I owe everything to these sewing books...

Featuring (affiliate links):
DIY Couture by Rosie Martin: amzn.to/2GaroEJ
No Patterns Needed by Rosie Martin: amzn.to/2rETvqp
Freehand Fashion by Chinelo Bally: amzn.to/2IcjlNp
Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing: amzn.to/2jSt90v
(This is out of print so I can't guarantee the seller)
See my wishlist on my Pinterest board:
pin.it/vnhuuicduoqobn
Website:
www.craftwerk.net/
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[@emcarver8983]

As for the readers digest book, the older books are the best.

[@puresalvation2009]

Likewise.

[@judithgreenwood6247]

I have the Reader's Digest book, which I bought in 1978. Far and away the most useful reference book for home sewers. I also have a book on haute culture techniques, which is a revelation when it comes to tricky construction and interior finishing. I like clothes to be as pretty inside as out, and I am mad for accuracy.

[@CulinaryGuide]

Thank you for reviewing Chinelo's book. I''m surprised, not very many sewing vloggers have talked about her book. It's a shame because mastering free hand technique is a great way to customize any garment and really hone in on your fitting skills. I think that's what made Chinelo such a great contestant. She has a great sense of taste and style plus, she really understands a woman's body.

[@debbieporter8610]

Great video Thank You

[@Hide_and_silk]

I have the reader's digest book too. That edition was published about the time I started sewing. I still have my sewing machine from then too which was bought for my 18th birthday :) It's a sturdy machine and has no fancy electronic stuff but it still does everything I need just fine.

[@paulina8864]

I have The Reader's Digest book and I think it is amazing! It's really changed my sewing life. I've learned so much from it. I prefer kind of classic cut clothes and sewing them is not always easy and this book answers so many questions and gives many options like different kinds of finishing seams and collars. It can be used creatively in so many ways. I love it so much. The first one -that DIY one - sounds good to. Even if you are advanced seamstress it can be a refreshing look on sewing techniques. Nice video!

[@StayStitching]

I have two versions of the RD book, and I think I prefer the older one. That's only because I can compare them side-by-side. If I only had the newer one, I'd still feel lucky to have such a useful book!

[@tabithabaugh7158]

I just found the RD book at a thrift store for under $2. I love vintage sewing books.

[@nancypollard4531]

I learned to sew with my readers digest complete guide to sewing. I'm glad you included it in this list. I referred to that book over and over again as I taught myself to sew. This gives me great confidence in the other books that you recommend.

[@rosejacks8662]

I love Chinelo’s book, excellent!

[@thenorthernsewist]

Really interesting👍🏻 thank you. 😊

[@michellethreefold]

As a beginner, I bought 'A Beginner's Guide To Sewing With Knitted Fabrics' by Wendy Ward, as I identified early on that I wanted to sew mainly with stretch fabric. I bought it based on one skirt pattern (!!), but it also has a ton of good techniques.

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Ruthie, they look like great books and definitely on my list. I would love to make more clothes from my existing clothes and like you say, change them up a bit. I have done this with a cami top that I had but would love to try more. I think the first book looks very interesting and will probably be my first bye. Thanks so much for sharing Ruthie 👍😊😘

[@PyjamaSpeed]

What's been invaluable to me is a small booklet from the late 1960s called 'The Awful Dressmakers Book' by Violet K Simons. It's subtitled 'What Not To Do in the First Place and What to Do if You've Bodged it Anyway' It's put me back on track so many times when I've done someting ridiculously stupid & thought I was going to have to scratch a project completely. It's obviously way out of print but does pop up on amazon or ebay, I'm amazed nobody has reprinted this. Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire B Schaeffer is a great one for when you feel you want to move your finishing standard up a notch. I have the older edition with the red jacket on the cover. Clear illustrations. Not that useful for complete beginners but it's made a real difference to how professional my garments look.

[@nikitarwt8]

what type of sewing machine should a beginner should buy (that is not very costly). the books you suggested ( specially DIY, and freehand fashion ) do they also tell about the other necessary equipment required for sewing, like what type of needles, thread etc etc

[@CommunistCommando1]

Communist Commando says thanks because I can alter my uniform ;)