Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing Hardcover – 1 Jan. 1981

I first started sewing when I was 4, but have recently started to be a little more adventurous when it comes to making clothes. I purchased the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlework after my grandmother borrowed it to me and have always been a big fan of that. I was looking for a book for reference and ideas and since I was so happy with the Complete Guide to Needlework I decided to get this. I must say I am extremely impressed by the size of the book and the information supplied in the book. The book is massive, very thick with a lot of information in it. Bear in mind it was printed in 1978 with a reprint being done in 1985, so the photos are pretty vintage looking. Despite this, the book is still incredibly relevant. There is a ton of reference material in relation to assembly of the fabrics (ie weave, knit etc), threads, needles, sewing machine feet, misc sewing tools, fastenings, and so much more! There is a detailed explanation of how a sewing machine works along with the internal parts of the machine you are unlikely to ever see. The bulk of the book is about construction of garments, how to read and make patterns, along with various types of pleats, darts, sleeves, pockets, and again so much more! There are illustrations on different garment styles (ie different types of dresses / skirts etc) along with a lot of written information about illustration. There is a lot of written information about patterns and assembly. The book very much starts assuming you know nothing about sewing. Even having sewn as long as I have, there was still a lot of information in there I had never come across and had never done myself. This is not really meant for someone looking to make household items, quilts, bags, etc. While there is a lot of useful and relevant information in this book that would relate to such things, it is far more relevant to sewing garments. There are better books out there about quilting and other misc sewing that would have the same information at the beginning about the fabrics, machines, tools, etc but would not be primarily about garment making. I think this book is ideal for a beginner or someone who has years of experience. I have found it to be the perfect reference material for garment sewing and would highly recommend for reference or to learn about garment sewing. I love this book and have already used it so many times in just a few short weeks.

I bought this for my sister who’s just started sewing lessons. Having had a number of RD publications before I was pretty sure it’d be a good choice, but my sister was blown away by its content and quality. It quite literally has everything you need to know.Can’t recommend it highly enough

Very pleased with this book, for its contents and its condition. It's an in depth guide that I believe will serve me for years to come and bearing in mind it's just shy of 30 years old I think it's in fabulous condition.I ordered this on the 25 March and received it today, 30 March so no complaints about the vendor either

Brilliant book, really good source of knowledge, even though I’m a costume maker and do this for a living but still found it interesting and very useful.

This book was ordered from Thrift books via Amazon. It took 2months to arrive. Reassured by Thrift I waited patiently. Well Worth the wait.Readers Digest books never fail to please. Book is full of sewing guidelines. Easy to follow. With projects to tackle cannot wait to get going!

This was an excellent book for its year. Some useful tips. Took rather a long time to deliver though.

Best sewing book on the planet, seriously! These older editions (ones with the scissors, pincushion, bobbins etc on the cover) have a lot more practical info (plus patterns) than the newer editions.

LOVE this book!! My 98 year Nan recommended it as she had it years ago...so much information!