Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew

by Amy Karol

Author Amy Karol, whose Angry Chicken is one of the best-loved craft blogs on the Web, brings stitchers everywhere a down-to-earth introduction to sewing, including thirty projects so adorable and cool they’ll inspire anyone to pick up a needle and thread.

Written with Amy’s characteristic warmth and flair, you’ll find information on basic equipment and supplies, advice on choosing and using fabrics, and a fantastic section on techniques. In addition, Amy walks readers through easy, inspiring patterns designed for the fashion-savvy crafter. Playful, modern projects, which include pillows, aprons, and purses, help novices master sewing skills while providing immediate sewing gratification—and confidence. Best of all, Amy explains what’s easy, what’s hard, and when not to sweat the small stuff.

With its best-friend tone, solid reference section, and supercute projects, this is the introduction to sewing that you won’t want to be without.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Adult, How To, Quilting

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2007

Reviews

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for those that have just discovered the joy of sewing. It's filled with simple projects for beginners, and takes the pressure off following strict directions.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've checked this book out from the library about 4 times thinking it's either Amy Butler's In Stitches or Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing both of which have projects more geared toward someone like myself: Happily childfree. Pretty pictures, though, and some beautiful fabric options.

[DeerDominique]

I've yet to complete a project from the book, I bought the book for the kids hat pattern specifically. It is a well done book, the projects would be great for an actual novice.

[Darcie K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun ideas for beginning-to-intermediate sewers (seamstresses?). Some of the instructions were a little lacking--I had to figure out a few missing steps on my own--but I liked the variety of projects included.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing in here that really stands out as a "rule bender" idea. Also, the author aims to make her projects look home made, which is not the aesthetic I'm after.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love it. There are many beginning sewing books out there and this one misses the mark for me - but is likely fine for others. I think the step-by-step drawings were not helpful!!! Fabric selection was not cohesive, and some downright ugly (aprons on page 102), and some photos were such macro close-ups I felt vertiginous. The Dog Collar wouldn't work for any dog I know. The Cat Tuffet in a Basket and the velvet ribbon on the Charming Handbag were sweet but otherwise, there was nothing in here I was inspired by and would make.

[Rosemary Bagley · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you haven't sewn at all this book might show you haw to bend the rules, but if you've been sewing for years you've most likely figured out how to do it yourself.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cutesy Content.

[Jaimee]

So far, I've made the bibs, the charming handbag, the pleated beauty handbag, and the no-cash wallet.... and they've all been relatively easy and fun to do. Amy Karol has written this in a generally clear way (although the hand-drawn diagrams could sometimes be clearer) and the projects are fun to do.

I really like that everything takes only a little bit of time and fabric to accomplish- it really is encouraging to have finished projects to spur you onto trying something new. It's very satisfying to actually finish projects for once- and the small amounts of fabric needed make it easy to jump into the projects without a huge investment. It's very confidence-building, and I really have enjoyed myself. You should also check out the Flickr Bend The Rules Sewing group, too, for fabric ideas and to see a huge variety of things other readers have made.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I changed my review of this book after trying a few of the projects. The book is full of lovely photographs & cute fabrics & is written in a fun way. There are some great tips for a beginner (including not using vintage sheets for fabric, as they are fabric blends that will not press well). However, the project instructions are very unclear. Some of the measurements are incorrect, which could lead to a lot of frustration for a beginning sewer. The ideas are good as jumping off points, but honestly I've been more inspired by online tutorials. I think it's a cute book to have on hand, & definitely helped me to get into sewing, but it's much more of a conceptual book than a reference tool.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a total novice and this book was easy enough to understand, fun to read, and the patterns are very cute. I hate paper patterns so I appreciate that they aren't necessary for many of the projects. I do think that Aimee Ray's Doodle Stitching book does a better job at describing how to do some of the hand stitches, but the bottom line is that that kind of stuff is hard to describe and illustrate so it might be necessary to find a video on youtube. I see that some people felt like there were steps that were skipped or not described accurately for some of the projects. I haven't actually attempted any of them yet, but will edit if that's a problem. Overall, my favorite machine sewing book for beginners so far.

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Update. I worked on the tote bag all day today. I'm very dissapointed, not with the bag, but some of the directions and fabric measurements. The bag is really small. I didn't realize it was so small. The strap size is so thick compared to the bag. The book looks cute but the projects are just ok. I know It's bend your rules but the directions should be tweaked or other options should be given. I do plan on making the tote again but bigger and with same size straps.

I'm going to try a few projects next week. The ideas are ok. Not as artsy or creative as I would have liked. The sewing advice is good. I'm looking for the book that inspires. I'm definitely going to try the bags and gnome hat in the next few weeks!!

[Juliezs · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I was a brand-new to sewing person, this book would be absolutely perfect. I love her enthusiastic approach to spreading the word about how much fun sewing things for yourself, your family and home is. She admits that it probably isn't cheaper these days, but that it is still worth doing if you want to. All the basic info is in here, tools, basic seams and construction techniques, even some surface design ideas. There were a few ideas for handbags that I found to be useful and new to me, the rest was all stuff that I've made. But then I've been sewing for more than 30 years now! Sheesh!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great sewing book, this one focusing on accessories (and a couple of pieces of kids' clothing) for those who aren't interesting in sewing clothes just yet. Karol goes over some basics of sewing and fabric, and then jumps into her patterns. They include the clutch shown on the cover, some great tote bags, and several other projects for your home. All of them are very cute, and I really enjoyed the chatty style of the pattern descriptions. The patterns themselves are presented at the back of the book, with instructions for how much you'll need to enlarge them when you copy them. This is another one that I will definitely be getting or asking Santa for!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book on my radar for some time. I love the title and the idea of bending sewing rules and doing it differently. The photographs are lovely, the tone of writing friendly and approachable. The intro & basics section is thorough & helpful for beginners. There are no patterns which is rule bending of a sort and liberating for those allergic to patterns. The book is a bit of a let down in the instructive department with minimal written and as for the diagrams...I think they would endlessly confuse all but the experienced sewist. Maybe my rule bending expectations were too high. It is a nice sewing book, just fairly conventional IMO given the promise of the title.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still what I'd consider a novice sewer, and some of the projects in this book seem a little beyond my current skills. But the book itself is really well made and thought out, and the pictures of the finished projects are lovely. I've already made one of the "vintage" aprons, and the small quilt is up next (as soon as I get through the knitting project I've ignored all summer, that is). I do like the author's overall idea that sewing should be less structured and more creative. So while I'm not sure it's 100% appropriate for beginners, this is a good book for sewing inspiration.

[Holly Booms Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best, clearest, easiest book to get you sewing if you have never done it before, or you are rusty at it. It is a beginner's guide with tips and tricks about sewing machines, zippers, seams, interfacing, fabrics, threads, and sewing tools and terms. The tone is informal, there are lots of illustrations, and a ton of great simple projects (coasters, handbags, tote bags, makeup bags, kid's clothing, pillows, placemats, and much more) that will get you salivating to make gifts for yourself or others. I will buy this - and probably buy it as a gift too! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

[Jessie (saxgrl1) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I got when I bought my new sewing machine. I've done a few projects out of it (bib and soft turtle buddy). The pictures and ideas are great. Instructions are simple and easy for a return sewer. There are lots of helpful information at the beginning like supplies (with descriptions), fabric tips, sewing definitions and basic sewing techniques. There are a variety of projects that can fit most people's lives from bags to childrens wear to placemats to aprons. Definately worth a look.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good, simple introduction to the basics of sewing. I'm excited to try some of these projects once I get over my fear of my sewing machine, and in the meantime I may even sew some of the simpler ones by hand. My biggest problem with this book is that the projects are not photographed well - in many cases the one small photo doesn't even show the entire item. Also, the author's explanations of the steps involved to make each project seem sparse. I'll update my rating though, if necessary, after I try making a few things from the book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love cute craft books, however I rarely buy them or I'd have a houseful! What's great about this one is full of simple, attractive projects that even the sewing neophyte (like me, the perpetual sewing beginner) can complete. I did one easy project when I first got this book, then life got busy. I think it's high time that I tried another one, it's been a couple years since I flipped through the pages.

Amy Karol's voice throughout this book make going through the steps of each project a fun read.

[Aja Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

i wasn't aware of her blog before getting this book from the library, but i did at first assume it would be more about garments, so my perception of the book is a bit skewed. mostly i'm not that interested in many non-garment type sewing books unless i'm after something very specific, as i'm pretty ok at just winging bags, pillows, and the like, so nothing here was really out of my league, but i liked her low-key attitude to sewing which was nice to read in the midst of a lot of books that make it very serious. though, with a garment, you have more to lose i guess, so makes sense.

[Inder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVE Amy Karol - check out her blog, The Angry Chicken. There are some great ideas in this book. The only reason it's getting four stars from me rather than five is that I wish it went a little FURTHER ... it's a great book for beginners, but it just needs a few more challenging projects to keep the interest of those of us who have a little more skill and were hoping for full-on Amy Karol awesomeness.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and nicely designed--great photography and cute projects. I have just started sewing, and sometimes I'm not quite sure what she means and I have to figure it out--a little more explanation would be helpful. I made art smocks for my girls for Valentine's day using the little unfinished jacket pattern and they turned out wonderfully. I like that she encourages you to find your own sense of creativity to create your own style of sewing.

[Allanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS book is a book that makes me WANT to sew ... and makes me think that maybe I COULD manage to sew something without wanting to rip my eyeballs out.

I'm so glad that I found this at our local library. I'd been wanting to read it for AGES.

There are some cute sewing ideas, even for people who've been successfully sewing for years. And the directions are written with sweet humor and are so clear!

This sewing manual is my favorite so far. ^_^

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy has the most amazing way of helping you feel comfortable around a sewing machine. Her projects are simple but ever so charming and useful. This book is perfect for those of us (ahem!) that over think our craftiness and end up not making anything at all!

My plan is to work my way through each project and use the results either to keep or use as gifts. By the end I wshould be a pro! (That's not too much to take on is it? Sheesh.)

[Kelly Madewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really great. I amazed myself by starting and nearly finishing the "swing swing smock" in ONE evening. This would be my second project completed since the drawstring bag I made in seventh grade home economics. I would have finished it last night, but my bobbin ran out of thread and I have to call someone to remember how to put more on. Liz!

This book is also why I have not been reading. I've been sewing!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of basic sewing tips (yes, even I learned something from them and I don't normally peruse those parts of the sewing books) and projects. Cute pillows, placemats, bags, aprons and yes, blankets. Once again I am hampered by my lack-of-time problem.

Bend-the-rules Sewing

[Heidi]

I really wanted to be more impressed with this book than I was. I picked it up for the bib pattern, but it's not like it's a new and exciting pattern that no one else has done before. She does have some good ideas, and I like that she works from very minimal patterns, but I pretty much improvise everything anyway, so this book didn't hold any revelations for me.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I love Amy Karol's blog, Angry Chicken. And as I embark on my sewing journey, her book has been inspiring and I have even started a project with the help of her book. Her directions are clear and easy to understand. And her style is lovely.
Highly recommend this book if you are beginning sewing or even a seasoned sewer. She has fun projects and ideas to inspire all!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love amy karol and i love the projects in this book - can't wait to get a sewing machine and actually make some!
update - have a sewing machine and have made the bibs from the book - pretty easy but had to photopy her pattern and enlarge it. and haven't yet added the snaps. have all of the ingredients for the zip pouch and a purse or two, so i'm gonna get on that soon!