Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy: 20 Pattern-Free Projects (and Infinite Variations) To Make Your Dream Wardrobe

by Daisy Braid

When Daisy Braid started sewing, patterns were out of her budget so she just started DIYing! Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy is a colorful, size-inclusive and inspiring book for sewers of all stages and abilities, beginners included. It includes guides on everything you need to get started (including equipment, materials and basic techniques) and step-by-step projects with clear instructions, photographs and illustrations that will take the scary out of sewing.

Daisy's designs use simple shapes to create playful, classic and comfortable pieces that can be styled for all occasions, whether that's a picnic date or a WFH day. The book features 10 small accessory projects and 10 more advanced clothing projects, each with a fun variation (but with potential for endless customization). There's no standard sizing – just your own body measurements – and no zips or buttons required! They also encourage intentional sewing practices, with projects that produce minimal waste and can even be made with leftover fabric scraps.

So get out that sewing machine (or borrow one from you granny) – Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy is all you need to get started on discovering (or rediscovering) sewing and creating something one-of-a-kind. Just sewing is self-care, and you make the rules!

Genres: Nonfiction, Sewing, Crafts, Art, Education

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2022

Reviews

[Mindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book based on the description of 20 pattern=free projects. However, the projects are extremely basic and not flattering. A hair scrunchie is not a something that would ever have a pattern. Instead it is just a strip of fabric. Using a hot glue gun to glue fabric to a hair clip is not a "sewing" project. I would feel rather embarrassed to wear any of the clothing items in this book. The cross-back apron could be a useful item but a photo of the front of the apron is not even shown. My guess this is because the apron does not look good from the front since it doesn't have a curve for the neckline. The cross-back apron is just a big rectangle with straps. I would recommend novice sewers skip this book. Making something that looks and fits horribly is not going to inspire more sewing. I didn't appreciate the author giving the impression that today's sewing patterns and/or sewing community is not inclusive. They/we are inclusive. One need not dress in ill fitting rectangles sewn together if they aren't slim. Everyone can show their figure whatever size in fitted or loose as they wish. Please seek out other sewing books and don't let this book deter future sewing. Lastly, I am not sure why Hardie Grant felt Daisy Braid was qualified to do a book. Please be aware this book was printed in China and contains suggestions on layering face masks (fabric on top of a disposable one) which may not be wise or ideal.

[Charlotte Baken · Rating 3 out of 5]

hard to rate. A great book if you need basics or an intro to sewing. Just a fun basic read.

[Tash Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good for beginners! I already feel comfortable mixing and matching different patterns.

[Alyssa Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy guide for anyone wanting to learn to sew/get back into sewing. Love that all the designs are not standard patterns but formulas to fit YOU exactly. Easy to read & follow instructions + great tutorials. Can’t wait to make some me-made clothes

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, funky and practical.

[Ruth Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a beginner, the advice in part 1 is really useful, and I like that the book encourages you to mix and match with patterns and tailor the designs to your own tastes.

On the other hand, I HATE when pattern designers assume that no one exists above a UK size 12.

Despite the patterns being designed to use your unique body measurements, the author insists on giving instructions that include specific measurements (eg. for attatching straps) that are not universal and can make the patterns confusing.

Instead, it would've been helpful to give advice on strap placement. This would've made me feel more considered as a reader.

[Emily R · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very aesthetically pleasing and all the sample photographs have some wonderful fabric, but I was honestly a bit disappointed with the patterns included in the book. I was hoping more than just “cut two rectangles in your measurements and sew them together” kind of patterns, and would have preferred some offerings that were a bit more unique.
This book would be great for anyone who has never touched a sewing machine in their life, but for anyone who has passed that stage and has made a few items, this is more a book to have on your shelf for aesthetics only.

[Irene Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sewing book I will give to all my new to sewing friends. While the oversize patterns are not so much my style, this book is accessible to new garment sewists and teaches how to pattern draft to own measurements. And no fiddly bits (buttonholes and zips). So much less frustrating than trying to adapt commercial patterns when starting out.

Plus some very sensible advice on why you should sew, ergnomics, thrifting supplies and caring for cloths.

The parts:

Introduction and Why I sew - short but very valid points

1. Getting Started:
- How to use this book
- Sewing safety and ergonomics (often missed but really important)
- Sewing supplies and fabric (sourcing of fabric)
- Tools and supplies
- Fabric and Types of fabric
- Storing and preparing fabric

Sewing Basics and Techniques:
- Shapes and formulas - one of the reasons I really like this book - how to flat pattern draft using your own measurements and laying out to maximise fabric use. For the maths-phobic take a deep breath, it's all just linear measurements. Some patterns are close to zero waste
- How to take your measurements - comprehensive, but note I found the illustration somewhat misleading / confusing as the top of shoulder and edge of shoulder measurements are shown starting from the same place. Or maybe it is the same place and the text is wrong? Given the patterns have no set in sleeves I am not sure how you end up with the correct sleeve length measuring from the shoulder edge or (top of shoulder) neck edge. If measuring from the shoulder to the desired length you would end up with ample seam allowance for hemming / waste - but only the first time you draft / make up the pattern.
- How to calculate how much fabric you need - excellent technique
- How to cut / how to pin pattern pieces
- How to sew / how to finish a seam
- How to clip and notch curved seams
- How to gather
- How to unpick a seam :)
- How to make / how to apply continuous bias tape
- How to make a neckline template - if you remember that you need a seam allowance and to cut symmetrically (when symmetrical is desired) this is not necessary. But I suppose a minimum neck template so you can get the garment over your head and then decide is useful.
- How to make a casing
- How to make in seam pockets - I would make my own template to fit my hand or contents placed higher with a deeper pocket bag well below the seam opening so as to keep a phone etc safer. But that would be beyond the space allowed for the template on the back cover. The template shape is good as a starting point.
- How to make patch pockets
- How to make and sew on a label - for fun, but also useful if the front and back is similar but not the same.
- How to sew a hem (by machine)
- How to care for your home made creations - excellent

2. Accessory Projects (ways to use up your left over fabric) - scrunchie; bandana; triangle top; tote bag; pocket bag; tie belt; scrunchie headband; face mask (yep, recently published); cross back apron; gathered collar; button earrings

3. Clothing Projects - Rectangle sleeve top / jacket; Trapezoid skirt (with cool two tone variation) aka gathered A line skirt; High-neck top / dress; Square-neck top / balloon sleeve dress created with an interesting sleeve detail; Peplum top / dress with tie back; Ruffle dress / wrap bib; Ruffle skirt; Raglan top / dress (maybe this is what the edge of shoulder measurement if for?); Trace dress / Key-hole top (Tracing around a knit t-shirt for a woven dress pattern is a thing that makes me go hmmm - definitely make this up in cheap fabric you don't love in case it goes horribly wrong). Trace pants / shorts (Will probably work if the original pants are in lightweight non-stretch fabric. The instructions for tracing the front don't really explain you will need to fold in / away the excess fabric from the back crotch seam to get an accurate-ish pattern).

Variations (aka hacks) included for all patterns demonstrating exactly that once you know how make the initial garment pattern you can vary it infinitely.

The resources list is so, so good for those of us in Australia / NZ. I found some new fabric stores to love.

Love, love, love to see the acknowledgment of country.

[Payton Massey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been following Daisy for years and was soooo excited to buy this now that I've been getting into sewing garments. I love the trapezoid skirt pattern, but the rest of the clothing patterns I've made from this book - despite being correctly made with my specific measurements using her formulas - are horribly ill-fitting and completely unwearable.

If you're on the curvier side I'd recommend scaling up the measurements considerably, or just winging it based on your own existing garments. Grateful for the trapezoid skirt pattern which I've now made several times over, but overall bummed with the rest. (The accessories are cute though, and I will be making and gifting some for the holidays!)

[Samantha Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love EVERYTHING about this book, DIY Daisy is so creative and relatable, her book makes sewing for yourself so achievable and inspirational. I love all of her creations and her writing makes me feel like she is in the room with me while I read it. All her tutorials are basic, gorgeous and inclusive and she has seriously outdone herself! So stoked with my purchase and I think this book will help me grow as a sewist in so many ways! My mum loves it too! I love how sustainable and conscious she is with her creations and the book is just so pretty! Well done Daisy xxxx

[hmroberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for people looking to get into sewing! I find patterns a bit scary, and have been able to make some wonderful basics for my wardrobe with this book. Very much looking forward to having a go at all of the different projects and I become more confident. I also love seeing Daisy’s pieces on her TikTok and Instagram so that I know how pieces are supposed to sit/flow and how to style them!

[Jeri Goins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome! I love that there are not any zippers or weird, intimidating stitches. I believe I could make anything in this book. My self measuring abilities are not the greatest. I started with a top and it was WAY off the first time! This is one of the sewing clothing books that I will have to buy. I have had a copy checked out from the library for months and that's just not fair to the other sewing enthusiasts in my consortium.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love the ruffled bib I made from this book. However as a novice I found a lot of the instructions a bit hard to follow and had an easier time watching a YouTube video on how to make bias binding and how to gather fabric. I also didn't like the flipping back and forth for the instructions. I understand this is probably to save space but I found that more confusing than necessary.

[Yycdaisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a hard one to rate. Maybe it's a 2 ½ or 3 for beginners as some info would be useful to a novice. A lot of these items would be better suited for children frankly. Others might work as sleepwear, as a beach coverup, or costume. There's something to be said for a good, simple pattern for an attractive fit and most of these were were not that.

[Niks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I was gifted this when I got my sewing machine. I had zero sewing experience apart from a beginner course I watched online. So far I’ve made my first scrunchie and I am now 3/4 of the way through a top. The instructions in the book are easy to follow and so useful. I am so happy with it and would recommend to anyone who is starting out their sewing journey.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and practical for making a low/no-waste wardrobe. These aren't patterns but guides. They'll help you better understand how to make items that you like and that will fit how you want them to fit. Great for novice sewers and those who enjoy the creative process.

[Natalia de Hutiray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love daisy’s website as a beginner sewer - got the book and it’s nice but found it was quite similar to what’s online so didn’t get much new out of it - the items I’ve made aren’t massively flattering but enjoyed them and steps are easy to follow.

[Brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love! This is a fabulous book, for novice or advanced makers!
I love these pattern designs and the amazing guide at the beginning outlining how to’s in sewing. I can’t wait to get cracking!
I was hesitant to buy given some hectic reviews on here, but love it! So happy with my purchase.

[Joyy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art and aesthetic of this book are right up my alley. The patterns themselves are incredibly basic, but I don’t think that’s the worst thing. Everyone has to start somewhere and these are pretty approachable. One or two of the ideas I think I’ll make.

[Amanda E Shore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This is my kind of book.....pattern free projects, easy projects, fun projects! I have waited for this book for ever! I love reusing fabric and this is the book to give you many many ideas! Thank you Daisy Braid! Bring on the next book 😁💐 Please!

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright, colourful, positive.

[Cathleen Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

20 simple ideas based on rectangles for very basic clothing. Think pillowcase construction. Good for small children, maybe younger folks with a certain flair.

[Chelsea O'Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grabbed the e-book of this and was slightly worried that an e-book wouldn't be helpful for sewing, but it's exactly what I've been looking for as someone who is A) not very experienced and B) not a fan of most commercial patterns. Lots of customizable instructions to self-draft your own garments. This book will save me hours of trying to look things up on youtube. :)

[Simone Mathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
i can't wait to make some of these cute projects! Although, I thought a few of the instructions were a little different to understand.

[Ashley Kik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most unflattering patterns I've ever seen. Nice apron pattern tho

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much needed and accessible guide to pattern-free sewing for all body types!

[Hang · Rating 3 out of 5]

meant for absolute beginner with very basic patterns. would love to have more drafting techniques.

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible patterns.

[CharlotteReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great beginner book and is good for people who are learning how to conceptualize the sewing process. There are end sheet patterns and clearly laid out ideas. I wish I had had this when i began my sewing journey.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. I have read through it but also flipped through all the pictures no less than fifty times bc I find it so pleasing and inspiring to look at. I’ve made four of the designs already within a couple weeks of owning it. I think daisy is genius. I love the approachable manner of her instruction & method. It is so helpful for those beginners that may be intimidated by complicated patterns or any kind of patterns when they are starting their sewing journey