Sewing for Dummies by Janice Saunders Maresh (2004)

I researched several sewing books at the local library and found this one to be the best, in my opinion. There were more topics covered that were of interest to me, and in more clear detail with better cartoons/drawings depicting the step-by-step instructions. I'm sure this is more for beginning sewers. Also, the Idiot's Guide to Sewing is a bit more silly, and the humor wore off quickly for me. After my research, I bought this on eBay to have it for my own use.

Easy to read and understand. Good tips and advice. I decided to buy it because I am teaching myself how to sew. So far so good.

I like "dummies" books cause it makes it very simple to learn,and I needed a refresher course on sewing as it has been several years since i last sewed.buying from e-bay is easy and I almost always find what I am looking for.

This is a must have for those new to sewing (me!). Included you will find solid, easy to understand information on types of fabric, rules to laying out patterns successfully, types of needles and thread, types of seems, etc. If I could add anything, it would be a little more information on how to fix some of the things that go wrong (using the wrong stitch type and how to check/tell before you're 1/2 way through a project, puckering fabrics, etc.). The chapter on corrections focuses on clothing errors vs. home decor errors, so it would have been nice to see more information on this topic, too (how to correctly measure for these types of projects, fixing mistakes with curtains and backings, etc.). Ah, well - I'll just wait for the cruel teacher "experience" to handle these things.

Overall, though, I think this is a GREAT book for the money and one you won't regret its purchase.

This is a great book. I had very little sewing knowledge and this book has taught be tons! I now feel not only comfortable but confident in front of a sewing machine. This book even gives you simple projects to gain confidence with your new found knowledge. Highly recommend to anyone!

This is an excellent source for a beginner or advance user. This book even has patterns and guides to go by. There are many how to and tips and warnings of things you should and should not do. I would suggest this for any one who is just starting to sew or someone who has been doing it for years. This would be a great investment.

lol
I THINK ALL THE "FOR DUMMIES" BOOKS ARE PRETTY WELL DONE. THEY USE HUMOR TO HOLD YOUR ATTENTION. THIS BOOK IS ESPECIALLY GOOD FOR BEGINNERS I THINK. I'VE BEEN DOING THIS AWHILE BUT I ALSO READ SOME TIPS AND IDEAS I HADN'T THOUGHT OF OR HAD THOUGHT OF IN A DIFFERENT WAY. I'M ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GOOD IDEAS. THIS BOOK HAS SOME.

I bought this book for my great-niece who's 10 and beginning to sew. But it's so useful I want one for myself, and I've been sewing 50 years! Good, simple information and illustrations. If you want only one sewing reference manual, this is it!

I LIKE ALL THE TIPS THAT ARE IN THE BOOK, THE LITTLE DESCRIPTIONS THAT ARE IN IT. I BOUGHT THIS BOOK TO HELP ME GET BETTER AT SEWING.
THIS IS A VERY GOOD BOOK FOR BEGINNERS.

Can't afford classes and don't have access to many ladies well-versed in the art of sewing or who are not too busy with their own hectic schedules ... so I was looking for a way to "fine tune" my sewing skills and this is the book for me!
Edenna

My mom wanted the book, she's happy because we got it. My mom wanted the book, she's happy because we got it.My mom wanted the book, she's happy because we got it.My mom wanted the book, she's happy because we got it.My mom wanted the book, she's happy because we got it.My mom wanted the book, she's happy because we got it.

This is a great book for anyone who sews or wants to learn to sew! It is very very easy to understand. She gives tons of great information that I have only heard from pros! Things are spelled out for everyone to understand and she gives tons of examples! I would recommend this book to everyone! I have really enjoyed, it's a great resource to keep on hand!

I borrowed this book from the library because I wanted to learn to sew and would characterize myself as a "Dummy" in this area. Once I read through the first few chapters, I realized that it would be helpful to own a copy to reference when working on my sewing projects. I really like that the author includes a list of tools (both essential and "nice to have") and lots of tips to make things go quicker. I had never even looked at the used sewing machine my grandmother had given me and I was able to thread it and begin practicing various stitches. I am looking forward to making sundresses for my daughter and curtains for my home using this book as a guide!

This book is great. When I had just started sewing, I knew nothing about it. I just figured I would learn on my own. I didn't know anyone the sewed so I figured I would get this book and maybe it would help. I received this book about 3 weeks after I started sewing for the first time. The little things I was having trouble with the book helped me with them. This book is very helpful no matter what you want to sew, it goes into details about everything. This book is very easy reading, and explains everything into detail. I read the book once through and will keep it as a guide when I get stuck on something.
The beginning of the book is teaching you sewing terminology, how to read patterns and explains different fabrics. The end of the book helps you stitch by stitch with different projects, what to set the sewing machine at, what fabric works best with each project and how to make it from beginning to end.
I think this book is a must for people just learning to sew and could be helpful for people that have been sewing for a while. I will keep this book right next to my machine so if I get stuck on something or I am doing something new it will be right there. This book is something I will always keep and use.
If it has to do with sewing then it is definitely this book.