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.