Power Sewing Step-by-Step

by Sandra Betzina

Sewing is both a practical and a passionate pursuit, and Sandra Betzina's enthusiasm for sewing has won her a loyal following. Now Betzina has taken her energy, talent, and expertise and put them into one vibrant Power Sewing Step-by-Step.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pulled this book out to do a lapped zipper today and realized that I have never written a review for it or anything. I think so highly of this book; it is probably the single resource (maybe beaten out by Pattern Review) that has done the most to increase the quality of my sewing. I believe the instructions on the fly-front zipper and the lapped zipper are worth the cost of the book alone, but there's lots of other good information on techniques for garment construction and tailoring. It does not contain much info on fitting or working with knits, but for techniques to make your garments more comfortable and wearable and better quality, it's hard to beat. Very approachable, lots of good pictures. Not for an absolute rank beginner to sewing, but I would consider myself advanced beginner when I purchased it and it helped me a lot. Now that I am more of an intermediate sewist there is even more to love.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.
Very useful for the intermediate sewist, though I find myself having to put sticky notes on things I need, because the organization doesn't work for me. It's not that it isn't organized, but a tip about interlining might be in 'dresses' or 'pants' or 'jackets.'

[Ella · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hideous clothes - much too old to be of use

[Vickie Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go to book when I need to know a professional way of doing anything when making a garment. The instructions are clear and concise. I love how the front fly of a pair of dress pants lays flat and looks professionally done. Each of the techniques is fully explained with any pattern adjustments required. When I start a project I read through the directions given in the pattern. Then I check this book for the best way to accomplish the task and mark the page numbers on the pattern sheet including any necessary modifications to the pattern pieces. Then I cut and sew the garment using as many of Ms. Betzina's changes that are needed. My clothing then looks custom made and doesn't scream, home made. It also fits me to a "T".

[Amberjean]

Very practical, excellent supplement to pattern instructions. The fashion is painful, the non-technical aspects kind of painful, but the information is solid and full of good photos. The zipper and lining techniques were especially useful.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betzina has some really good ideas, but I like Nancy better.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been on my bookshelf for 20yrs. All my design courses rolled into one within its plastic spiral binding. It's the best reference I've got

[Peri Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it. Good resource but don't waste your money on "More Power Sewing" as the quality is better in this book with photos.

[Candis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The front-fly zipper instructions given in this book were such a help to me.

[Cheryl Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no one like Sandra! Excellent and easy to follow. Helps cure 'pattern tyranny.' :)