It's not easy to get an overview of the wide range of sewing books on offer. We'll tell you which sewing books we think are the best – and why!
Why are these books suitable for sewing beginners?
Not every sewing book is suitable for every sewing need! Some books are really unsuitable for beginners. And others will make experienced sewing fans yawn.
Recently, we introduced you to our Top Ten of the Best Sewing Helpers. Now we have looked at the best sewing books for you and explain who they are particularly recommended for - and why!
The books we have looked at deal with these important sewing topics, among others:
- Sewing for Beginners
- Sewing with Stretch Fabrics and Jersey
- Sewing Children's Clothing
- Sewing Techniques
- Sewing Accessories
- Sewing for Plus Sizes
- Sewing for Babies
In addition to our collection of the best sewing books, you will also find my recommendations for sewing books for plus sizes here.
Let's get started with a modern classic among sewing books!
*Geschickt eingefädelt - Meine Nähschule
Contents: The book contains Burda patterns for culottes, coats, parkas, and tops in original sizes. Guido Maria Kretschmer completes this with his own coat pattern. This way, everyone can sew their own designer fashion
Price: €24.95 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
The coat pattern by Guido Maria Kretschmer is a real highlight. But the other patterns included are also really great. In addition to the patterns, the book also contains a large tutorial section, in which particularly tricky sewing challenges are described in detail. What we don't like so much: The required fabric quantities are only given up to size 44. So pay attention and double-check when buying fabric! Overall, however, because of the really beautiful (and versatile) patterns, it is a clear recommendation!
*
Mein großes Nähmaschinen-Atelier
Contents: A practical book with many sewing techniques and application examples. The patterns for bags, children's clothing, aprons, blouses, and skirts are included in original sizes.
Price: €19.99 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
All sewing techniques are described in great detail. The included drawings leave no questions unanswered. Once you have mastered the technique, the right project follows for practice. This way, you learn techniques step by step that initially look complicated, but turn out to be quite manageable when you try them out. For sewing beginners, it is an indispensable course book that, in addition to beautiful sewing ideas, also holds a lot of sewing knowledge.
*Love at first stitch
Contents: Tilly Walnes shows in this charmingly retro-style book how a complete, rather timeless-classic wardrobe is created step by step. Included are: blouses, cocktail dresses, pajama pants, skirts, and matching accessories.
Price: €24.99 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
The author not only describes every work step in detail, from cutting to fabric knowledge and up to the finished garment. She also advises on setting up the workspace, gives tips on buying the sewing machine, and explains the correct ironing, hemming, and adapting of patterns using examples. In addition, there are also tips for sewing beginners, e.g., a little sewing machine guide and the correct threading of the upper and lower thread. A book that can take away the fear of the first garment from sewing beginners. Clearly written, well structured.
*Unique Jersey
The main focus is also on sewing with jersey! What I particularly like about the book is the division into topics: There are models on the topic of "Marine", with pretty and simple maritime models.
The topic of Colour-Blocking awaits with raglan shirts, hoodies, coats, and skirts, while Black & White revolves around playing with strong contrasts. In the pattern mix chapter, more feminine patterns come into play, which can be found in a reversible vest, different shirts, and skirts. The patterns are available from XS to XXL in original size.
Price: 22 euros | You can order it here*
My verdict:
One of the few sewing books that offers really everyday-suitable clothing. By the way, the book is highly praised in the Facebook sewing groups!
*Sewing Jersey - Easy Basics
Contents: Here everything revolves around cutting basic parts that should not be missing from any wardrobe. Included are: yoga pants, cardigan with button placket, poncho, T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, top, skirt, sequin top, poncho, long sleeve, turtleneck sweater, zip-up top, hoodie, sweater, maxi skirt, dresses, pleated skirt, maxi dress, jogging pants, shorts, beach dress, nightgown, and a kimono. Also 1:1 patterns for accessories like reversible beanie, loop, and arm warmers. On top of that, there are instructions for several bags.
Price: €16.99 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
The book is logically structured and well thought out. The individual work steps are clearly described. The book by lillesol & pelle is a must-have for jersey fans who want to sew their own wardrobe easily and quickly. You should already know your sewing machine a little better - and a few initial sewing experiences with jersey cannot hurt either.
*Sewing Jersey - For Plus Size
Contents: This book is actually and exclusively aimed at curvy women who want to sew a flattering wardrobe themselves. Often, patterns are simply "lightly" adapted to also be suitable for plus sizes. Here it is exclusively about Big Beauties. You can also see this from the models who present the finished pieces.
Actually, the patterns start from size 44 and go up to 58. There are 12 patterns for shirts, dresses, skirts, and pants.
Price: €19.99 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
In addition to the patterns, there are quite a few basics in this clear sewing book: basics, fabric knowledge, and techniques for individual sewing steps are explained in detail. For complete sewing beginners, the book is only conditionally recommended, as not every work step is explained in every detail - a little sewing knowledge is required. Nevertheless, a great plus-size sewing book with very beautiful patterns - and a lot of styling tips!
*Easy - Sewing with Jersey for Babies and Kids
Contents: The book separates baby and children's sizes. For both, there is a colorful mix of clothing patterns - not simply enlarged, but adapted to the needs of childhood development. Hoodies, shirts, cute little hats, neck scarves, button-up suits, scarves, and pants.
Price: €16.99 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
It is not for nothing THE bestseller in the area of "Sewing clothes for children". Super cute patterns, great photos, a bright, cheerful, well structured book that makes you really want to sew. Because of the many tips and information, it is definitely also suitable for sewing and jersey beginners. The book Babyleicht* by Klimperklein is also highly recommended!
*
KlimperKlein - Sewing with Jersey for Children (Large 104 - 164)
Contents: The continuation of the KlimperKlein series: Patterns for older children up to size 164. While the patterns in the first book are above all charmingly cute, this edition adds a rather cool version. Because older children don't want to be cute, but casual! The book contains many feel-good patterns for children's outfits that can be worn at school, during sports, and in leisure time. Shirts, pants, hoodies, dresses, jackets. The patterns themselves are not too fashionable but rather timeless, so they can be worn and combined for a long time regardless of the current fashion
Price: €17.99 | You can order it here*
Our verdict:
Another clearly structured sewing book by Klimperklein, with which even beginners can venture into sewing children's clothing. The rather classic patterns are complemented by a good basic section, to which tips on handling jersey and many tips join. Highly recommended!
*Tilda's Children's World - Scandinavian Fabric and Decor Ideas for the Children's Room
Contents: Sewing and decor ideas on different topics: Jungle sewing ideas with funny fabric monkeys, snakes, Maritime with sewn fish, portable dollhouses and much more. All patterns are 1:1 and do not need to be cumbersomely enlarged.
Price: €22 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
In this beautiful and creative book, Tone Finnager once again shows how creative it really gets! Charming sewing and decor ideas, simple patterns, well illustrated and explained instructions. The most important thing about this book for us, however, is that it really inspires creativity. A book that you always pick up again to get ideas - and usually don't put down again so quickly!
*The Big SINGER Sewing Book - Basics and Techniques
Contents: A real foundational work on sewing! How do you sew a waistband? How do you shorten sleeves? How do you repair jeans? This book answers these and many more questions in a detailed and easy-to-understand way.
Price: €5.99 | You can order it here*
Our verdict:
Anyone who seriously wants to learn sewing can hardly get by without this book. Practically unbeatable in terms of value for money, sewing master Singer conveys basic knowledge and sewing expertise in its purest form here. The book is not simply dry, but makes you want to sew - and learn even more! Great!
*
All About Jersey - Shirts and Tops
Contents: This sewing book comes with a whole range of combination possibilities. Different sleeve lengths, widths, cut variants, hems, and necklines can be mixed and matched in colorful ways. This way, over 500 different shirts are possible.
Price: €16.99 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
Another jersey sewing book for which you should have already made a few stitches. This is mainly because the patterns do not include seam allowances. Which, in turn, is the prerequisite for the individual cut pieces to be easily combined with each other. If you wear the same size everywhere, the book is great. It can be difficult, however, if you are more of a size 38 in the shoulder area and a size 44 at the hip. Then it can be time-consuming to adapt the individual cut pieces. Ideal for one-size wearers and jersey beginners!
Just Sew It
Contents: The SewSimple sewing book. Do I need to say more? All SewSimple tips, tricks, and hacks clearly organized in one book. Supplemented by a lot of practical experience and great instructions, with which even beginners can easily celebrate sewing successes.
Price: €22 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
A well-structured pocket sewing book that is lovingly designed. Now read everything about the SewSimple sewing book!
And because it is a bit strange to write about your own book, I will let a few Amazon reviews speak for themselves, okay?
Since sew simple was not a new name to me and I follow them on YouTube, I first wondered whether I should buy the book.... Thank God I decided to.... a great division of knowledge, fun, and models. The descriptions are super easy to understand and you don't get the feeling that everything has to succeed right away. I love this book and it is always within reach when I have another idea about sewing that I need help with.... and I almost always find what I need.... thank you very much for a great tool so that sewing does not remain a closed book.
5 stars from Andrea
Of course, every reader has different priorities. That is why I always think it is good to read several reviews. How about this detailed one from Annette?
Whether an absolute sewing beginner or an advanced sewer: everyone will find great tips and tricks about sewing in this book, explained and described in an easy-to-understand and very humorous way.
The included patterns for a wide variety of projects are quick and easy to sew and are almost self-explanatory with the richly illustrated instructions.
Really everything from A to Z is included: explanation of different sewing techniques, introduction to sewing accessories, a little sewing course, various patterns, and even a link to various online videos are available.
The book is very clearly structured, you can tell on every page, in every sentence the passion and fun with which Sabine alias sewsimple wants to pass on her knowledge and her joy in the sewing hobby.
Anyone who knows her blog and website will find her style here in bound form. Anyone who doesn't know the blog yet should definitely check it out, it is the virtual continuation of the book.
"Just Sew It" is a book that conveys exactly what the title promises: how easy sewing can be. With fun, joy in the hobby, and in the sewing results.
Definitely recommended, five stars plus :-)"
Thank you very much, dear Annette!
Note about the book
Unfortunately, the sewing book is repeatedly sold out due to high demand. So you should definitely pre-order it if you want to have it when the next edition is released. :)
*Sew Along! The Children's Sewing School
Contents: A sewing book just for children: Everything starts with a detailed and clearly written material guide, plus information about tools and fabrics. Next, there is a first small project with which children can get their sewing machine license. After that, child-friendly sewing projects for children follow, ordered by difficulty level.
Price: €15.99 | You can order it here*
My verdict:
The book is tastefully designed and structured for children. The information section with material and tool knowledge is also entertainingly written and invites browsing. A book with which children can gradually (and in small steps!) succeed in entering the world of sewing.
Do you like our sewing book tips?
Then think of a comment :)
Happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
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