Teach Yourself Visually: Sewing

by Debbie Colgrove

If you're tired of items that just fit so-so—sew, sew! This guide will have you expressing your personal in no time. You'll learn the basics of hand sewing and sewing with a machine and get detailed information about tools and fabrics. From there, you'll progress to sewing seams, darts, facings, zippers, fasteners, and more. You'll learn to use patterns and try your hand (and your sewing machine) on warm-up projects like a tote bag or a baby receiving blanket. Then it's on to more creative designs like a stylish messenger bag and fun, flanged pillow shams. If you learn by seeing and doing and want to create chic, unique accessories and home décor, this book is a perfect fit! Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[C.D. Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros: This book is presented exactly the way the title reads: “Teach yourself visually sewing”. Many representational photos are added to convey the bulk of the idea presented. I only wish the photos and execution points explained more detail about how one should approach each point. For example, explaining why one aspect might be favored over another; which methods are considered best practices; and like the popular “add title for dummies” instructional series, bomb points, that should be avoided at all costs. However, in all fairness, I do believe attempting to convey animated sewing concepts graphically must be extremely difficult. Usually, one will learn via a master’s demonstration. And then, the apprentice sets out to duplicate what they've witnessed. With this thought in mind, I believe the author does a great job of introducing very general sewing basics.

Cons: This book is really created for the Genuine Newb’. If you are not a fledgling sewist, you might not reap the full benefits of the author’s intended audience. The book does a great job introducing basic seams, button-holes, fabrics, etc., and even strays into fitting concepts like easing and darts. However, it never truly jumps in regarding construction theory and or application. With this said, if you fit this Genuine Newb mold, by all means get this book. However, if you already possess a reasonable foundation around sewing in general, I’d recommend finding something with a little more tooth. – Pun intended.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for a beginning sewer because it shows you close-up photographs of real sewing machines, sewing techniques, sewing projects, etc. The photographs provide much more valuable visual information than simple black-and-white illustrations typically found in beginning sewing books.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for beginning sewing. Great photos to teach yourself and use for reference. I like using this book with sewing students.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library and learned so much in so little time.