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New Complete Guide to Sewing
Completely revised and updated, this ultimate sewing resource, originally published in 1976, provides an abundance of instructions, projects, full-color illustrations, and diagrams for making a vast array of clothes and home accessories, accompanied by fabric-width conversion and fabric-care charts.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1972
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1,228 people want to read
About the author
Reader's Digest Association
3,543Ìýbooks474ÌýfollowersThe 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 has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 26, 2015
Awesome! Really good for beginners in sewing, with clearly-illustrated diagrams and detailed instructions. I liked that it was well-organised, professional and easy-to-digest. A really neat book and the only one you'll need to follow (better to take my words with a pinch of salt and combine this with online resources) to get to a beginner-intermediate level where you can actually engage in your own projects.
March 20, 2010
This is an updated version of the earlier Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. Things are rearranged, updated, new information added, and all new illustrations. Although this is a good book, I still prefer the older version!
January 1, 2012
This book was recommended to me by an amazing sewer. It is a good reference book for anyone interested in sewing. The publisher lists it as an ultimate stitch and seam reference book. The photos give a clear understanding of what the stitch/seam is supposed to look like and the steps to get there. In addition there are 20 projects that can be made from this book. The projects include-trousers, traditional curtains, a light summer dress, kid's clothes, a beach towel, patchwork bag.
What I liked also in this book were the number of photographs and diagrams showing the stages for the sewing process. I am still learning how to sew so I need as much help as I can when it comes to setting up the pattern and also how to choose the right fabric, how to choose the right pattern size, pattern details that will also help with the fit.
What I liked also in this book were the number of photographs and diagrams showing the stages for the sewing process. I am still learning how to sew so I need as much help as I can when it comes to setting up the pattern and also how to choose the right fabric, how to choose the right pattern size, pattern details that will also help with the fit.
July 21, 2017
Unbelievable! What a resource! I borrowed this book, but I'm going to have to buy a copy to have on hand. One of the best sewing books I've come across, especially for making garments. Definitely a good book to have!
January 20, 2008
My sewing instructor recommended this book. As a beginner I can see that it has a TON of info in it and has just about everything you need to finish a project; but it is a bit overwhelming as well.
January 25, 2008
This is the best book every on sewing for beginnings through advanced. Good for all levels of sewing.
August 1, 2017
I felt a little geeky, but I read this book cover to cover. So much information that will prove useful as I work to improve my sewing. I'll keep it right by my sewing table!
March 26, 2022
Very informative and user-friendly. Like �
April 27, 2018
I bought this book ages ago when I decided to start sewing - and I am still glad I bought it. I am still not an advanced sewist and they are lots of techniques I keep on going back to for explanation. Very good help when you get stuck trying to follow a pattern and not sure about the explanations.
April 28, 2019
Must have book for all that want to sew. This book covers EVERYTHING you may need, when it comes to sewing.
October 2, 2020
Good reference guide.
March 12, 2024
Comprehensive and very helpful!
July 15, 2017
If you are beginning, intermediate or an expert in sewing, of all forms, get this book. This has literally e verything you need. Each chapter has an "assignment" and will show you how to make. This is by far the best book of sewing I have ever bought, read and own. Youtube videos CANNOT compare at all.
They are probably the worst way to learn sewing, because once you start bad habits, they are hard to break. This book is easy to follow. BUY THIS BOOK.
They are probably the worst way to learn sewing, because once you start bad habits, they are hard to break. This book is easy to follow. BUY THIS BOOK.
April 2, 2009
This is what I've been looking for! Complete tailoring instructions in an easy to find indexed format. Skills grouped together, but easy to cross-reference and look up. It even had a section on how children's and men's tailoring differes from women tailoring. Extensive explanations of fitting and sizing also were present along with many of the shortcuts that I had found especially useful in Nancy Zieman's book. I definitely want this one as a reference in my personal library. I read the 1995 edition, and there are a few newer than that, but as long as they keep this layout-I'm there! There was even a pretty complete section on home decorating, although not quite as detailed as the "Sewing bible". This gives me much more confidence to start designing my own stuff that will fit *me*...and my children.
ETA: I read the older edition and bought the newest edition. They completely took out the chapter on children's and men's sewing and they seriously cut a huge portion of the home sewing chapter. Bummer. That was the one I needed. oh well, I just checked the old edition back out from the library so I could sew some living room drapes.
ETA: I read the older edition and bought the newest edition. They completely took out the chapter on children's and men's sewing and they seriously cut a huge portion of the home sewing chapter. Bummer. That was the one I needed. oh well, I just checked the old edition back out from the library so I could sew some living room drapes.
August 28, 2008
This is the definitive all around sewing resource book. If you are learning how to sew and are wondering which complete sewing book to buy, get this one. The instructions are clear and the illustrations actually make sense. I am constantly pulling this out when I am working on a new technique or old ones that I need to brush up on.
April 23, 2009
This book is sort of useful as a reference, I guess... It has a section on seam construction that I refer to a lot. But somehow I never use anything other than unfinished (pinked) or french seams anyway. If you are planning to do strictly home dec sewing then it this book is probably all you need. If you are making clothes, just get some other book that goes into more detail.
January 29, 2012
Invaluable information.. The illustrations are good, but not compelling, and the projects are a little ho hum, but it's a must-have book because it covers everything you might come across while puzzling through almost any sewing project, and it's pretty easy to find a solution even if you don't know what you're looking for or what the necessary techniques are called.
January 12, 2015
I bought this book after a lady I took sewing classes off of had an older version. This book is great! It has some really good detail and is fairly easy to follow. A must have book for all those seamstresses out there. It's one of those books that you will continuously read just because it's such a wonderful reference book for all things sewing.
August 8, 2008
Way back when I was learning to sew, this was the required book for the class. Of course, this was a couple of editions ago but the guide is essential. I still reference this book when to mentally refresh on a technique I don't usually do.
July 11, 2012
The 2002 edition lacks instructions on how to sew invisible zippers, despite 5 references to them in the index. A glaring omission for a basic sewing book.
(The 1976 edition does have diagrams and instructions for invisible zippers; not sure about other editions between 1976-2002.)
(The 1976 edition does have diagrams and instructions for invisible zippers; not sure about other editions between 1976-2002.)
February 28, 2013
AWESOME book. I reference it daily! Hands-down the best book I've seen if you want to dive into garment sewing... like I wanted to:) But they also show some home decor techniques -- i.e., pillows and curtains. Admittedly, those patterns might need a little altering. They're (adorably) dated.
May 19, 2008
Really, really great information!
March 5, 2008
the best.
June 20, 2008
Best textbook from college - lots of photos and instructions for anyone who wants some help learning to sew or trying a new technique.
August 20, 2008
My go-to guide whenever I run into a sewing problem or need to master a new skill.
December 30, 2008
A must buy, borrow, or steal book.
May 23, 2009
This book is my go-to for all things sewing. If you sew, you must own it.
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December 23, 2009New Complete Guide to Sewing (Readers Digest) by Editors of Reader's Digest (2002)
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February 24, 2015New Complete Guide to Sewing (Readers Digest) by Editors of Reader's Digest (2002)
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December 2, 2010New Complete Guide to Sewing (Readers Digest) by Editors of Reader's Digest (2002)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
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