Children's Sewing References
Below is a list of sewing books that you can use to teach children, tweens and teens how to sew by hand and/or machine. The books are grouped into categories: Doll Sewing, Embroidery, Hand and Machine Sewing, Quilting, and Smocking. I have given you a short synopsis of each book, the ISBN, and the price. Most of these books can still be purchased in bookstores or Amazon. Some are available in Kindle or e-book editions. Your local libraries might also carry many of the books on the list.
As a sewing teacher teaching kids from 5 through adult to sew, I have used many of these books in my classes. If you have a favorite book that I have not mentioned, please let me know and I will add it to my list. Let's get the kids sewing!
Bobbi Smith
Fascination in Fabrics
Doll Sewing
Hentzel, Erin. Sew in Style: Make your Own Doll Clothes. C&T, 2014.
- Make, mix, and match super-cute clothes, bags, and jewelry for all your dolls.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-795-6 $22.95
Hinds, Joan
Joan Hinds has published a number of books for clothes for an 18" doll. Many you might find on Etsy, Amazon, or in your library or used bookstore.
- Doll Fashion Studio: Sew 20 Seasonal Outfits for your 18-Inch Doll
- Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls
- Sew the International Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls
- Sew the Essential Wardrobe for 18" Dolls
- Sew Todays fashions for 18-Inch Dolls
- Heritage Doll Clothes: Sew 20 American Outfits for Your 18-Inch Doll
- Sewing Secrets for Doll Clothing
- Doll Costume Dress Up
- Sew Baby Doll Clothes
- All Dolled Up
- Doll Clothes for Everyday Play
- Action Wear for Dolls
- Best Doll Clothes Book
Embroidery
Baumeister, Jeannie Downs. Jeannie B's Book of Heirloom Embroidery Designs and Stitches. Book 1
- Great diagrams and descriptions of embroidery stitches and designs.
- $20.00
Brown, Christen. Embroidery Stitching: Handy Pocket Guide. C&T, 2018.
- Quick and easy reference to over 30 embroidery stitches.
- ISBN-13: 978-1-61745-779-1 $7.95
Cressy, Judith. Bandana-rama: Wrap, Glue, Sew. C&T, 2014.
- Give yourself a total Bandana makeover!
- Make over your clothes and make new stuff with super cute and colorful bandanas.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-921-9 $21.95
Kim, Maryellen. Ribbon Girls: wind, weave, twist, & tie. C&T, 2014.
- 26 easy projects that will get you crafting in no time!
- Fab up all your stuff with just ribbons, buttons, and string!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-987-5 $14.95
Koolish, Lynn, Kerry Graham, and Mary Wruck. The Wonderful Colorful Wonder Wheel of Color. 2014.
- Great book exploring color!
- Ages 8 and up. Cute hand sewn stuffies for you to try!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-892-2 $12.95
McLauchlan, Shirley. Girls Get Stitching! C&T, 2013.
- Personalize your clothes, your room, and your stuff!
- 10 embroidery stitches, 20 projects.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-833-5 $21.95
Montano, Judith Baker. Embroidery and Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool. C&T, 2008.
- Compact, take anywhere guide to more than 180 stitches and stitch combinations.
- Use for hand embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, and crazy quilting.
- ISBN 978-1-57120-533-9 $22.95
Nicholas, Kristin. The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids. C&T, 2015.
- 15 easy projects and 17 stitches show you how to personalize all your stuff!
- Great illustrations.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-973-8 $16.95
Oldham, Todd. Kids Made Modern: All About Embroidery. Ammo Books.
- Designer Todd Oldham explores one of the oldest art techniques used to decorate fabrics.
- www.kidmademodern.com
- ISBN 978-193442991-4 $8.95
Sutcliffe, Kristen. Fabric Paper Thread: 26 Projects to Stitch with Friends. C&T, 2013.
- Restitch, Repurpose, Reuse, and Get Crafty!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-715-4 $21.95
Vodicka-Paredes, Lenka and Asia Currie. Forest Fairy Crafts. C&T, 2013.
- 28 Projects to Create and Share.
- Enchanting Fairies and Felt Friends from Simple Supplies.
- Learn easy crafting skills like hand sewing, finger knitting, sewing buttons, beads and sequins and using patterns.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-690-4 $19.95
Vodicka-Paredes, Lenka and A. Currie. Forest Fairy Crafts Through the Seasons. C&T, 2008.
- 25 Enchanting Forest Fairies, Gnomes, and more to Create and Share.
- Learn easy crafting skills like hand sewing, finger knitting, sewing buttons, beads, and sequins and using patterns.
- ISBN-13 978-1617456619 $21.95
Hand and Machine Sewing
Benyon, Ali. Stitched Paper Art for Kids. C&T, 2014.
- Paper your way to pretty things!
- Mix and Match designs and colors to make fab stuff that is just your style!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-927-1 $16.95
Figueroa, Shelly. Ms. Figgy's Garment School for Girls. C&T, 2015.
- Learn to sew 15 Classic Pieces.
- Create a totally new look by choosing different sleeves, necklines, and lengths on clothes you make yourself!
- Step by step photos guide you through making a new wardrobe.
- Tweens and Teens (11 and up). Patterns included Sizes 10–16.
- ISBN 978-61745-062-4 $19.95
Colin, Jennifer Pol. Sew Creative. C&T, 2018.
- 13 Projects to Make Your Own with tons of techniques! Ages 8 and up.
- Patterns can be found in the book or available online as PDFs to download and print on your computer.
- ISBN-13 978-1-61745-685-5 $19.95
Gratz, Wendy with Jo Gratz. Creature Camp. C&T, 2013.
- 18 Softies to Draw, Sew, and Stuff.
- Features different shapes, critters, and monsters that get your creativity going while learning to hand and machine sew!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-784-0 $22.95
Hardy, Emma. Sewing for Children. CICO Books, NY, 2010.
- 35 step-by-step projects to help kids aged 3 and up learn to sew.
- ISBN 978-1-907030-23-9 $19.95
Haxell, Kate. me and my sewing machine: a beginner's guide. Stash Books, 2010.
- All the info you need to choose your first sewing machine.
- Detailed step-by-step techniques that make sewing simple.
- Gorgeous projects to get you started.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-078-0 $22.95
Haxell, Kate. me and my sewing adventure: an intermediate guide. Stash Books, 2014.
- Advance your skills in garment, home dec, and accessory sewing with this practical guide.
- Detailed step-by-step techniques that make sewing simple.
- Gorgeous projects to get you started.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-876-2 $22.95
Kerr, Sophie with Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr. A Kid's Guide to Sewing. C&T, 2013.
- 16 Fun Projects You'll Love to Make and Use.
- Ages 11 and up.
- Kid friendly and easy to follow with lots of photos and illustrations.
- ISBN 978-60705-751-2 $21.95
Lan, Angela. #OOTD: Outfit OF THE DAY. Stash Books, 2016.
- From self-motivated, 14-year-old clothing designer and popular blogger behind lovespunk.com.
- 6 fashion patterns, ideal for beginners, with styles geared toward tweens and teens. Patterns included XS–XL.
- In-depth garment sewing primer with 4 skill-building chapters for a professional, store-bought finish.
- Customize it! How to alter patterns, choose the perfect fabric, and sew fashion-forward clothes.
- ISBN-13 978-1-61745-136-2 $24.95
Long, Abigail A. Modern Prairie Sewing. Stash Books, 2014.
- 20 beginner friendly projects.
- Follow a pattern, learn to sew, and have a lot of fun making bags, skirts, scarves, quilts, and so much more.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-878-6 $24.95
Low, Rachel. Girl's Guide to DIY Fashion. C&T, 2015.
- From mood boards to sewing your own fashion — this is your DIY.
- Learn how to make hip clothes from a New York City-based author!
- Ages 8 and up.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-995-0 $19.95
Maloney, Brenna. This is Mouse: An Adventure in Sewing. C&T, 2014.
- Make Mouse and Friends.
- Travel with Them from Africa to Outer Space!
- 25 easy projects show you how to make your own stuffed animals!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-977-6 $16.95
Milligan, Lynda and N. Smith. Sewing Fun for Kids: Patchwork, Gifts, & More. C&T, 2006.
- Project packed companion to Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids.
- "…colorful, kid-friendly and packed with information. The projects are easy, fun, and produce things that kids actually think are cool." — Creative Needle
- ISBN 978-1-57120-410-3 $16.95
Mortenson, Melissa. Project Teen. Stash Books, 2014.
- 21 Projects, specifically for teens and tweens (ages 11+) including quilts, T-shirts, tech covers, totes, accessories, and so much more.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-884-7 $23.95
Perri, Kate. Easy Singer Style: pattern-free fashions & accessories. Creative Publishing International, 2007.
- Discover the basics of sewing and move on to making 15 great fashions, accessories, and room accents for yourself or friends.
- Step by step photos for each project.
- ISBN-13 978-1-58923-312-6 $21.95
Plumley, Amie P. and Andria Lisle. Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make. Storey Publishing, 2010.
- Ages 5 and up.
- Great book for beginners.
- 21 kid-tested projects that are fun with clear instructions.
- Most projects are stitched by hand.
- Book includes practical introduction for adults, a glossary, a list of recommended blogs, and sources of tools, supplies, and fabrics.
- ISBN-13 978-1603425780 $18.95
Plumley, Amie P. and Andria Lisle. Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing; 20 Projects Kids Will Love to Make. Storey Publishing, 2013.
- Ages 7 and up.
- Great book for beginners.
- 20 kid-tested projects that are fun with clear instructions.
- Graduate from hand-sewing to the endless possibilities of sewing with a machine.
- Learn the basics — threading the machine, feeding the fabric — and then work your way through 20 fun projects that will carry your stuff, keep you warm, and decorate your room.
- ISBN-13 978-1612120492 $18.95
Plumley, Amie P. and Andria Lisle. Sewing School Fashion Design: Make Your Own Wardrobe with Mix-and-Match Projects. Storey Publishing, 2018.
- Specially designed for kids ages 8–12.
- Master three basic garments — a top, shorts, and a skirt — then pick and choose from fashionable variations to create clothes that show off your personal style.
- ISBN-13 978-1612128597 $18.95
Smith, Nancy and Lynda Milligan. The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids. C&T, 2003.
- 13 kid-friendly projects teach children aged 7 and up how to sew.
- Projects build on skills learned as kids work their way through the book.
- Games, puzzles, and stitching practice allow kids to learn at their own pace.
- Easy to follow instructions and safety precautions.
- "Helper Star" notes offer guidance for the adults in charge.
- ISBN 1-57120-254-4 $16.95
Trail, Sara. Sew with Sara. C&T, 2009.
- Teens and Tweens: Learn to sew for fun and profit!
- 9 beginner-friendly projects include PJ's, pillows, a tote bag, a cell phone or MP3 player cover, an apron, a notebook cover, and more.
- ISBN 978-1-57120-603-9 $19.95
Ward, Alexa. Sewing for Kids: 30 Fun Projects to Hand and Machine Sew. Rockridge Press, 2019.
- The perfect introduction for both children and grown-ups into the wonderful world of sewing.
- Ages 6 and up!
- Visit author at www.BrooklynSewcial.com
- ISBN-13 978-1641526647
Wrigley, Annabel. We Love to Sew. C&T, 2013.
- 28 super cool projects to create your own style.
- Great illustrations.
- Lots of info for the beginner sewer!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-632-4 $22.95
Wrigley, Annabel. We Love to Sew: Bedrooms. C&T, 2014.
- 23 easy-to-sew and no-sew projects in 5 unique styles; mix and match for a complete bedroom makeover.
- Great illustrations.
- Lots of info for the beginner sewer!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-824-3 $21.95
Wrigley, Annabel. We Love to Sew: Gifts. C&T, 2015.
- Make 23 awesome gifts to give to your pals and family for their birthdays and holidays!
- Great illustrations.
- Lots of info for the beginner sewer!
- ISBN 978-1-60705-997-4 $19.95
Quilting
Anderson, Alex. Kids Start Quilting. C&T, 2002.
- 7 Fun and Easy Projects.
- Quilts for Kids by Kids.
- Tips for Quilting with Children.
- NOTE: Alex has wonderful books on quilting that would be great resources for help on any aspect of quilting.
Nicoll, Allison. Sew It! C&T, 2014.
- Make 17 Projects with Yummy Precut Fabric.
- Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Charm Packs, & Fat Quarters.
- 17 easy projects teach you quiltmaking and sewing basics.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-874-8 $19.95
Plumley, Amie P. and Andria Lisle. Sewing School 2: Quilts. Storey Publishing, 2018.
- Ages 8 and up.
- Introduction to patchwork, applique, and quilts.
- Graduate from hand-sewing to the endless possibilities of sewing with a machine.
- Authors teach a variety of techniques using both hand and machine sewing.
- 15 projects range from decorative to practical.
- ISBN-13 978-1612128597 $18.95
Walters, Angela and Cloe Walters. Get Quilting with Angela and Cloe. C&T, 2015.
- Learn patchwork from top to bottom with 14 fun projects.
- Loads of how-to photos and page references make it easy to find help.
- ISBN 978-1-60705-955-4 $24.95
Smocking
Country Bumpkin. A-Z of Smocking. Country Bumpkin, 2000.
- A Complete Manual for the Beginner Through to The Advanced Smocker.
- ISBN 0-957715935 $29.00
Durand, Dianne. Diane Durand's Complete Book of Smocking. Prentice-Hall, 1982.
- Provides a wealth of smocking tips.
- Step-by-step directions and detailed photographs of stitch patterns for all projects.
- ISBN 0-671-60990-4 $19.95
Knott, Grace L. English Smocking Revised Edition. G. Lyons Litho LTD, 1976.
- Profusely illustrated and includes helpful hints and suggestions for both old and new smockers.
Pullen, Martha. The Joy of Smocking. Martha Pullen Company, Inc., 1993.
- A book of instructions written so clearly and simply that smocking will indeed be a joy to learn.
Wolff, Colette. The Art of Manipulating Fabric. Chilton Books, 1996.
- Beautiful book showcasing three-dimensional manipulation of fabric.
- Shirring, gathering, pleating, tucking, and quilting.
- 350+ diagrams support the extensive how-to's.