Hand Sewing Clothing: A Guide

by Louisa Owen Sonstroem

An independently published, handbound book meant to help sewists understand how to make their own clothing, and become comfortable and confident in how to use hand-sewing techniques to do so.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book for anyone wanting to hand sew clothes and other items. The book is full of encouragement and charming hand-drawn sketches which make it very accessible. It is suitable for a complete beginner hand-sewer and would enable you to translate any sewing pattern written for a machine, however it is not a complete guide to clothes making.

There are a number of very interesting essays on hand sewing. Then a description of the tools needed to sew clothes by hand and a lot of information on thimbles, with tips on how to make hand sewing clothing easier. Next are stitches, seams, hems and other skills (including a table of stitch properties!). Then there is an outline for the process of hand sewing a garment and a number of examples of the authors own projects, including the stitches and seams used, which provide a lot of inspiration. Lastly, tips on increasing speed and efficiency when hand sewing and how to keep learning.

Using this book I've been able to sew several items, including a t-shirt and a fairly complicated skirt, easily and quite quickly (hand sewing isn't as slow as you might expect). I love reading this book and am looking forward to making many more garments.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a joy to read! (Way) Back in 1982, I was required to complete a semester of sewing for home economics (a requirement for every student in our district). What I discovered was my dislike for a sewing machine. I cross stitched a project, crocheted another, and then was out of options. One project must be sewn. I did a three tier gathered skirt, so was able to baste those layers on the bus. But the rest... I got to do on a machine. It put me off sewing altogether.
Until now! Thank you Louisa Owen Sonstroem! I'm so excited to get warmed up with some small projects & then get started on a linen top, and I feel so free!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!

[Trefoil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good for reference and beginners to hand sewing.

[Elizabeth Veillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a useful companion for hand sewing! Great illustrations, stories, and how to's. A nice, slow way to translate machine sewing.