Here comes a big list of the sewing books mentioned in my sewing book video livestream. I talked about my favourite sewing books and you guys chimed in too and shared your faves – it was such a fun chat and the hour just flew by. I even forgot to talk about some of the books on my list! I would love to do more livestreams in the future and the interactive format was a lot of fun.
Sewing books mentioned in the video
Note: The links below are Amazon affiliate links
Great reference book for all thing sewing
Reader’s Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing:
Best sewing with knit book
Sewing with Knits: Classic, Stylish Garments from Swimsuits to Eveningwear by Connie Long
Runner-ups for sewing books for knits
Knits for Real People: Fitting and Sewing Fashion Knit Fabrics by Susan Neall Pati Palmer
Sew Knits with Confidence by Nancy Zieman
Book series that deserves more love
Best industry insider sewing book
Sewing Secrets from the Fashion Industry: Proven Methods To Help You Sew Like the Pros
Great book on sergers
Best book on how to draft patterns for knits
Pattern making Stretch knits fabrics
Best book on fitting
Best shirt making book
Shirtmaking: Developing Skills For Fine Sewing by David Coffin
Book suggestions from the chat and comments
Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear 5th Edition
Sewing Essentials Serger Techniques by Pamela Leggett
Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire B. Shaeffer
The Dressmaker’s Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques: by Lynda Maynard
School of Sewing: Learn it, Teach it, Sew Together
(good beginner sewing book)
There were a few more sewing books mentioned too, but I need to revisit the video to catch them all! Too bad you can’t see the chat afterward. Also if you have any more faves, please share!
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8 Comments
Faye Lewis
August 29, 2017 at 12:38 amEnjoyed your live appearance yesterday Johanna, even though I had to catch it on the replay.
Johanna
August 29, 2017 at 8:40 amHappy to hear you liked it! The chat was lively too with some great suggestions, so I will definitely try to make another livestream too in the future!
Anne B.
August 30, 2017 at 12:45 pmSo sorry I missed you live! Thank you so much for your suggestions. They will be so helpful as I build my own library!
Johanna
August 31, 2017 at 2:13 pmWe all need a sewing library for sure! I’ve learned so much from sewing books and I’m happy to give some guidance on which ones that are worth getting!
Laura
August 31, 2017 at 7:28 amMissed the live chat but thanks for the book recommendations! Several of those I had not heard of. I just went online and found a secondhand copy of Sewing With Knits 🙂
Johanna
August 31, 2017 at 2:14 pmExcellent! Sewing with knits is such a excellent book. I’ve had mine for over 10 years and I still learn new stuff from it ☺
Susan S
September 2, 2017 at 3:32 amI finally got around to watching. Thank you for this video. I agree that the Reader’s Digest book is the best sewing reference book. Mine is the 1976 edition! My mom, a sewing teacher, also thought it was the best. I have been sewing my own clothes since I was 10, got a degree in textiles and clothing. I still refer to that book because the info is complete, accurate and easy to find.
Johanna
September 2, 2017 at 9:19 amThat is validating to hear that you too find the Reader’s Digest book the best! And I love the fact that you can use a sewing book that is over 40 years old and the techniques are still 100% relevant and sometimes even better described than in some newer sewing books. I use a vintage sewing book from the 50’s all the time too because that book explains certain techniques in a way that I find really easy to understand and execute.