15 Best Sewing Books – Create Your Garment Masterpieces!

This book takes the cake for the best modern sewing books category. Why?  Because it enables you to level up your sewing skills, no matter what expertise you may (or may not) have. It is extremely easy to navigate through and brush up on basic techniques for stitches and seams.

The book contains plenty of diagrams and application projects relating to patterns, tools, measurements, and constructions. Therefore, whatever you find there can be immediately applied to practice, whether you’re learning to stitch a garment or some home accessory. Additionally, there’s an entire section on alterations. And if you’re not ready for a sewing machine yet, don’t fret – this book also includes a chapter on the basics of hand stitching. Remember, though: it only outlines briefly on hand stitching and preps you with the basics, rather than taking you through with step-by-step instructions.

What are our favorite features?

• In-depth guidelines on multiple sewing techniques
• New and advanced methods covered
• Easy navigation
• Glossary included

What could be better?

• No instructions for hand stitching steps

Enter the world of couture with Clair B. Shaeffer’s exclusive guide to the best couture sewing techniques. Now revised and updated, this book unravels the many secrets of the couture world for the common man, highlighting a number of techniques not just for intermediate sewers, but experienced artists as well. From hand stitching to garment constructions with classic closures and finishes, this book is indeed the bible of couture books, laced with the best insider tips, blurbs, pull-out boxes, fabric specific designs, and vibrant text colors.

One concern you might face as a learner is that the book skimps on step-by-step guides. As an experienced sewing artist, this book is a complete delight with master-level couture techniques. However, replicating the results in real life might be a bit difficult because of a lack of adequate photos and illustrations.

Why is it special?

• Best couture guide book
• Runway clothing secrets
• Engaging content

What are the flaws?

• Lacks how-to illustrations

Does the thought of stitching stretchy fabrics make you sweat? Fear no more, because Tilly Walnes, an industry icon with her own award-winning pattern company, is here to help you. With her outstanding techniques, such as knit manipulation and pattern hacking, Tilly assures you that knit fabric sewing can be a breeze.

Not only can you learn to create different sizes of clothes with knit patterns, but also personalize your garments based on multiple variations and ideas provided in the book. The best part – no fancy overlocks required. You can easily manipulate with knit fabrics with your regular sewing machine using Tilly’s handy tips on knit types, along with the knowledge on the types of stitches to use, as well as the types of needles and stabilizers required (and when to use them).

What makes it stand out?

• Patterns and samples included
• Easy stitching guide for knitwear
• Vibrant and catchy photos
• Made-to-measure project guides

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• 2 patterns are missing

Add a modern twist to vintage dressmaking by using Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book with 23 lovely dress patterns and designs suited for different occasions. One of the best sewing books with patterns, it’s and complete guide for dressmaking that also includes all the essential techniques. The introduction covers tutorials on how to choose fabrics along with the basics of checking the grainline that influences the construction of your dress. What’s more, you can create customized patterns by mixing and matching various elements from the book, to fully unleash your inner, vintage-loving nature.

A potential downside could be a fitting mismatch, since Gertie uses her own figure as a model for the entire book, which could mean that the charts may not be accurate for your own body dimensions.

What do we love it for?

• A thorough dressmaking guide
• Customization of patterns
• Stunning vintage style outfits with a modern twist

What were we disappointed with?

• Possible fitting mismatch for different body types

Looking for the best sewing books for beginners? Well, your search can be officially over, because this little book covers all the basics you need to develop machine sewing techniques. With engaging content, tips and guidelines from the author, this book is an absolute delight, whether you’re learning alone or as a group.

Apart from the pieces of advice on fabric, machines, and sewing techniques, this guide offers a well-balanced mix of craft projects, such as tote bags, clutches, and pillowcases. It also acts as a guide to troubleshooting problems you might face when you start out. No wonder it has won the 2015 IBPA Ben Franklin Gold Award for crafts and hobbies – a feat that is not easily accomplished by beginner guide books. Be warned, though – this guide solely focuses on building your confidence as a newbie and does not cover garment making or over the top, advanced sewing techniques.

What do we love it for?

• Ideal for developing sewing skills as a beginner
• Vivid and well laid out photos
• Great for learning as a group or alone

What were we disappointed with?

• Doesn’t cover garment sewing

The first of its kind Scandinavian dressmaking book, this guide is perfect for creating your own wardrobe collection. The authors walk you towards developing sewing skills as you work on different pieces, with quirky variations allowing for customization. The book also comes with full-sized pattern sheets and added guidelines on measuring yourself to find the best fit. Plus, the patterns are adjustable to every body size, which makes it the best bang for your buck.

As the title suggests, the patterns can also be manipulated easily into other styles, providing a wider array of cuts. One slight disappointment though, is that this book is not for beginners, as working with the patterns can be a bit daunting unless you’re well experienced.

Why are we impressed?

• Adjustable patterns
• Unique dressmaking styles
• Full-sized pattern sheets included

What negatives must you be aware of?

• Not suitable for beginners

With a beautiful format, this book showcases step-by-step guidelines for a variety of sewing techniques. Each section of this book contains introductory remarks, sewing terminology and definitions, as well as a sidebar highlighting various techniques. It also includes tips on sewing tools, latest equipment, fabrics, cuts and patterns. Everyone will find something new with this book and get the explanations they need. It can speed the learning process up, but also will be useful for the advanced sewers.

The best part about this sewing guide is its directories section, covering illustrations for various items. For instance, there’s a separate directory for seams, collars, tools and patterns, and so on. However, despite the detailed instructions and visuals, there is a lack of clarity in a few techniques, which could leave a beginner somewhat confused.

What do we love it for?

• Visual learning
• Suited for all skill levels
• Cover a wide array of techniques

What were we disappointed with?

• Lacks clarity on a few methods

As evident from the name, this book is the ultimate guide to altering your own clothes in a professional manner, without the additional baggage of the ‘homemade’ look. After a brief introduction, this book builds up gradually on various alteration techniques by providing a user guide, tools instructions and little tips and tricks to up your sizing game. What we love about this book is that the author’s sole focus lies on alteration, and alteration alone, without trying to cram in every other topic related to sewing.

Although this book may not be the ideal guide to learning sewing from the ground up, it does provide a fantastic, elaborate guideline for those who’ve had some sewing experience. While containing simple techniques, as well as more challenging ones, this book is an indispensable resource that you can keep coming back to.

What makes it stand out?

• Thorough details and illustrations
• Clear, legible text and exceptional paper quality
• Great alteration tricks

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• Not an ideal guide for beginner level

Are you crazy about hues of black? Prepare yourself because the designs in this book will surely catch your heart. Originally a Japanese book with DIY Western-sized patterns, this book was translated in English for a wider audience base as a guide to modern, inexpensive, practical styles. While suiting for every age, size, and occasion, this book showcases a mix of loose and fitted pattern guides that give your garments a professional finish.

Unlike many modern sewing books, this guide is something that even experienced sewing artists can learn from, as it contains some challenging design sets for the reader. On the downside, the instructions aren’t thorough enough for beginner level and the directions tend to get a bit complicated, so you need to have a little know-how about sewing before using this book.

What makes it special?

• Beautiful patterns with stunning pictures
• Good for all skill levels
• Professional sewing approach

What cons did we find?

• Instructions could be more thorough

This book is a one-stop solution for anyone who wants to learn sewing with a machine. With the help of step-by-step photographs and finished samples at the end, it calls for easy but stylish sewing projects. The author, Kate Haxell – an accomplished sewing artist – walks you through each step with ridiculously simple guidelines that neither contain overcomplicated design jargon, nor tricky techniques so as to confuse the reader.

A bonus in this book is the abundance of shortcuts for speedy sewing and easy-to-follow patterns. It also touches upon quilting and patchwork basics. The only downside is the tiny font size used, which makes it rather difficult to see through as you’ll be referring back to frequently as a learner.

Why did it make our list?

• Basic, to-the-point guidelines
• Best for machine sewing
• Reference section and glossary included

What is not ideal about it?

• Tiny font size

If you’re an experienced dressmaker looking for classic, stylish ideas, this book is a great choice. Not only does it discuss key shapes and timeless trends, but it also guides users by providing eight clear dressmaking patterns for women of all ages. The author, Frances Toibin, who has worked for reputable industry names such as Gucci and Espirit, takes the readers through an introduction, fabric selection tips and options for each item, and finally, the sample patterns themselves. In fact, she also gives examples of how to wear the items and alter each design further for a unique look.

Although this book is marketed as something that all women can use, it doesn’t really include patterns for plus sizes. Additionally, most patterns focus on loose, boxy cuts, which may not necessarily suit every body type.

What makes it special?

• Fabric alternatives for each item
• Classic and stylish dress guides
• Information about how to wear the items

What cons did we find?

• Plus-sized patterns not included

If you’re looking for an educational book that covers the basics, this book is a must-have in your library. It covers great practical pre-design ideas and is loaded with A-line drawings, which are simplistic and easy to follow. These drawings also highlight the various phases of garment constructions, with little tips and tricks that differentiate a professional garment from an amateur one. So, if you’ve been confused as to why your garment doesn’t have that high-level fine finishing, this book is your go-to solution.

There is a bit of a misalignment between the text and the pictures, giving it a textbook-like feel. Unfortunately, it skimps on industrial level techniques and alteration guides. But the best is reserved for those who’re looking for a comprehensive garment construction guide. Overall, a solid book on sewing.

What makes it special?

• Well drawn-out phases of garment construction
• Do’s and Don’ts examples with detailed reasoning
• Tons of drawings

What cons did we find?

• Lacks pattern alterations and fitting guides

This book focuses on several basic fashion sewing techniques. It also gives you notes on a lot of sewing hacks for various categories. For instance, it highlights the different types of hems, such as the serged and rolled, and then goes on to cover the related sewing tricks. Generally, the directions are very easy to understand. There are some charts that show the reader how to embellish different types of garments. The book itself is also user-friendly due to its spiral binding, allowing it to lie flat open while one works.

Whereas it covers basic techniques, which means that it’s a good reference for beginners or returning sewing artists, the book doesn’t provide in-depth information or a whole lot of picture guides. On the other hand, it does cover a wide range of topics as independent sections, including clothes for different body types, embroidery, and other decorative ideas.

What makes it special?

• Great reference for beginners
• User-friendly and easy to read
• Includes patterns for all body types

What cons did we find?

• Insufficient photos for guidance

Connie Crawford is a name synonymous with pattern making. Being a design consultant, instructor and CEO of his independent pattern company, Crawford wrote this book as a clear guide for garment construction for men, women, as well as children. This book acts as a great refresher for people who want to delve into the world of apparel sewing.

Although it covers a wide array of modern sewing methods, it doesn’t encompass too many techniques for people well above the intermediate sewing level – a feature that would disappoint some, considering the hefty price paid. Nevertheless, it’s a great resource for explanations on various styles of seams, garment construction and finishing. The best part about this book is the easy to follow instructions, accompanied by clear pictures. There’s also a DVD included that some users found really helpful.

What stands out?

• Clear and concise instructions
• A good refresher on techniques
• DVD included

What cons did we manage to find?

• Doesn't cover many techniques for advanced sewers