Looking for some sewing inspiration? Believe it or not, there are many, many wonderful sewing books bursting with ideas. Some books are full of useful tips on how to use a sewing machine. Others include easy-to-follow steps that will guide you to create a one-of-a-kind garment. And, a few are full of sewing secrets that will unlock your own sewing abilities.
Today, I’m going to share a few of my favorite sewing books for beginners and why I love them. Best of all, most can be found FREE at your local library.
Let’s start with easy sewing books for beginners.
1. Me and My Sewing Machine
By Kate Haxel
This book introduces the sewing machine to newbies. Beautiful clear photographs that clearly name and explain sewing machine details. Best of all, it explains sewing machine tension in a way that anybody could understand. If you are new to sewing or self-taught this book will really help fill in the blanks.
2. Sewing 101
by Editors of Creative Publishing
I own an older version of this book which has recently been revised. I recommend this book because it introduces you to sewing through a series of projects. Each project teaches a new technique, such as attaching bias tape. Start at the beginning and work through all of the projects and, before you know it, you will know how to sew.
3. S*E*W: Sew Everything Workshop
by Diana Rupp
I use this book when I teach absolute beginner’s sewing. The book includes tissue patterns for all of the projects and the instructions are well-written and easy to follow. I have tutorials here, here, and here that walk you through some of the steps with more detailed instructions and photographs.
If you want to really apply a few of the lessons from this book, Craftsy offers an online video workshop that goes through several projects found in the book.
If you are going to sew, then you will need to know a little something about fabric. Here are a couple of books I recommend.
4. More Fabric Savvy
by Sandra Betzina
This book is an updated and revised version of Fabric Savvy. What makes this book such a winner are the details about each fabric. Should you pre-shrink the fabric? What needle to use? How to press the material? Which presser foot is best?
Alongside of these details are some fabric facts, sewing tips, and pattern suggestions. If you are into garment sewing, then this book is a must-have. Check Half-Price Books and other used book sellers for the best price.
5. Fabrics A-Z
by Dana Willard
This is perfect for a quick fabric reference. The information is thorough and easily accessible. When I want a few details about a fabric, this is the book I grab. Simple and straightforward. Easy to understand. What’s not to like?
Next week I will continue with sewing books that take it up a notch or two and show how to take your sewing from homemade to custom made. See you then.
If you love sewing as much as I do, check out my sewing tutorials here. For sewing inspiration you may want to visit my Pinterest sewing board, Sewing Pins.
Follow The Seasoned Homemaker’s board Sewing Pins on Pinterest.
Disclosure: I am a Craftsy and Amazon Affiliate. Please read my Disclosure for more information.
Thank you so much for this great list of books. I couldn’t sew if my life depended on it, but I am determined to learn how to because there are just so many neat ( and practical) things I could be doing if I knew how to sew. Have a great day Leslie:)
Great resource … I haven’t seen ANY of those books before. I’ll be checking my library to see if they carry any of them. Thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d}.
These books will get you all excited about sewing.
I could so use some of these, thanks for the suggestions!
This is a great list Leslie! I look forward to reading some of them soon 🙂 Pinning it to my sewing board and started following on Pinterest too. Have a wonderful evening!
Thanks 🙂
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any recommendations
or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
Thanks for your question. I plan to write about the ins and outs, ups and downs of blogging in the near future. Check back often.
Hello. I found you via facebook a couple months back and JUST found this article when googling ” beginner projects.” I wanted to “share” it on my timeline, but there’s no button for me to get in on my face book page–only the “like” button (which doesn’t do the job). Any suggestions? Thanks for a nice article for us beginners. 🙂