Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

by Reader's Digest Association

s/t: Step-By-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Furnishings
The best-selling bible of sewing -- fully updated to meet the needs of today's market. The constant companion of the many people who are turning to home sewing as a creative -- and money-saving -- hobby.

Genres: Sewing, Reference, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion, Art, Fashion Design

528 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global media and direct marketing company based in Chappaqua, New York, best known for its flagship publication founded in 1922, Reader's Digest. The company's headquarters are in New York City, where it moved from Pleasantville, New York.

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.

Reviews

[Peri Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first got this book as gift in the late 80s as a gift so that I could learn to sew without the grade pressure of Home Ec. I whipped up denim shorts by following the techniques that were explained in text and drawings. My second project was a 2-piece ball gown that turned out great. I still look up things when patterns don't explain sufficiently. This book taught me all of the needed hand stitching and basic machine work including winding bobbins on my original mechanical machine.

[Molly Gove · Rating 5 out of 5]

indispensible. what your grandmother who was a dressmaker would have taught you if it weren't for urbanization and you living in the big city 500 miles away.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a detailed guide covering all aspects of sewing from the basics of hand stitching and machine maintenance to the complexities of tailoring. The instructions are clear and easy to follow with good supporting illustrations and photos that add clarity where it is needed. Granted some of the projects may be a little dated but then this adds to its charm and gives you a chance to re-establish some of the more traditional approaches to life. I may not ever be able to make use of all of the techniques covered this has still earned a permanent place beside my sewing machine.

[Foxtower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially a friend was nice enough to copy a few pages so I could figure out how to set up a sewing machine I found in the dump. Since then, and several machines later, I found a copy and now use it whenever I sew.

I say "sew" loosely... I have managed to make curtains, but while I ignore all the great lessons and techniques the book contains, it remains my bible for figuring out what I need to get the job done,however roughly, from curtains to a new seat cover for the snowmobile.

[Jessicakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a 1976 edition of this book. I am always baffled by the little tricks that my mother and grandmother just know about sewing, that I've had to learn by trial-and-error. Heather gave me this book for Christmas, and trial and error no more. My favorite section is the section on tailoring...because tailoring scares me.

[Missy LeBlanc Ivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in 1976. I purchased this book at a garage sale for $.50 back around 1992 when I was about 28 years old. This is when I learned how to sew, and this book taught me absolutely everything I needed to know. I actually still use it from time to time when I have to redo my reading chair seat cover.

[Amber Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic

[nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this as a resource it is so full of techniques and is pretty well explained.

[jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most definitely the best sewing book around, and, in my opinion, this is the best edition. It literally tells you everything you could want to know about sewing and has amazing step by step drawings to guide you through. Pretty much everything I know about sewing that I didn't learn from my mom, I learned from this book. Yes!!!

[Tristain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The datedness that this book has only adds to how fantastic it is. All the pictures are of vintage clothing so it is very inspiring. Because it is made by Reader's Digest, it's simple enough for anybody to use.

[Dilara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you will need to know about sewing...ever! The copy I read wa printed in the 70s but almost all of the information is still relevant. If you want to learn to sew, get this book and keep it near your sewing table!

[Lulabelle42 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a reference guide for sewing, this is it.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reference book is my go to for all clothing construction. Now that Cosplay costume construction is an additional hobby for me, the section on puffed, or flowing sleeves is extremely helpful. Great in 1980 and great in 2020.

[Sherrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book long ago. As an intermediate/experienced sewist, it had nothing I did not already know. I'm giving it away to my local high school sewing teacher. Good for a complete novice, I guess, but online free classes are probably better.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything a sewer needs, and then some: excellent reference.

[Umi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite riveting but... buttonholing? Eyeletting?

[Sandra de Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains almost everything you need to know, but nothing about v-necks and their facings, sadly.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go-to bible for everything!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. It's wonderfully illustrated and fantastically organized. Covers techniques both basic and advanced. Makes me free to give away some of my newer sewing books as this covers everything they do and does it better. I picked it up because I remember a sewing blogger saying it was one of her favorites - when I read that comment I was dubious but after reading it I understand her. I like the tone of the writing too - not too chummy. This is a keeper!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out of the library and it was amazingly helpful. I was able to improvise a collar (on a pattern without one) based on the pictures in this book. (I wish I could mark this as both "read" and "to-read", because I can't say that I've read the whole thing!) I highly recommend it to anyone learning to sew.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book. It is extremely comprehensive and easy to understand. It is an absolute life-saver. Every time I look at it, I find a new piece of useful information. Some of the designs are amusing because they are so old fashioned but fashions change and the information in the book is still excellent.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best reference for sewing I have seen so far. It has detailed instructions for everything you ever encounter in sewing with diagrams. Much better instructions than you find on the pattern and easier to follow. Especially good for zippers and pockets.

[Cat Rennolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, so good. The 70s home decorating in the back is hilarious...but solid in construction terms.

This is a very useful comprehensive book, clear and easy to understand with good illustrations.

There is a darning needle in the Equipment section. There are no instructions for darning.

[Emilyadamc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. It so helpful through every stage of sewing, whether beginner or expert. I constantly refer to this book when I am trying a new technique or pattern. I love the old 70s decor in the back too. It is one of those books that older is better :)

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I understand there is a newer version (this is copyright 1976). For my purposes, this is strictly reference and covers everything I know, should know and once knew. I have other resources for specialty items and supplies.

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sewing book! Easy to understand illustrations and instructions, and a ton of great topics. Good book for any sewer to have on hand.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better than the Singer Guide to Sewing--detailed illustrations as well as photographs. Costs around 35.00 however.

[Heather the Banjo Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for sewing. I am interested in the newer edition. The 70's just weren't my thing. :) I hope it is as good.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource. Have had it for years, some updating might be needed. Useful as a guide to teach self or others sewing skills, but nothing beats actually practicing!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of skinny bitches in this book, but the principles hold and everything is wonderfully illustrated.