June 5, 2019

21 Books You Need in Your Sewing Library

Although we have unlimited information at our fingertips thanks to the internet, I still believe that a sewing library is crucial to success! This list is comprised of the top 21 books that I believe you must-have for your sewing library.

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Why a Sewing Library is Important

A good sewing book is a great way to take your sewing to the next skill level. There’s something so inspiring about having a bookshelf full of wisdom sitting across from you while you sew. Although we now have endless information and great references available through our fingertips, I find that when I research using a physical copy of a book I’m much less likely to be distracted. The times I have to open my web browser to research something can really take a toll on my creativity for the day. It’s so easy to get sucked into looking at other things or even answering emails when all I originally intended to do was find an answer to my question! Because of this, I compiled this list of my top 21 must-have books for your sewing library.

21 Best Sewing Books

Couture Sewing Techniques | Claire B. Schaeffer

Couture Sewing: Making Designer Trims | Claire B. Schaeffer

Couture Sewing: Tailoring Techniques | Claire B. Schaeffer

Kenneth D. King’s Smart Fitting Solutions | Kenneth King

Pattern Fitting with Confidence | Nancy Zieman

The Tunic Bible | Sarah Gunn and Julie Starr

A Stylish Guide to Classic Sewing | Julie Starr and Sarah Gunn

Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses | Gretchen Hirsch

Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing | Gretchen Hirsch

Tilly and the Buttons: Sewing with Stretch Knit Fabrics | Tilly Walnes

Mending Matters | Katrina Rodabaugh

The Geometry of Hand-Sewing | Natalie Chanin

Inside a Chanel Jacket: Threads Magazine | Betsy Levine

The Shirtmaking Workbook | David Page Coffin

Making Trousers for Men & Women | David Page Coffin

Sewing Lingerie That Fits | Karen Morris

Sewing Lingerie | Singer Sewing Library

Vintage Lingerie | Jill Salen

How to Make Custom Fit Bras and Lingerie | Don McCunn

Paris Undressed: The Secrets of French Lingerie | Kathryn Kemp-Griffin

The Aloha Shirt: Spirit of the Islands | Dale Hope

You caught me. The last book on this list is not a sewing reference book. However, I loved it so much that I had to include it anyway!

I hope you’ve been inspired to add some of these great resources to your personal sewing library! I like having books in my library that cover both sewing skills and sewing projects. You can find easy to understand books for learning to sew, books that cover hand-stitching, and even complete guides to sewing which offer step by step instructions. There are books that are full of information on creating clothing, operating a sewing machine, or even working with different fabric types. I have to admit that some of my most favorite books in my sewing library are the ones that include color photos. I could look at those for days!

Do you have a favorite sewing reference book that’s not on my list? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section of this post! I’m always looking for either new books or fun resources to add to my sewing library.