A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

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

« "Left My Heart in Tokyo" Part 2
Valentine Pot Holder »

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

A tiny kit that does a lot. This little Travel Sew A tiny kit that does a lot. This little Travel Sewing Kit opens flat so everything is easy to see, then folds into a neat triangle.  I use mine constantly — for retreats, travel, hand‑sewing projects, and those “quick repair” moments that always seem to happen when you’re out and about.It’s a satisfying make: scrap‑friendly, clever in construction, and one of those projects that becomes part of your everyday sewing life.Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Travel Sewing Kit Pattern — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#sewingreels #travelsewingkit #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #aspoonfulofsugardesigns  
Scrappy Mini Stockings 🎄 ✨ A trio of tiny stockin Scrappy Mini Stockings 🎄✨ A trio of tiny stockings in red, green, and pink — filled with festive greenery and a candy cane for the sweetest Christmas in July moment. These little stockings are scrap‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for gifting.✨ Christmas in July Sale
Save 20% off all Christmas patterns in our Pattern Store + Etsy Shop until 31 July.💬 Comment CHRISTMAS and I’ll send you the link to our Christmas patterns.#christmassewing #chritmasstocking #ministocking #handmadegifts #scrapbusting
Jingle Bell Coaster 🎄✨ A sweet little festive make Jingle Bell Coaster 🎄✨ A sweet little festive make for holiday tables — quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and perfect for adding a touch of Christmas cheer to your home. I love how they brighten up a cosy hot chocolate moment.✨ Christmas in July Sale Save 20% off all Christmas patterns in our Pattern Store + Etsy Shop until 31 July.💬 Comment CHRISTMAS and I’ll send you the link to our Christmas patterns.#christmasinjuly #christmassewing #jinglebellcoaster #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern
Scraps never looked so festive ✨ A few red offcuts Scraps never looked so festive ✨ A few red offcuts, a couple of buttons, and suddenly you’ve got the sweetest little mini stocking. It’s quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and the perfect size for chocolates, lip balm, or tiny sewing treats.If you’re stitching for teachers, friends, or your Christmas table this year, this little stocking is such a joyful make — and a great way to use up your stash.🎄 Find the printable pattern in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop
💬 Comment STOCKING and I’ll send you the link
✨ 20% off all Christmas patterns until July 31#ScrappySewing #ChristmasSewing #MiniStocking #SewingForChristmas #HandmadeHoliday
Mini Stocking, Maximum Joy 🎄 These scrappy mini st Mini Stocking, Maximum Joy 🎄 These scrappy mini stockings are the sweetest handmade gift idea — just the right size for lip balm, chocolates, sewing notions, or tiny treats. Quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for festive table settings or teacher gifts.I used the Tilda Merry Little Christmas fabric for a nostalgic, Scandi‑inspired vibe and I’m loving how they turned out.✨ Christmas in July Sale: All Christmas patterns in my Pattern Store + Etsy Shop are 20% off until July 31.💬 Comment CHRISTMAS and I’ll send you the link to the Christmas patterns.
💬 Comment STOCKING if you want the Mini Stocking pattern specifically.Let’s make this season handmade and heartfelt 💕#christmasinjuly #scrappysewing #ministocking #christmassewing #sewingpattern
✨ Christmas in July ✨ A little festive sewing joy ✨ Christmas in July ✨A little festive sewing joy — sweet Christmas patterns to spark your creativity and help you get ahead on handmade gifts. Think mini stockings, tiny houses, cheerful coasters, and small makes that bring instant Christmas magic.Comment CHRISTMAS for a link to my Christmas patterns. All Christmas patterns are 20% off until July 31 in both Pattern Store & Etsy Shop.🎄 Scrap‑friendly
🎁 Perfect for gifting
🌟 Beginner‑friendly
📥 Instant downloads#christmasinjuly #christmassewing #festivesewing #sewinginspiration #makersgonnamake
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Teen Craft: Monogrammed Notebooks
  • Easy Baby Blanket
  • The Sewist’s Guide to Crafting Comfort: Handmade Gifts for Relaxation and Self-Care
  • English Paper Piecing Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide with Projects to Inspire
  • Apple Crumble Slice
  • Cord Cosy

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar