The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing (Singer Sewing Reference Library) [Hardcover]

The Editors of Creative Publishing international (Author), Singer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 086573173X | ISBN-13: 978-0865731738 | Publication Date: August 15, 1999

-- This complete sewing reference is the foundation of the Singer Sewing Library.
-- A thematically organized, at-a-glance guide.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Sewing garments and home-decor items does not have to be mutually exclusive; there are certain skills and fields of knowledge peculiar to each, and there are some areas of overlap. Remarkably, this extremely comprehensive, heavily illustrated volume manages to do justice to both apparel and decor techniques, from the rudiments of the sewing machine and other essential equipment to an exploration of fabric types, from taking proper measurements (of people as well as of windows and tables) to learning all the basics as well as more advanced skills for many kinds of sewing: women's wear, including tailoring; activewear, including swimsuits; babies' and children's clothes; window treatments, pillows, bed coverings, and table linens. The section on making custom alterations to store-bought patterns is especially helpful for garment sewers perpetually frustrated in trying to achieve a perfect fit. Novices will find this a very useful reference in understanding the often-cryptic instructions of commercial patterns; experienced sewers should have this guide on hand to help them achieve thoroughly professional results. --Amy Handy

From the Inside Flap

The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing is your most valuable tool for a lifetime of sewing success. Keep it handy by your sewing machine for instant answers to your sewing questions. You'll find the information you need for every step of clothing construction, from easy fitting to fine tailoring details. Sew stylish home accents for every room with the confidence of a pro. Beginner and expert alike benefit from this complete guide. From cover to cover, it is filled with the quality and expertise you recognize and trust from the editors of the Singer ( Sewing Reference Library (. Concise step-by-step directions and full-color photography show you the clear picture for every project and sewing technique.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Creative Publishing International (August 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 086573173X
• ISBN-13: 978-0865731738
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #391,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

165 of 170 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This an older Singer Sewing book renamed....., July 8, 2001

By 

Fanshawe (SC, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing (Singer Sewing Reference Library) (Hardcover)

If you purchase this book, be aware that is was published under another name, "Singer Sewing Step by Step" in the early 90's. I'm glad that I checked it out of the library before purchasing, because I already own the other book...yes, it has some decent photos, but I would be cautious in recommending this to a beginner, as I was when I purchased the older version. Construction techniques are not thoroughly explained, usually only one or two pages of photos are devoted to any one technique (collars, sleeves, etc.). Personally, I was very frustrated by this. One would be better off using this as a complement to another book, such as the Readers Digest guide to sewing or the Vogue sewing book, both of which are excellent resources but lacking in photo illustrations. The book is a bit dated, too, but if you can get past that, it is not too bad.

78 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth owning, but could be better., July 12, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing (Singer Sewing Reference Library) (Hardcover)

I'm a beginning sewer (*very* beginning) and I purchased this book to help me with all the things patterns don't explain. Some sections have been extremely helpful (zippers, hems) and some are disappointing (sleeves, collars.) In general, the big problem is that a technique that needs 5-10 pictures (including the finished product!) has only 2-3 photos of critical steps. Those are useful, but I often find myself struggling to imagine what they're trying to accomplish. I'm not aware of a better illustrated guide, so I'm still glad I purchased this book. As far as I can tell sewing is a lot like writing code -- you just have to screw it up by yourself in order to learn much. Maybe if I ever master one of the trickier things in the book, I'll videotape it and put the video on the web. ;-)

83 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best for the Money, September 24, 2001

By 

K. lang (San Rafael, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing (Singer Sewing Reference Library) (Hardcover)

I am a sewing teacher for adults. This is the book I recommend to my students as an adjunct to the class. The photos are excellent and nearly everything is included. Several of the reviews said you can't learn to sew from the book. Learning to sew or expanding your knowledge of sewing demands guidance from an instructor or other experienced person plus good printed references, too. To me, this is the best all around basic book in print today. It can always be supplemented with specialty texts and fliers available at fabric shops. Of course, if you already own the Singer specialty books this one will be a repeat and not as good for your needs.