Book Recommendations

I highly recommend these books by JoAnn Gagnon. She will teach you step by step how to sew on the machine. In Stitches & Pins, A Beginning Sewing Book for Girls, she goes over the features of your sewing machine. Lists the important sewing supplies that are needed. She talks about fabrics, how to read a pattern, pinning, proper sitting position. She has you practice on paper first, learning to backstitch, turn corners and zig-zag stitching. She goes over pattern layout and cutting. You will make a pillowcase, Bible or book cover, tote bag, laundry bag, potholder, doll quilt, bias tape, hostess apron, bound blanket, elastic waist skirt, reversible vest, purse, pajama bottoms or shorts, how to apply facing, how to sew tubes, pajama top or nightshirt. There are tips interspersed throughout the book as well as very clear instructions on how to make each of these projects. This book would be appropriate for children or adults who are just beginning to learn how to sew. This is the book I use to teach my children how to machine sew. An adult or older child could actually teach themselves.

Pins and Needles is for intermediate sewers. And Buckles & Bobbins is for teaching boys to sew.

Sew What Skirts is such an awesome book. There are several different skirt styles that you can make without ever having to buy a pattern. It shows you how to make a quick pattern exactly to your measurements. I was so surprised how easy it was. And the fit is perfect. If you love skirts, then this book is a must have.