Want to Learn to Sew But Don’t Know Where to Start? Hit the Library Pal
- Words by Peppermint
words NICOLE MCKENZIE
There are A LOT of books about sewing in the world. And whether you call yourself a seamstress or are yet to thread a sewing machine, there’s a perfect book out there for you. A good collection of sewing books can help you generate new ideas, problem-solve and find your next project. May your sewing library be inspirational and your bobbin full.
Encyclopedic Knowledge
Eliminate the need for a mid-project google with these reference books. An all-in-one stop, these titles contain everything you need to know about sewing.
Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing
If you buy only one sewing book in your life, make it this one. First published in 1978 (and most recently in 2022), this incredible reference book is a staple in countless sewing rooms. Reach for it to learn a technique or answer a sticky sewing question – its clear line drawings and detailed instructions are sure to give you the information you need.
Sewing Basics by Sandra Bardwell
The perfect sewing encyclopedia for beginners. Covering everything from choosing a machine and learning about fabrics to finishing techniques and embroidery, this book will have even complete newbies sewing with confidence in no time.
Shape Up
If you don’t feel ready to learn the ins and outs of sewing patterns, or if you want a break from tracing and cutting, these books teach clothing and accessory-making using basic shapes. Best of all, they’re size-inclusive as you create garments using your own measurements.
Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy by Daisy Braid
Instagram sewing sensation, and Peppermint fave, DIY Daisy shares 20 pattern-free projects – 10 accessories and 10 garments. Daisy uses squares and rectangles as a starting point for her designs, keeping the projects simple and beginner friendly.
No Patterns Needed: DIY Couture from Simple Shapes by Rosie Martin
Working with rectangles, circles and triangles, this book will guide you to create unique and stylish clothing. Rosie’s projects include clear instructions and countless pattern variations.
READ MORE – By the Book: Six Stitchy Reads for Sewing Fiends
Holding Patterns
Stepping it up a notch, these books include printed patterns, ready to trace and make for your next project. A pattern book is a great way to get a collection of patterns in a style you like at a low price!
Breaking the Pattern by Saara and Laura Huhta
This book, by pattern company Named Clothing, is filled with innovative modern patterns, memorable details and variations. The projects progress from beginner to advanced, offering something for everyone.
Tilly and the Buttons: Make It Simple by Tilly Walnes
Tilly Walnes, of and the Buttons fame, shares six simple, stress-free garment patterns for the busy maker. A gorgeous book filled with easy-to-make garb.
Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses by Gretchen Hirsch
Queen of vintage sewing Gretchen ‘Gertie’ Hirsch shares a collection of stylish vintage dresses that can be made in under a day proving that bringing the glamour of the 50s and 60s to the modern wardrobe doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult.
Fit for Purpose
Fitting is an important skill for garment makers and a surefire way to improve the quality of your clothes.
The Fitting Book by Gina Renee Dunham
This book will equip you with the skills to identify and resolve fit issues. Best of all, the fitting alterations have corresponding videos linked with QR codes – so you never get stuck on fit again.
Pattern Fitting with Confidence by Nancy Zieman
This is a simple approach to pattern fitting – using pivoting and sliding methods to eliminate the need to redraw patterns. Long-standing industry expert Nancy Zieman’s legacy is carried on through her easy-to-understand advice for key pattern adjustments.
The Palmer Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto
Learn the tissue-fitting method so you never need to make a toile again! This thorough and logical guide to fitting will save you time while helping you achieve the perfect fit.
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Sunday serving suggestion ☀️
Gorgeous photos from @JolieFemmeStore - who make sweet garments from vintage bedsheets.
#PeppermintMagazine #SlowSunday #SwitchOff #Unplug #ReadAMagazine
A toast to the old you 🥂
We wholeheartedly love this post from the brilliant @EmilyOnLife:
“2026: Reinvent, burn it down, let it go (whatever it is). Year of the Snake it up. Exercise your boundaries, exercise your body, take one teeny step every day towards a life that feels better to be in.
But don’t you dare shit on your old self while you do it.
Hold yourself with reverence and tenderness and respect, because you got you this far. You did your very best with the information and tools you had at the time. You scraped yourself together, you made it work, you survived what felt impossible to survive: again and again and again.
You are perpetually in the process of becoming, whether you can feel it or not, whether or not you add it to your 2026 to-do list.“
Some very wise words from @Damon.Gameau to take us into 2026 🙌🏼
⭐️ We made it!!! ⭐️
Happy New Year, friends. To those who smashed their goals and achieved their dreams, and to those who are crawling over the finish line hoping to never speak of this year again (and everyone else in between): we made it. However you got here is enough. Be proud.
It’s been a tough year for many of us in small business, so here’s to a better year in 2026. We’re forever grateful for all your support and are jumping for joy to still be here bringing you creativity, kindness and community.
We’re also excited to be leaping into the NY with our special release sewing pattern – the Waratah Wrap Dress!
How great are our fabulous models: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress and @Tricky.Pockets - and also our incredible Sewing Manager @Laura_The_Maker! 🙌🏼
Ok 2026: let’s do this. 💪🏼
#PeppermintWaratahWrapDress #PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress #WrapDressPattern
Putting together our annual Stitch Up brings on all the feels! We feel humbled that you’ve chosen to sew Peppermint patterns, we feel inspired by the versions you’ve created and we feel proud of you.
Where to begin?! As always, there has been a plethora of Peppermint patterns flooding our feeds this year, and we wish we could showcase more than just a handful of magnificent makes from you, our clever community. We encourage you to flip through the me-made items in your wardrobe or scroll through your grid and remind yourself of the beauty you’ve created with your own two hands (and maybe a seam ripper and some choice words). Congratulations to all of us for our creative achievements this year!
We’ve put together some (but absolutely not all) of our favourites from 2025 over on our website. We hope it inspires your next make!
🪡 Link in bio 🪡
Pictured: @FrocksAndFrouFrou @MazzlesMakes @KatieMakesADress @_Marueli_ @IUsedToBeACurtain @Nanalevine.Couture @PiperInFullColour @MadeByMeJessieB @SarahMalkawi @Made.By.Little.Mama
#PeppermintPatterns #SewingPatterns #MeMade #MeMadeEveryday
“The ocean is a great equaliser. It doesn’t matter your age, size, background or circumstances – when you’re in the water, you’re stripped back to your essence. I’ve watched women who were terrified of the ocean walk in tentatively, then emerge with tears of joy and new-found confidence.”
For Perth photographer Amanda Battle, the deep blue has brought sisterhood and second chances. Growing up in Shoalwater Marine Park, the ocean was both her playground and sanctuary, and a balm for body and soul during challenging times. Born from her own healing journey, Amanda’s @WomenOfWaterProject, book and documentary showcases a community of women who found belonging and connection in shared experiences in the ocean.
“Every single woman arrived with her own story – grief, trauma, joy, resilience – and every single woman showed up exactly as they were in that moment. Photographing over 100 women in the ocean for the Women of Water book has been the most humbling privilege of my life.”
Discover Amanda’s work and story in ‘Saltwater salve’ in issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!
#PeppermintMagazine #WomenOfWater #OceanTherapy #DeepBlue #OceanPhotography
