The Sewing Book: Over 300 Step-by-Step Techniques

by Alison Smith

This is the only sewing book you'll ever need. Every tool and every technique you require for making your own home furnishings or clothing is closely and sharply photographed, carefully annotated, and clearly explained.
The Tools section begins with the basic toolkit, opening up into everything you could possibly need - every type of cutting tool and machine foot is shown. This section also includes information on patterns - how to measure, how to use, and how to adjust them. Gallery spreads appear throughout the substantial Techniques section and showcase darts, zips, pleats etc, as well as showing key stitches. Plus, you can bring your acquired and refined skills to fruition as you make some of the 25 home decor and clothing projects at the back of the book. With "The Sewing Book" on your shelf, you've got every sewing question covered.
Written by a passionate stitcher and teacher, with her own sewing school, eager to produce a one-stop sewing bible for her students, this book leaves no hem unturned. You can dip in at any level - whether you're new to sewing or refining your art, whether you want to repair an old skirt or create a new one, whether you want to spruce up a curtain or design one from scratch. And with a Foreword by U.S. sewing teacher, Diana Rupp, this book has it all sewn up.

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

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

There is more than one Alison Smith in the Goodreads database. This entry is for Alison^^^^Smith, sewer and crafter.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Not a seamstress.
2. Don't own a sewing machine.
3. Probably never will.

But! My Dad and I decided to make pajama pants so I stole this from my sister and read it cover to cover. It was a helpful overview for a total n00b. This is a great place to start for learning the lingo of sewing--how to read a pattern, pros and cons of fabrics, how to add collars, the different ways to finish seams.
If I was actually sewing any of those things, I'd head over to YouTube. But as a way to learn the language and at least feel comfortable enough to know how to identify what I don't know, this was great.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is basically a dictionary of sewing techniques with a few projects at the end. It describes the "proper" way to do things. It was not what I was looking for; I felt it was lacking in describing when you might want to choose one technique over another as well as why a garment might be designed a certain way. A useful reference, but not one to really teach me how to sew garments.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is a thoroughly comprehensive guide to all things sewing related complete with step by step instructions for every technique possible I did find it a little cold and impersonal and very much aimed at the serious sewing market rather than at the hobby market. I found the instructions clear but confusing on occasion as many of the terms used and the occasions when certain techniques are and aren't used weren't always explained. The section on mending was the most useful and the most clear to me as I could see why repairs were carried out in the manner they were. I found the projects interesting but nothing really stood out for me, it's aim seemed to be making shop quality items with no hint of being home-made. That said if that is what you want then this is definitely the book for you and I am sure that there is a little something in here for everyone, you just have to be patient in finding it.

[Amy Etzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explained everything I've Googled in the past week, and it did it BETTER. Definitely a keeper.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, solid reference. Doesn't deviate too far into specialized techniques, but far enough that the beginner sewer will find lots of goodies (Hong Kong finishes, welt pockets, Canadian smocking, etc.). The pictures are helpful, but could have been vastly improved by using higher contrast fabric and contrasting threads.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of all the basics for sewing clothes and some furnishings, plus a couple of projects to test out the techniques in the book, but I would've preferred slightly more detailed tutorials for the more difficult techniques.

[DDog]

I only got as far as the pleats and gathers section before giving up. At first it was really helpful but quickly got confusing. The example photos would have benefitted from more contrast between right sides and wrong sides of fabric. I would have preferred a book that had fewer techniques with more detailed explanations, as the the instructions frequently elided or skipped crucial steps, seemingly in the interest of specific page layout.

It says it's suitable for all skill/experience levels, but it seemed more like a reference book to remind someone how to do a technique they'd already successfully used rather than teach new techniques. I had to google how a slotted seam was different than a top-stitch seam because I'd never studied either one and the photos looked identical.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a wonderful encyclopedia for helping me learn the names of different techniques and fabrics, and all those details about sewing in which I am woefully ignorant. However, and this could be a more accurate representation of my skill level (or lack thereof), but the written instructions are slightly confusing. Pictures are throughout the book, but a written instruction will just jump to the next step and not always include a picture that fully illustrates what they’ve just explained. So for somebody who is already very familiar with a lot of of techniques or I guess just as a intermediate sewer, this is a helpful reference guide, but I think I need to start with a sewing for dummies. 😁

[Ingasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

eeeh....it really does show a lot of stuff but the explanations are not properly detailed and are kinda confusing requiring you to have a lot experience and knowledge about techniques and terminologies...It's like a reference book for sewers who are at least at an intermediate level and know this stuff but need a refresher, sth like that if it makes sense

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good starting point but it doesn’t explain how to do a lot of important stitches and techniques. Some of the illustrations a confusing, particularly the one on darts. It’s hard to tell what is a dart and what isn’t. It’s a little disappointing.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't have time to use this book while I had it checked out from the library, but it seems like the Bible of sewing! Lots of really detailed, step-by-step how-to's. I almost want to buy this book just to have as reference for whenever I do sew!

[Luanne Ollivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a self taught sewist, always looking to improve on my skills and discover new ideas and techniques. I was quite excited to explore the 400 pages of The Sewing Book - "more than 300 step by step techniques. Tools. Fabric. How to Use Patterns. Projects for the Home and to Wear." I happily turned the first page....
DK books excel at presenting information and ideas. The Sewing Bible was no exception. The images presented are full colour photographs. They are crisp, clean images that let you see easily see the details, such as the thickness of different threads and the different types of fabrics. The accompanying information is clear and concise. The layout makes it easy to read.

I sewed a lot of my children's clothes when they were young using commercial patterns. I've never attempted to create or alter patterns for myself, which is something I'd like to try. The section covering this was excellent.

The actual sewing process is detailed as well - stitches. There was a great little pattern for a simple tote bag at the end of this chapter to practice (I have lots of scraps I could use up here!) Subsequent chapters deal with the different techniques of sewing clothes. Again, excellent directions and accompanying photographs. (I preferred these over drawn illustrations.) There are more small projects to practice more skills such as zippers, linings, buttons and more. A small unit on mending was also included. Patterns and an index complete the book.

The Sewing Book is an excellent resource for both novice and experienced sewists. And it's the quality of information and product that I've come to expect and appreciate from DK.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a beginner to the sewing world, I appreciated this book so much! I got my copy at the local library and fell in love with it so much that I extended my borrow until I couldn’t extend it anymore and begrudgingly returned it. I am seriously debating purchasing my own copy because I miss it so much. I didn’t realize how handy it was until it was gone.

When they say, “this is the only sewing book you’ll ever need,” they are not joking! When I borrowed this book, I also borrowed another beginner sewing book and didn’t even touch it after picking up The Sewing Book. The photos are amazing, and the simple, straightforward information makes it easy for beginners to understand. This makes an amazing reference and one I plan on keeping by my sewing machine.

[Critterbee❇ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encyclopedic, easy to read, wonderful photographs, this is my idea of a perfect sewing book.

DK always uses high-quality photographs, and has sensible sized fonts. I have been looking around for an all-in-one sewing help book, and I have decided that this is the one for me.

It is large, like most DK books, and very heavy, but I think I will put it next to my sewing table, and can imagine referring to it repeatedly. And, as a complete novice to sewing with a machine, it is worth the 36USD to me.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EXACTLY what I was looking for: A reference guide to all things sewing. It gives step by step guides on everything from tools to fabrics to patterns to notions and everything in between (with photos to match for the visual learners). It includes detailed information that you might not think to look into if you were just googling or reading the pattern. It gives definitions and examples wherever it can. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for a place to start.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been chipping away at this one for a while. It is most informative. I think no stone was left unturned. Tools? Check. How to? Check. Projects? Check (small check for this category).

I suppose watching a You Tube video helps some folks but I prefer the written word with photos and sketches like this book.

[Kayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book if you want to know the ins and outs of sewing. This book goes in great depth about fabric, stitching, pleating, and even gives some patterns to draft from. I love the visuals the book provides, and I learned how to sew on pockets! Definitely recommend.

[Aya Cardel · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a comprehensive guide, I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who is just starting out. Maybe for seasoned sewers it will be helpful but for someone who is just learning to sew, it is not too helpful.

[XiuHui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to have on hand for referencing techniques when needed. However would be good if it includes the drafting of your own basic patterns for the garments. Also a pity that the projects are only a few

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the How-To images. Sewing must have been what they were talking about when they first said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I wouldn't have been able to do it with words alone!

[Jec · Rating 4 out of 5]

many photos, clear descriptions, good reference

[Yadana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very exciting book.I would recommend it to my class

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically clear photos of pretty much any dressmaking process you might need to know. The best sewing reference book I've found.

[Deb (Bee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book full of easy to follow instructions and illustrations by numbers to make sewing any project easy to understand and accomplish. This is a book to buy and keep on hand for a reference.

[Marichell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good sewing book for someone new to sewing. It does have quite a bit of detailed information on so many different ideas from notions, fabric, mending, and a few quick projects.

[Annette McIntyre]

A book full of all kinds of how to techniques any person who wants to learn how to sew can use. Very useful in any sewists reference collection.

[Bookish Enchantment (Katherine Quirke) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent reference for all levels of sewers.
Good explanations and photos. Highly recommended.

[Bibiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a very good book and good quality only is for beginners I think but anyway you can read it for refresh somethings if you have long time withing take a sewing machine like me.

[Amy3745 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book , nice to refer to.

[Nora Sesmero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravillosa guía para entender las bases de la moda y la costura.