Here at Fabric.org, we love books! They can teach you anything you want to know, and they make great presents. That’s why we’ve decided to include reviews of our favorite 100 books on fabrics-and all the fantastic things you can do with them-on our website. We will be adding a few of our favorites every month, and we would love to know what you think of our selections.
Share your opinions on our chosen books and discover new titles on the Message Board in this section. If you are searching for a good book on a specific fabric or craft, this is the place to ask. If you have read a great book about textiles and would like to see it included on our website, we want to know! We are open to all topics related to fabrics and fabric-centric crafts. We will also be reviewing books on the history of fabrics and how they are made. In short, we want to provide our readers with a list of the very best books on fabrics out there, from step-by-step instructions for fun craft projects to just plain good reading.
We only want to recommend books that are exceptional, so only a few books from our “library” will be reviewed on Fabric.org. While we don’t have room to review every deserving book, we are working to make our Book Review section as complete as possible. Look for books on every aspect of fabric and crafts that use fabrics, as well as books aimed at newbies and young readers. For every book we review, we provide resource information to help you find your own copy. So if you love to read, or if you’re searching for the perfect birthday gift for your favorite budding seamstress, make sure you keep an eye on this section of our website.
The Art of Manipulating Fabric
Author: Colette Wolff
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Description: This volume demonstrates the techniques for the three-dimensional manipulation of fabric. It categorizes the techniques showing how they are related, giving examples of both modern and traditional variations. The techniques show how to reconstruct a flat piece of cloth using only a threaded needle (click here for more details..) |
Couture Sewing Techniques, Revised and Updated
Author: Claire Shaeffer
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Description: The world of haute couture is a place where only a privileged few can ever hope to reside, right? Wrong. Fashion historian Claire B. Shaeffer opened the door to this exclusive realm in her authoritative guide to the techniques that define couture sewing. And now, the industry bible, Couture Sewing Techniques, has been revised and updated throughout — with new photos and a chapter on specialty fabrics. No one can unravel couture garment construction the way Schaeffer can, from the art of hand sewing to mastering edge finishes, from classic closures to shaping a garment for a perfect fit. Readers learn all the basics — and more importantly: how to apply the techniques — on skirts and sleeves, pockets and jackets, evening gowns, and more. Gorgeous photos, clear illustrations, and concise language combine to make this the most complete couture-sewing course available. (click here for more details..) |
Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics
Author: Francesca DenHartog
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Description: Sewing is back! Young, crafty women are discovering the fun and creativity of working with fabric, needle, and thread to create simple, colorful skirts, suitable for showing off as wearable art. Sew What! Skirts assumes no prior sewing experience (and no home ec. class or mother with sewing skills!), and doesn’t get bogged down with overly complicated instructions or patterns. (click here for more details..) |
Fabric Dyer’s Dictionary: 900+ Colors, Specialty Techiniques, The Only Dyeing Book You’ll Ever Need
Author: Linda Johansen
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Description: Lays flat for easy use–the ultimate color reference guide. Now you have Linda’s personal ‘recipe book’ to mix any colors you can imagine. Learn how to make rainbows, subtle gradations, and unique patterns using common brands of dye, and then use your hand-dyed fabric for any project from quiltmaking to wearables to fiber art. (click here for more details..) |
More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric
Author: Sandra Betzina
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Description: America’s best-selling quick guide to selecting and sewing fabrics is now completely revised and updated. More Fabric Savvy brings over 100 new tips, over 400 new color photos and drawings, the latest new fabrics, and entirely new and useful features, including a handy guide to stain removal. From Sandra Betzina, the dynamic host of HGTV’s Sew Perfect, this easy-to-use reference belongs on every sewer’s bookshelf. (click here for more details..) |
A Field Guide to Fabric Design: Design, Print & Sell Your Own Fabric; Traditional & Digital Techniques; For Quilting, Home Dec & Apparel
Author: Kim Kight
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Description: If you have ever dreamed of showing your designs on fabric, textile aficionado Kim Kight, of popular blog True Up, is here to teach you how. Comprehensive and refreshingly straightforward, this impressive volume features two main parts. First, the Design and Color section explains the basics with step-by-step tutorials on creating repeating patterns both by hand and on the computer. Next, the Printing section guides you through transferring those designs on fabric-whether it’s block printing, screen printing, digital printing or licensing to a fabric company-and how to determine the best method for you. (click here for more details..) |
Fabricate
Author: Susan Wasinger
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Description: Create gorgeous one-of-a-kind handmade fabrics and transform them into fun and useful projects with this guide to distinctive cloth-making techniques. This innovative how-to resource uses classic and modern techniques to create interesting custom fabrics that are used in a dazzling array of fresh, stylish yet practical must-have items for one’s wardrobe or home. From laptop cases to evening bags, elegant wraps to flirty skirts, floor pillows to whimsical curtains, this tutorial uses a variety of easy fiber-art and fabric-manipulation techniques to create original fabric projects from wearable designs and touching gifts to home décor. (click here for more details..) |
Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z
Author: Martha Stewart Living Magazine
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Description: Whether you just bought your first sewing machine or have been sewing for years, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts will open your eyes to an irresistible range of ideas. A comprehensive visual reference, the book covers everything a home sewer craves: the basics of sewing by hand or machine, along with five other time-honored crafts techniques, and step-by-step instructions for more than 150 projects that reflect not only Martha Stewart’s depth of experience and crafting expertise, but also her singular sense of style. (click here for more details..) |
Fabulous Fabric Beads
Author: Kristal Wick
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Description: A spectacular combination of beading, scrapbooking, fiber arts, and mixed-media techniques, this amazing handbook describes how to create 30 handcrafted beads from rolled tubes of silk, muslin, or ribbon. With more than 20 easy embellishment techniques incorporating glitter, paint, crystals, or wire, these projects result in stunning beads that can be created with inexpensive and readily available supplies and tools described in this guide. Detailed discussions on choosing appropriate fabrics and creating a variety of surface designs are coupled with well-documented instructions on how to cut, roll, dip, and dry collage beads, and how to cover inexpensive wooden and plastic beads to easily achieve different shapes. (click here for more details..) |
J.J. Pizzuto’s Fabric Science 9th edition
Author: Allen C. Cohen & Ingrid Johnson
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Description: In response to universal requests by faculty and students, Fairchild Books has returned the Fabric Science textbook to its original three ring binder format. With the increasing emphasis on textiles as a major global industry, Fabric Science, 9th Edition, continues the long tradition of meeting the needs of both students and professionals in the textile, fashion, and related industries. The best-selling introductory text is for students and professionals who need a solid understanding of basic textiles. (click here for more details..) |
It’s a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls
Author: Susan Breier
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Description: Wind, wrap, and sew fabric strips into fantastic containers! Start with a plate shape to learn the technique. Then experiment with four basic container styles to create round, oval, square, and other shapes. • Create purses, baskets, and bowls in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors • Simply wrap fabric strips around cotton clothesline, coil into the desired shape, and secure with machine stitching • Special sections on lids, handles, and embellishments offer unlimited options for your own variations |
Stash Happy: Patchwork: 25 Sewing Projects for Fabric Lovers
Author: Cynthia Shaffer
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Description: Lark’s new Stash Happy series is the cure for the crafter’s dilemma: what to do with all those scraps and leftover fabric, felt, and yarn, beads! Each book is full of know-how, fun ideas, and super-cute projects-and the series kicks off with Patchwork, one of today’s hottest sewing and quilting trends. The collection offers inspiring twists on classic favorites plus practical items for the home, including a patchy panda doll, pieced cactus pincushion, or a set of nesting patchwork bowls. (click here for more details..) |
Quilting with Japanese Fabrics
Author: Kitty Pippen
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Description: The stunning beauty of Japanese fabrics inspired award-winning quiltmaker Kitty Pippen to immerse her quilts in Japanese elegance and style. Now Kitty shares her dazzling creations in eight exquisite patterns that illustrate how quilters of all skill levels can play with these dramatic fabrics in their quilts. Includes patterns ranging from simple mosaics and Japanese octagonal designs to Crazy patchwork, plus over 40 photos of glorious Japanese-style quilts. Provides a comprehensive introduction to Japanese textiles, such as indigo, kasuri, yukata, shibori, and aizome. (click here for more details..) |
Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book
Author: Clive Hallett & Amanda Johnston
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Description: This easily navigable resource provides 100 swatches of most recognized and widely used varieties of fabric, including cottons, silks, wools, and linens, to encourage consideration of not just the aesthetic appeal of various fabrics but also their structure, feel, and weight. Secured in an attractive ring-bound folder, with descriptions alongside them, the fabrics are in their raw state, before bleaching, dying, or finishing, so that their properties can be observed without thedistraction of color or pattern. (click here for more details..) |
Creating Crochet Fabric: Experimenting with Hook, Yarn & Stitch
Author: Dora Ohrenstein
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Description: This isn’t just another crochet project book; it’s an exploration of the craft’s creative possibilities! Designer Dora Ohrenstein closely examines crochet’s three basic variables—hook, yarn, and stitch—and how their infinite combinations create distinctive fabrics. Dozens of swatches show which techniques will result in a structured, hardwearing fabric or a lacy one that drapes; how a yarn can either hide or show off stitch patterns; and which crochet patterns can mimic plaid or colorful African designs. Fifteen projects move readers from theory into practice. (click here for more details..) |
Wrapagami: The Art of Fabric Gift Wraps
Author: Jennifer Playford
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Description: Discover how to use a simple square of fabric to beautifully wrap gifts of any shape or size—with Wrapagami. In this gorgeously photographed book, award-winning designer Jennifer Playford, inspired by the traditional Japanese fabric wraps known as furoshiki, shows exactly how to use fabric to create modern, eco-friendly (they’re reusable) gift wraps. Clear written instructions, easy-to-follow diagrams, and beautiful photos of the finished wraps make it easy to wrap expertly the first time. Jennifer shows the basic techniques for every shape, and presents twenty-five stunning wraps, complete with decorative embellishments for every occasion, from weddings to birthdays. (click here for more details..) |
Hankie Couture: Hand-Crafted Fashions from Vintage Handkerchiefs
Author: Greenberg Marsha
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Description: A stunningly original collection of doll-sized fashions–everything from pajamas to wedding gowns–meticulously crafted from vintage handkerchiefs. Accented with slyly witty Hankie Couture girl “philosophy,” this book is a stylish showcase of 125 unique fashions and accessories. It is also a how-to guide that allows you to transform treasured heirlooms or colorful flea-market finds into one-of-a-kind fashion ensembles. (click here for more details..) |
Girl’s World: Twenty-One Sewing Projects to Make for Little Girls
Author: Jennifer Paganelli
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Description: Jennifer Paganelli designs one of the most popular fabric lines in the crafting marketplace. In Girl’s World, her debut book, she presents twenty-one adorable sewing projects to make for little girlsfrilly dresses, ruffled pillows, bed canopies, stuffed animals, and more! Each project features Jennifer’s fresh, feminine flair in sizes and styles perfect for toddlers to tweens. With step-by-step instructions, a comprehensive techniques section, and simple sizing charts ranging from extra-small to extra-large, this book is exceptionally easy to use. Featuring whimsical design, lush color photos, a ribbon closure, and a vellum pocket filled with pattern sheets, Girl’s World makes sewing girly goodies a joy for crafters of all levels. (click here for more details..) |
The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide: From A to Z – Hundreds of Tips and Techniques for Successful Quiltmaking [
Author: Ellen Pahl
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Description: Everything you ever wanted to know about quilting!
You've hit the jackpot with this quilter's ultimate answer book. From A to Z you'll find combined wisdom from a star-studded cast of 60 expert quilters. Lavishly illustrated, this fun "look-and-learn" reference book covers every aspect of quiltmaking. |
Around the Corner Crochet Borders: 150 Colorful, Creative Edging Designs with Charts and Instructions for Turning the Corner Perfectly Every Time
Author: Edie Eckman
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Description: When it comes time to put the finishing touches on the edges of a fiber project, a crochet border is the perfect solution. Edgings are essential adornments to the most popular knit and crochet pieces blankets, scarves, and afghans. But borders can do so much more; they give handmade goods a delightful finishing touch, serve as focal points, tidy uneven edges, and add handcrafted flair to store-bought apparel. (click here for more details..) |
PatternReview.com 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips: Top-Rated Favorites from Sewing Fans and Master Teachers
Author: Deepika Prakash. Foreword: Sandra Betzina
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Description: This book contains the best hands-on insider sewing tips from the popular sewing website PatternReview.com, a community of more than 170,000 members. The entries are collected from the website’s enormous database of members’ shared comments and advice, rated by hits and reviews. Also included are five special how-to features by PatternReview.com's master teachers and pattern designers, who regularly conduct online chats and workshops (including Kenneth King, Susan Khalje, Sarah Veblen, Shannon Gifford, and Anna Mazur). (click here for more details..) |
The Knitting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask
Author: Margaret Radcliffe
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Description: Every avid knitter has faced this dilemma: deep into a project at midnight, just trying to finish one more row, and, then . . . oh no, a dropped stitch three rows back! Help! If only there was a 24-hour hotline to answer every question a knitter might encounter. Well, now there is, with The Knitting Answer Book . The expert authors, Margaret Radcliffe and Edie Eckman, leave no question unanswered, no quandry unaddressed. Each book contains detailed, illustrated answers to literally hundreds of questions, from the common to the more unusual. (click here for more details..) |
The Crochet Answer Book (Answer Book (Storey))
Author: Edie Eckman
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Description: Wouldn't it boost your confidence to have an experienced and confident crocheter on call, day and night, offering assistance when needed? Most of us aren't fortunate enough to have that kind of aid, but now there is help available 24/7 with The Crochet Answer Book. (click here for more details..) |
