Customer Reviews

Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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 When it talks about types of fabrics it is a bit outdated, but that kind of information is available on the Internet.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!

This book has it all and I do mean it all. Everything from detailing fabrics and how they are constructed, a section devoted to needles, scissors, thread you name it. It also goes in to good detail on how to read, adjust, and cut out patterns. The only complaint that I have is the photo illustrations at times it is hard to understand from them what is happening. However the description under the photos helps to clear up some of the confusion. It would make a very nice addition to any library.

I know of no better all around reference for sewing. Quick, clear instructions with simple yet effective illustrations. After over 40 years of sewing i still drag this book out for techniques I don't use often or to learn one I never got around to learning. The book itself is bound so it is easy to open and refer to while practicing the technique.

I had heard about this particular edition of this book on one of the sewing blogs and finally purchased it. I love it. Great illustrations, wonderful instructions - this is a wonderful addition to anyone's sewing library and is highly recommended for a beginner. As a point of contrast, I have a Vogue Sewing Book (not the right title, but close enough) from the same era and the Reader's Digest is hands down the better book, primarily because of the illustrations. Go get this one, you won't regret it.

I bought this book for my stepdad, who has a old sewing machine, that only does a few stitches and weighs a ton. He had been checking this book out from the library because all of the newer sewing books discuss stitches or techniques that his machine doesn't do. He just needed a guide to simple sewing, which this is. It's full of pictures and instructions. He loves this book and finds that it is perfect for his older, 1970s vintage machine.

I bought this book years ago at a yard sale and I have moved many times since and it was lost. I was so excited about finding it on line. I bought two one for myself and one for a friend who is just starting to sew. It is great for new seamstresses or for those of us who have not used the sewing machine in a while. I will take very good care of this one.

Great reference book. New ways are often developed, however, the basics to sewing usually remain the same. Along with other books this is a good addition, very useful in my training as a Master Clothing Volunteer Program participante. Thank you for your prompt shipment.

this is an excellent choice of book for anybody who wants to learn sewing. I used it for my college text book. but it is a perfect book for any beginner or intermidiate level. you don't have to be a college student to use this book. eventhough I am not a student anymore, I still refer back to this book to follow the step by step instruction on how to apply a zipper and how to sew certain types of buttonhole, seams. Or how to cut the fabric or prepare the fabric for draping. it also shows how to use the ready made pattern sold in the market more effeciently. highly recomment it.