Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

No Author (Author), Illustrated (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1976

Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: The Reader's Digest Association; 1ST edition (1976)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000CQ2THY
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #815,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference, August 13, 2006

By 

Diana E. Brandon (Pullman, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

I have had this book since I started sewing, I think (maybe around 15 yrs?). I use it whenever I am trying a new technique, like sewing sleeve plackets or shirt collars. While it is old, I think at this point is biggest fault is that none of the gaments shown are popular anymore. However, the patterns in the illustrations are all basic and still exist in clothing today - you just have to ignore the glaring 70's styles!
I love it!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still my favorite!, December 27, 2007

By 

Kathleen Funk (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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

This book is now more than 30 years old and it's still my very favorite sewing reference book. Whenever I can't remember how to do a certain handstitch, or how to cut properly on the bias, or put a zipper in perfectly, I drag out this book and find all the answers.

Some of the information is dated, of course. It doesn't cover the newest fabrics or types of sewing machines. But the basics never change - and this books explains them all beautifully.

I especially like the illustrations which show each step of the procedure. For the visual learner, these just can't be beat. The written explanations themselves are excellent, too.

The book is well-organized and has a fantastic index so you can easily find what you're looking for.

I know there's an updated version for sale at Amazon, so I am considering purchasing that edition for my daughter who is beginning to get interested in all things sewing.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I needed..., November 25, 2008

By 

J. Berry - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

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

This review is for the 1976 edition.

I haven't done any garment sewing since I was a kid in 4-H. I am working with a pattern which does not have any instructions and my memory has faded regarding how all the pattern pieces come together and in which order. This book helped immediately.

I had several critical questions while working on my first blouse and this book answered every one of them. For example, I needed help with how to piece together the front facings, collar stand, collar and garment and the book provided clear examples. It has the choice several different types of facings, different collars, with and without collar stands. I also had questions about piecing together princess seams and the book goes through the process in detail.

I like that the illustrations are clearly drawn instead of photographs. When it talks about types of fabrics it is a bit outdated, but that kind of information is available on the Internet.

I am happy with my decision to buy with this book!