I enjoy sewing and rely on books to tell me how to do it properly. This book has some great hints and tips. A bit of everything that is useful to know so a good book to keep in your bookcase. Clear instructions and nice photos.

I am very much a newbie to sewing. When I retired four years ago, I didn’t even know how to thread a sewing machine. I took a basic sewing class offered to seniors at our church, learned the basics of running the machine, and made an apron. Then the ladies from our church’s sewing circle took me under their wing and instructed me in basic quilting techniques. Until recently I had done very little garment sewing, but was asked to help with some costumes for our granddaughters, and needed to develop some new skills.
This book was exactly what I needed, and had been unsuccessful in finding in previous excursions to the book section at our local fabric store. It covered the basic skills with clear, easy to follow instructions for both hand sewing and machine sewing. As the subtitle says, 30 essential techniques are covered. Information is provided for each technique describing its function in garment and/or home décor production. The reader is told what types of fabric the technique is designed for, and modifications for different weights of fabric are provided. I especially appreciated the many helpful hints that were given, things that sewers pick up over time, but that will make the process easier and more successful. The book is geared mostly to garment sewing, with attention given to home décor. It is not designed for those wanting to learn more about quilting. This is not a deficit, because the book does very well what it is intended to do.
I thank NetGalley and Companion House Books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation.

I have just started to learn to sew and this book has been a great help a long the way. Easy step by step instructions to a whole host of techniques. I know this book is one that I am just going to keep going back to.

This book is great for a beginner, or someone who needs a refresher for on sewing! Instructions are clear, pictures are easy to look at, very nice.

it is a very thorough book. It is the kind of book one would definitely keep on the shelf close at hand before attempting serious sewing. It has all sorts of tips starting from the raw materials to use and methods to use them. It seems to cover all the bases and although I have not actually carried out any projects yet, considering the fountain of information provided I am sure it will help guide the way.

I found this book full of helpful hints. The sections were excellently labelled so that the beginner could go through this from the start without being overwhelmed but the serious sewer could miss the initial sections and go to the parts that are relevant..There is throughout a duplication of words and hints, but this is good as they occur in different topics and chapters and so emphasize the points for readers who do not read from the start.
This is the first time that I have seen a basic book describe in such wonderful detail how to alter patterns to fit individuals, where darts should be and why throughout the patterns, how to measure yourself andhow darts and other alterations ensure a correct fit.
I find a lot of people are frightened of zippers and this book gives clear and precise details of all the types of zips and then how to insert them. I would recommend this to all sewers as it is such a compendium of useful information..
I would say that the notes on changing a needle in the serger section are just as applicable for the sewing machine change as well and also that the book misses the reason why we use vertical and horizontal holders for our spools. Which to use to avoid the threads tangling up is determined by the way that the spool is wound, i.e straight round the spool or at angles. I would also add that if a machine does not have a vertical spool then putting the thread into a mug at the side will work just as effectively.

The Complete Book of Sewing Techniques is a great resource book for any sewer, especially one just learning to sew. The author does an admirable job of introducing all the important elements of sewing. Descriptions are clear, whether explaining the parts of a sewing machine or how to make a hem. This will be an essential reference book for all sewers.

An essential for the bookshelf of anyone who sews - both novice and experience. So many useful techniques, so well laid out and explained.

Vastly informative answering all the questions that have put me off using patterns in the past. This is a must have book of sewing goodness. .

Helpful sewing tips and hints. This book has helped me. I am not a novice and I am not a pro.

The Complete Book of Sewing Techniques for me, it just that – complete. I am a novice seamstress and have been that for over 30 years. My mother was an accomplished seamstress, but while I enjoy sewing, I did not get the sewing gene.
This book has a wealth of information from choosing a sewing machine to how to hem, appliques, sleeves, etc. There are color illustrations throughout the book. Each step for the techniques is covered in clear concise language. There are “helpful hints” that give even more instruction.
I threw out the one and only skirt I ever made for myself upon completion. After reading Complete Book of Sewing Techniques I have the confidence to try again. Now to go fabric shopping!
I would recommend this book. I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

Sewing was one of my hobby. I like to read a lot about sewing. From basics of sewing with pictures well explained........

If you don't know anythign about sewing, this book isn't for you but, if you are a sewing or dyier enthusiast this book will make you really happy.

This book has a wealth of information for anyone wanting to learn about sewing or the sewer who needs a refresher. It teaches one the basics of sewing machines and gives tips of choosing one. Step by step information with pictures from choosing fabric to sewing garments and curtains is very helpful. Highly recommended, especially for beginners.

a fabulous book of ideas. will be trying them all. Thanks!

This is a very good basic beginners book for people who want to take up sewing. It is clearly photographed with easy to understand information. This book would be fabulous for a person just starting out. and included with their first machine.
I still remember when I first started sewing, all I had as instructions were what came with the paper pattern. It was called learning by mistakes - no wonder some people never made anything.

Complete Book of Sewing Techniques was filled with good basic information to get someone started sewing along with more advanced techniques. Wendy Gardiner does a good job of providing the information in an easily understandable manner. The book is divided into three sections:
Sewing Essentials, Basic Techniques and Style Techniques covering getting to know your machine, information on fabrics, working with patterns, many hand sewing stitches and more with pictures to guide you. There is also a good index for reference. I don't sew but have always wanted to learn and this book may just be the help I could use. I think I may just get my sewing machine set up and try sewing again.

This book is really for an absolute beginner in sewing.
And is suitable for all ages, from young teens just learning at scool or home, through to an adult who is just starting an interest in sewing.
Thorough information from buying and threading acmachine, through to making an outfit. Different types of fabrics and threads and much more.
A very informative book for a novice who is just getting into sewing. Recommended.

Good reference for beginners to sewing and also some useful tips for experienced to needlework. I particularly liked the clear way that instructions were set out in a logical manner and how the book progressed from basic to more advanced sewing.
I will be referring to it regularly.
Very useful book to have to hand if you are learning or need a quick reminder.