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If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I recently discovered sewing books. I don’t know why it never occurred to me to look for sewing books, but…. I’ve read four so far (having a real job really cuts into my reading time!). I’m including the Amazon links to my favorite three books, but I found them at my local library in the non fiction section in the 646 section. Make sure to see what other books are there – I need to remember to check out that section at one of my local libraries (I have two close to me).
So far, my three favorite sewing books are The Magic Pattern by Amy Barickman, Make Your Own Patterns by Rene Bergh, and The Sewing Bible by Ruth Singer. All three of these books teach you about sewing and patterns and then have some projects for you to try.
Make Your Own Patterns
This book details how to design and/or alter patterns that are custom fit for you (or your spouse or your child or whomever you choose). If you are interested in designing your own patterns or altering existing ones, this is the book for you. It includes all the measurements you need to draft or modify a well fitting pattern. Bodices, necklines, sleeves, blouses/tops, jackets, skirts, dresses, and trousers are all covered. There are also basic quarter size patterns that you can enlarge and then customize to your size and style using either their ideas or your own.
The Magic Pattern
This book comes with a CD with the patterns from the book. The idea of making six different items from one pattern is intriguing. In theory, you could make an entire wardrobe with just these patterns (and the book gives you suggestions for taking the patterns from one season to the next). The six patterns are a tank top, skirt, dress, cardigan, coat, and accessory (hat). Add your favorite pair of shorts, jeans, and/or leggings and you’re all set. I did find the list of tools you will need to get started to be a little bit excessive. My list of sewing tools you need to get started includes only the basics. I do like the description of different kinds of fabric you can use. Printing these patterns is very much like PDF patterns that you can buy – print the pattern, measure the test square, and then fit the pieces together. There is good information on adjusting the pattern and finishing techniques.
The Sewing Bible
This book has so much information about all kinds of sewing techniques! You can learn about hand sewing and machine sewing in this book. There are so many hand sewing stitches. Several that I’ve never heard of and did you know you can sew buttonholes by hand? Yikes! Might be OK for just one, but I can’t imagine trying to make several all look the same! Plus, I’ve made friends with my button hole maker on my sewing machine. You can learn quilting basics, different seam types, different ways to install a zipper as well as other fasteners. There are so many different kinds of seams! You can learn about shirring and smocking. After you’ve learned the practical and decorative techniques, there are projects you can do. This book is a great reference guide for both beginners and advanced sewers (sew-ers).
What’s your favorite sewing book?
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