I owe everything to these sewing books...

[@kohlraedirectioner]

5:56 I bought myself these two books a while ago, and I just drafted a straight skirt pattern from the instructions in "DIY Couture" and added one of the pockets from "No Patterns Needed". I don't have the fabric I want to sew the skirt from yet, but I'm excited to see how the different closure I'm experimenting with works out. "Freehand Fashion" is on my wishlist! I just don't feel that I'm quite at the level of skill that justifies that one, yet.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Hide_and_silk]

I have Chinelo's book too and, I agree, it's really good!

[@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.

[@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!

[@puresalvation2009]

Likewise. I have the reader's Digest Complete guide to sewing. I've got both versions as well but I prefer the original 1978 version. I got it in a charity shop for £1 and it's to me a complete sewing and dressmaking course. Facebook to me is all you need. I want to get the first book this young lady reviewed. How to make patterns from existing clothing is a great game plan to me and it's a great step forward. Me making patterns from your existing clothing is the way to go. You can learn a lot about clothes construction by looking at your existing ready-to-wear clothing. My advice to any people on here is get a decent sewing machine and a decent serger/overlocker. I like the other two as well. Once you've learnt how to make patterns yourself. You have a fashion world at your feet and along with the readers Digest book. You will have everything covered. Thank you young lady for uploading this video. Pure.

[@emcarver8983]

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

[@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.

[@tabithabaugh7158]

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

[@sufsanin1917]

I found the vouge sewing book in a thrift store. I am a complete beginner. Will I buy it?

[@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.

[@rosejacks8662]

I love Chinelo’s book, excellent!

[@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 👍😊😘

[@sallydingle321]

Oh , forgot to say that I do have pattern books but like you, I very rarely use them. I have recently bought 'Sewing Your Perfect Capsule Wardrobe by Arianna Cadwallader and Cathy McKinnon' which has lovely clear pictures of the technique's and thought it was a good one for learning the different techniques for each garment. Again, haven't got around to using it yet but I'm sure it's going to be a really helpful book 👍😁😘

[@debbieporter8610]

Great video Thank You

[@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

[@thenorthernsewist]

Really interesting👍🏻 thank you. 😊

[@CommunistCommando1]

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