Encyclopedia of Sewing

Firstly this book is AMAZING and it is worth every penny. So far it has answered a lot of the questions I had on sewing. Secondly, the only con I have, and I know some of you may think it is silly... I understand that it is an encyclopedia and this is how encyclopedias are done, it does not have an index to refer you to the page of the subject you want to quickly refer to. For an advanced seamstress who already knows all the technical terms it will not be an issue.I consider myself a beginner with a few steps into intermediate as I used to make clothes for myself as a teenager with the use of patterns. I have never had the chance to learn the technical sewing terminology (plus English is not my first language)  and here I am two and a half decades later trying to get into sewing again. The book's preface reads as follows: "A word about how to use this book. As with all encyclopedias, one must know precisely what to look for before being able to look it up"It takes me longer to find the subject I want to learn about or to refresh my memory on. At times it takes a few good readings over the same paragraph to understand how certain steps are done. But the good news is that once I find the exact technical terminology there is always YouTube videos to refer to for a more visual understanding. I think in time, I may start an excel spreadsheet to mark the terminology in the book and the page number. It will be a lot easier to quickly find all the pages in the book that refer to the same subject but the steps may be found in different parts of the book due to different terminology used for each step.

good reference guide

I love this book. Its packed with all kinds of how to do stuff....I am an experienced sewer and it has every thing and then some that I had forgotten how to do.I highly recommend this book from beginner to experienced sewer! Great resource! Lots of pictures and illustrations. I am a visual learner and this book is awesome.

This is a great resource book with information and pictures to help you understand the material. Pictures little dated and pages not numbered, however the top of page is alphabetical arranged. This book is a great resource book, well arranged. Covers everything sewing topic wise. Love the descriptive drawings. I have other books that Adele Margolis has out, tailoring, fit & flare, dress patterns and dressmaking. Author is amazing presentation on the topics!!

I found this title on a list of recommended "must have" sewing books years ago. Being out of print and without any info on the web, I waited until I could find a cheap copy, and it has since become the most used sewing reference that I own. I usually end up referring to it on every project, even if only to look at alternative construction methods for a commercial pattern. It has been most useful as I venture into the realm of drafting my own patterns and need construction guidance. But this is not a project book, the preface states it is a book, "where one can look up specific information without having to extract it from developmental text with what is, for the moment, extraneous material..." This means that I do not have to wade through pages of glossy photos to find the one measurement I need, I simply look under "H" for hems and find it. Still, it is a very comprehensive book and I have not failed to find what I needed between the main listings and ample cross references (e.g., "For hems with uncovered edges, see edge finishes"). It has simple diagrams which may seem lacking compared to photos, but I find diagrams can clarify concepts where photos may be too busy. Also a book with color photos would no doubt edit out smaller subjects and cost significantly more.Pros: Comprehensive, haven't found a subject not covered. Good directions and diagrams.Cons: Out of print and not in e-format.

This is an excellent book like no other available. I haven't sewn for years & wanted to learn more. I have been searching for the perfect sewing instruction book without projects & couldn't find one until I read a review recommending this one. This is "not" a sewing projects book like all the others out there. However, the title is right on the mark. It is an encyclopedia of sewing. If you are a beginner or more advanced, this book has it all. It's an easy read and shows clear step by step illustrations with instruction, & includes every sewing term you can think of. This is a keeper for life. It is well worth the investment if you are just looking for a quick answer or wanting to learn the art of sewing. I highly recommend this book.

Great book/unfortunately from a library. Didn't realize it ,not great for a gift considering it was from a library was from the library

Most informative sewing book. Now when I can't remember the meaning of a word, or technique, I can just look it up. My memory is not as sharp anymore and I have started my own business after 25 years of not sewing. This book is helping me tremendously. A must have for any sewest.

libro interessante.

I returned this item as I was disappointed that there was no index, and felt it would be a challenge to navigate.I'm sure for a more experienced sewer it would be a great resource.