Hey there! It’s Luna here, your friendly neighborhood fashion designer. I’m passionate about designing from scratch and I’m here to share some sewing wisdom with both novice and pro sewing enthusiasts through this blog.
Diving into the world of sewing can be a tad overwhelming. It’s vital to get your hands on a beginner-friendly sewing guide that speaks your language. Oh, and before you dive in, familiarize yourself with your sewing machine’s user guide. Trust me; it’s a lifesaver!
Over time, I’ve delved into numerous sewing books to hone my craft. Let me break down the best picks for those just starting out.
Generally, there are two flavors of beginner sewing books:
- Machine Guides: These books guide you through setting up, threading, and mastering your sewing machine.
- Project Manuals: Delving deeper, these guides teach you the nitty-gritty – like crafting garments, buttonholes, waistbands, and so on.
Often, there’s some overlap between these categories. If you’re a greenhorn who’s clueless about operating a sewing machine, kick off with a basic guide. Once you’re comfortable with that, delve into more intricate sewing endeavors. But, if you’re already acquainted with basic machine operations and are itching to craft garments, opt for a slightly advanced guide.
2021’s Top Picks for Sewing Newbies
1. First Time Sewing: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide
Perfect for those who haven’t even glanced at a sewing machine. This book is a comprehensive walkthrough from understanding your machine to getting acquainted with sewing terminologies. With colored illustrations, you’ll master machine and hand-sewing techniques. Towards the end, you’ll find 8 beginner-friendly projects to test your skills. But, if you’re past the initial stages, this might be too basic for you.
2. The Sewing Book: Over 300 Step-by-Step Techniques
This isn’t for setting up your machine, but for those ready to embark on sewing projects. A treasured reference, I often revisit this guide for its vibrant pictorial descriptions. It’s comprehensive, covering sewing tools to intricate techniques, peppered with project ideas. While it leans towards garment-making, it’s versatile enough for DIY decor enthusiasts too.
3. Singer: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing
I’m a firm believer in the power of visuals for learning, especially in sewing. This guide begins with machine setup basics, covers sewing terminologies, and delves deep into various sewing techniques. Whether it’s apparel or home decor, this book has you covered. A glossary is tucked in at the end for all those tricky terms.
4. Sew Me! Sewing Basics: Simple Techniques and Projects for First-Time Sewers
Tailored for those just getting acquainted with their sewing machine, this book covers machine selection to crafting garments. With step-by-step projects and vibrant images, it’s an easy guide for beginners and slightly advanced sewers.
5. The Sewing Machine Classroom: Learn the Ins & Outs of Your Machine
If you’re focused on mastering your sewing machine, this one’s for you. From basic terminology to intricate techniques like zippers and embellishments, it’s a treasure for pure beginners.
6. Pat Sloan’s Teach Me to Make My First Quilt
For those inclined towards quilting, this guide is a gem. It introduces quilting-specific machine basics, cutting techniques, and a slew of quilt patterns. However, it presumes you’re familiar with basic machine operations.
Key Takeaways
| Book Title | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| First Time Sewing | Machine Guide & Projects | Absolute Beginners |
| The Sewing Book | Project Manual | Advanced Beginners |
| Singer: The Complete Photo Guide | Both | Beginners to Intermediate |
| Sew Me! Sewing Basics | Both | Beginners to Intermediate |
| The Sewing Machine Classroom | Machine Guide | Absolute Beginners |
| Pat Sloan’s Teach Me to Make My First Quilt | Project Manual | Quilting Enthusiasts |