The Great British Sewing Bee: The Techniques: All the Essential Tips, Advice and Tricks You Need to Improve Your Sewing Skills, Whatever Your Level

Having read all the reviews for this which range from 5-star recommendations to 1-star major disappointments, I wasn't at all sure If I should even bother ordering it, but I'm very glad I did and was very pleasantly surprised too. Other reviewers have mentioned that they don't like it because it's not at all like the usual Sewing Bee books and the fact there are no patterns included either, and I take their point, it's quite true, it isn't and there aren't. I also completely understand why the more experienced dressmakers are unhappy feeling that there is nothing in it for them, I agree, you are not going to find any advanced sewing methods here, but then to be fair, there is a bit more to it than that..... I am neither a complete beginner nor a very experienced sewer, and have numerous and I mean numerous - last count 17 - sewing books that I rely on heavily, everything from Alison Smith, Vogue sewing, and various others, including the famous 1979 Reader's Digest one, but despite having all these to refer to, I still found I was having to wade through multiple volumes just to try and find out which book covered a required subject adequately enough, and then even if it did cover it, did it do it in a way I could understand it, usually not!. So one day, and thoroughly fed up with having to keep trawling through everything like this all the time - and often for some pretty basic information too - I made a checklist of what I felt was some all round essential stuff, and then sat down with the books to see if It was possible, to select just one best option that would cover most of my needs. Well what resulted was just a time consuming exercise in finding out that not one of the books did everything I wanted in the way I needed, so had to resign myself to the fact I was going to have to continue carting the pile of books about for reference which was incredibly annoying. So imagine how amazing it was then to find a whole lot of those bits and pieces of information I had wanted, all gathered together here in this one, neat, little book, things like:- Basic sewing machine maintenance instructions Understanding the numbers on sewing machine needle packets and which fabrics to use them on Choosing fabrics and understanding the different fabric widths/ advice for working with different kinds of fabrics such as cotton, wool, silk, stretch fabrics, and so on How to take proper measurements, adjusting patterns, making a toile Understanding patterns, pattern markings, preparing your fabric, laying out pattern pieces, transferring pattern markings Pattern Matching your fabrics - something I have always struggled with! Understanding and using interfacings Hand and machine stitches/ techniques Different types of seams - with information a beginner perhaps doesn't realise about such as "stitch all seams in the same direction" Marking and stitching hems - including curved hems Darts, zips, buttons, buttonholes, fabric ties, belts and making rouleau Setting in a sleeve and sleeve finishes Pockets, collars, facings, waist finishes Pleats, tucks and shirring How to line a skirt and a dress and plenty more!. And the really best bit about it for me, is that everything is done in a very simple, straightforward way, with easy to understand diagrams and nothing complicated by being overly technical or telling you how to do something but then leaving half of it unsaid - a perfect example of which happened to me the other day when I needed to make some bias binding!. Although I have never made it before, I knew the basic principle of how to go about it, so started wading through my books trying to find the best explanation of how to correctly measure for it and join the strips properly and so on, well after an age - who knew how many unhelpful ways there are of explaining how to do this, I did manage to make some, but only to then find myself completely flummoxed about how to apply it around a tight corner, and as I didn't have another few hours to spare to see which one of the books did bother to mention how to do that bit, my heart sank, (although the problem was eventually solved thanks to the Vogue Sewing book!), but what a pity I didn't have this little book with me at the time, as I was overjoyed to find that it not only tells you quite clearly how to measure for and make the bias binding - even explaining how to calculate the width of the binding strips you will require as well, but tells you how to apply it, including how to overlap the ends to finish and going around corners too, which was just what I needed, and the whole book is like that, simple and to the point, in fact I would be tempted to call it "The Sewer's Basic Handy Reference Guide", perfect for when you just need to quickly look up some information, or need a reminder of how to do something. So am I saying this is a must have buy?. Well for me and to help ease my creaking bookcase a bit yes it is, but it's a difficult question to answer more generally because it "depends". It's obviously a great tool for a beginner because you have a lot basic information in one neat volume, but then as this doesn't go past the basics it would never be sufficient as your one and only sewing manual either!. Equally, if you are long past needing to check how to set in a sleeve, wonder how you handle various zip insertions, are quite used to lining a skirt, and can make rouleau straps with your eyes closed, then no, it's probably not something you'll make much use of. But for the "middle ground" sewer like myself, someone who does a bit of sewing but still needs a helping hand and reminders about how to do certain skills, then it's invaluable - not to mention saving a lot of time having to search elsewhere for all the same information!. So what I would say is this, certainly don't be automatically put off by the negative reviews, have a look at it yourself to see if it will be useful for "you", because like me, you might just be very glad that you did!.

Clear simple instruction book as you would expect from Sewing Bee

So full of knowledge

A detailed book. With what seems to have very good advice in it. My one gripe is that they have used drawn pictures and not photographs. But still glad I have it.

Very helpful, easy to understand and good diagrams/ explanations. I have sewed before but not for some time and needed an update. I watch the program avidly and need a reference when making my own clothes. This book does that. I will definitely get the rest in this series.

As, not quite a beginner, I was curious to know how informative and easy to follow the basics would be in this book. I have not been disappointed! Some techniques, unless you carry them out on a regular basis, you do "forget" and this book is a gentle lesson/reminder on "how to do". It does not come over as being written in a patronising way merely, instructive to those of us who are just returning to sewing and maybe not quite as confident as those who have sewn regularly for years! Truly a book for beginners.

Very informative

I am a complete beginner when it comes to sewing. I absolutely love the great british sewing bee though and it inspired me to have a go. My hubby bought me a sewing machine during lockdown and though I've made a few very simple things, cushion cover, face mask etc, I have never used a sewing pattern. I have had a scan through this book but haven't read it cover to cover yet but I'm sure come the autumn / winter month's, when my sewing machine won't be put away and I take the plunge and have a go at making myself an item of clothing, that this book will be invaluable and I'm sure it will give me all the hints and tips that I'll need. I'm guessing it'll be my new BFF.

Great book for a beginner sewist.

Very happy with my book, as a sewer who has been on a break it’s exactly what I needed. The patterns I won’t try as I see others more experienced than me have run into problems with sizes. I never really liked drafting patterns so I would leave that for another day. Plus I would get a book that concentrated on those separate aspects. The only problem I had and I wasn’t going to deduct any stars was the print is very small. If I’d realised that or it was noted I would have bought the Kindle version. Highly recommended for beginners or those needing a brush up on skills. It’s not a step by step book from the TV show .

This is truly a great reference for all skill levels. I've been sewing since I was about 9, so the most valuable aspects of the book for me are the clearly explained and well-illustrated instructions for a lot of basic garment construction needs. However, the first part of the book is about how to get started with sewing. So if you want to lean into sewing your own clothing, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better starting point in book form. And if you're like me and just need a reference, it's great for that, too. The technique reference section is the biggest part of the book. Of note: as anyone who has watched The Great British Sewing Bee can guess, it is absolutely garment-focused. If you're looking for information on how to quilt or something and have no intention of sewing garments, I'd look at some other book.

I bought the book based on a comprehensive review by another purchaser but realised after purchasing that I must be an advanced sewer as I was slightly disappointed with its contents. Great for beginners as the content is well organised and easy to find, as stated by the reviewer mentioned above.

This book covers all the basics to get you started in sewing,a must have guide book,very simple and nice.