The Sewing Book Hardcover – 2 Feb. 2009

Just received this book today. It's full of lots of sewing information with step by step techniques. It's incredibly informative. I'd recommend it to anyone that sews or who wants to start sewing. It would be a great book for any student studying fashion as you can dip in and out of it and there is pretty much every technique you need in there, wish i'd had it when i was at uni! It begins by going though all the equipment you need and the importance of them eg different scissors, different pins different threads for different materials. It shows you how to measure yourself, how to change bought patterns etc etc it's full of lots of knowledge that you can't always remember so i'm going to use mine as my sewing bible! The projects at the back are useful to get you started if your not great at sewing and although some might think they are outdated i think it might be down to the fabrics used. Change the fabric make it a bit more funky and your own style and they will be great projects! It's well worth the money too. I'm sure i'll get my moneys worth and i'm sure it will be passed down in the family through the years!

I have only a little bit of experience and am looking to improve my skills, but am having to learn from the internet and from books - this book is brilliant. It gives clear, detailed instructions about all different aspects of sewing, eg how to measure a person's body correctly, different seams and their uses, ways to put pockets in, making collars of different styles, how to make ruffles and frills, pleats, the list goes on. There are also projects to make using the different techniques described, and the projects are actually quite nice! It's a massive book, and every page is packed with information.

Very happy with the quality of the book and it is very useful.

I bought this and another book, The Dressmaker's Technique Bible, as I was taking a dress making class and I wanted to compare them before deciding which to keep.The first thing I looked up- tailors tacks and how to use them- was not mentioned in the other book, but had clear step by step instructions and picture in this one. Great. I compared a number of things that came up in my beginners pattern in both books and found that I understood a lot more from reading this book as it is more detailed. I decided that the clearer step-by-step technical illustrations were a better choice for me as I got going, and that they would help me progress. The other book might be better if you wanted to refresh your knowledge rather than learn.It's a big tome of a book- difficult to use when you have your hands full of problem sewing but great if you read up on the technique before having a go.

As I used to make my own Clothes when I was a younger and had more time and I intend to take it up again I had come across and had perused this Book in a Bookshop some time ago whilst on Holiday in Cornwall and promised Myself I would Buy it for Myself one day.4 Years later and I now have this very Book. I think it is a fantastic Book that you should own whether you are an experienced Sewer or a beginner. I like that it has step by step intructions not just in words but in Photographs.This Book is full of lots of helpful information and tips. It has within it all you need to know and I fully reccomend it.It's a Brilliant Book buy it you won't be disappointed. I wasn't.

Have a couple of sewing books but wanted something more in depth which this certainly is. 400 pages covering everything you need to know about making clothing and furnishings. Ideal for complete beginners and for those with some experience. I especially liked the pages detailing the different fabrics and what threads and size needles are best used with them. I remember struggling at school trying to do a collar on a shirt which I eventually gave up on, but is now so clear after looking at how it's done in the book. The projects at the back of the book don't have fold out patterns but do give instructions on how to do them and give you an idea of what can be achieved at that skill level. Brilliant reference book that won't be gathering dust.

This is THE best book on sewing I have ever seen or read This book I highly recommended for anyone who wants to bring their basic sewing up to date or for a new starter in sewing everything is explained clearly and with lots diagramsI was impressed by the 'projects' section with the step-by-step instructions for item to make with all the new-found skills you have found you have, . The bolster cushion is very easy to make a great gift for Christmas for that person who has everything..A book full of impressive and informative information A great for mum or sister or mother in law or grandma.

As always with DK books - good illustrations and descriptions of many key techniques, but I found some sections of the book less useful. I have sewn on and off for years and consider myself reasonably competent but I was really looking for something which offered a little more than the basics. The basics are quite good though - how to make buttonholes, attach facings, collars, cuffs etc, but some of it didn't go into enough detail and left me puzzled (corded buttonholes) - perhaps if I try doing it, it might make sense! The projects at the end weren't my cup of tea but might suit others (child's fleecy hat, baby blanket, place mat, bolster, jewellery roll,cafe curtain, kimono and a rather badly made man's tie). Shame you cant see more of what's included before purchasing.