Customer Reviews

Kwik Sew's Sewing for Children

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have used this book to sew more clothing items than I can count. I've used it to sew PJs, Halloween costumes, jackets, apparel basics, and as inspiration for custom clothing.

The book covers the basics of sewing, on all kinds of machines (straight stitch only, ZZ, serger), including pattern layout and adjustments and choosing the right fabric for the project.

The patterns included run the gamut of frilly PJs for little girls to outer-wear jackets for boys or girls to pretty dresses to pants and Ts. It also includes some applique to add a special touch to projects. It has a wide range of views of various combination of projects, to give you ideas of how to use the book as a starting point to a world of creativity.

I have made much more use of this book than of all the other patterns that I've bought singly. The cost of the one book quickly is made up by virtue of how many $5-$7 patterns you WON'T have to buy. The range of sizes is 4 to 12! Can you imagine how many patterns you won't buy - PJs, skirts, dresses, jackets, pants, sweatshirts, etc... from size 4 to 12!

This book is awesome. A must-have for any person who sews for kids, nieces, nephews, friends' kids, grandchildren, or charity causes.

Enjoy it and Happy Sewing!

PS, any questions and Kwik Sew has a dedicated staff of helpers ready and willing to guide you through the resolution of any problem you might encounter when using their patterns. And that is very few, as the directions walk you through every step, teaching you time-saving techniques in the process.

Esther

I was very disappointed with this book. The techniques and ideas are interesting for the beginner-intermmediate sewist. However, if you think,as I did, that this book will provide all the patterns you'll ever need, you're mistaken.
The T-shirts and sweatshirts have outdated dropped shoulders and low armscyes, and there are few options for pants.
You'd be better off buying individual kwik sew patterns-the styles are more current, and they provide excellent instructions.

Although from the cover photos you may guess that this book has outdated patterns in it, they really are basic patterns that are always useable for things like T shirts, sweatshirts, nightgowns shorts, etc.

I love this book; I have been sewing from it daily since I received it. The instructions are excellent and well illustrated. The patterens are terrific, with many variations. This was one of my best purchases.
The only possible criticism: it would be nice to have the master patterns on two sheets instead of the front and back of the same sheet. Then I would be able to cut out the pattern pieces instead of having to trace them.
Molequa

This is the only pattern book you need to create a child's basic wardrobe. It has traceable patterns in five sizes from 4-5 (xsmall) to 12 (XLarge).
Make pants, shorts, tops, jackets, hoodies, dresses,skirts,nightgowns,and pajamas. The possibilities are endless!
You only need a basic knowlege of sewing, as the instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

This pattern book will allow you to make clothing for your child in a short amount of time. They are very basic patterns that I highly recommend for the beginner.

Yes the pictures are dated, but everything in this book can be made to look modern with a minimal amount of extra effort. All it would take for most of the patterns is a change of fabric. There are so many pretty fabric prints out now. Any style issues can be easily fixed as well. My daughter did not want the elastic cuffs on one of the sweaters. But it is so easy to leave those off and just hem the sleeve without cuffs at all.

And so you know what you are getting, the pants, shorts, and skirts are made with elastic waists and the patterns must be traced onto something before being cut, as the pattern papers are double sided.

I got this book expecting it to have designs I could use. The desings in it were dreadfully out of date. There wasn't an outfit in it that I thought my kids would want to wear after I made it. I retuned the book. It DOES have serveral outfits in it, but NOT one little girls dress was in there. I was very disappointed with it.

I had been trying to decide whether to buy the book with all these basic patterns or just get the individual patterns for the basic items I needed. I decided on the book since it was more cost effective. However, I was very disappointed that the patterns are for the over-sized looks from a decade or so ago. I should have realized that from the book cover, however, so it is only my fault. I will have to make pattern alterations for this to be a good source for current basic children's wear.

Because these patterns were drafted in the '80s, they are baggier than I would normally dress my kids. That said, the size charts and the ease is clearly marked, so I often slim down the patterns (tracing and then cutting a smaller size in width and the normal size in length). My mom made these clothes for me when I was little and I love making them for my boys now. The pants pattern alone is worth buying the book. Simple, easy to alter or change, and totally comfy. That said, Shelly Figuroa's Sewing For Boys is a much more interesting set of patterns if you are looking for creative fashion.

I'm surprised to hear that people think the patterns are 'dated'--simple pants, shorts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts don't really change that much. I made *tons* of items from this book when my kids were smaller--and have kept it for future use. Someone mentioned being able to 'cut out' the patterns--it's actually better to trace them, since you can keep using the same patterns as the kids get bigger.