The Complete Book of Sewing

by Constance Talbot, Isabelle Stevenson

Covers everything from choosing fabrics to basic sewing stitches to garment tips and tricks. As this book was updated in 1949, it also includes chapters on caring for clothing, mending, and remaking/remodeling clothing.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Fashion, Crafts

303 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1943

Reviews

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a freaking awesome yet simple how-to sewing book. Good illustrations and instructions, and lots of photographs. As this was updated after WWII, there are new chapters on how to care for you clothes to get the most out of them, how to mend clothing, and an UNBELIEVABLY COOL chapter on remaking/remodeling clothes in your wardrobe.

[Clio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sewing reference. Good information on fitting patterns, choosing proper fabrics, and sewing everything from basic garments to outerwear, and even upholstery and draperies. I particularly liked the illustrations of sleeve and neckline option for ladies' garments, as well as chapters dedicated to mending, and restyling-remodeling-remaking garments. Although the garments depicted are no longer up to date, I think that some the the ideas can be applied in the present day.

[Ryan]

A neat vintage book that has a good number of illustrations and patterns for clothing from that era. If I ever actually gain the sewing skills necessary to create clothing from a pattern this book of vintage patterns will be a good source of designs.