Book Review - Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

During my teaching years I have been asked for all sorts of advice about pretty much every kind of sewing related problem, but the most common question I am asked by learners is

"Which book do I recommend"

My answers is instant and always the same

THE READER'S DIGEST COMPLETE GUIDE TO SEWING.

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I first got my hands on this book over 30 years ago when I was trying to make all sorts of things, not very well, and needed some help to get a better finish on what I was creating.

Even though the book has been updated, not much has changed from the original. It covers a wide range of topics, divided into sections that are thorough and comprehensive. Everything is laid out methodically with clear illustrations and images, although some of the text is a bit small, so you might want to grab your glasses.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• Machinery and Equipment: Great section if you're unsure about what some items are and how to use them.

• Fabrics: A fantastic reference, especially if you struggle to choose the right fabric for your sewing project or dressmaking item.

• Taking Measurements: A good mix of visuals and written instructions.

• Adapting Paper Patterns: Something you’ll often need when making clothes from a commercial pattern. The diagrams are clear and easy to follow.

• Step by Step Techniques: This is the biggest section of the book, broken down into categories. It includes clear diagrams and instructions that assume you don’t know too much, covering processes for lots of things you might want to make (hand stitching, seams, hems, necklines, waistbands, collars, pockets, zips, and more).

• Tailoring: A great intro to advanced sewing, with clear diagrams and instructions. It might not make you a master tailor, but it’ll definitely help with your first jacket.

The original and some earlier editions had a section on sewing for the home, which isn’t in the latest version, and that’s a bit of a bummer.

The book includes 20 projects for you to try out, with step-by-step guides for each. However, the current version doesn’t have patterns that can be upscaled to full size, unlike the original. Honestly, those patterns are a bit dated anyway, so it’s not a huge loss.

This book is packed with content and is pretty hefty, making it a great value. I’ve seen it on Amazon for under £7 for a used copy. Some of the first edition copies are going for over £100, which is a bit frustrating since I lost my original a few years ago (but I’ve grabbed another one since).