The best sewing books for beginners are tried and true to last the test of time as your sewing skills improve. Even advanced sewists look to these books for guidance and inspiration, making them the perfect investment in your sewing journey. I have sewn for many decades and have used many books over the years and the sewing books I recommend below truly are the best sewing books for beginners to get started and become an expert in sewing.
If there could only be one recommendation for a sewing book for beginners, this would be it. It covers everything and has been a favorite for decades.
We have hand selected every book on this list to ensure they are useful and worth your hard-earned money. Each book has been reviewed to meet the following criteria:
- Easy to understand for someone who has never sewn before
- Thoroughly explains techniques for a variety of sewing projects
- Includes useful photographs
- Offers sewing projects designed to practice various sewing techniques
- Packed with information that will be relevant for years to come
For quick reference, the top 5 sewing books for beginners are listed below. Keep scrolling for detailed information on each book.
Quick List: 5 Best Sewing Books for Beginners
- The New Complete Guide to Sewing
- Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts
- School of Sewing: Learn It. Teach It. Sew Together.
- Singer: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing
- The Sewing Book: Over 300 Step-By-Step Techniques
Sewing Encouragement for Beginners
When you start sewing as a beginner you will hit some roadblocks and some hurdles of frustration but I want to encourage you to keep trying. I have been there and done that from messed up threading to miss matching fabric lines or even sewing the wrong side. The main thing to remember is much like life it is a journey and there may be some bumps but if you keep sewing you will finish that project and find a little joy with it!
The beginner sewing books I recommend are books I have read and used. These books will help you with problems when you sew as well as tips to keep your from creating problems.
If you like some of these books, but don’t just want help and tips but want beginner sewing projects then I can help with that as well. Check out our list of Beginner Sewing Projects. These sewing projects range from simple projects using less than a fat quarter or even scraps to using a yard, but don’t worry many of these are simple straight line sewing projects that are perfect to start with.
What are you waiting for check out the information about the books below and order one and start on your sewing journey. You really can’t go wrong with any of these sewing books.
Top 5 Best Sewing Books for Beginners
In addition to your sewing machine's manual, it is nice to have a complete reference guide for sewing. These picks include answers to all the questions that are bound to pop up during your sewing journey. They are perfect for beginners, but you will never want to let them go. Even advanced sewists look to these books for guidance and inspiration.
The New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-By-Step Techniquest for Making Clothes and Home Accessories updated Edition with All-New Projects and Simplicity
This is the ultimate stitch-and-seam reference book that brings you everything you need to know to sew your own distinctive creations, whether you are a beginner or an accomplished sewer.
The ultimate stitch-and-seam reference book for both beginners and seasoned sewers includes thousands of illustrations and diagrams for each stage of the sewing process. In this updated edition, sewers will find:
- 20 new modern projects from Simplicity(R) patterns; includes updated photographs
- Instructions for making smart trousers, traditional curtains, a light summer dress, kids' clothes, a beach towel, patchwork bag, and more
- Tips on how to select the right equipment, choose the perfect fabric, and use the right technique for every project
- Foolproof ways to discover the perfect pattern size and how to incorporate only the most flattering design details
Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, Plus 150
Whether you just bought your first sewing machine or have been sewing for years, Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts will open your eyes to an irresistible range of ideas. A comprehensive visual reference, the book covers everything a home sewer craves: the basics of sewing by hand or machine, along with five other time-honored crafts techniques, and step-by-step instructions for more than 150 projects that reflect not only Martha Stewart's depth of experience and crafting expertise, but also her singular sense of style.
Encyclopedic in scope, the book features two main parts to help you brush up on the basics and take your skills to a new level. First, the Techniques section guides readers through Sewing, Appliqu , Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing. Following that, the Projects A to Z section features more than 150 clever ideas (including many no-sew projects), all illustrated and explained with the clear, detailed instructions that have become a signature of Martha Stewart's magazines, books, and television shows.
An enclosed CD includes full-size clothing patterns as well as templates that can be easily produced on a home printer. Fabric, thread, and tool glossaries identify the properties, workability, and best uses of common sewing materials. And, perhaps best of all, when you need it most, Martha and her talented team of crafts editors offer you the reassurance that you really can make it yourself.
The projects are as delightful as they are imaginative, and include classic Roman shades, hand-drawn stuffed animals, an easy upholstered blanket chest, a quilted crib bumper, French knot-embellished pillowcases and sheets, and Japanese-embroidered table linens, among many others.With gorgeous color photographs as well as expert instruction, this handy guide will surely encourage beginners and keep sewers and crafters of all experience levels wonderfully busy for many years to come.
School of Sewing: Learn it. Teach it. Sew Together.
School of Sewing allows you to follow in the footsteps of a group of beginners who shared one goal- to learn to use their sewing machines. This book is an engaging, detailed lesson plan designed to guide you along that same journey, whether you are learning alone or as a group. It begins with easy-to-follow instructions for how to use a sewing machine and advice on buying fabric and tools and then progresses through 12 projects- one three-hour lesson a month, perfect for friends to learn together. Your own School of Sewing will be proud to show off or to gift these trendy projects, which include a pillowcase, zippered pouch, tote bag and patchwork quilt, each with optional details for "extra credit."
You'll learn:- sewing machine types, recommendations and how to shop for the machine of your dreams
- fabric selection and color theory
- how to navigate the fabric store, including interfacing, notions and fabric types
- essential sewing supplies to get you started with the right gear
- how to trouble shoot problems when they occur
- professional finishing techniques
- numerous sewing skills, including zippers, ruffles, buttonholes, pleats, binding, sewing a curve and machine quilting
- how to sew 12 beginner projects, using step-by-step photos
- tips and advice from fellow beginners in a fun, approachable and relatable way
Singer: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing
Discover the mysteries of your sewing machine Learn ways to get the most out of your machine and attachments, the best tools to use, and how to sew with a variety of fabrics. Then dive into sewing techniques for beautiful garments and stunning home d cor designs: Learn how to make and finish seams; lay out, cut and mark patterns; sew bias strips; and make pillows, cushions, and piping.Get tips and techniques for serger sewing, and discover how to create serger seams and finishes. Tackle first-time sewing projects with confidence, and refresh your memory on favorite techniques. Boost your wardrobe by altering store-bought patterns for a perfect custom fit. Refresh your tabletop with gorgeous tablecloths, placemats, and napkins, and create impressive bed and bath accessories. Achieve professional results effortlesslyReady to build your sewing skills? You'll learn how to:
- Operate your sewing machine or serger like a pro
- Customize clothing with buttons, pockets, collars, and more
- Make buttonholes with ease
- Create seam finishes, make closures, and attach zippers
- Sew your own activewear
- Make slipcovers, pillowcases, and duvet covers
Packed with so much information, this valuable resource offers a lifetime of sewing success for all skill levels. Start your sewing journey today and see what amazing things you can createThe Complete Photo Guide series includes all the instruction you need to pursue your creative passion. With hundreds of clear photos, detailed step-by-step directions, handy tips and inspirational ideas, it's easy and fun to try new projects and techniques and take your skills to the next level.
The Sewing Book: Over 300 Step-By-Step Techniques
Over 300 techniques that show you how to sew absolutely everything--from clothes to home decor--plus 10 stylish new projects and updated information on more than 100 tools and 50 fabrics, with a glossary of sewing terminology.
Whether you are sewing clothes for children and adults, making home decor, or doing alterations, master every hand-sewing and machine-sewing technique for everything from darts, tucks, and pleats to hems, fasteners, and mending, with close-up photographs and clear instructions to demystify even the trickiest techniques. Choose from 15 fresh, stylish projects to practice your skills, explore in-depth coverage of more than 100 tools and 250 techniques, and browse a visual directory of more than 50 fabrics in The Sewing Book--the ultimate bible for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike.
More Sewing Book Lists for You
The following lists of books were handpicked by Beginner Sewing Projects with learners in mind. Whether you want to master your sewing machine, learn how to quilt, or sew a handmade wardrobe, you are sure to find the perfect book for the task to turn you from beginner to expert. Don’t wait to start your sewing journey, order the book today and start sewing. I think back on my sewing journey while there has been some times of frustration most importantly it has brought me joy over the years as I have given gifts or sewn myself clothes.
Don’t forget to pin this list of sewing books for beginners for later, and check out some more information about sewing for beginners below.