The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques [Hardcover]

Ruth Singer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 10, 2009

A complete course on sewing—from threading a needle to couture hemming

Finally someone has created every sewer's ideal companion: a comprehensive book on every aspect of hand and machine sewing—from the most basic to the most advanced—with a modern aesthetic and 20 projects to boot. From simple tutorials to in-depth masterclasses, Ruth Singer packs in lesson after lesson on both practical and decorative techniques.

The Sewing Bible includes:

• Easy-to-use instructions accompanied by hundreds of beautiful photographs detailing every stage of each technique
•20 functional, fashionable sewing projects that illustrate many of the lessons—from an easy T-shirt transformation to a complex handbag—making this a how-to guide and pattern book in one
•Extensive guides to fabrics and tools, and resources to help you choose the perfect materials and equipment for your projects
•Advice on using organic and eco fabrics and working with recycled and vintage fabrics
 
With more excitement than traditional sewing manuals, and much more depth than a book of projects, The Sewing Bible is an easy-to-use guide that's as attractive as it is comprehensive. This is the one book you need whether you're a beginner, an expert, or anywhere in between.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

RUTH SINGER is a skilled textile designer and an accomplished textile historian. Her work has appeared at exhibitions including the Craft Council's "Origin" show and New York Design Week. Visit her website at www.ruthsinger.com and her blog at www.mantua-maker.blogspot.com

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft; 1 edition (November 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307462374
• ISBN-13: 978-0307462374
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 1.4 x 10.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sewing instruction for those confused by diagrams, April 7, 2010

By 

Latina Gilyard "LaGilyard" (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques (Hardcover)

I just opened and went through this book last night after weeks of trying to decide if it was apropriate replacement to The New Complete Guide to Sewing put out by Reader's Digest (I bought that book years ago only to have it sit on my shelf and collect dust because I found the diagrams confusing and I had trouble finding things in it) and I have to say it is. Since there is no way to look in this book, I thought I'd include the table of contents along with the comment that everything is demonstrated within the book is done in full color photographes on colorful fabric so that there are no confusing diagrams whatsoever. Also, it is a very bright and attractive book that I think would add inspiration and joy to learning to sew thanks to all the pictures, the appropriate spacing and pacing of the instructions along with them, the encouraging voice of the author as well as the wonderful quality of the paper and binding.

It is divided into three sections: Practical Techniques, Decorative Techniues and Using the Techniues though each section has its own list of projects.

Practical techniues:

Setting up a sewing space

Basic tools

Fabric

Notions

Starting Sewing

Pressing and steaming

Hand Stiches

Machine stiches

Seams

Notching a curved seam

Princess seams

Inset corners

Hems

Couture hems

Blind hems

Edgings, bindings and piping

Continuous bias strips

Mitered corners

Fastenings

Invisable zippers

Bound Buttonholes

Decorative techniques:

Frills and ruffles

Pleats, folds and tucks

Decorative box pleating

Trimmings

In-seam trims

Scalloped edges

Fabric manipulation (gathers)

Yo-yos (like the ones on the cuff on the cover)

Stich and slash (creating faux chenille)

American smocking

Quilting, aplique and patchwork

Hand quilting

Trapunto (a really cool looking way to use shapes and stuffing to give fabric texture)

Reverse applique

Patchwork

Embroidery

Using the techniques:

Curtains

Pillows

Dressmaking

Designing

Customizing and recycling

Repairs and alterations

More tools are covered at the back of the book and there is a fabric guide, templates for the projects, a glossary, a section for further reading and a list of suppliers back there before the index. My only comment on the projects included is that they are very cute and vintage looking, which is something I like about them, but someone looking for more avant garde designs won't find what they're looking for in here. All in all, I love this book already and I know that it's going to be a constant companion as I takle the world of sewing without taking lessons in a classroom setting or a family member to teach me.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, January 1, 2010

By 

Paige Heim-Thompson (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques (Hardcover)

I was looking for a book that would cover a myriad of sewing topics/instructions, and this one is definitely the ticket. Lots of pictures to accompany the how-to's, and a bunch of super projects to do, as well; I'm working on the quilted placemats right now. Highly recommended!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sewing Bible Rocks, March 6, 2010

By 

BC "BC" (MO, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques (Hardcover)

Wonderful photos and clear step-by-step instructions, helped me get started on learning how to sew. Great projects - I will make every one of them!