This is a very good beginner sewing book
929095
This is a very good beginner sewing book. I borrowed this book when I start to learn sewing & bought the book (UK version) from Amazon after that, cause I love this book so much. Kate really walks through the reader to the basics of using sewing machine, it helped me a lot. And the way she explained in her book is simple but informative. I really recommend this book as a gift for new sewist, I know I'd really appreciate it if someone give this to me. :)
2150381
I have been learning how to make my own clothes. I am just now branching into trying to sew with knits which I knew would be more challenging, so I purchased this book to help me along. This book is very well illustrated with nice quality color photos that take you through the steps of different sewing techniques such as selecting your fabric, selecting your pattern,  and preparing your fabric and pattern. It takes you shows you how to use interfacing and elastic, which needles and threads to use, how to lay out and cut your pattern, and shows you how to do basic sewing techniques.

This is not a pattern book. It's is a techniques book that teaches you how to sew knits the right way. It's a great book to have in the library even though it is an older book. I paid $4.99 for it and I think I more than got my money's worth out of it.
4953572
This book is an easy read & lays out the basic tools you need. There's nothing fancy, it really brings it to the basics. For the novice, you learn about the sewing machine & the accessories you will be using. The chapters are clearly labeled so you can turn to exactly what you need at the time. It's easy to understand & layed out well. I'm not a person that sews so if I can understand it, I think probably most anybody can. It explains the best kind of fabrics to work with & why. It's also bound in a spiral, so if you're like me, you can open to the chapter you need while you are working on your project & it will lay flat. It's easy to read & a great investment of money & time for me.
3561953
A Great Book with good collection of projects. The projects are apt for the beginners and there are bunch of wonderful projects, sewing ideas. Even the unused or old shirts could be transformed to useful skirts. The ideas are really great & I loved it.
2408166
I bought this book to give myself practice with following patterns and learning how to use my sewing machine. I've only been sewing for a few weeks now so I'm still in the beginner stage but this book has helped me learn a lot, such as how to follow patterns, how to use zigzag stitch, when needles need to be changed if you're using a different fabric, and many more. I have an American Girl doll that's been sitting in my closet since I felt that I was too old to play with dolls but I'm happy to be making little pants and shirts to dress it in. It's very rewarding seeing results of my work and the clothes are very cute.

So far I've made some pants and a long sleeve shirt, I ironed on a felt patch and it looks great. I'm very glad I bought this book!
3563627
Overall, this book is very good, which covers many areas in detail, and it is very useful for a beginner.
2246912
I started out sewing almost exactly one year ago knowing zilch about sewing machines or sewing.  I have taken three classes in sewing over this year and have made two pajama pants, one blouse, some wash cloths and now I'm working on a dress.  All of the things I made so far, minus the wash cloths, were kind of complicated for a first timer because they required so many steps of learning to read a pattern, and using a pattern, and placing the pattern and then too many seams to sew and finish.

I wish I had had this book one year ago.  After my first class on how to use my sewing machine, this would have been a great place to start making stuff for five reasons:

1.  This book does not emphasize perfection at all, and even celebrates flaws.  The writing and the projects are completely unfussy. The photos of the finished project have imperfect lines making them charming, and this really takes the pressure off of having to have everything come out perfectly.

2.  The projects are very simple to sew as it doesn't emphasize finishing the armholes, seams or hems.  I know some people think this is a flaw in the book, but I personally think that a beginner could start with these projects and then work up to those skills later on.  In this way, the beginner can have finished garments to show off without having to do so many steps to see the reward.

3.  The book is laid out very logically. I liked the 5 basic designs in the beginning of the book and also how all the projects start with one of these three designs.

4.  It emphasizes up-cycling and other frugal methods.  No need to spend big money on these projects.  Many can be made with clothes you already have, clothes you find at the thrift shop, or inexpensive fabrics at the fabric store.  A small investment for beginners is probably best because there will be lots of mess ups.

5.  The book goes easy on the jargon.  No mention of things like "armscye" or lengthy instructions that might cause a beginner to scratch her head.  Just plain English in simple short sentences.  Good drawings to accompany the directions.

Some more difficult things are glossed over, such as how to sew on sleeves.  The first time I sewed one on, it took me 3 hours and that was with the help of a sewing teacher!  I was going to take off one star for this but I still love the book anyway, so I can't do it.

I got this book at my local library and I think I'm going to purchase it!
3629876
Bought this for my daughter in law as she is showing an interest in learning how to sew.  It is basic but a very nice book for the beginner.
1399543
Absolutely wonderful guide for an 8 year old and her grandmother who has no sewing skills.  She can read it and understand it.  The patterns included are just right for a beginner.  The little "cheats" (such as finishing edge before sewing pieces together) are what keep her interested and reduce her frustration.  She has plenty of time to learn the proper technique.  This book will foster a love for sewing!
3761850
This is a great book for beginners (like myself) who have already mastered the garter stitch. The projects for the bags are very clear. Being a beginner though some of the abbreviations can be confusing, but they are very easy to figure out once you look at them again. You can always look up what the mean online or in another knitting book.
3328314
I bought this for my son who is learning to sew. It's not just dressmaking and since he wants to be a designer, it's a good book. I really suggest it if you are new to sewing, and know how to use your machine. If you have never, ever sewn a thing before, ever, a class would be helpful to start with, but it is a book that a rank beginner can use, along with that class to really up their game and go to advanced beginner. Even as an experienced sewist, I found a dress in there and a project that is easy, but I never puzzled out before, but now want, a headband. I know, a headband sounds silly, but how much elastic, where?  Which fabric? Something useful in this book for recent learner to intermediate and some of the outfits are great, especially for the vertically challenged. Being short, and Tilly is petite, I can envision myself in everything.
3684919
I really love this book.  It has expanded my knowledge on sewing and it has helped me become a little more creative.  It is very easy to understand and I highly recommend it.
1411747
This book contains 35 stitches that are different and not included in many stitch dictionaries. It's very reasonably priced and I only give it 4 stars instead of 5 because it doesn't have stitch charts which I really like having along with written instructions.
Definitely a nice book to have when you're tired of the basic stitches. Susan P.
3724582
I have this book with the sewing title and I love it so I bought it in the ribbon crafts and it's great! Its great for beginners! Would highly recommend!
630788
I am new to sewing and found patterns had to read because I just didn't understand the terms and how to do a lot of different types of techniques. I checked out this book from the library and I have found it EXTREMELY helpful! This is a great reference book. Because I enjoy the book so much, I will be buying it. There are lots of pictures and clear illustrations. I would recommend this to anyone who is new to sewing and may not be able to afford to take sewing classes.
292955
Really good beginners book. A lot of time is spent on the basics and many clear color phototgraphs detailing specific stitches.  Very good book if you're interested in Mountmellick embroidery.  There are many pattern outlines in the back of the book so creating a project of your very own is easy
1503318
If you are like me, and have a sewing machine that you were given and have always wanted to try, but were afraid to, this book will really help you get up your courage and want to try it.  I agree that the styles they suggest are outdated, but the techniques are so numerous and the directions so thorough that for the timid beginner like me, this is a great book to start with.  It's almost a "Sewing for Dummies" but with a much more positive, upbeat attitude.
Also included in the book is a section on tools, and notions, which again, for a beginner is SO helpful.  It tells you which ones are worthwhile and you should consider buying and which ones are less so.
And to top it all off there's a coupon in the back to send for a free pattern (of your choice!) to help you get started.  For the price, I think it's fantastic.