Whether you’re a beginner to sewing or a more advanced seamstress, pattern sewing books are always a good choice. I’ve been sewing for years and I still love a good sewing book that keeps the patterns on the back so we can keep track of them.
and nowadays there are also sewing books that come with downloadable patterns to print. win-win!
You are reading: Best sewing pattern books
There are sewing books designed for those just learning to sew, and then there are the more advanced sewing books for those who have been hanging out behind a sewing machine.
There are also sewing books with patterns for knitting and sewing books with patterns for knitting. There really is no end to the different books you can buy that have patterns included, so I’ve broken them down here, highlighting only the best, and I’ve also included an excellent book with men’s patterns, for those readers who want to do more menswear! !
Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
sewing notebooks with stitch patterns
There are now many pattern sewing books that focus only on sewing garments with knits. And while I do like some knitwear in my wardrobe, I’m a bit picky about what.
For knitting patterns, I’m more likely to buy individual sewing patterns that reflect my style, but since this is a post about sewing books with patterns, I’m going to cut to the chase and share the two that I consider to be the best! What’s up!
I could share more, but we’re focusing on the top of the crop! 😉
1. a beginners guide to sewing with knits by wendy ward
This is one of my favorite sewing books of all time. it’s a new release from wendy, released in early 2018, and i love it. It’s one of the few books that didn’t go into storage when I moved to Wales for a year!
I’ll add that this book is so good it was nominated for “Best Craft Book” at the 2018 British Sewing Awards.
There are also 6 sewing projects, which can be adapted to many more with the variations wendy provides!
patterns are included in a plastic folder at the back of the book so you can store them folded when not in use.
First of all, this book contains many useful tips and techniques for sewing with knits, making it an essential resource for sewing beginners who have yet to try sewing with knits!
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You can buy your own signed copy here directly from wendy (recommended!) or if you’re in another part of the world, you can buy an unsigned version from amazon here!
as soon as my sewing machine arrives in the netherlands, I’ll be buzzing some more pants from monsal lounge! I need them for this wet and rainy weather!
2. tilly and the buttons stretch
this tilly and the buttons book came out spring 2018 and is also good for sewing beginners and more advanced seamstresses!
patterns seem a bit ‘young’ for my liking, but to be honest, if they were on woven fabrics, there are several that I would adapt and make for myself. I just don’t wear a lot of knitwear.
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That said I love the stella hoodie as a pattern, and will probably make one or two in the summer for dutch fall nights!
If you would like to learn more about Stretch: Get comfortable sewing with knits, click here.
sewing books with *mainly* knitted patterns
When it comes to sewing my own clothes, or even designing my own designs, I always prefer to work with woven fabric. maybe it’s my love of structured fabrics, but I always feel like I can achieve a more distinctive and unique look in woven fabrics.
To that end, here are my absolute favorite sewing books with patterns for knit garments, although some also contain knit sewing pattern options!
3. gertie’s latest dress book: a modern guide to sewing fabulous vintage looks
gertie’s latest dress book is a must for anyone who loves vintage inspired dresses! with patterns (and instructions!) for 23 dressesyou’re sure to find at least one dress you’ll want to make again and again, especially with all the possible elements to mix and match!
I love dresses, but I haven’t worn one in a long time due to living in a remote part of Wales. now though? I’m going to make the polka dot day dress from the book, only in a non-polka dot fabric! 😉
4. breaking the pattern: a modern way of sewing by named patterns
I was drooling over this book when it was released in November 2018, and refused to buy it in case it turned out to be a Christmas present!
Created by Finnish designers Saara and Laura Huhta, who design sewing patterns under the ‘clothes with names’ brand, this book is a must for anyone who loves contemporary Scandinavian design.
I love the ethic of name clothes, and this beautiful book is another way of enjoying slow fashion, making myself some beautiful pieces.
As this is a post about pattern sewing books, you’ll be pleased to know that there are ten patterns included in the book, and each one has two variations, so 20 named clothing designs at a bargain price! 🙂
Also note that the projects start off easy and get more difficult as you progress through the book!
5. basic black: 26 edgy essentials for the modern wardrobe by sato watanabe
I love this book! one of my favorite designers when i first got into fashion was yohji yamamoto. I thought the Japanese design aesthetic was just awesome.
later I discovered the joy of commes des garçons, another Japanese brand, designed by res kawakubo.
this book by sato watanabe seems like a mix of yohji yamamoto and commes des garçons, and I love it!
26 sewing patterns are included, but they are all put together and look like a mess. You can download the pattern file from the website, print it out and trace it, but I will note that the patterns are only sized for UK sizes 8-16. I’m the last size in this range (and much taller too) so there’s always work involved for me.
if you are interested in Japanese sewing patterns and you will like this book!
6. alabama studio sewing patterns: a guide to customizing a hand-sewn alabama chanin wardrobe
If you’re a fan of really slow garment making, this book is the cream of the crop! Alabama Chanin is a proponent of slow hand stitching, and this book contains simple designs that you are sure to love.
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The books contain instructions for sewing and tailoring all 12 patterns, and are also an excellent guide to help you further customize the designs.
With an included pattern cd, you can combine the patterns in this book with techniques from any book on my list of books in this post to create some truly unique slow-sewn, handmade clothing.
7. the makers atelier: frances tobin’s essential collection
When I first saw this book, I felt it would be a bit ‘old’ for me… oh, how wrong I was!
My favorite thing is the draped front top. I love draped knit tops! -and soon I will be making at least two of the stretchy pencil skirts for sunny spring days that I anticipate here in the netherlands! (is that really an illusion?)
if you like classic, yet adaptable patterns with your sewing books, this one from the maker’s workshop is a great one to buy.
sewing notebooks with men’s fashion patterns
I think this topic could use an article of its own, but for now, let me tell you about a recent purchase I made, that was recommended to me by an existing reader, that I think men will love, and anyone who sews for! men too!
The book is ‘The Gentlemen’s Wardrobe’ by Vanessa Mooncie, and it’s fabulous!
full disclaimer: I haven’t tried to do anything in the book yet as it only came a week ago so I’ll update this section in the next few weeks when I’ve done something for my partner but at first glance the book has everything needed to help men put together a capsule wardrobe for themselves.
projects included are:
- shirt
- summer shirt
- vest
- trousers
- jacket
- boxer
- pajamas
- robe
- slippers
- shoulder bag
- purse
- bow tie
- tie
- flat cap
those are 14 good projects to start.
In addition to instructions for each project, there are patterns on the back that you could trace to use (that’s why I haven’t started one yet) and there’s also a detailed section on different sewing techniques, which are illustrated in the same style everywhere.
I should note that there were no projects (that I could see) that required knits, but how many “gentlemen” do you see wandering around in a t-shirt and sweatpants? so the hint is very much in the title.
For anyone new to sewing menswear, this would be a wonderful and comprehensive introduction. you should check out my full book review.
7 Best Pattern Sewing Books: Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my top seven pattern sewing books, and one for men too. I love each of these books for different reasons, and happily recommend them all, though be sure to check they offer your size before you buy so you won’t be disappointed!
if you have any ideas about the books, or maybe your own recommendations. – let me know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this, you might enjoy the articles I have on different sewing patterns! Learn about the best jumpsuit patterns, the best plus size sewing patterns for beginners, easy sewing patterns for beginners, easy summer sewing patterns for women, and the best Scandinavian sewing patterns because who doesn’t love a pattern? Scandinavian?
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