1. Smith, A. (2018). The Sewing Book. Dorling Kindersley Limited. https://cambridge.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=22436
A great sewing reference for sewists of all levels, covering everything you need to know from tools to fabric to techniques, providing detailed instructions and photographs for sewing clothes, home sewing, or doing alterations. The book also provides 15 projects to practise these techniques and improve your skills.
2. Gardiner, W. (2007). The Complete Book of Sewing: Full Step-by-Step Techniques and 15 Simple Patterns. United Kingdom: New Holland. https://cambridge.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=3876
Compared to extensive sewing coverage in Smith’s book, this book is better suited to beginners, as it covers the more common and basic techniques but is still a worthwhile reference for quicker access. It also provides photographic and illustrated instructions for essential sewing equipment and techniques alongside 15 projects.
3. Clayton, M. (2010). How to Use a Sewing Machine: Everything You Need to Know to Sew with Confidence. United Kingdom: Collins & Brown. https://cambridge.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=5118
An illustrated guide that gives a detailed overview on how to use a sewing machine (covering manual, mechanical and computerized sewing machines) and serger/overlocker and explains the different features and uses of each. The book also provides instructions on basic stitching, decorative stitching, embroidery, quilting, and more.
4. Palmer, P., & Alto, M. (2005). Fit for Real People: Sew Great Clothes Using Any Pattern. United States: Palmer-Pletsch Associates. https://cambridge.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=1517
This book provides step-by-step guidance and advice on how to get the best fit with your chosen pattern alongside detailed illustrations, diagrams and photographs. Covers different fit challenges and their solutions, fitting myths, and understanding commercial patterning sizing and your own body shape and proportions to determine your fitting needs.
Note: To see some of these techniques in action, head to the Guides and Tutorials page which includes a video on the Palmer-Pletsch tissue fitting method.
5. Walnes, T. (2014). Love at First Stitch. United Kingdom: Quadrille Publishing.https://cambridge.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=12157
A great introductory dressmaking book that includes 7 traceable patterns (a scarf, pyjamas, 2 skirts, 2 dresses and a blouse). Focused on skill building, it is organized by project and necessary techniques starting with the simplest and progressing to the more difficult, alongside clear instructions with lots of photographs.
Search Tips:
When searching on Cambridge Library’s catalogue try using these keywords:
- Sewing
- Dressmaking
Or try these subject headings:
- sewing — techniques
- sewing — handbooks, manuals, etc
- dressmaking — patterns
And if you are having trouble using their catalogue search, try this help page: https://cambridge.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/HLP?HOMEPRMS=HLPPARAMS, which shows you how to do quick and advanced searches as well as how to search by title, author or subject.