Customer Reviews

The Complete Book of Sewing: A practical step-by-step guide to sewing techniques

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Deni Brown has made a gallant effort to spiff up the presentation of sewing techniques and technology with this book. However there are problems. Brown and her publisher tried using real-life color photos of various things. The problem is that thread is intentionally hard to see -- it's thin and a well-made garment is made such that the threads are not supposed to show. So the illustrations in Brown's book don't show very well the pinning and stitching. The descriptions are also not as stellar as the Reader's Digest book. Don't get me wrong -- Brown knows her stuff, and this is a nice companion to the Reader's Digest book. But for a single reference, if one does not want to own two on this subject, the Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Sewing is much the better book.

I shopped around a lot and even checked a few books out from the library and this book was the best I found for someone like me who is learning to sew. It has lots of pictures and a glossary that includes even the most basic sewing terms. Happy sewing!

This book probably is not for the beginner, but for the sewer who wants to know a technique for a certain problem. It is a step-by-step, pictured, description of techniques to upgrade your sewing. If you've ever wondered how those store-bought clothes are sewed, look in this book.

This book is a must for every sewer's library. Lots and lots of sewing techniques explained in great detail and with pictures! Recommended for all skill levels!

I was surprised at how wonderful this book is. It was a big help while I was learning to sew, and now I still use it as a quick reference for things like finished seams and mending techniques. I highly recommend it; the color photos are excellent and it is very thorough. I can't think of anything this book doesn't cover!

This book has great photos and step-by-step instructions for basic alterations and sewing techniques. I've been sewing for years and I still pull it out when I'm inserting a zipper or trying to solve alteration challenges. I also have given this book to a beginner because it is easy to follow and covers all the basics, including things that advanced sewers can take for granted, such as hemming, basic stitches, and tools of the trade.

This is one of the best tools I have come across to teach sewing. My students enjoy the photo's and how to apply the skills that they have learned as well as taking them to the next level.
JR-Designer & Instructor

It had a lot of information and great instructions with steps that are illistrated. I find this book to be a great refrence book for any sewer!!!! MaryAnn

This is definitely a must have. It's as close to complete as you can get. I haven't looked at the revised version of this book yet, but this old one is still good.

This book has clear instructions for some techniques. Others, like understitching left me quite frustrated. It covers a wide breadth of information with moderate depth:

Tools for the Techniques
Patterns
Fabrics, Threads & Notions
Basic Stitches
Seams
Interfacings & Interlinings
Darks, Tucks Pleats & Gathers
Necklines
Collars
Waistlines
Sleeves & Cuffs
Hems
Edges
Fastenings
Pockets
Professional Techniques

The fabrics section is extremely helpful. The seams section is well written (except for understitiching). I was surpised to not find more information on curved hems. I do love that this book uses pictures rather than illustrations to explain techniques.

This is good general reference book; you'll need additional books for more information on alterations. The Reader's Digest version, New Complete Guide to Sewing (Readers Digest), seems more advanced. I'm sure the two together would be able to take a beginner well into advanced sewing.

This is a great book if want to learn some different techniques in sewing. I love this book because it is very easy to understand. It will have you sewing like a pro in no time. i give it a 5 stars for great illustrations and easy directions. This book covers most of your quesions about your future sewing projecs.