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· 414 ratings · 36 reviews

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Apr 23, 2018 Sam rated it really liked it

This is a detailed guide covering all aspects of sewing from the basics of hand stitching and machine maintenance to the complexities of tailoring. The instructions are clear and easy to follow with good supporting illustrations and photos that add clarity where it is needed. Granted some of the projects may be a little dated but then this adds to its charm and gives you a chance to re-establish some of the more traditional approaches to life. I may not ever be able to make use of all of the tec This is a detailed guide covering all aspects of sewing from the basics of hand stitching and machine maintenance to the complexities of tailoring. The instructions are clear and easy to follow with good supporting illustrations and photos that add clarity where it is needed. Granted some of the projects may be a little dated but then this adds to its charm and gives you a chance to re-establish some of the more traditional approaches to life. I may not ever be able to make use of all of the techniques covered this has still earned a permanent place beside my sewing machine. ...more

I first got this book as gift in the late 80s as a gift so that I could learn to sew without the grade pressure of Home Ec. I whipped up denim shorts by following the techniques that were explained in text and drawings. My second project was a 2-piece ball gown that turned out great. I still look up things when patterns don't explain sufficiently. This book taught me all of the needed hand stitching and basic machine work including winding bobbins on my original mechanical machine. I first got this book as gift in the late 80s as a gift so that I could learn to sew without the grade pressure of Home Ec. I whipped up denim shorts by following the techniques that were explained in text and drawings. My second project was a 2-piece ball gown that turned out great. I still look up things when patterns don't explain sufficiently. This book taught me all of the needed hand stitching and basic machine work including winding bobbins on my original mechanical machine. ...more

indispensible. what your grandmother who was a dressmaker would have taught you if it weren't for urbanization and you living in the big city 500 miles away. indispensible. what your grandmother who was a dressmaker would have taught you if it weren't for urbanization and you living in the big city 500 miles away. ...more

Initially a friend was nice enough to copy a few pages so I could figure out how to set up a sewing machine I found in the dump. Since then, and several machines later, I found a copy and now use it whenever I sew.

I say "sew" loosely... I have managed to make curtains, but while I ignore all the great lessons and techniques the book contains, it remains my bible for figuring out what I need to get the job done,however roughly, from curtains to a new seat cover for the snowmobile.

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Jun 02, 2008 jen rated it it was amazing

Most definitely the best sewing book around, and, in my opinion, this is the best edition. It literally tells you everything you could want to know about sewing and has amazing step by step drawings to guide you through. Pretty much everything I know about sewing that I didn't learn from my mom, I learned from this book. Yes!!! Most definitely the best sewing book around, and, in my opinion, this is the best edition. It literally tells you everything you could want to know about sewing and has amazing step by step drawings to guide you through. Pretty much everything I know about sewing that I didn't learn from my mom, I learned from this book. Yes!!! ...more

Nov 10, 2008 Renee rated it really liked it

I particularly like this edition because it includes a section on home decor.

I learned how to sew reading this book. While the newer additions include less on tailoring and hand stitches, this book is still exceptional. It covers everything from pattern and fabric selection, cutting out and construction from beginning to end.

Jan 13, 2009 Jessicakes rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: people who sew

Recommended to Jessicakes by: Heather Shope

I have a 1976 edition of this book. I am always baffled by the little tricks that my mother and grandmother just know about sewing, that I've had to learn by trial-and-error. Heather gave me this book for Christmas, and trial and error no more. My favorite section is the section on tailoring...because tailoring scares me. I have a 1976 edition of this book. I am always baffled by the little tricks that my mother and grandmother just know about sewing, that I've had to learn by trial-and-error. Heather gave me this book for Christmas, and trial and error no more. My favorite section is the section on tailoring...because tailoring scares me. ...more

Apr 02, 2008 Tristain rated it it was amazing

The datedness that this book has only adds to how fantastic it is. All the pictures are of vintage clothing so it is very inspiring. Because it is made by Reader's Digest, it's simple enough for anybody to use. The datedness that this book has only adds to how fantastic it is. All the pictures are of vintage clothing so it is very inspiring. Because it is made by Reader's Digest, it's simple enough for anybody to use. ...more

If you need a reference guide for sewing, this is it.

May 26, 2021 Missy rated it it was amazing

Originally published in 1976. I purchased this book at a garage sale for $.50 back around 1992 when I was about 28 years old. This is when I learned how to sew, and this book taught me absolutely everything I needed to know.

This reference book is my go to for all clothing construction. Now that Cosplay costume construction is an additional hobby for me, the section on puffed, or flowing sleeves is extremely helpful. Great in 1980 and great in 2020.

Jul 04, 2020 Sara rated it really liked it

Everything a sewer needs, and then some: excellent reference.

Amazing. It's wonderfully illustrated and fantastically organized. Covers techniques both basic and advanced. Makes me free to give away some of my newer sewing books as this covers everything they do and does it better. I picked it up because I remember a sewing blogger saying it was one of her favorites - when I read that comment I was dubious but after reading it I understand her. I like the tone of the writing too - not too chummy. This is a keeper! Amazing. It's wonderfully illustrated and fantastically organized. Covers techniques both basic and advanced. Makes me free to give away some of my newer sewing books as this covers everything they do and does it better. I picked it up because I remember a sewing blogger saying it was one of her favorites - when I read that comment I was dubious but after reading it I understand her. I like the tone of the writing too - not too chummy. This is a keeper! ...more

Dec 07, 2007 Julie rated it really liked it

I checked this book out of the library and it was amazingly helpful. I was able to improvise a collar (on a pattern without one) based on the pictures in this book. (I wish I could mark this as both "read" and "to-read", because I can't say that I've read the whole thing!) I highly recommend it to anyone learning to sew. I checked this book out of the library and it was amazingly helpful. I was able to improvise a collar (on a pattern without one) based on the pictures in this book. (I wish I could mark this as both "read" and "to-read", because I can't say that I've read the whole thing!) I highly recommend it to anyone learning to sew. ...more

Mar 06, 2011 Victoria rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Any amateur sewer!

Absolutely brilliant book. It is extremely comprehensive and easy to understand. It is an absolute life-saver. Every time I look at it, I find a new piece of useful information. Some of the designs are amusing because they are so old fashioned but fashions change and the information in the book is still excellent.

This is the best reference for sewing I have seen so far. It has detailed instructions for everything you ever encounter in sewing with diagrams. Much better instructions than you find on the pattern and easier to follow. Especially good for zippers and pockets.

Sep 07, 2009 Cat Rennolds rated it really liked it

So far, so good. The 70s home decorating in the back is hilarious...but solid in construction terms.

This is a very useful comprehensive book, clear and easy to understand with good illustrations.

There is a darning needle in the Equipment section. There are no instructions for darning.

Jan 07, 2010 Dilara rated it it was amazing

Everything you will need to know about sewing...ever! The copy I read wa printed in the 70s but almost all of the information is still relevant. If you want to learn to sew, get this book and keep it near your sewing table!

Mar 06, 2011 Emilyadamc rated it it was amazing

Love this book. It so helpful through every stage of sewing, whether beginner or expert. I constantly refer to this book when I am trying a new technique or pattern. I love the old 70s decor in the back too. It is one of those books that older is better :)

Mar 04, 2012 Sandra rated it really liked it

I understand there is a newer version (this is copyright 1976). For my purposes, this is strictly reference and covers everything I know, should know and once knew. I have other resources for specialty items and supplies.

Nov 13, 2007 Erika Mulvenna rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Sewers

Great sewing book! Easy to understand illustrations and instructions, and a ton of great topics. Good book for any sewer to have on hand.

Jan 20, 2008 Kathleen rated it it was amazing

Much better than the Singer Guide to Sewing--detailed illustrations as well as photographs. Costs around 35.00 however.

This is an excellent resource for sewing. I am interested in the newer edition. The 70's just weren't my thing. :) I hope it is as good. This is an excellent resource for sewing. I am interested in the newer edition. The 70's just weren't my thing. :) I hope it is as good. ...more

Oct 16, 2008 Laura rated it really liked it

Great resource. Have had it for years, some updating might be needed. Useful as a guide to teach self or others sewing skills, but nothing beats actually practicing!

Aug 16, 2009 Jenny rated it it was amazing

Lots of skinny bitches in this book, but the principles hold and everything is wonderfully illustrated.

A good book on general sewing. Covers a lot of ground and though somewhat dated, most of the techniques are still valid.

May 09, 2013 MaLora Ann rated it it was amazing

I love this book from the 70's and would suggest it for anyone who sews! Great pictures and simple clear instructions! I love this book from the 70's and would suggest it for anyone who sews! Great pictures and simple clear instructions! ...more

the older editions of this book are awesome -- lots of info on tailoring, which has unfortunately been removed from more recent versions.

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global media and direct marketing company based in Chappaqua, New York, best known for its flagship publication founded in 1922, Reader's Digest. The company's headquarters are in New York City, where it moved from Pleasantville, New York.

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.

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