Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing [Hardcover]

Editors of Reader's Digest (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Readers Digest; 8th edition (1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895770261
• ISBN-13: 978-0895770264
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,487 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Have" for your sewing reference books!, March 10, 2002

By 

Kim Monk (Moscow, ID) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing (Hardcover)

This edition of the Complete Guide to Sewing has recently been updated. However, the newest version does not include any information on tailoring. I use the older version for teaching sewing and constume construction classes, tailoring and special topics classes. Pictures and sketches are clear and written directions are easy to follow. This version does not have much serger/overlock information but does cover many other seam finishes. Information on fit and pattern alterations is very clear. Beginners or advanced seamstresses will find this book a "must" for their reference collection!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good for your home reference!, June 15, 2009

By 

MalibooBarbie (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing (Hardcover)

I have an older edition. I have used this book countless times to guide me in various sewing projects. I learned how to sew, just to tailor my clothes, and this book showed me how. It's not slick and hip with photos like the other sewing books have--but then, they don't help you get ahead in your skills. It's full of matter-of-fact information and detailed drawings (not cartoonis).

Don't knock a boring facade--it's the guts that count on this book. I wouldn't leave a burning house without it. But seriously, if you want to learn how to adjust a pattern so that it fits like some high-falutin' designer made it for you, get this book. For example, you'll be able to identify what's wrong with your mass-produced pants, and why they bag or bind in places, for example, and how to fix those issues on your homemade versions. This book will walk you through how to read a pattern envelope, why certain fabrics would be better for various projects, how to choose the right size (and then alter it for your best fit), and then there are tons of pages of how specifically to create any collar, a gathered seam, any kind pocket of pocket you can imagine and hem finishes, and lots of helpful information you never even thought to look for.

This will make those slick new books that are more eye-catching feel like wasted money. If you want to know what you're doing, this is THE book. You'll look at those flashy books that are the hot recommendations and say to yourself "I already know how to do all that!" You'll be able to write your own silly/fluff kind of sewing book after you absorb what is in this comprehensive tome.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great standby reference even today!, October 18, 2003

By 

BJD (Washington state) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing (Hardcover)

I have had this book for a long time. I constantly look into other books. For the sewing classes I teach, I keep coming back to this one because it has really good laid out information and photos. Especially basic stuff that does not change!
I rate it as 4 stars simply because there is a newer version out and there has been a small amount of information I could not find or thought could have been laid out better.
I am looking forward to getting the newest version but will always keep the 1976 version. It is like an old friend!