Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

I purchased this book back in February and after months of reading and learning from this and other highly recommended books, I'd say this is decent but shouldn't be the main guide in a beginner's library. While the sections on materials, sewing, hemming, and decorative details are beautiful to look at, there is simply not enough substance to the instructions. The language is sometimes vague and some of the angles of the photographs make it difficult to interpret what the author is trying to teach you. The glossary is also lacking.
I recommend Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing (Hardcover - 1981) for in-depth, clear directions as well as instructions on how to measure a person, alter patterns, and fix common sewing machine problems. An oldie and a goodie!

This book is amazing! I really hugely recommend it. Perfect for beginners, but even my mum, who's an excellent sewer, thought it was fantastic!

I am a beginner sewer and this book has been very handy. This book has allowed me to look up techniques and learn how to do it by myself. I have found this book to cover all the basics and more. My mother in law who is an experienced sewer said she was impressed by this book. It even had information inside which she did not know. Great product for the price.

I am a novice sewer and with this book handy I can figure out most patterns/ instructions. I use it as a desk reference and between it and the internet, I have learned a lot. I need instructions that don't leave out any steps and are so easy to understand a child could do it lol. And for the most part it delivers. It is easy to read with lots of clear pictures. It is well laid out with a section on almost everything. In fact, I haven't found anything yet that it didn't have a section for.

This is a great book for beginning sewers to advanced ones. I have shopped around and read through a lot of other books and this is the only one I purchased.