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Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing [Hardcover]

Reader's Digest
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)


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Book Description

December 1, 1997
Sewing book


Product Details

  • Hardcover: 528 pages
  • Publisher: Reader's Digest; 8th edition (December 1, 1997)
  • 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: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
(44)
4.8 out of 5 stars
As a beginner sewer this book was recommended to me by my instructor. A. Gift  |  20 reviewers made a similar statement
If you have only one reference book for sewing, this should be it. J. Santiago  |  16 reviewers made a similar statement
Pictures and sketches are clear and written directions are easy to follow. Kim Monk  |  7 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
87 of 88 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Have" for your sewing reference books! March 10, 2002
Format: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!
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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good for your home reference! June 15, 2009
Format: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.
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25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A great standby reference even today! October 18, 2003
By BJD
Format: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!
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have, even for a MAN! December 13, 2011
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm a guy and would rather work on my motorcycle than hem a pair of pants, but lately I've had to do some minor garment repairs and even help my girlfriend get some second-hand dance costumes she picked up "cheap" to fit her properly. Sounded simple until we had skirts and tops half torn apart with elastic showing and previously altered "issues" staring us in the face. A friend of mine is a professional seamstress and, seeing my frustration, recommended this book to me. She said it's a "must-buy" for anyone looking to sew, whether beginner or professional...and she's right! In fact, this is still her #1 go-to resource after 30+ years in the business! I just picked this book up from Amazon and, already, it has been an absolute life saver. No better resource for clearly detailed diagrams and "how-to" descriptions for nearly every type of stitch, seam and garment modification you could possibly use in your lifetime! Even coming from a man, this book is highly recommended!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Old-fashioned approach, amazing knowledge base August 16, 2012
Format:Hardcover
I decided to buy this edition instead of the newest one based on a blog post on Whipstitch Fabrics that said the newest edition cut out a lot of content. After reading through a couple random sections of the book, I can see why some content may have been removed. For example, in the chapter on tailoring, there's a section that walks you through how to handsew interfacing onto the undercollar. For most home sewers these days, that is probably not the most relevant advice, since now we have fusible interfacing. Of course, I can well imagine that the best results are still obtained with handsewing, and many serious sewers would get a lot out of those instructions, but the majority of hobbyists would probably not want to put that much effort into a collar. At any rate, this book definitely bears the hallmark of a different era. Whether that is good or bad completely depends on the needs of the reader. If you are a casual hobbyist that just wants to make some fun projects every now and then, I imagine you would be better served by the newer edition that would cover all the new time-saving shortcuts that have been developed since the 70s. But if you are a serious enthusiast or professional trying to learn all the different techniques to perfect your craft, then this book provides some really great insights that probably wouldn't be found in modern home sewing references.

In terms of instructional quality, I am very impressed with this book. All of the techniques are demonstrated in line-drawings next to the text, and very clearly convey the manipulations being done. If you prefer photographs, the newer edition may be more helpful to you; but for myself, the line-drawings are more than adequate. One aspect of teaching that this book does not cover is the theory.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Best sewing technique book available - a classic
I wanted to learn to make my own quality clothing, and this is accessible but comprehensive. Hand and machine stitches, fabrics and patterns, fitting patterns, seam finishing,... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Rachel Meyer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource
I had to buy this book for my introduction to sewing class, and it was an invaluable resource. I finished the class but I still use the book for my home sewing all the time! Read more
Published 1 month ago by goodreads
5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for all who sew!
I bought this book (as I already own a copy) as a gift for my nephew who wants to learn to sew. It is an essential in the library of any sewer - and it covers EVERYTHING you need... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Melissa Wayne
4.0 out of 5 stars Seems exhaustive on the subject
I haven't had a lot of time to read through it but, it seems like it covers everything so that's good!
Published 4 months ago by Jamie L Bryan
4.0 out of 5 stars classic sewing reference book
I bought this book for my daughter. She is a beginning sewer. This book is filled with practical, relevant advice for the novice or experienced sewer. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Vanessa King
5.0 out of 5 stars Most comprehensive...
Sewing book I've had. I bought and sent this book to my daughter-in-law, who is a new sewer. This book will give her an excellent start and be a good reference for a long time. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kann2476
5.0 out of 5 stars Great tool, use it all the time.
I have loaned this book out already. So much useful information you can’t keep it to yourself. I love this book.
Published 6 months ago by Nilah Simmons
5.0 out of 5 stars EVERYONE SHOULD OWN THIS
This book is amazing. Not only for home sewing but also for students and those who would just like to have a great reference book. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Anna
5.0 out of 5 stars sewing 101
this was the perfect book for my 30 something daughter who wanted to once again start sewing. Like all Readers Digest Guide books --you can refer to them for years.
Published 6 months ago by Diana
5.0 out of 5 stars Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing
This was a gift to our GrandDaughter in America, I already have copy for my own use her in Scotland.
Published 6 months ago by Greensleeves
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