Threads Sewing Guide: A Complete Reference from America's Best-Loved Sewing Magazine

by Threads, Carol Fresia

Readers who love to sew – especially those who know Threads magazine – will have to have this definitive sewing encyclopedia. An incomparable collection of the best sewing information available, this book promises to explain, with trademark thoroughness, the full range of garment sewing techniques. It covers all the bases for anyone who delights in sewing: tools (from sewing machines and sergers to pins and needles); materials (fabrics and threads of all kinds); basic sewing (from seams and seam finishes to hand-sewn stitches); garment construction (top to bottom, inside and out); tailoring techniques (for a professional look); even lingerie techniques, pressing tips, embellishments, and much, much more. Without a doubt, this is the complete sewing answer book.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

376 pages, Hardcover

First published April 19, 2011

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I’ve been sewing for years, it’s never too late to learn some new techniques. This book is a thorough guide to many of the large and fine details pertaining to sewing that I wish I’d found a few years ago.
Loads of photos help explain the finer aspects of the craft, from knowing more about your sewing machine needles and equipment to fitting techniques, tailoring and couture, working with specialty fabrics, and so much more. Well written and superbly organized. Excellent reference. I will be looking for a copy to add to my sewing references at home.

[Eva Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated sewing reference book. All the tips and techniques from Threads in one place. I love it because it shows both the simple techniques, as well couture stuff, in a simple understandable way. I love this book and always find new inspiration how to improve my sewing skills.

[Oakie Dokie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book was published in 2011, the stylistic choices for both the information given and the overall layout of the book felt much more 1940s based. I don’t know if this makes sense but this book felt very pretentious. Also, it was filled with common sense info I fear.

Yes, there were some helpful tips but overall it felt as if a quilter wrote it compared to other sewing artists' types of style. Sometimes the explanations made me confused on things I definitely already knew how to do.

If you have ever watched #GIRLBOSS on Netflix (the original founder of Nasty Gal’s story), it felt like tissue paper Gail wrote this book. (is this too niche?) Overall, as someone who knows how to sew already I would say this is good for beginners along with another source to confirm.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of information about garment construction.

[Melissa Ennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even thought I've been sewing since age 7, I learned some new tricks and techniques. Got this from the Arlington County Library, but I'd love to own it.

[Victoria Marcoux · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the best sewing reference book I've found. you will learn lots of new techniques, and is the perfect addition to every sewing room

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book. I got it because I'm slowly getting into cosplay and needed a good foundation. This will definitely help, though the organization can get a bit wonky.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference for sewing!

[Jane Dugger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A keeper. Great reference book.

[Rebecca Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a longtime fan of Threads magazine, but it's a pain to go hunting through back issues looking for a specific technique from a year ago that would be perfect for my current project. This book is a collection of many of those beyond-the-basics techniques for creating professionally finished clothing that you'll be proud to wear. Clear instructions and photographs make this a terrific reference for ambitious beginners as well as more advanced garment makers.

One peeve, though -- the binding glue is crap! This book started to fall apart before I was halfway finished reading it, with whole chunks of pages separating from the binding and literally falling out of the book. Luckily I was able to get the book spiral bound at my local FedEx Office store for about $7.