When I was younger, my Mum would always say, “go check out a book from the library”. She wasn’t being random. I was forever asking her about new sewing techniques. Sometimes, she wouldn’t have the answer, so she’d send me to the next best place.
It wasn’t 2024 so we didn’t have the internet back then. Yes… I’m that old! That’s probably why I have such a love for books. Particularly reference books.
I’ve collected quite a few sewing and quilting reference books over the years. Most of them appear in my YouTube videos as part of the backdrop.
This is only some of them. There are more… they just don’t fit on this shelf. In fact, at the last count, I had over 40 sewing and quilting books dotted around my home. OK… I’ll be honest… the number is closer to 80. Maybe… or probably higher.
I could probably start my own library at this point!
The truth is, I have no idea how many books I have. But the good news is – they are all different! There are no duplicates! Unlike my sewing pattern collection which has more than a few identical items.
Take these two, for instance:
In my defence, the patterns differ slightly. More on that in this video: Vintage US vs UK Sewing Patterns: Which Is Better?
Not sure I’m going to score any brownie points with Marie Kondo for having more than 30 books, or for having three large totes full of sewing patterns for that matter. Just call me a closet hoarder, lol…
But… I have a very good reason for owning a lot of books.
I write sewing and quilting articles for a living. Mainly as a ghostwriter for sites I can’t mention (because I’m a ghostwriter) but also on my own blog, either here on WordPress or over on Blogger.
However, if you read an article about Vantablack fabric and where you can buy it.. or how quilting should be an Olympic sport… well… Let’s just say you never know.
Anyway, in order to write sewing and quilting articles, I need more than my own knowledge. I also need to be able to research techniques and fabrics so my articles are based on fact. Not just my say-so.
To do that I need books.
I find books more reliable than the internet. For one thing, they don’t stop working when the power is down. For another, a book is easier to read than a computer screen. No adverts or annoying pop-ups to distract you from the text.
Although I own loads of books, there are only a few that I use regularly. These are the ones that I wouldn’t be without. Ever.
Because they are epic! Seriously, they are that good!
So good that I’m going to share them with you so you can benefit from their epic-ness too! These are my top recommendations for the best sewing books in 2024. Better still, they are books you will actually want to use!
I’m going to start with the absolute must-have book. If you only buy one sewing book in 2024 – make it this one!
Best Sewing Books 2024
Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing
This book has been in print since the 1970s. Regularly updated and improved, the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing contains everything you need to know about sewing. Plus some information you didn’t know you needed to know.
Covering hand and machine stitching, you’ll find different sections on techniques, fabric, and even sewing machine hints and tips. It’s an ideal reference book for beginners because it doesn’t assume prior knowledge. Even the more experienced sewist will find this an amazing resource. Because it covers everything!
Although it isn’t a pattern book, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to make your own. Better still, with excellent tips on tailoring techniques you’ll be able to tweak your creations for the perfect fit.
The focus is on general garment sewing rather than quilting, but you will find a useful section on upholstery, cushions, and curtains.
My copy dates back to the 1990s and I use it all the time. The link above is to the newest version of the book from 2022 and you’ll find it contains more information on modern-day sewing. But, the older versions are still available and useful! See if you can grab an original 1976 copy or one from the 1980s at your local thrift or charity shop!
Whichever version you go for, you’ll soon see how invaluable this book really is!
Pros
- A complete guide to sewing
- Beginner friendly
- Regularly updated and improved
- Available in hardback
Cons
- Not available as an eBook
- Older versions can be pricey
Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework
If needlework is more your thing, you need this book. From the same publishers as the Complete Guide to Sewing, the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework covers everything yarn and needlecraft-based.
In here you will find sections on knitting, embroidery, applique, and quilting. There’s even a section on macramé and rug making.
Just like the sewing guide, this book assumes no prior knowledge and is suitable for beginners and advanced stitchers. With clear photographs and step-by-step instructions, this book is the definitive resource for needlework of all types.
Unfortunately, this one hasn’t been updated regularly like it’s sewing sister. Although you can get a copy on Amazon, they are vintage copies. You could score a copy for a cheaper price if you check your local charity shop.
Pros
- Beginner friendly
- Step-by-step instructions
Cons
- Not regularly updated
- No longer in print
The Sewing Book by Alison Smith
If you can’t find a copy of Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, then The Sewing Book by Alison Smith is the next best thing. Covering over 300 different techniques, this book is filled with illustrations and close-up photographs to help you grow your sewing skills.
This book is aimed more at the beginner sewist. But even so, there are some tips and tricks in the book that will give the more advanced stitcher some new information. I’ve had my copy for years and although it doesn’t get out as much as my Reader’s Digest books do, it’s still a well-thumbed copy!
I love the layout of this book. It’s easy to understand and the step-by-step instructions are thorough and easy to follow. Any newbie sewist would be tickled pink to get this book as a gift.
Pros
- Over 300 step-by-step techniques
- Beginner friendly
Cons
- More focused on the beginner sewist
Fabric Savvy by Sandra Betzina
Another oldie but goodie, Fabric Savvy by Sandra Betzina is a go-to fountain of information on different fabric types. But that’s not all. It’s an incredibly useful reference book for figuring out what fabric is best for which project.
You’ll also discover what needle you should use and how to care for the garment. As well as hints and tips on how to work with tricky fabrics from delicate silk to the more robust scuba.
My copy is quite old now. The link above will take you to a newer version which has been updated with more fabrics and even more photographs. Again, older versions of this book can be found at local charity shops and thrift stores. They also come up on eBay or Thriftbooks from time to time.
Try to grab yourself a newer version if you can. The older versions, like mine, don’t tend to have as much information on fabrics like scuba or ponte.
Pros
- Beginner friendly
- Useful resource for the more advanced sewist
Cons
- Older versions cover fewer fabrics
Fabric Sewing Guide by Claire Shaeffer
In a similar vein to Fabric Savvy, the Fabric Sewing Guide by Claire Shaeffer also covers different fabrics and how to sew them. It’s a little harder to find though. My copy is from the 1980s but there are newer versions out there.
Rather than being a general reference book for everyday sewists, this fabric guide is better suited for designers or for sewists interested in fashion design. It covers everything from fabric structure, fiber content, and what interfacing to use.
This is my go-to book when writing articles about particular fabrics and their uses. It helps me ‘see’ the material that I am writing about because the descriptions are so clear and concise.
As with the other books on this list, the Fabric Sewing Guide by Claire Shaeffer can be found at thrift stores, charity shops, 2nd hand book stores, and even eBay.
Pros
- Useful resource for designers
- Clear and concise
Cons
- May not be suitable for beginners
Better Homes and Gardens Grandma’s Best Full-Size Quilt Blocks
I couldn’t put a best sewing book for 2024 list together without including my favourite quilting book. Better Homes and Gardens is the publisher of a whole range of sewing and quilting books that are both informative and a pleasure to use.
But Grandma’s Best Full-Size Quilt Blocks has got to be one of the absolute must-haves!
I picked this one up at my local thrift store a couple of years ago and it’s been a constant companion ever since. In fact, this book was the inspiration behind the quilt block I entered into the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Quilt Block competition for 2023.
Packed with over 100 quilt block designs, this book has instructions to make the blocks and shows how they look in completed quilts.
You can use the diagrams to make your own quilt block patterns because they are printed full-size. Most of the patterns fit the page and measure about 9.5 inches square.
But that’s not the best part.
The book covers quilt blocks from the 1830s through to the 1950s. In date order. You get to see what quilt blocks were around in a particular decade along with descriptions of fabrics used in those times.
It’s not just a quilt block book… it’s a history of quilting book too!
This one isn’t aimed at beginners though. You will need some quilting knowledge for some of the blocks. But even so – it’s a great book to grow into!
Pros
- Covers designs from the 1830s to 1950s
- Useful Historical information
- Full size block patterns
Cons
- May be out of print
- Aimed at quilters
- Applique blocks don’t have measurements
How to Find Your Favourite Sewing and Quilting Books
Every sewist is different. I wouldn’t be without the books on this list, but you might find they aren’t your cup of tea. Let’s take a look at some points to consider when you’re looking for your next favourite sewing book.
Readable and User Friendly
If a fiction book is hard to read, even if it’s a New York Times’ best seller, you’re not going to want to read it. The same goes for reference books. To be a useful resource you will keep going back to time after time – sewing books have got to be user friendly!
Choose a book that has easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of clear photographs. Gone are the days when we had time to sit and read through pages of text to find out how to do something. Step-by-step diagrams and pictures are the way to go.
Read the Reviews
Let’s be honest, you’ll probably search for sewing and quilting books online. This is a good thing as most books have reviews. Check them out to find out what other people thought about the book you are interested in.
You can research your favourite sewing books online and purchase them from physical bookstores too. This will help you make informed, spur of the moment buying decisions when you see the book on your next shopping trip.
Don’t forget to check the one-star reviews too! It’s always a good idea to find out why people didn’t like the book.
Paperback, Hardback, or eBook
Each format or type of book has its merits. Hardback books are durable and better able to withstand a lifetime of page flipping. Paperbacks are lighter and easier to carry around.
Then there are eBooks. Your electronic answer to storage issues! One Kindle, Nook, or tablet can hold a whole shelf of sewing books. Maybe a Kindle would help me score points with Marie Kondo?
But… whatever the format, they all have disadvantages too!
Hardbacks can be cumbersome. Paperbacks tear easily and ebooks can be hard to navigate.
You have to go with your preference for this one. Pick a format that works best for you.
To be a useful resource the information in your sewing book has to be easily accessible. Otherwise, you’ll be looking for the answers elsewhere.
Family and Friends
Similar to reading reviews, your sewing friends and family can also be instrumental in helping you pick your best sewing book for 2024.
They may already own several sewing books that you can look at or even borrow. That way you can try the book before you buy.
Even better, they can let you know which books they use the most. Or which ones they wouldn’t recommend.
My Recommendations
Although none of these books were actually published in 2024, the information they contain is still as valid today as it was when they were first introduced. Sometimes the oldies are definitely the best!
My top choice for your sewing shelf would be Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing as it’s suitable for sewists of all ages and skill levels.
If quilting is your thing, Better Homes and Gardens Grandma’s Best Full-Size Quilt Blocks is an ideal reference book for the avid quilter interested in quilting history.
To borrow a phrase from my Mum, if you have any trouble finding any of the books on this list, take a trip to your local library. You’re sure to find at least one of them on their shelves too!
Whichever link you follow in this post, I hope you find your way back here for the next one. In the meantime, whatever you’re sewing, whatever you’re sewing it with, embrace your creativity and have fun!
Thanks for reading! Bye for now.
Olly
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