The Complete Book of Sewing (Hardcover)

~ Deni Bown (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA?This outstanding sewing guide provides a detailed reference for both novices and experts. Each page is filled with colorful photographs of models demonstrating different techniques. Chapters explain how to pick and use patterns; select fabrics and notions; sew basic stitches and seams; attach interfacings and interlinings; form darts, tucks, pleats, and gathers; sew necklines, collars, waistlines, sleeves, and cuffs; hem; and add edges, fastenings, and pockets. The Complete Guide to Sewing (Reader's Digest, 1976) makes the directions for marking and cutting pattern pieces more accessible by combining them in one chapter, plus it provides more basic directions for using a serger. However, the blue-and-white illustrations and layout lack the powerful aesthetic appeal of Cream's guide. This title can supplement any pattern company's garment construction, and its visuals will entice many YAs to give sewing a try. A definite purchase.?Linda Diane Townsend, West Potomac High School, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

The Complete Book of Sewing is the perfect guide for home sewers of all abilities. This practical sourcebook of sewing skills provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that will guide the beginner through basic techniques, such as custom tailoring and couture finishes. Each method is illustrated with helpful color photographs. Whether the task at hand is creating a new wardrobe, altering children's clothes, or producing a pair of curtains, this book provides readers with the skills they need.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: DK Publishing Company; 1st American edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789404192
• ISBN-13: 978-0789404190
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #294,782 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

113 of 119 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay, but not up to the Reader's Digest book, December 22, 1998

By	[e-mail] (SF, CA) - See all my reviews

Deni Brown has made a gallant effort to spiff up the presentation of sewing techniques and technology with this book. However there are problems. Brown and her publisher tried using real-life color photos of various things. The problem is that thread is intentionally hard to see -- it's thin and a well-made garment is made such that the threads are not supposed to show. So the illustrations in Brown's book don't show very well the pinning and stitching. The descriptions are also not as stellar as the Reader's Digest book. Don't get me wrong -- Brown knows her stuff, and this is a nice companion to the Reader's Digest book. But for a single reference, if one does not want to own two on this subject, the Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Sewing is much the better book.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sewing Novice, March 2, 2001

By A Customer

I shopped around a lot and even checked a few books out from the library and this book was the best I found for someone like me who is learning to sew. It has lots of pictures and a glossary that includes even the most basic sewing terms. Happy sewing!

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete book of sewing-A practical step-by-guide to sew, October 29, 2000

By	Norma J. Marts (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews

This book probably is not for the beginner, but for the sewer who wants to know a technique for a certain problem. It is a step-by-step, pictured, description of techniques to upgrade your sewing. If you've ever wondered how those store-bought clothes are sewed, look in this book.