Sewing Basics for Every Body: 20 step-by-step essential pieces for modern living

This is a fantastic book for the complete beginner to more experienced dressmakers. It covers everything you need to know including types of fabric, thread, useful accessories and additional hints and tips. It shows you how to adapt patterns to suit your body shape and is simple to follow: I have been looking for something like this for years ..... why have I not seen this book before now? I have got a stash of fabric waiting to be made into everyday garments so it looks like I’m going to be busy for a while. Highly recommend this book.

I have made 1 project from this book so far but will definitely make more. I am an “adventurous beginner “ and love the clear instructions and explanations. Also great idea that the patterns are literally for “every body” making it very economical as far as buying patterns is concerned.

Very clear and easy to follow instructions

The garments in this book are all good quality everyday basics that can be mixed and matched to create an everyday wardrobe. One thing I absolutely adore about this book is that these clothes can be made to suit anybody. I don’t just mean in terms of the style which can be mixed and matched with different fabrics, colours, textures and prints to suit your individual style. Actually, these clothes are also designed to suit any size or shape! It is this philosophy that makes this book stand out from all the other sewing books out there – you are given the freedom to choose and make whatever clothes you want irrespective of your size or shape. Wendy’s instructions guide you step-by-step in how to adjust the pattern for a number of different needs including lengthening and shortening, grading and bust adjustments. So, onto the patterns: as the book focusses on basics you would be forgiven for thinking there would be not much to see here, but actually, the beauty comes in the number of variations shown for each pattern. By showcasing how you can take one simple pattern, say the Felix sweatshirt and taking you through a number of variation (tunic, hoodie and jacket) you quickly realise that the possibilities are endless.

Another great book from Wendy. Brilliant patterns that are wearable for everybody. Well written and easy to follow.

Loved this I’m a confident sewer and this is great for beginners so much information if just starting out. Wasn’t disappointed as love Sewing books. You’ve always got something to learn. Make a lovely gift for someone just starting out on her Sewing journey.

Easy to follow instructions, clear explanation and good patterns provided.

Love it. Best pattern book out there with really simple instructions.

I have most of Wendy's books and they are all extremely well thought out and easy to follow - she always carefully details the more challenging bits of sewing. What sets this apart is the garments are designed for all genders to wear, which is unique and inspiring.

I absolutely agree with all the 5 star reviews of this book. There truly is a wealth of information here. Also, as a few others pointed out, the patterns are of almost limitless changeability. The patterns also can be adapted to any size and be worn by both men and women. My beef with this book is the layout and organization of the material presented. Only one reviewer, a beginner, said that she actually made something from the patterns included. I'm not a beginner sewist by any means, but making any article of clothing from Sewing Basics for Every Body would require an inordinate amount time of flipping from page to page and from the front to the back of the book. Even the patterns are laid out in sheets this way. For example, if one chooses to make the Harper pants, one would have to trace pattern pieces from all six sides of the included pattern sheets. This is true no matter which project the sewist chooses to make. Also, although the instructions for each project are located in that specific section of the book, you must look elsewhere in the book for finishing details. There are a total of 9 cutting plans included in the book. For each project there are 3-4 cutting plans depending upon which view one would like to make. These are great, but elsewhere in the book a comprehensive cutting plan chart was included that just confused me. As it turns out, it was just redundant information, but it took me awhile to figure this out. Maybe, I'm dislexic, I don't know, but I'm finding the book difficult to follow. I love the designs included here, especially the jackets and the shirts, and I do intend on making a few of these, but I've had to familiarize myself with the entire book to know where to find the information needed to complete a project. I do believe this could have been avoided by including all information to complete a project in that projects section of the book. That would have made this book perfect, although might have increased the number of pages, but only by a few.