Book Review: Sew Over It Beginner's Guide to Sewing

Background

Sew Over It is a sewing company which was founded by designer Lisa Comfort. Their early pattern releases had a classic-retro feel, and in the years since, they've evolved to include patterns for all tastes and skill levels. We've always found their patterns easy to follow and
we were particularly excited when they started to expand the size range they offer.

Overview of the Book

This is an e-book, available in PDF format, which means you'll need to be able to read it on screen or have access to a printer at home to print it out. The patterns themselves are also in digital format - you can either print them at home as tiled patterns either on A4 or US letter size paper (the book includes a link to a video to show you how to do this) or send the files to a copyshop to be printed on large-format paper.

The book talks you through all the basics of sewing in easy-to-understand terms. Some of this information is already available on the Sew Over It blog, but for a beginner it's so useful to have all of this together in one place.

Where this book really comes into its own though is with the patterns. It cleverly starts at a super-simple cushion and works its way up in complexity, with each new pattern teaching a set of new skills along the way.

The first section of patterns includes cushions and bags which will teach you essential skills like pressing, finishing seams and inserting zips. Once you've mastered all of these skills you'll feel confident enough to move on to dressmaking with a wrap skirt and comfy pyjamas.

Get a taster for FREE!

The Sew Over It team have very kindly allowed us to share one of the projects from this book with you for free, so that you can get a taster of the style and quality for yourselves. The Wrap Skirt includes sizes 6-30 with two lengths to choose from, and it's the perfect garment for new sewists with only basic skills needed. You'll learn how to sew ties, make a waistband and construct a skirt.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE WRAP SKIRT PATTERN

The Sew Over It team say:

"Our Beginner’s Guide to Sewing eBook is aimed at absolute beginners who have never used a sewing machine or handled fabric. The eBook teaches all the basics through creating an Envelope Cushion, a Drawstring Bag, a Tote Bag, a Toiletries Bag, a Wrap Skirt and Pyjama bottoms! There are six print at home PDF sewing patterns, a glossary, supplies list and access to video tips and tricks to help along the way on www.sewoverit.com. It is perfect for beginners but it is also the perfect present for a sewer to give to someone who has always wanted to learn."

Our Final Thoughts

Sewing is such a wonderful skill and hobby. We've written so much before about the power of sewing your own clothes and with this handy little book, the process is completely demystified. Each pattern is clearly explained with both written instructions and illustrations. When you consider that an individual dressmaking pattern in digital format usually costs at least £10, this book is great value - and you can't put a price on discovering a love of sewing!

Buy Now: Sew Over It Beginner's Guide to Dressmaking, £15 (e-book)