Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew

by Elissa K. Meyrich

Includes three ready-to-use patterns

Reinvent Sewing for the Twenty-first Century!
“Where did you get your skirt?”

Ever want to create your own designer-look fashions? Develop unique accessories or home decor? Even if you’ve never held a needle or used a sewing machine, this book is all you need. With three simple patterns and easy-to-follow instructions, you can put your own stamp on fashion and step out in style—yours!

You’ll
- Tips and techniques from a fashion industry insider
- How to use your sewing machine to express your creativity
- How to custom-fit commercial patterns for that sexy look
- All about the latest fabrics and the best ways to use them

Plus a glossary of sewing terms makes quick reference easy.

So don’t wait. Use the ideas and simple how-to instructions in this book, and everyone will want to know the secret source for your fabulous clothes and accessories!

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2002

Reviews

[Angela Plumeria]

This book was confusing and not helpful to me as a beginner. In such a hands on skill, it’s important not to have confusing teaching aides. It’s been too long since I tried to read it so it doesn’t feel fair to rate it. I just recall feeling even more discouraged after I tried to read it and do the projects.

[Rachael Kvapil · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, there are a lot of editorial errors, so unless this book has been revised since 2002, not worth buying unless you have sewing experience. There are instructions attached to the wrong illustrations in many locations.

Second, this book claims it is made for people who have "never held a needle or used a sewing machine." Hahahahaha! Piping, zipperfoots, dress slits, and Meyrich's method for sewing casing on a skirt is not for anyone who has zero experience. Then the confusion of the editorial errors. Nope. I am an intermediate sewer and can remember my beginner's classes. There are techniques in this book that weren't introduced waaaaaaaay later in those classes.

I will say that the patterns do make a nice pillow cover and bag. The skirt is okay. I am not a fan of elastic waists with a few exceptions. However, I will admit an elastic waist is appropriate for a beginner sewer.

If you really want to learn to sew. Sign up for classes at JoAnn's or with a local sewing shop, or watch some YouTube/Skillshare videos. This book needs some revision and testing on people who truly have zero sewing experience.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent book was one I picked up from the library, and found that it contained nuggets of information that I learned the hard way by trial and error. I confess that part of the interest was in what seemed to be a little over-the-top self promotion on the part of the writer, but it was deserved.

What did I, a seasoned seamstress, get from the book? A little nugget on how to attach buttons so they are flexible yet firmly attached.

[Hoan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this little nifty book. It comes with 3 patterns (not the best patterns), but better than most sewing books that come with no patterns. I like the layout a lot - very easy read and user friendly when it comes to tips and hints!!

[KJ]

This is a pretty good book if you are learning to sew...but sometimes I think that the format is boring (black and white, no pics) but then I find some gem of information like how to sew on buttons just so...And I am happy!!!!

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

OK for beginners.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good beginner book, but few patterns. LOTS of sewing tips. I was hoping for more.