Complete Idiot's Guide to Sewing (Paperback)

by Lydia Wills (Author) "Whenever anyone thinks about sewing, the image of a sewing machine immediately pops up-but before you get to the machine, you've got to have a..." (more)
Key Phrases: blindhem stitch, buttonhole feature, tissue pattern pieces, Sew Far, Sew Good, Noteworthy Notions (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 1 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028638913
• ISBN-13: 978-0028638911
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #635,115 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed overall . . ., November 17, 2000

By	Amy, Tatting & Cosmetics Host, Wedding Guru (Fairlawn, OH USA) - See all my reviews

After buying my first sewing machine I wanted a book to teach me the basics. Unfortunately I found this book to be haphazardly organized, putting some techniques in the front of the book that I, as a beginner, was not ready to use or learn. Sidebars and diagrams can be helpful when used properly, but there were so many in this book that they were distracting. I found the section on how to organize your sewing space to be useful, but otherwise, I'm still looking for a good book on sewing basics. This isn't it.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Helpful!, April 1, 2004

By	A. Cooper "possum" (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am an absolute beginner, and I am so glad I found this book. I mean it, I can't say enough good things about it. First of all, the author writes with a sense of humor; it's like having a buddy sitting next to you, giving you great advice and laughing with (not at) you for your mistakes, and sharing her own early sewing disasters. Each chapter starts with a list of what will be included, and ends with a follow-up that hits all the important points. Then there are little boxes throughout, that remind the reader of definitions, recommend items to buy for a particular project, or warn of common mistakes. Ms. Wills assumes you know absolutely NOTHING about sewing, which is so great, because she explains EVERYTHING! For the beginner, this book absolutely takes the fear out of sewing! I've been keeping it right next to my new sewing machine as I tackle my first project, checking it often, and I highly, highly recommend it.

Follow up: I made a shirt!! This is so cool!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sewing Instructor, August 4, 2000

By	Brenda A. Collier "Elimteacher" (Lima, New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an advanced dressmaker, I found this book very informative. I teach sewing classes, and would recommend The Idiot's Guide to Sewing to my students. It is well written, and gives very comprehensive descriptions of almost everything to do with sewing. Anyone in the market for a detailed sewing book should consider this upbeat, contemporary, humorous book. It is written in the usual Idiot's style which means, it has side comments that are note-worthy, but often missing in other written formats.

If you are looking to learn how to sew, begin with this book, and I can assure you, you may not need another.