Sewing Machine Basics: A Step-by-Step Course for First-Time Stitchers

I was a complete beginner before buying this book at the same time as a sewing machine. Long term, my plan was to alter curtains, make slip covers for furniture and fancy dress outfits for the kids. However, this book might make me expand those aspirations. I sat quite daunted before my machine and wondered if I’d done the right thing as I struggled to get it working and made some crap tester lines in some fabric!! Thankfully, it really is a simple and straightforward guide. The projects are carefully considered to expose you to many different types of stitches and hand/machine sewing. I bought a few meters of different remnant fabrics as well as a large dust sheet from screwfix to practice with. It’s given me such an appreciation of different fabrics already, eg by not using the suggested fabrics in the book I’ve probably made my jobs harder. That being said, I’m really enjoying it. I’m on workshop 3 (bound apron) and decided to adapt the pattern to make little aprons for each of my children and it’s working out much better than I’d thought hahah!I’ve just ordered the follow-up book I’m so pleased with this one. I wish I could go to a class but this is the next best thing. Thanks Jane!

I'm returning to sewing after decades, so I wanted something that would remind me of the basics. This book does that and much more – I'm delighted to see the very careful step-by-step approach, finishing up with quite a complex project. The illustrations are extremely clear and are giving me the confidence I need to start sewing again. This book would be suitable for anyone from complete beginners to readers like myself who need to be reminded of a range of techniques. I like the production qualities of this book, too – the overall design is very inviting, and when open it lies flat on the table, easy to reference. Nice work all round.

I'm very happy with this book and the only reason for giving 4 not 5 stars is that I hoped that the info about sewing machines would include a section on basic maintenance for sewing machines! This aside, the book is very well organised and contains a host of info in a step-by-step progression that really appeals to my brain. It's the first book on sewing that has made me less anxious about using my machine and getting the same results that I can see in the book. I feel that the projects are within my grasp and that continuing to read the book will only increase my confidence. I want to get back into sewing and bought 2 Dorling Kindersley books to go with this one. I received these first and felt they were a little aspirational for me. Now that I have this one I know I can progress from this to the DK projects and have all the basics with me to refer to. Pleased with this.

If using a sewing machine is intimidating for you then this book will help. I like the clear pictures/diagrams that explain what parts do what, and getting to know how your machine works, with all it's different functions. This is a good reference guide to have, and has some interesting projects to get you started as you progress through the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is just starting to sew, or has a sewing machine they don't know how to use.

Great book for complete beginners, not so good for a more experienced sewer. If you start with the first project and work your way through (even if you do not want an apron, or a child dress make them with an old sheet for the experience) you will have covered most of the basics for making your own clothes. After 3 weeks, and a complete non-sewer, I now have the confidence to make and adapt patterns e.g. put a collar on a V neck shirt etc. I can also work out the best way to alter existing clothes as I know how they have been constructed. I still need some more practice on Zips, but so do most people I have met!