As I was considering topics for this issue, I ran across the dates celebrating National Friends of the Library Week which is October 19-25, 2025. This week is recognition for the folks who support our local libraries through fund-raising, donating materials or their time. It’s a great organization and we are lucky to have a group in Bowling Green/Warren County to support our library!
This led me to think about what kinds of books a sewer could use in their personal library. I know there is a myriad of items on the Internet including blogs, YouTube videos, etc. but I still find myself reaching for an “old-fashioned” book when seeking information. These are some of my recommendations for a sewer and/or quilter.
For sewing enthusiasts, books by the Tauton Press (they also publish Threads magazine) are good ones for the shelf. These books are well-written and illustrated. All New Fabric Savvy by Sandra Betzina is an excellent reference by Tauton on 107 types of fabrics. Information includes how to work with knits, choose the correct type of interfacing, and tools/notions. There are also several books out on upcycling/mending garments which can expand your sewing skills.
If you have a young one wanting to sew, the best book I have worked with is The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids, Second Edition.This is a great book for ages eight to 12 who want to become familiar with the sewing machine. The reader will learn to identify parts of the machine, basic sewing tools, begin stitching on paper and graduate to several sewing projects as they work through the book.
As for quilting references, many of us could probably open a small library with the books on our shelves! There are hundreds of quilting books published every year containing patterns as well as general quilting instructions. I know you have your favorites, as I have mine. I’ll share the ones I consistently recommend to quilters looking for specific needs.
For the beginning quilter, I have several recommendations. The first book is Make A Quilt In A Day Log Cabin Pattern by Eleanor Burns. This is the book that undoubtedly changed the quilting landscape when first published. I always recommend this to anyone who wants to get started in quilting with a basic pattern. Ms. Burns instructions are clearly illustrated, and the log cabin pattern is pretty much a “no fail” for beginners. Another good beginner book is Start Quilting with Alex Anderson, 3rd Edition. Alex has clear, illustrated instructions with several good skill-building projects. Also, the Fabric Café series of 3 Yard Quilt books are also good for a beginner.
Free Motion and Walking Foot quilting is another area that abounds with excellent references. I teach classes on both these techniques and have several good books I recommend to students:
•Walk and Walk 2.0 by Jacquie Gering are in-depth books on patterns created with the walking foot.
•Next Steps in Machine Quilting: Free Motion & Walking Foot Designs by Natalia Bonner, combines free-motion and walking foot designs.
•How Do I Quilt It? by Christa Watson provides inspiration as well as instructions on preparing and quilting your project on a domestic machine. The projects show quilting with a walking foot, free motion, and a combination of both.
•Beginners Guide to Free Motion Quilting by Natalia has lots of ideas to inspire you with your free motion project!
•The Ultimate Guide to Free Motion Quilting by Angela Walters is sure to be a good reference. Angela is an experienced quilter with both domestic and long arm. She has lots of tutorials on her website and hosts sew-alongs designed to improve your free motions skills.
These are but a few of the many books available for your bookshelf on sewing and quilting. These are the ones I feel would be a good basis for your sewing/quilting collection. Also, check with our local library as they may have several of these on the shelf… you are sure to refer to them for many stitching projects to come!
-submitted by The Sewing & Vacuum Center
