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Book Review: Sew Step by Step

February 4, 2011 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 1 Comment

We recently received a review copy of Sew Step by Step by Alison Smith from Penguin and its arrival was perfectly timed. Sarah had her first lesson in Textiles at school this week and will be making a number of projects over the term. She will be learning how to attach a zip; make buttonholes; and a number of other techniques. I am so excited that she will be building on her basic skills and starting to make garments. This book will be an excellent resource for her as it covers all the basic techniques needed to make clothing, soft furnishings and more.

If you are after projects, this book is not for you. It is more of an encyclopedia of techniques that covers all the basics such as: how to master seams, hems, edges; how to attach fasteners such as buttons and zips; how to add shape to your clothes with gathers, darts, and pleats. You can get a peak inside the book here.

What I love most about the book is that all the techniques are photographed step by step to guide you through the process. It is the sort of book that will give you the confidence to try new techniques and will be referred to again and again.

It is published by Penguin (RRP $29.95). It is also available from the Book Depository.

Do you have a favourite sewing resource?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. Terriaw says

    February 5, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Looks like a great book to have as reference on my shelves! Thanks for the tip.

    Reply

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Small enough to tuck in your tote, clever enough t Small enough to tuck in your tote, clever enough to hold all your essentials. The Travel Sewing Kit is beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, practical for everyday use, and makes a sweet little gift.Want the pattern? Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send you the link 💌Pattern: Travel Sewing Kit PDF — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile).Fabric: Tilda Cotton Beach. Thanks to @tilda_australia✂️ Travel Tip: Most airlines allow small scissors in carry‑on luggage. Mine have a 1‑inch blade and fit perfectly inside the kit. Always check your airline’s guidelines before flying, especially internationally.#travelsewingkit #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnerfriendlysewing #giftsewingideas #tildafabric
A calm look inside the Makers Caddy ✨This projec A calm look inside the Makers Caddy ✨This project is one of those satisfying makes that feels doable for any skill level, uses small cuts of fabric you already have on hand, and comes together quickly. The little details make it such a joy to sew — and it’s the kind of piece you’ll use every day or happily gift to another maker.Comment CADDY and I’ll send you the pattern link 💛Pattern Details: Makers Caddy PDF Sewing Pattern - available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#makerscaddy #sewingprojectideas #sewingpatternlove #sewingroomorganisation #sewingcommunity
The Handy Drawstring Bag is one of my favourite qu The Handy Drawstring Bag is one of my favourite quick makes — simple, satisfying, and endlessly useful. It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and stitches up in no time, which makes it perfect for last‑minute gifts or organising all the little things in your sewing space.This sweet version is sewn in Plum Garden and Tea Towel Basics from Tilda, and the small‑scale prints shine beautifully in a project like this. I love the flat base, the smooth drawstring closure, and how easily it folds flat when not in use. With three sizes included, you can sew a whole coordinating set from just a handful of scraps.If you enjoy quick, giftable projects, this one is such a joy to make.Comment HANDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Handy Drawstring Bag (3 Sizes) — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.Fabric: Tilda Plum Garden and Tea Towel Basics. Thanks to @tilda_australia#handydrawstringbag #sewingcommunity #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpatterns #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
I designed the Makers Caddy because I wanted a pro I designed the Makers Caddy because I wanted a project that was as practical as it was pretty. Beginner friendly construction, quick to construct, and giftable.This version shows all my favourite details: structured shape, pockets, a wide base, and those little finishing touches like the leather patch and tag. It’s simple to sew, satisfying to use, and one of the most versatile organisers in my sewing room.Comment CADDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Makers Caddy — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#makerscaddy #sewingcommunity #sewingpatterns #sewingroom #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
A little drawstring bag that always comes to the r A little drawstring bag that always comes to the rescue. This one stitches up quickly, uses small cuts of fabric, and is perfect for treats, tiny gifts, or organising your sewing space. It’s one of those patterns you’ll make again and again — simple, satisfying, and endlessly useful.Comment HANDY and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern: Handy Drawstring Bag (3 Sizes) — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#handydrawstringbag #sewingcommunity #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpatterns #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
A tiny sewing kit that goes everywhere with me. I A tiny sewing kit that goes everywhere with me. I love how something so small can keep all my essentials organised — room for buttons, pins, needles, and tiny scissors. It’s a quick, scrap‑friendly project and such a handy little make for travel, retreats, everyday sewing, or gifting.Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern details: Travel Sewing Kit PDF Pattern - available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#travelsewingkit #sewingorganization #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingprojects #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
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