The Complete Book of Sewing

This is one of my favorite sewing reference books. Everything is very clear, in color photos, and there are many, many techniques pictured. I have been sewing for about ten years, and am finishing my B.S. degree in Textiles and Apparel, and I still use this book on a regular basis (along with Claire Shaeffer's Couture Sewing Techniques and a couple of others). There are lots of great sewing reference books out there, but this one is most thorough in covering a wide range of skill levels in detail.

There is a ton of information in here and plenty of photographs of step-by-step techniques. There's some good general sewing information, but it's primarily a how-to book. I'll definitely be referring to this as I keep going- I think it will help me actually learn techniques instead of winging everything.

Well set out, well illustrated guide. If only i actually got a chance to use it, rather than looking at it wistfully on the shelves wishing i would get around to sewing...i bought a copy and was then given another one as a gift.

I do not know other books to compare this one to. I have not learned to sew yet, but I have long intended to (would be very Gandhiite to mend old clothing). This book appears to have a good deal of detail, most of it in delicious photography. I scanned a few pages for those who are interested...