I was so lucky when I was starting out. My mother was a fabulous crafter and was always working on something new. She was an eager and fun teacher who taught me everything that I needed to know when I was starting out. We made a lot of fun crafts together and she was an amazing resource of information.
Even though I learned a lot from my mother there were some things that she didn’t know or sometimes she just wasn’t around to help me. I ended up purchasing quite a few sewing books that would give me great ideas and provide me with the extra instruction that I needed. Many of these books are now falling apart from such constant use and are no longer in print. When family and friends start out sewing I love buying them their first sewing book to help get them on the right track.
Below you will find a few that I have purchased recently that I think are best sewing books for beginners or kids.
Each of these books are an excellent place to start for a first time sewing. These books are great at building skills while bringing you along through projects that are fun and educational.
Towards the end of this list, we have a number of books that are suitable for kids or tweens who are just starting out. Here they are…
1. Sew Everything Workshop
The Sew Everything Workshop is perfect for beginners. Diane Rupp is an excellent teacher who takes you through each project step by step in a fun and engaging way. Youngsters love it and makes them feel inspired and ambitious.
It has been around since 2007, but is still one of my favorite books for newbies.
This beginner sewing book is stylish and trendy and is very popular amongst the youngsters in my family.
Click here to purchase The Sew Everything Workshop or view more information on Amazon.
2. The Sewing Machine Classroom
The Sewing Machine Classroom is an amazing book if you are new to sewing and want to learn how to use your sewing machine properly. After you have completed this book you will be a master with your machine. It will help you choose the best threads, fabric, feet and other materials to get the most out of your machine.
One of the most valuable sections teaches you how to take care of your machine and even offers some lessons on how to fix it. Great book!
This is one book for beginners that I buy for everyone. The sewing machine maintenance section is worth the price of this book alone. If you can save yourself even just one trip to the repair shop, it is well worth it. Everyone should have this on their shelf.
Click here to purchase Sewing Machine Classroom or view more information on Amazon.
3. Sewing 101, Revised and Updated
Sewing 101 is a classic book that has been revised and updated to include even more helpful tips and tutorials. This is a very good book for beginners. It teaches you the absolute basics and moves you increasingly more difficult projects. It is taught in a very clear and concise manner.
There is even a DVD included that demonstrates the projects and has step by step videos. It even has a the book in PDF format so you can bring it with you everywhere.
Click here to purchase Sewing 101 or view more information on Amazon.
4. 1, 2, 3 Sew: Build Your Skills with 33 Simple Sewing Projects
1, 2, 3 Sew is another excellent beginner book. Work your way through 33 projects starting with easy and getting more and more advanced. The book does it in an a very unique way. The projects are in groups of three and each new project group requires the skills from the previous lessons. You will feel like a pro in no time. Very easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations. This is a very good book for beginners.
Click here to purchase 1, 2, 3 Sew or view more information on Amazon.
5. A Kid’s Guide to Sewing – Best Sewing Book for Kids
A Kid’s Guide to Sewing is a fantastic book that guides your child through 16 projects that are fun and educational. Children are taught by Sophie Kerr and are brought through each project with easy to understand steps.
It is written from a child’s perspective and really resonates with children I have used it with. It is a great book to if you want to help nurture your child or grandchild’s love of sewing.
Click here to purchase A Kid’s Guide To Sewing or view more information on Amazon.
6. The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids
The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids is a fun book that is suitable for beginners or all ages. It does a really nice job introducing sewing to someone who is just starting out.
Students learn skills as they progress through projects in the book. As they move along they are building upon each other and helping them gain confidence.
One thing I really like about the book are the games and skill drills. They really do a great job helping a child retain what they have learned.
Click here if you would like to see more about The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids.
7. My First Sewing Book
My First Sewing Book is a very popular sewing book for kids. This fun book brings your little one through 35 projects that are targeted to children who are 7 years of age or older.
I was really impressed with the variety of projects in this book. Your child will create all sorts of fun sewing projects including:
- rag dolls,
- sock monsters,
- bags,
- hair accessories
- and much more.
I found that the wide range of projects really open a child’s eyes to the power of what a sewing machine can do and open up their imagination to other possibilities. This is definitely one of my favorite books. Your child will be thrilled with it as well.
Click here if you would like more information about My First Sewing Book.
8. Sew in Style – Make Your Own Doll Clothes
Sew in Style is a book that one of our visitors recommended I add to this list. I’ve also talked to a couple of friends and they rave about it as well.
If you’re child has an 18″ doll that they adore then they will definitely love this book. There are 22 projects covered in this book that build up your sewing skills as you create beautiful clothing and accessories for their 18″ friend.
When they are finished they will have a unique wardrobe that they can use their imagination with.
Click here if you would like more information about Sew in Style.
Final Thoughts
All of these books are great choices. It really depends on what your needs and tastes are. I wouldn’t hesitate getting any of these for a sewing newbie. Even the books that are geared towards kids are a good place to start for adults. The language is simple, but the projects are cute, fun and will get you up to speed quickly. Thanks for reading my “Best Sewing Books” post.
Also, if you are looking for a sewing machine for someone who is just starting out or a beginner machine for yourself, I have reviewed some of my favorite beginner machines here.
If you are looking for the best sewing machine for kids you can find some machines here that I think are your best option for smaller children. Once you have the proper machine to work on with your child, use this resource to teach your child how to sew.
Also, if you are looking for a way to learn how to sew and where to start, you can go here to check out our online resource.
Thank you so much for your reviews on this subject. This is how I learned to sew, from my mom 62 years ago. Back then, there were no books for children to learn from and before I found your site, I purchased a Janome 2212 for my grand daughter and my great grand daughter. Now, I have an idea for the G.grand daughters sewing book. I won’t be able to teach her because we don’t live in the same state. God Blessings to you.
Thanks Ma Rose! I’m glad you found it useful 🙂
Really appreciate this information. I’ve been reading other blogs where a Special Needs teacher asked for project ideas and this page was linked. Even if I don’t have kids right now, I love the idea of gifting one or two books to children, young adults, mom’s and especially to Special Needs young people. For much younger children hand sewing g skills would help in so many ways. I have friends who are active with Secial Olympics kids and young adults. This is inspiring me to ask them about ways I can use sewing to teach sewing skills, and/or assisting teaching other life skills. I am beginning to see how much sewing skills can be used to teach fundamental life skills that I have not thought about before. Just sitting here I can list so many areas that would be useful like reading and follow directions (before trying even simple patterns, cutting, etc), use math to measure, add seam allowances, boost creativity, compare prices to shop wisely, budgeting skills, use these skills to participate in family not only for their own needs but for other family members. I am sure y’all can add to this list — and hope you do share. It’s so exciting to realize how much sewing skills can do.
My 8 yr. old daughter would like to learn to sew and is asking for a sewing machine. I wish I had learned to sew growing up, but I didn’t and I know nothing about sewing. As much as I would love to learn along with her and anticipate being part of the process, I have four other children and am in poor health, so I don’t want her to be dependent on my being there learning every little thing with her. I’m wondering how feasible it is for her to learn independently. Are these books that you recommend for children sufficient for a child to learn on her own or with a little guidance from an adult who also has no idea how to sew? Or do they require a knowledgeable adult to be present and giving instruction?
Hi Michelle, I definitely think an 8 year old can learn to sew from a book without too much guidance. I really liked A Kid’s Guide to Sewing. If you can provide a little guidance when they get stuck I believe they will do fantastic with this book.