The Best Sewing Books for Time-Saving Hacks and Sewing Tips

 

"Discover the best sewing books that offer valuable tips, techniques, and time-saving hacks for sewists of all levels."

"Unlock Your Sewing Potential with These Sewing Books Of Expert-Approved Tips, Tricks, and Time-Saving Hacks"

Sewing is both an art and a skill, and even the most experienced sewists are always on the lookout for ways to improve efficiency and achieve professional results. That’s where sewing hacks come in! Whether you want to master quick fixes, discover creative shortcuts, or refine your techniques, the right sewing book can be a game-changer. Below is a list of highly regarded sewing books from "The Best Sewing Books for Time-Saving Hacks and Tricks" that offer practical advice, expert guidance, and valuable tips. These are the best sewing books I’ve found for saving time, solving sewing problems, and building your skills as a confident sewist.

The Best All-in-One Sewing Guides

"The Sewing Book: Over 300 Step-by-Step Techniques" by Alison Smith

A comprehensive guide covering a wide range of sewing techniques, including invaluable hacks for perfecting your stitches and finishes.

"The Complete Book of Sewing Techniques" by Wendy Gardiner"

Packed with detailed explanations, expert tips, and time-saving solutions for a wide range of sewing projects.

"The Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing"

A classic reference book that covers everything from garment construction to troubleshooting common sewing issues.

The Best Sewing Books for Sewing Hacks and Time-Saving Tips

"Sewing Hacks: Tips and Tricks for a Handmade Wardrobe" by Linda Lee

Focuses specifically on clever sewing shortcuts and solutions to make your sewing process faster and easier.

"The Sewtionary: An A to Z Guide to 101 Sewing Techniques and Definitions" by Tasia St. Germaine

A fantastic resource for quickly looking up techniques and learning useful sewing hacks to achieve professional-looking results.

"Sewing for Dummies" by Jan Saunders Maresh

Perfect for beginners, this guide provides essential sewing techniques, along with simple hacks to make the learning process stress-free.

Best for Dressmaking and Garment Construction

"Guide to Fashion Sewing, Third Edition" by Connie Amaden-Crawford

A detailed guide to professional sewing techniques, covering pattern adjustments, fabric selection, and expert tips for fashion sewing.

"Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book: A Modern Guide to Sewing Fabulous Vintage Styles" by Gretchen Hirsch

Focuses on vintage-inspired dressmaking, offering helpful sewing hacks to achieve beautiful, tailored fits.

"Sew Many Dresses, Sew Little Time: The Ultimate Dressmaking Guide" by Tanya Whelan

A must-have for dressmakers, packed with time-saving techniques and pro tips to customize your garments.

Each of these books offers a wealth of knowledge to help sewists of all levels refine their skills and save time. Why not invest in yourself and learn sewing tips and tricks to improve your sewing skills? Whether you're a beginner seeking basic shortcuts or an experienced sewer looking to refine your craft, there’s a book on this list for you. Investing in an excellent sewing reference can help you work smarter, not harder, so why not add one (or more!) of these books to your collection today?

What are your favorite sewing books or hacks? Share in the comments! My favorite sewing book is "The Guide to Fashion Sewing, Third Edition" by Connie Amaden-Crawford. This sewing book helps you master the basics of garment assembly, featuring large, helpful illustrations and easy-to-read text. 

If you're looking for sewing patterns, notions, or yarn, please visit my listings on The Needle Market Shop.

Happy Sewing!

How to Make Shoulder Pads Instead of Buying Them – A Cost-Effective & Simple DIY Solution

 

If you love sewing and want to add professional structure to your handmade garments, learning how to make shoulder pads instead of buying them is a skill worth mastering. Whether you're working with vintage sewing patterns, modern designs, or tailored jackets, handmade shoulder pads are cost-effective, customizable, and surprisingly simple to sew. At The Designer's Needle, I love providing sewing enthusiasts with valuable tips, and today, we’re diving into the easy process of making your shoulder pads!

Why Make Your Shoulder Pads?

While store-bought shoulder pads are readily available, they can be expensive, bulky, or not the right shape for your garment. Here’s why making your own is a great alternative:

Cost-Effective – Save money using fabric scraps and batting instead of purchasing pre-made pads.

Custom Fit – Adjust the thickness, shape, and size to match your sewing project perfectly.

Better Quality Control – Choose soft, comfortable materials that won’t feel stiff or awkward.

Matches Your Project – Use fabrics and padding that blend seamlessly into your garment.

Materials Needed for DIY Shoulder Pads

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

Muslin, fleece, or cotton fabric (for the outer cover)

Batting, felt, or foam (for padding)

Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle

Scissors, pins, and measuring tape

Pattern or template (you can trace an old shoulder pad or use a sewing pattern requiring shoulder pads)

Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Shoulder Pads

Create a Pattern – If your sewing pattern doesn’t include a shoulder pad template, trace a curved shape that fits the shoulder seam of your garment. A crescent or oval shape works well.

Cut Your Fabric and Padding – Cut two fabric pieces (one for each shoulder) and two or more layers of batting for each pad, depending on the thickness needed. Layer the batting inside for extra structure.

Layer the Padding – Stack the padding pieces inside the fabric, placing thinner layers on top and thicker layers at the bottom to create a natural slope.

Sew the Edges – Sew around the fabric edges, encasing the batting inside. Use a zigzag stitch or hand-stitch for a clean, professional finish.

Shape and Adjust – Try your homemade shoulder pads with the garment and adjust the padding if needed before permanently attaching them.

Attach to Garment – You can sew them directly into the shoulder seams or attach them with snaps or Velcro for removable pads.

Sewing Patterns That Require Shoulder Pads

Many vintage and modern sewing patterns call for shoulder pads to achieve the structured look of jackets, blouses, and dresses. If you’re looking for sewing patterns that feature shoulder pads, check out my The Needle Market Shop, where I have a curated selection of sewing patterns for fashion-forward sewists!

Learning how to make shoulder pads instead of buying them gives you complete creative control over the fit and structure of your sewing projects. It’s a cost-effective, simple, and rewarding sewing technique that enhances any tailored garment.

Next time you purchase a sewing pattern requiring shoulder pads, try making them for a custom fit. Be sure to visit The Needle Market Shop for more sewing tips, pattern recommendations, and handmade fashion inspiration!