Sewing 101: a beginner's guide to sewing

Rating:
Summary: A must-have book for the intimidated beginner sewer like me!
Review: For years I wanted to learn how to sew but was intimidated by the mechanics of the sewing machine and sewing terminology, reading those darned patterns, fearing zippers, buttonholes, etc. This book explains it all in easy to understand language and plenty of clear pictures to show exactly what is being described. Not a lot of time is spent with the theory of it all; you'll get down to sewing right away on simple projects and then build upon the skills you've learned. Within a matter of days I went from knowing nothing to building confidence steadily. The beginner projects are really good, practical ones that include both clothing and home decor items. I am primarily interested in home decor sewing for my own home, and the projects contained in this book are all I personally could ever want: for example, even though this is a beginner book, some of the drapes you can make have that expensive custom look!! I really liked the fact that the book is spiral bound and lies flat so you can easily have it open to refer to while working. I just wish I had known about this book a long time ago--I could have been making curtains for my kids' rooms as their interests changed through the years!! If you want to take the plunge into sewing but you're very intimidated by sewing the way I was, do yourself a huge favor--get this book!!

Rating:
Summary: Great book for a beginner
Review: I bought this book and had good success making the diaper tote bag, which I gave as a gift to a friend who had a new baby. The insturctions are very clear and easy to follow. I gave my copy of the book to my daughter who is just getting into sewing, so now I need to purchase another copy for myself. The bottom line is that it's a terrific book, esp. for a beginner.

Rating:
Summary: Simple Sewing Easy as 1-2-3
Review: I purchased this for my sister, when she received a new Janome machine from her father-in-law for Christmas this past year. She had absent-mindedly said within his hearing that she'd like to learn to sew someday---and he obliged, by purchasing the machine as a gift. Wasn't that nice?

That machine can do absolutely anything. Unfortunately, she couldn't even thread a hand sewing needle! She had no idea how to wind a bobbin (or what a bobbin was) or thread a machine, so I gave her this book along with Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book (the newest edition--I wouldn't give up my older copy that I've had since 1991!).

Both together got her sewing in less than a weekend. I am more experienced as a sewer and crafter, so for me, the book isn't as helpful. But for her, it was the best gift she's ever gotten--besides that new sewing machine.

Rating:
Summary: More like sewing 201
Review: If you are a very beginner, this is not the book to get you started. I got very frustrated after reading this book and was ready to quit until I bought the book "Sew Fast, Sew Easy." It leads you step by step, which this book does not. I may use it as I learn more...

Rating:
Summary: Best Sewing Book Yet
Review: If you're new to sewing or just want a refresher, pick up this book! I know how to thread a machine and sew a straight line but that's about it. This book covers so much more. There are even examples of up to date patterns that would be easy to sew such as a wrap around skirt, throw pillows and scrub pants.
You will learn terminology used regularly in sewing, as well as all the basic skills that are the building blocks of the art. From threading the machine to sewing a straight stitch, to more complicated procedures such as installing zippers and following patterns, everything is covered. Each new technique is taught via the creation of an actual project.

Rating:
Summary: Best Sewing Book Yet
Review: If you're new to sewing or just want a refresher, pick up this book! I know how to thread a machine and sew a straight line but that's about it. This book covers so much more. There are even examples of up to date patterns that would be easy to sew such as a wrap around skirt, throw pillows and scrub pants.
You will learn terminology used regularly in sewing, as well as all the basic skills that are the building blocks of the art. From threading the machine to sewing a straight stitch, to more complicated procedures such as installing zippers and following patterns, everything is covered. Each new technique is taught via the creation of an actual project.

Rating:
Summary: Essential for a novice
Review: Sewing 101 is an excellent reference for the beginner. After buying my sewing machine on Amazon last week, I was still confused as to how to get started sewing even after sorting through the machine's manual and instructional video. This book has given me the confidence to get started! This book starts with the basic concepts (needle types, threading needles, winding bobbins, adjusting tension, stitch types), explains sewing lingo (selvage, backstitch,etc.), and has lots of hints, tips, and explanations to get you sewing. Even though the first portion of the book is devoted to sewing basics, the majority of the book consists of projects to help you learn different sewing techniques. These projects become more advanced as you progress through the book. The projects are divided into projects for the home and for clothes making. Personally, I will be doing home decor sewing so this book was great...other books I perused seemed to concentrate primarily on clothes making. I would definitely recommend this book for those just starting out sewing!

Rating:
Summary: Skimpy on machine use
Review: This book give a lot of guidelines, but is not specific in such areas as which needles are which, how the machine is used (such as for sewing a straight seam) and such items as various thread types. I was disappointed with the lack of such detail for a absolute novice. Still, the book does cover ways to produce a better result, and gives a number of good precautions (such as not sewing over pins).

Rating:
Summary: Great book for beginners...
Review: This book is great for beginners. It's not meant for folks with a lot of sewing experience - although it does have helpful suggestions that could probably save time even for those who do have skills already. It explains basic vocabulary re: fabrics, stitches, & sewing tools. It also has a section on patterns. Then each chapter is like a recipe, walking you through a simple project start to finish (i.e., a vest, jacket, skirts & other simple clothes, several types of pillows (flange, knife-edged, zippered, bow-tied), placemats & napkins, tablecloths, a baby blanket & diaper bag, curtains, & more). I had no experience other than a home ec class 25 yrs ago and using this book, I've made at least 10 of the projects, and am feeling more confident with each one. I highly recommend this book - I have 3 or 4 others supposedly for beginners, and keep going back to this one - it's the easiest to follow & I always end up with good results.

Rating:
Summary: Great book for the absolute novice!
Review: When I bought this book I didn't even know how to switch a sewing machine on...it tought me everything an absolute novice need to know. You will learn just about everything; threading your machine, sewing technics, which fabric and needle to use, etc. and all this with fun projects..you get to know the basics of clothes construction and home decor sewing too. Perfect!