Singer: The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing, 3rd Edition Kindle Edition

I sewed a windsock in junior high "Home Economics" class. That was at least 25 years ago. So, when I found a sudden interest in learning to use a sewing machine, I wanted a book that was essentially "Sewing 101" for absolute beginners, starting from scratch. While this very pretty and well-reviewed book proclaims itself to be "All You Need to Know to Sew" and "The Essential Reference for Novice and Expert Sewers," I would not recommend it for the true novice. There is no discussion or glossary of basic sewing terms, so if you don't even know what a bobbin is, what hemming is, what it means if a hem is blindstitched or an edge is overcast, expect to be a bit lost from the get-go; it is taken for granted that you already know all of these terms. Some of these concepts become clearer in later pages, so perhaps my gripe is with the order of information presented (for example, I had to wait until page 44 for an explanation of "woven" versus "knit" fabrics, despite earlier pages recommending certain stitches and machine settings depending on which type of fabric you intend to use). The basic mechanics of a sewing machine (i.e. How does it work?!) are never discussed. The book glosses over sewing machine selection in less than half a page, then spends eight pages explaining the serger, a specialized machine that does not even factor into the beginning sewer's journey. Yes, I know the internet exists. Yes, I know all of this information could be gleaned from watching YouTube videos. But I wanted a book--a comprehensive book--and this one sounded perfect. As a true novice, though, I found this book to be a frustrating way to start.

The pictures and instructions are great for visual learners. It had a variety of information. I wish it was spiral bound with hardback.

I bought this item and bundled it with a Singer Sew Essentials Storage System and craft utility bag for my niece who is starting to take sewing lessons and who was given my mother's old Singer sewing machine. I bought this book because of the great reviews and because of how good it is for beginner sewers as well as a guide for those who already know how to sew. The book was very comprehensive, and I liked that it had additional photos as well as updated information when compared to the previous edition of this book. My niece loved the book. Would recommend this book to both beginners as well as those who already know how to sew.

As the title says, a photo guide to sewing-lots of instructional color photos but is probably better for an experienced sewer-I'm just learning so I'll refer to this after I achieve more sewing skills. A good book overall but for someone new to sewing, the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing is a better start (in my opinion).

I got a call one evening around the time of my grand daughter's 15th birthday. My son had gotten her a fancy Singer sewing machine and though they were reading the instruction manual, they stopped after threading the top of the machine, closed the book and he thought he was ready to sew. When it didn't work out, he called me and I choked back my chuckles and told him to open the manual back up and turn the page to thread the bobbin......he said, "The what????" As I talked him through that part, I got on Amazon and searched for that trusty old Singer "How To Sew" book with the pen and ink illustrations that I had worn out in the 1960s when I was her age. I was delighted to find it is now this gorgeous photo illustrated guide. I ordered it fast and told them to just practice straight seams for 3 days and the mail would bring answers to all their questions. Does a grandma's heart good to be able to help so fast from a couple of hundred miles away! By the time I got there to visit in two weeks, she was already proficient enough for us to make her first complex garment! A dress with gathers, 6 darts several pleats, spaghetti straps and a cross over bodice!

I really didn't need another sewing book. I sew on old Singer sewing machines and have vintage sewing books to match the years of my various machines. What I did want was a good up to date book for a kindle that is much easier to tot around then a big bulky book. I also needed a book that would refresh my memory during my sewing season, Halloween to spring which this book definitely does. After struggling with some sewing I had some oh yeah moments reading this book. Not sure if I would call this a beginning sewing book but I think once a person starts sewing it will all make sense. Has nice sections on using a surger, sewing with patterns and appreciate types of seams sewing various types of material.

Trying to relearn how my mom taught me to sew 25 years ago. A lot of it is coming back to me but this book has become my go to sewing bible. Explains all the words I may have forgotten in easy to understand language and with pictures and diagrams. Highly recommend for those wanting to learn more of the basics of sewing.

Because the book was 2nd hand, i was not sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The condition of the book was excellent.I received my book quite quickly, the price was very good.As for the book itself .... excellent, i can recommend it. It covers all the subjects i was hoping for, what i wanted to know about the most, was how to line a jacket and i was really happy to see that the book contained this information.

Not as good as I thought it would be. I like the way it is laid out but the fabric used for demonstration is so gaudy the method of construction is almost impossible to see. Plain fabric and contrasting thread would have been a much better choice. Would not say that this is a book for beginners.

Christmas present for my wife. Looks like a detailed book. She is a novice sewer but looks easy to follow and understand. Arrived on time and in perfect condition.

This is a good basic book ,nice photos and shows you pretty much all you need

Unless you already know how to sew it was a bit overwhelming