straight. But there are some really nice projects here. I've become a really big fan of the folded flower bowls on page 121 and have made several. I'd also like to make the One Hour Skirt (page 28) and I like the Staggering Strips Baby Quilt on page 124.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this out from the library as part of a bunch I pulled in order to help me teach my two younger daughters to sew. I think that this one has a lot going for it, in that there are several projects the 15yo is interested in making and none require a lot of time or material, but I think that there are places where the instructions are somewhat lacking. If either of the girls were trying to use this book on her own, there would be times when each would have difficulties. However, since I am an experienced seamstress, the book is a very good adjunct to our lessons.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

nonfiction/sewing. Recommended for beginners--love the clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions. Clothing patterns kind of blah--but provide excellent introduction to techniques: sewing with sheer, slippery fabrics like chiffon; sewing a standard zipper, sewing a fancy origami folded fabric trim (p. 74-75); sewing with denim; sewing with faux leather. I don't think I'll make any of these projects exactly, but I am inspired by some of the home/office projects.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half of the projects are great - half are not so great. The book provides tips on working with some special fabrics and threads, as well as other things like zippers (which I have yet to do, but would love to try). I would have given it four stars because I liked a lot of the patterns, but in one of the pictures a top (Easy Breezy Blouse) clearly has a shaped hemline. That's not a straight line, so I took it down by one star.

[Nicole Mehelich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book is great for people who are starting out with sewing and want to have some fairly easy projects that make you feel accomplished. I've sewn a few projects from this book, and they've turned out well. I made my husband the denim dop bag, which he loves, but said that he wishes it would hold its shape a bit better. Some interfacing or a sturdier fabric may have helped. Overall though, I think it's a great book for beginning sewists.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do some casual sewing and this book is right up my alley. I love the idea of sewing from your measurements without worrying about a pattern. All the projects look fun and modern! I give this four stars because I haven't tried any of the projects out yet, so I can't vouch for their accuracy and ease.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains ideas for clothing, home dec and accessories that can be sewed using straight seams. (beware--zippers and buttonholes are also straight lines! Not as simple as one may hope.) The projects are contemporary and the clothing require no patterns, just measurements.
Some neat ideas for bags and boxes. Fun to browse.

[Nupur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my friend Beth. The premise of the book is that each of the projects involves sewing only in a straight line, making is easier for beginners. I really liked the introduction and basic instructions portion in the beginning of the book. Some day, I'll get this book again and try sewing these projects: bucket tote, flower bowls, jewelry keeper.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best sewing books I have yet to read. The majority of the projects were surprisingly good, pretty, something I would want to create and written with great instructions. A great resource and some fun craft/sewing inspiration!

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me, a novice, the confidence to dust off my sewing machine and tackle new projects. The projects are very contemporary and are perfect for someone who likes to make hand-made gifts. Some of the instructions can be misinterpreted, so, a thorough reading goes a long way.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It just occurred to me that the obscene amount of sewing books I've torn through this year count as books!

That said, I love the Sewing School Skirt. I will eventually fill my entire wardrobe with different patterned variations of that skirt.

[Kanika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for the beginner! The projects, for once, actually look good and I personally found the instructions easy to follow compared to the nightmare that most books on sewing tend to be. The diagrams aren't totally incomprehensible but they do leave room for improvement.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an experienced sewer, I think this book would be great for any beginner. There is a large variety of projects and once a person masters these techniques and skills, they should be able to improvise many different projects on their own.