My Favorite Sewing Books. Sewing Reference Books that I love.

[@DonMcCunn]

A wonderful book for bridal accessories is "I Do Veils - So Can You" by Claudia Lynch. In addition to veils, she includes trimmings, handmade flowers, bows, headpieces and hats.

[@BridalSewing]

Actually, I think I might have that one. I think I came across it the other day. Very clear diagrams. I'm so grateful that you popped into this comments section. What an honor. Welcome!!! :)

[@emilygriesmyer594]

I love the “Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing” it has fabulous diagrams and directions of so many basic sewing techniques. The 1978 edition is the best!

[@janeahrens572]

I recently’cleaned out’ my subscription list. I reduced it from probably over a hundred to about a dozen. Of course I had to keep BST! 👍 keep it up!

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@melanieshelton7566]

I LOVE the Singer Sewing library. They have the book Sewing for Special Occasions. I’m trying to collect the whole series.

[@BridalSewing]

That's a good one!

[@cpiacenza]

Same here

[@shmwmlam3953]

I too have some of your books. I am a book worm and really love books. My favourite sewing books are joshep-armstrong pattern making for fashion design, susan khalje bridal couture, and couture sewing techniques that yoi also had. My everyday hand books are metric pattern cutting sereis by winifred aldrich. these patterns are perfect. I have been making patterns for about 5 years using these books and fit on those garments are perfect. I used to create industrial patterns in a factory i worked as a designer and they were so great. Pattern makers didnt even had to do adjustments on them!

[@janholman6192]

Keep in mind, that many people "who are self taught", have majored in Home-Ec classes in high school, and have gone on for decades sewing up a storm, like me, having many, many books, because we love sewing. I have attended many continuing education classes and a Marie Islander class to keep up my sewing skills. I know I'm not the only one. We just went to college for something else.

[@deliaweber9220]

At 15:17ish. I have no idea how anyone on this earth could dare say a hateful word to you. "Haters" as you call them. You have confirmed what I do to be correct, you have inspired me and I continue to learn, grow...and laugh with each video. Thank you for not letting anyone deter you because you are offering an invaluable service that is simply just not out there for us.

[@BridalSewing]

Aww tanks! Lol

[@teresagood6863]

I buy sewing books when I see them at thrift shops and garage sales . I kept all the bridal books the Bridal shop though out of the seasons new bridals.

[@janetgarza2691]

This is my favorite channel to follow. I graduated with a major in fashion design and appreciate the quality/technique in every video. There are not many channels that show professional techniques. Just ordered a book from your list! ❤️❤️

[@WFMCHANNEL261]

You are a wonderful person, and I love your videos

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you for watching!! :)

[@mrsmichelleharris]

I have Couture Sewing Techniques by Clair Scheffer and I used to just love looking at the pictures and details. I have the How to Make Sewing patterns book, but haven't used it much, I think I need to revisit it! A couple other books I have that I like are Silk Ribbon Embroidery by Ann Cox, beautiful pictures and tutorials, and I picked up the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing at a yard sale years ago. It is an amazing reference book. Most recently I bought The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen and it is really helpful with alterations and seeing what the fabric is telling you with drag lines, I like it a lot. Thanks for your videos! I'm about to go buy a new book - so thank you! I love your videos!

[@BridalSewing]

Oh man, I think I want to get the ones that you mentioned, too!! Lol The Complete Photo Guide sounds Ah-mazing!

[@tamipleiss3162]

My go-to books are Altering Women's Ready to Wear, sew to success, and sewing for special occasions. really love all of the singer books.

[@BridalSewing]

Tami Pleiss I have Altering Women's Ready to Wear as well! It is a good one! :)

[@jenzimmerman9079]

I use Mary Roehr's alteration books regularly as reference photos

[@iheartbridalcouture5989]

I just ordered that Donald McCunn book. It looks like it has a bunch of good info in it!! Thx!

[@jenzimmerman9079]

My 3 favorite sewing books: Fit for any Body by Palmer and Pletsch, Bridal Couture by Susan Khalje, and Sewing for Plus Sizes by Barbara Deckert.

[@AnnaB-oo5bd]

Thank you so much for good tips about books. One that really interested me is the Couture Sewing Techniques. I am going ahead and buying that book! It is so important to know how to finish garments super-professionally.

[@AnnaB-oo5bd]

Just an update. I bought the Couture Sewing Techniques, and I love it! Thanks again for the recommendation.

[@tinatrottier4189]

I have most of these and I am like you I love to read and go through everything. Curious to find the p and p wedding dress book now! Enjoy your channel great techniques shared, Thank You!

[@nebulasorcier1815]

Found used copies of 2 of the books (How to make sewing patterns and How to make the wedding dress of your dreams) on Amazon. Couldn't be happier. Thanks Brenda! Josianne :)

[@BridalSewing]

Score!! :D

[@juliewhite6887]

Thanks for this video! I love, love, love books and totally agree about not being self-taught. We learn from others...I have some great books: Heirloom Sewing with Bernita by Mary Lou Nall. I took her class when I began getting into Heirloom sewing. Learned so very much! My mother taught me to sew and out of necessity I began making my church clothes in 8th grade. I made my wedding dress all by myself when I was 18. It was beautiful, but I wish I knew then what I know now. I have made my daughter more dresses than I can count and an original prom dress which we designed together and I hand beaded with Swarovski crystals. My favorite! My sewing, now that she is out of school, is geared toward my first granddaughter and over the years altering bridal gowns. I love doing both types of sewing. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge through these videos. I really appreciate the video where you shared your source Gilmore Lace. Bring on the e-course! I am all about E-learning. On my bucket list is to attend a session with you at your shop. I hope I make it! Keep up the great work!

[@BridalSewing]

I hope to launch one this summer. Keep your fingers crossed! Whenever i say that- there's a delay. 🙈

[@Lee7699]

Hi! Thanks for the great book reviews! My all time favorite sewing book for altering patterns is Fitting Finesse by the late Nancy Zieman. I also like Fitting Solutions: Pattern-Altering Tips For Garments That Fit by The Taunton Press. I have had the Susan Ormond book since I started altering bridal gowns in 1996 and still refer to it constantly. The gown styles in the book have changed, but the techniques haven’t. Another great book I purchased years ago is Patterns From Finished Clothes by Tracy Doyle. The techniques in this book are great if you have a garment that you love and want to make another one exactly like it.

[@angiep1360]

I just found a really old book at a thrift store from The National School of Dress Design 1948. It has some super cool stuff in it like designing and even history of fabric and fashion. I have been reading in it a little but would love to find the time to sit and go from cover to cover.

[@BridalSewing]

AllSewn Up oh, wow!! That sounds AmAzInG!!

[@iheartbridalcouture5989]

I used to read Vogue patterns. Lol. I love Susan Khaljes Bridal Couture. Chock full of good stuff. I have that book "How to Alter a Bridal Gown" but I learned most of what I know from working in alterations at a high end ladies dept store that had a 3rd floor Wedding Shop. It was a crash course in how to alter womans clothing but it was obvious bridal was where I was born to be lol. My supervisor threw me in the deep end and I swam!!! Lol I had already made my wedding dress and my bmaids when I had been hired. Which is why they felt comfortable putting me in bridal. I loved working there.

[@Didi-yu4zy]

Thank you for your all videos ! Your voice so nice! ☺️

[@BridalSewing]

Aww that's sweet of you. Of course, I personally can't stand it! But, that's how most people feel about the sound of their own voice. 😂

[@jennahowell4610]

I am like you I collect books like crazy. I have a few older ones on my computer I have been able to download and read and I have all of yours but one which I’ll buy. I also just got last week “Couture the Fine Art of Sewing” by Roberta Carr. I just started it but so far it really goes step by step as to the progress of true couture sewing if someone wanted to learn. A lot of it I know already but it never hurts to refresh your memory either

[@jacquelinesown6675]

Thank you for sharing

[@fayfayb06]

I recently purchased How to Make Sewing Patterns, and now that I'm seeing this video I'm so glad that I did! Can't wait for it to be delivered! I love my Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire Schaeffer and Bridal Couture by Susan Khalje is really helpful too.

[@terrimartin3034]

All of Claire schaffers books are favorites! Alabama Chanin by Natalie Chanin.

[@terryjanisch905]

Thank you so much.

[@AlliciaB]

I have Claire Schaffer's book of Sewing Industry secrets. Great pictures too. P.s. I can't fathom why anyone would want to be mean to you. You're very pleasant and generous with your knowledge. Thank you for sharing.

[@BridalSewing]

Oh, man, I gotta get that book!! :) Thanks! & thk u for watching!

[@amaliaaslan3078]

How do you add a train to a regular full length dress to make it bridal ? Thank you, ama

[@onglesnailz5039]

(Linda) Hi, i just found your site and love it. What do you think of Susan Khalje's bridal couture books? I sewed a lot in the past and let it go and now back into it full monty!! I happened to have her book published 1997. I am looking at maybe niching in bridal once i am done with my professionnal sewing course, i think i will do a deep dive bridal. thank you so much for all the information

[@BridalSewing]

I love all sewing books. ❤️ Welcome to the Community!

[@onglesnailz5039]

@@BridalSewing thank you!!

[@kikimsha283]

Hi thanks a lot for the videos and tutorial advice and hope u r fine i need ur help am from Mauritius n here we don’t hv sewing books and i hv to buy on ebay or amazon can u suggest a hood book on corset pattern drafting and making please

[@kristent9397]

there is a 2nd edition of "how to make sewing patterns" , any difference from the 1st book ? which one is better ?

[@DonMcCunn]

Kristen - I am new here. I have a web page that describes the new material in the 2016 edition of my "How to Make Sewing Patterns" how-to-make-sewing-patterns.com/New-Info.html. Public libraries have been very supportive of my books so you should be able to find a copy locally.

[@sharont5458]

Great video! This may be a corny question, but being a huge book lover like you, I would love your opinion on this: I went to Amazon since I think I want to purchase your “favorite” one also. My dilemma is that there is a second edition. I’m weird in that I like “original copies” or “first copies .” I’m guessing the second edition contains all from the original and perhaps a bit more...what would you do? Lol

[@BridalSewing]

No, I totally get it. I noticed the edition diff when I chose the link. I chose the newer edition because the spine is glued and I would hate to get an older edition & it instantly fall apart. I personally find newer editions to be improved, usually.

[@sharont5458]

Bridal Sewing Techniques oh thank you so much! I appreciate your quick response, and I’ll have to place an order! I can’t tell you how much I get out of your videos! My alterations business is taking off and, as I may have mentioned in a previous comment, sometimes just seeing something being done takes the anxiety out of “first time” alterations.

[@DonMcCunn]

Hi Sharon - I am new here. I have a web page that describes the new material in the 2016 edition of my "How to Make Sewing Patterns" - how-to-make-sewing-patterns.com/New-Info.html. Public libraries have been very supportive of my books so you should be able to find a copy locally.

[@suzismith9681]

Readers digest complete book of sewing. 2 Victorian sewing techniques. 3 couture sewing. Love them all. Have others but yeah,nah.

[@christypoos9728]

Some people get so jealous they get nasty. Relection on them not you. À