When you start the craft of sewing there is a lot to learn. It can sometimes seem overwhelming in the beginning. What do you need to buy? How do you set-up and use a sewing machine? What projects should you attempt first?
Having a few good books that cover the basics can help get you started in the right direction. Here are a few with high recommendations.
“Sew Me! Sewing Basics: Simple Techniques and Projects for First-Time Sewers” by Choly Knight
This book starts with the basics and walks you through each step in an easy to understand manner. It starts with showing you how to choose the best sewing machine for your needs.
It explains cutting patterns and binding seams and works up to installing zippers.
Included are fifteen fun projects such as hats, hand towels, and placemats so you can create useful items. Each project teaches a new skill, so you learn as you go.
Some readers felt the projects were not explained in enough detail.
“School of Sewing: Learn it. Teach it. Sew Together” by Shea Henderson
The story behind this book is how the author taught a group of new sewers the basics by using projects to build their skills one step at a time.
This book walks you through the basics of buying a machine and learning to choose fabric.
Then there are lessons you follow to create 12 fun projects including a tote bag, pillowcase, and a patchwork quilt. There are photo illustrations for each step of the projects.
You can work through these projects on your own or with a group. It can also be used for those who want to teach a class in sewing.
“The Sewing Machine Classroom: Learn the Ins and Outs of Your Machine” by Charlene Phillips
This book focuses on teaching you everything you need to know about your sewing machine.
It includes how to set up your machine, the basic stitches you’ll use the most, and moves on to button holes and zippers. Then it shows you the maintenance you need to perform to keep your machine working properly and how to deal with problems.
It’s a good reference book to keep close by your machine.
Readers felt it was more about how to use your sewing machine than specific sewing projects.
“Singer: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing, 3rd Edition” by Nancy Langdon
This is an extensive book that uses photos to give lots of step by step instructions. It’s starts with the basics such as how to use a sewing machine, the best threads to use, how to choose fabrics, and how to size patterns.
The following sewing techniques are covered; cuffs, collars, waistbands, darts, sleeves, and closures. Several home decorating projects are also included.
Some readers thought it was a little too advanced for absolute beginners, though. So, you might want to save this one until you have a little experience with your new sewing hobby. You’ll want to keep it handy and refer to when you run into a problem.
“Sewing Basics for Beginners”
This book is available for purchase on this blog. We’ve done our best to include everything a new sewer needs to get started.
It covers:
- The basic supplies you need. While you don’t want to overbuy, you also don’t want to get deeply involved in a project and discover you’re missing a needed tool or supply.
- Which threads you should use for the best results for specific projects.
- How to layout and use patterns. It also explains how to size patterns so your creations will be tailormade for you or whoever you are sewing for.
- It shows you how to set-up your machine and get started.
- The basics of how to sew straight stitches is shown in detail including hems and seams. It then moves on to explain more difficult things such as button holes and zippers.
- The book also explains common mistakes new sewers make and how to avoid them. This will save you many hours of frustration.
We’re so sure that this book will help you on your sewing journey that we offer a money back guarantee.
When you’re unsure of how to get started with your new sewing hobby; these books can point you in the right direction. Investing in a few basic books can help you work through many potential problems with the least amount of stress.
You may have been thinking of all the advantages of learning to sew; having clothes that meet your fashion taste and fit correctly, creating home design projects that are unique, mending items you would otherwise have to throw away, and saving money on all of the above. But how do you get started? These books can be the answer.
Cricut Maker arrive today. I never sew. I would like to learn hand sewing first before investing in sewing machine. But unable to find a good book on “Learning how to hand sew”