See and Sew: A Sewing Book for Children

by Tina Davis

When Tina Davis published Look and Cook , she got thousands of kids in front of the stove and hooked on cooking as they enjoyed the results of their newfound skills. With this wonderful new companion book, she'll move kids from the kitchen to the living room, where they'll have just as much fun learning to sew everything from a strawberry pot holder to a drawstring bag, from a sock doll to a cat purse they can pin to their pockets.

See and Sew is a vibrant introduction to sewing that doesn't require a sewing machine or advanced skills. Full of charm and color, it offers simple instructions for basic stitches and techniques as well as easy step-by-step directions for 16 fun and kid-friendly projects. It also offers all-important safety guidelines. Designed with beautiful vintage illustrations throughout, the book is as pleasantly nostalgic for the adult in charge as it is engaging for the child at work. In no time at all kids will be exclaiming, "I made it myself!"

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for kids learning how to sew. This book would make a great gift.

[Cheryl]

I don't think this was child or beginner tested. Instructions are often confusing. First project is not easiest. Some of the information is only for advanced sewers. Washing & preshrinking the fabric is only suggested sometimes, when really it's important always. Also, many pages at the end were just different typefaces for monograms, and then pages for the owner of the book to add notes (as if there's not enough blank space on each spread to add notes in the places where relevant).

A book to browse if your library has it. I did learn a couple of things, so I'm glad that I spotted it. Linen is absorbent and dries quickly, making it good for hot summers. (Invest now as climate change is warming us all up!) I also learned that thread looks lighter when stitched, so use one shade darker than the fabric.

And it's confusing, but there's something about making a shank for a 2- or 4- hole button so it doesn't pucker the fabric and lies flat. They also show a heavy pin (or use darning needle or toothpick) to give the button just a little flex, which would ease the pucker. That is to say, lay the pin across the location of the holes, on the inside of the fabric, and stitch around it; then knot and remove the pin, and the stitches will be that little bit looser.

August 2022

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went to a beginners sewing class and this book was suggested reading. It describes the different types of sewing techniques in a playful way.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I'm on a crafty kick -- I'm trying to find things to keep my 4-year-old busy, which is a never-ending task, so I gave her an embroidery hoop, loosely woven fabric, and a fat, blunt needle and let her have at it. I wondered if this might have any ideas in it, but it's more for a kid who has more control, maybe a 7 or 8 year old. Really cute retro illustrations and some neat project ideas - I did make a sock doll out of stuff I had. She has no clothes yet, but hey, one step at a time.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ok book. It has a lot of helpful tips for teaching children how to sew, but a lot of what you can find in the book you can find online for free or in a much better sewing book. If it weren't for the vintage pictures I would say owning this book would be a waste of money. You can easily find the patterns or similar ones online as well as the sewing tips mentioned in the book. But it's good for having a guide on hand while doing projects and the pictures are charming.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter made me a Christmas present out of this book without any guidance or help from me. It's an adorable book. Looking forward to her Sow and Grow and Look and Cook books.

[Kindle Embers · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books. Purely simple and inspiring.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect beginning sewing book for my 7 year old and I to work from. Good instruction and I enjoyed the throw-back approach.

[Rochelle Sondae]

Recommended by Karen