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No matter the season or occasion, new sewing & fashion books are always welcome gifts. The beauty of collecting books is the ability to create a reference library so you can quickly find the answer without having to get on your computer. Over the years I’ve amassed numerous books on fashion design, illustration, pattern making, costume design, and sewing tips & techniques. To limit my book purchasing obsession, I have a running wish list of sewing books on Amazon. Whenever anyone asks me what I want for my birthday or Christmas, I send them the list. Here are my top 5 books that every beginner needs to start their library.

Love At First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking by Tilly Walnes

Tilly hails from across the pond and adds a fun British spin to this beginner sewing book. A self-taught dressmaker, Tilly was inspired to learn to sew after watching Bright Star. Despite the mention of dressmaking in the title there are patterns and “how-tos” for PJs, skirts, and blouses. Her style is on the retro 60’s side and she includes variations on each style to customize your look. The info provided is straightforward, with helpful color photos to follow along. Best of all, paper patterns are included!

One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Hoskins

This book boast 101 sewing projects which can all be made with 1 yard of fabric—perfect for fabric remnants or any fabric you’ve been hoarding. There are a ton of projects for household décor and daily use, accessories (think any bag you could possibly want), as well as some basic clothing for women and kids. Patterns are included for the more complicated projects, but most of the instructions teach you how to measure and mark right on your fabric. Detailed directions and cutting layouts ensure you use every bit of 1 yard. Once everything is cut out, the patterns are quick to sew up. It’s a great book to practice sewing with a minimal fabric requirement.

The Vogue/Butterick Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Techniques

From Applique to Zippers, you can find out “how-to” do any sewing technique. The step-by-step tutorials are numbered and include black and white illustrations. The Hand Sewing section gives you basic instructions start with how to thread a needle. Don’t know the difference between a Blindstitch and a Catchstitch? Learn the difference between them and when to use each of them. This is the reference book that I use the most when I need a refresher on a particular technique (I’m looking at you centered zipper).

Sewing With An Overlock Machine—Singer Sewing Reference Library

If you have a serger/overlock machine, you need this book! Regardless of your make & model this book shows you everything you need to know to thread, maintain, and use your machine. The chapter on adjusting tension alone is worth the price of the book. Stitch length and width is explained in detail and there are multiple color photos showing what happens to your seam if the length or width is wrong. There is a section on adjusting tension and detailed instruction on how to figure out which of the 4 tension knobs to adjust. This is a must-read for anyone who uses a serger.

The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior

Christian Dior will forever be the greatest 20th century influencer of women’s fashion. Vintage photos and fashion illustrations are scattered throughout the book along with Mr. Dior’s musings on elegance, individuality, and aging gracefully. Long gone are the days of Day Frocks and Mink Coats, but it’s nice to get style advice from a legendary courtier. After all, “simplicity, good taste, and grooming are the fundamentals of good dressing” and even in the 21st century they still don’t cost a thing.

That sums up my short list of books every beginner sewist needs. I hope that you have a chance to unwrap one, two, or all of them. Happy Sewing!

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See you on the inside!