Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

I first started sewing when I was 4, but have recently started to be a little more adventurous when it comes to making clothes. I purchased the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlework after my grandmother borrowed it to me and have always been a big fan of that. I was looking for a book for reference and ideas and since I was so happy with the Complete Guide to Needlework I decided to get this. I must say I am extremely impressed by the size of the book and the information supplied in the book. The book is massive, very thick with a lot of information in it. Bear in mind it was printed in 1978 with a reprint being done in 1985, so the photos are pretty vintage looking. Despite this, the book is still incredibly relevant. There is a ton of reference material in relation to assembly of the fabrics (ie weave, knit etc), threads, needles, sewing machine feet, misc sewing tools, fastenings, and so much more! There is a detailed explanation of how a sewing machine works along with the internal parts of the machine you are unlikely to ever see. The bulk of the book is about construction of garments, how to read and make patterns, along with various types of pleats, darts, sleeves, pockets, and again so much more! There are illustrations on different garment styles (ie different types of dresses / skirts etc) along with a lot of written information about illustration. There is a lot of written information about patterns and assembly. The book very much starts assuming you know nothing about sewing. Even having sewn as long as I have, there was still a lot of information in there I had never come across and had never done myself. This is not really meant for someone looking to make household items, quilts, bags, etc. While there is a lot of useful and relevant information in this book that would relate to such things, it is far more relevant to sewing garments. There are better books out there about quilting and other misc sewing that would have the same information at the beginning about the fabrics, machines, tools, etc but would not be primarily about garment making. I think this book is ideal for a beginner or someone who has years of experience. I have found it to be the perfect reference material for garment sewing and would highly recommend for reference or to learn about garment sewing. I love this book and have already used it so many times in just a few short weeks.

Fabulous book, a real "go to" for sewers of any experience.

I bought this for my sister who’s just started sewing lessons. Having had a number of RD publications before I was pretty sure it’d be a good choice, but my sister was blown away by its content and quality. It quite literally has everything you need to know. Can’t recommend it highly enough

This book was ordered from Thrift books via Amazon. It took 2months to arrive. Reassured by Thrift I waited patiently. Well Worth the wait. Readers Digest books never fail to please. Book is full of sewing guidelines. Easy to follow. With projects to tackle cannot wait to get going!

Very pleased with this book, for its contents and its condition. It's an in depth guide that I believe will serve me for years to come and bearing in mind it's just shy of 30 years old I think it's in fabulous condition. I ordered this on the 25 March and received it today, 30 March so no complaints about the vendor either

This was an excellent book for its year. Some useful tips. Took rather a long time to deliver though.

Everything you need to know about sewing in this book.

Brilliant book, really good source of knowledge, even though I’m a costume maker and do this for a living but still found it interesting and very useful.

It is an older edition that covers earlier sewing techniques. A great resource sewing for enthusiasts.

As described, very good conditions and delivered on time.

N°1 recommended book from experienced seamstresses since decades and with reason! In this particular 1976 edition (mine is a 1979 reprint of the 1976 edition) wich is richer that the later editions to which they've retrieved chapters. It will teach you everything you need to know about sewing. It's the ultimate sewing bible. It covers: NECESSITIES OF SEWING Sewing tools and supplies Sewing machine Sewing area PATTERNS FABRICS & CUTTING Patterns Fabrics Cutting PORTFOLIO OF FITTING METHODS Fitting CONSTRUCTION BASICS Basic stitches Seams Darts Tucks Pleats Gathering Shirring Smocking Ruffles NECKLINES AND COLLARS Neckline finishes Collars WAISTLINES WAISTBANDS & BELTS Waistlines Waistbands Belts SLEEVES & SLEEVE FINISHES Sleeves Sleeve finishes Cuffs MAKING & APPLYING POCKETS Patch pockets Inside pockets HEMS & OTHER EDGE FINISHES Hems Decorative hem finishes Finishing corners (mitering) Special hemming situations HANDBOOK OF CLOSURES Zippers Buttonholes Fabric closure Attaching buttons Making buttons Hooks and eyes Snaps Tape fasteners TECHNIQUES OF TAiLORING Tailoring basics Tailoring preliminaries Tailoring construction SEWING FOR MEN AND CHILDREN Sewing for men and boys Making a jacket Making trousers Making a shirt Sewing for children SEWING FOR THE HOME Slipcovers Pillows Bedspreads Curtains and draperies PROJECTS TO SEW FOR YOUR HOME Carefree living Casual dining Classic bedroom Modern bedroom Girl's room Boy's room PROJECTS TO SEW FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY Each section of a chapter has several paragraphs detailing in step by step very clear drawings how to proceed for each specific technique. Each section is detailed by type of fabric or different techniques. Of course the projects are dated, but the knowledge is invaluable and adaptable to contemporary projects. To top all this my copy is in perfect condition, just a little dirt on the jacket as old well loved books will have from frequent handling, and if the previous owner hadn't forgotten a RSVP card in it, I could've thought it had never been opened, so prestine are the inner pages.

Das Kursbuch ist wunderbar und detailliert illustriert und so ist seine Nutzung auch mit den wenigen Englischkenntnissen möglich. Es bietet tolle Tipps zur Anpassung von Schnittmustern an eigene Körpermaße an, somit ist es bestens für die bereits Nähende und Fortgeschrittene geeignet. Große Empfehlung!

I found this book to be a comprehensive instructional that can be used by novice and experienced sewists alike. Well illustrated and steps well described.