Complete Photo Guide to Sewing: 1200 Full-Color How-To Photos

by Singer Sewing Company, Creative Publishing International

The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing – Revised is the one reference every sewer needs. Its 352 pages and 1100 photographs cover every aspect of fashion and décor sewing. Sections include choosing the right tools and notions, using conventional machines and sergers, fashion sewing, tailoring, and home décor projects. Included are step-by-step instructions for basic projects like pillows, tablecloths, and window treatments. Sewers from beginners to the skilled will turn to this book again and again.

Genres: Sewing, Reference, Crafts, Nonfiction, How To, Fashion, Art

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that this book probably wasn't intended to be read like a novel...but sometimes it turns into a real page-turner! If you don't know how to sew, I doubt this book would help you. If you want to make better quality garments and learn what all the settings on your sewing machine mean, (and--a great feature of this book--it's not just about Singer sewing machines) then this is just the ticket!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is moreso a tips guide for advanced sewers than a startup book for beginners. Although it wasn't useful to me, I imagine it could be useful to others.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book and tutorial on using a sewing machine. I would have found this book more relevant, but I realized that I personally have ZERO interest in sewing garments right now. But the book's lush illustrations are helpful and really goes over the basics!

[Jonna Gjevre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a surprise Valentine's Day present, and I couldn't be happier. It's useful, interesting, even fun.

When I was a teenager, I took a series of summer sewing classes and learned how to read and adjust patterns, how to cut buttonholes, how to sew French seams, how to create a Hong Kong finish. And then I didn't sew for literally decades and forgot everything. Reading this book brought it all back.

1200 photographs illustrate everything. The final section provides patterns for making slipcovers, pillows, and Roman shades, just in case I decide I need to decorate.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only skimmed through but seems like a great secondary reference when I want to get into sewing

[Lauren Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabbed this at the library book sale. A little outdated but I'll definitely be hanging onto it for future reference.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

huge and bulky size made plenty of space for the excellent photos. in addition to basic info on tools, materials, and techniques, contains fairly extensive pattern fitting directions, sweat pant, swimsuit, tablecloth and napkin directions. the basic info seems general to other beginner sewing books with no stand out techniques (aside from the swimsuit!) while the size and difficulty in propping open cancels out any benefit from the detailed photos for me.

[Anne Hawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. It covers just about any sewing technique a person would want to use from simple sewing, fitting and alterations, and styling details. There is also section on home sewing with window treatments and furnishings.

It says it is complete and I think that is a good description.

[Aparna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic reference book for sewers. As a total beginner, it's been handy, but I needed some classroom instruction to really understand even the basics before I could handle most of the material in the book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely buying my own copy if I don't already have this one in my sewing library. Very clear instructions, lots of pictures, a good reference for all basic issues encountered in garment construction.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the Readers Digest Guide to Sewing. But, not as expensive (20.00 versus 35.00)

[Khinna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bible to all my sewing needs!

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great instructions with full colour photos every step of the way. Had info on every technique I needed and some projects thrown in as well. Definitely a useful reference tool.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A- A really good sewing resource - great modern reference for sewers.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has a lot of detail, though most is for clothes sewing, which I don't do. Directions seem easy to follow, and there are a lot of pictures.

[melissa]

very helpful

[Bookish Enchantment (Katherine Quirke) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad reference book for new sewers.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good stuff. Photos a little outdated

[Topaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guild and one to have handy for the novice sewer.

[Nur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful. Love it.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic sewing book I plan to use for classroom sewing instruction.

[Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reference book

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extemely helpful