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8 Best Sewing Books For Beginners -2024 Update
Are you searching for the top sewing books for beginners? There are two main categories of beginner sewing books. The first category includes publications that teach you the fundamentals of using a sewing machine, such as setting it up, threading it, and stitching. The second category comprises books that guide you through simple sewing projects.
If you have never used a sewing machine before and are unsure where to begin, I recommend getting a book that instructs you on using your machine. Once you understand how to set up a sewing machine and perform basic stitching, you’ll be ready for more challenging sewing projects. Beginner sewing books typically fall into one of these two categories.
I have selected the 8 best sewing books to help you embark on a successful sewing journey!
Our Top Picks For The Best Sewing Books For Beginners
- Best Overall: Sewing 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques (jump to review)
- Best for Quiltmaking: First-Time Quiltmaking (jump to review)
- Best for Projects: Sewing Basics: Simple Techniques and Projects for First-Time Sewers (jump to review)
- Best for Kids: Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing (jump to review)
- Best for Dressmaking: The Beginners Guide to Dressmaking (jump to review)
- Best for Fashion Design: How To Start Sewing: The How and Why of Sewing for Fashion Design (jump to review)
- Best for Embroidery: Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to more than 200 Stitches (jump to review)
- Best for Jeans: Sewing Jeans: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide (jump to review)
Detailed Reviews Of The Best Sewing Books for Beginners
Best Overall: Sewing 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques
"Sewing 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques" is the ultimate guide for beginners, providing a detailed dictionary, sewing tips, and step-by-step pictures to ensure success. Tailored for those with little or no prior knowledge, it covers everything from threading the machine to intricate tasks like following patterns and inserting zippers. You'll not only learn essential skills but also become well-versed in common sewing terms. This beginner-friendly book teaches each method through the construction of real projects, making it the perfect companion to kickstart your sewing journey. Dust off that sewing machine and start crafting with confidence!
- Good information for project designs
- Easy to understand
- Does not have actual patterns
Best for Quiltmaking: First-Time Quiltmaking
"First-Time Quiltmaking" is an ideal guide for beginners in quilting classes and craft classes for those venturing into quilt-making for the first time. With an illustrated guide on techniques, tools, and fabrics, this book simplifies the quilting process, making it accessible for newcomers. Featuring six courses that cover the basics of sewing to creating a first quilt, the book includes seven easy projects with step-by-step diagrams, pictures, and directions. It's a comprehensive resource for novices to practice and develop their quilting skills.
- Step-by-step instructions
- Good quality colored pictures
- Pre-cuts are not available
Best for Projects: Sewing Basics: Simple Techniques and Projects for First-Time Sewers
"Sewing Basics: Simple Techniques and Projects for First-Time Sewers" is your perfect guide to overcoming the initial intimidation of learning to sew. Whether you're new to a sewing machine or threading a needle, "Sew Me" provides a welcoming approach. The author starts with the basics, explaining sewing techniques, shortcuts, and guiding you in selecting your first sewing machine. With short projects for each new skill, from sewing seams to binding edges, you'll soon gain confidence in making brand-new clothes and performing repairs. The simple-to-follow instructions make sewing an enjoyable and approachable skill to acquire.
- Simple projects
- Good information on the basics
- No patterns included
Best for Kids: Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing
"Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing" is tailor-made for kids aged 7 and above who have mastered hand sewing and are eager to explore machine sewing. With detailed step-by-step instructions and illustrations, this book guides young sewists in choosing stitch designs, threading a sewing machine, and selecting fabrics that express their unique style. Packed with imaginative crafts like wall pockets, purses, pencil bags, fabric guitars, and more, Sewing School 2 empowers kids to personalize their creations in an artistic and creative way. It's the perfect resource for young sewing enthusiasts ready to take their skills to the next level.
- Very detailed
- Easy-to-understand language
- Projects could have been better
Best for Dressmaking: The Beginners Guide to Dressmaking
"The Beginner's Guide to Dressmaking" is the perfect companion for those longing to sew their own dresses, especially if they are new or inexperienced in the craft. This comprehensive guide offers techniques and instructions for customizing and creating your clothing. With six different-sized paper patterns, the book provides clear, step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs to help you create simple, basic shapes and build your designer capsule wardrobe. From a simple jacket to a fishtail skirt, this book allows you to elevate your sewing skills and achieve a wider range of styles by adding modifications like pockets or changing collars.
- Advanced designs
- The illustrations are excellent
- Instructions might be confusing sometimes
Best for Fashion Design: How To Start Sewing: The How and Why of Sewing for Fashion Design
"How To Start Sewing" is tailored for the more experienced sewer seeking a reliable reference guide. Ideal for those beginning their sewing journey, crafting for themselves at home, or studying fashion design, this book serves as a valuable companion. Designed to be kept by your sewing machine, it provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for the most flexible techniques. With clear patterns and pictures, it ensures a thorough understanding of each step, making it a go-to resource for learning new techniques and refreshing your memory on specific sewing details.
- Useful resources
- Very comprehensive
- Tough language
Best for Embroidery: Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to more than 200 Stitches
"Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to more than 200 Stitches" is an invaluable resource for crafters at all skill levels. Whether you're exploring a new hobby or enhancing your skills at home, this book serves as the ultimate reference for embroidery. Packed with full-color pictures and clear instructions, it covers various sewing techniques like embroidery, needlepoint, and dressmaking. Offering an overview of 200 stitches with step-by-step instructions and difficulty level variations, the book provides suggestions on how and where to use them. With valuable tips on fabrics, needles, and threads, it's your go-to guide for choosing the perfect stitch for your next embroidery project.
- Good directions
- Quality pictures
- Lack of surface work
Best for Jeans: Sewing Jeans: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide
"Sewing Jeans: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide" is your go-to resource for crafting high-quality, attractive jeans to rival top denim brands. This comprehensive book takes you through the entire process, from choosing the ideal notions and fabric to completing your denim masterpiece. With simple, easy-to-understand, and concise procedures, you'll grasp the craft of producing your own jeans. The book ensures accessibility by using tools that are easy to find and common sewing machines. Elevate your sewing skills with clear, step-by-step instructions and easily applicable methods, all supported by accompanying pictures. It's your key to creating custom, stylish jeans with confidence.
- Detailed thorough information
- Informative
- Lack of good patterns
Summary: The Best Sewing Book For Beginners Is
- Best Overall: Sewing 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques (jump to review)
- Best for Quiltmaking: First-Time Quiltmaking (jump to review)
- Best for Projects: Sewing Basics: Simple Techniques and Projects for First-Time Sewers (jump to review)
- Best for Kids: Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing (jump to review)
- Best for Dressmaking: The Beginners Guide to Dressmaking (jump to review)
- Best for Fashion Design: How To Start Sewing: The How and Why of Sewing for Fashion Design (jump to review)
- Best for Embroidery: Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to more than 200 Stitches (jump to review)
- Best for Jeans: Sewing Jeans: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide (jump to review)
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts.
I sincerely hope you have enjoyed reading this list of the best sewing books for beginners. Do you have a favorite sewing book that I could have left off the list? Also, what are your favorites? I’d love to know!
What should a beginner know before sewing?
Learn the lingo used in sewing: Understanding the terms used in sewing should be your first accomplishment. Get a solid grasp on sewing terminology by keeping up with good, up-to-date sewing books, various blogs, websites, and social media. You can also learn new words for sewing by checking out books from the library or buying them.
Make a needle: Despite how simple it might seem, mastering this task requires patience and practice. A few important variables that can help you thread your needle effectively are:
- Using a proper thread
- Using a right needle size
- Using a proper length for the thread
- Using a professional, highly sharp sewing scissors to cut the length of thread
Pick your thread: As was already stated, it is critical to make the right selection of the appropriate thread for the sewing project that you’ll be working on.
Stitch with a straight stitch: It is essential to learn the process of sewing a straight and simple stitch. This step should not be neglected on your path to sewing proficiency.
Add a button: One of the most common sewing skills is being able to add new buttons to clothes or replace ones that are already there. Most people use buttons in sewing, so it’s a good idea to learn how to sew one onto anything from duvet covers to pants and shirts.
Create a pattern: Most often, the desire to create a certain pattern in clothing drives the inspirational urge to learn how to sew. It’s usually quite simple to construct beautiful dresses using a pattern, so learning how to use a pattern is very important.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
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If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
