More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated Reviews

• excellent all-purpose guide

  
  By A26Q271VH1371D on 2005-04-16
  I am a sewing professional, and I also own Clare Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide, which is excellent and does cover more fabrics. However More Fabric Savvy is really the indispensible guide that should be right by your sewing machine. MFS is not as big, so one is more inclined to open it up and take a look at the suggestions. Also, the spiral binding on MFS lets it lie open flat so you can refer to it easily. MFS is a re-issue of the original Fabric Savvy, and it addresses all the shortcomings of the original - far more fabrics are covered. There is also an extensive list of alternative fabric names, so you can really find the details for any fabric one needs. The size of MFS means you can put it in your bag and take it with you to the fabric store, and I'd recommend doing this, as it will make you more aware of interlining needs, or fastening limitations, BEFORE you spend all your heard-earned money on the fabric of your dreams, only to find out you really need to spend an extra $40 (which you don't have) on silk organza to interline the garment. All the review for the original Fabric Savvy spell out the great features of this book - this edition really just fixes the few criticisms people had.
  
  

• Must-have resource for the dedicated stitcher

  
  By A2DF325SNSGH2R on 2007-02-24
  This book is a great resource that answers basic questions about working with different fabrics. I don't know about the person who can't find things in the book; fabric types are discussed alphabetically and almost every fabric I've looked up, I've found in this book.
  
  Fancy fabrics can be intimidating even for the experienced sewer. You spend all this money on the fabric, only to run into problems because it slips when you cut out the pattern or the tension won't accept the fabric or the needle is the wrong size. How do you reduce your losses before you begin? You get this book, that's how.
  
  In the "Search Inside" feature, we see African Mudcloth (exotic), Alpaca (expensive) and Batik (exotic and expensive). But there are entries for more commonly used fabrics such as denim, crepe de chine, lace, and double knits to name just a few.
  
  And there's a ton of info on each fabric: sewing tips, how or whether to preshrink, how to lay out the fabric, how to mark it, what size needle to use, how to finish your seams...there's more after that.
  
  I love this book. I love the spiral binding that allows it to lay flat without any effort on my part, the excellent use of color and page layout that makes the information jump off the page, and the wealth of information presented. There's a 6-page section on seam how-to's, 2 pages on details, 4 pages on closures, 6 pages on hem how-to's, and lots more info on linings, stain removal, a glossary AND a thorough index. There is a lot of useful info in this 234-page volume!
  
  This book rocks. If you're brand new to sewing or you've been at it for 40 years, your bookshelf should include this volume.
  
  Save yourself time, money, and grief and get this book before starting that wedding dress project or that ripstop windbreaker. You'll be glad you did.
  
  More Fabric Savvy gets an A+ from this seamstress.
  
  

• A Sewer's Must-Have

  
  By A1LNHKKZAOPI8F on 2006-05-06
  Everyone else has already said it so well... don't spend another moment's hesitation on whether to buy it or not... just buy it! It is absolutely the sewer's bible! And I loved the comment about bringing it with you to the fabric store. I do a lot of fabric and pattern buying online and I have found that I don't complete the purchase without first referring to this book! Okay, 'nuff said!
  
  

• Great Reference

  
  By A2REDJHN35OL3V on 2006-02-23
  This is one of my 3 main sewing references. (All 3 by Betzina! The other two are Power Sewing and Fast Fit.) I learned to sew when I was 8. Twenty years later, I've taken it up again, and am very appreciative of these books. This book teaches you which needles, interfacing, seam finishes, threads, hems, presser feet (and more) to use with each type of fabric. This knowledge has greatly reduced my frustration with sewing. (Who knew that the wrong needle could cause so many problems! Not my 8 year old self, that's for sure.)
  
  I haven't read Schaeffer's guide on this subject (though her book Couture Sewing Techniques absolutely blew me away!), so I can't compare the two. But I do really like this guide. Thank you, Sandra Betzina!
  
  -a big fan
  
  

• So helpful

  
  By A26HGLO9INFYBQ on 2005-12-13
  This book is the best. I could have never sewn my sister's wedding dress (in a week, no less) without all the helpful tips in this book. The dress sewed up beautifully and easily. Now I check with this book anytime I'm about to tackle a new fabric, or one that's given me grief before. And it's never let me down. I've tried Sew Any Fabric by Claire Shaeffer, but didn't find it to be very helpful. It may have more information, but this one has what I need to get my projects done!
  
  
• More Fabric Savvy
  By A3JDJ0EP6QNZOH on 2006-04-25
  I LOVE this book. There is everything you will ever need to know about sewing any type of fabric successfully. Do not hesitate to get your own copy. You won't be sorry.
  
  
• fabulous resource
  By A1BIPJK03QKFQA on 2005-05-04
  that's all you need to know.
  don't even think twice,... buy it.
  
  
• Can Be Difficult To Find Things In This Book
  By A1V68CETC0BXV7 on 2007-01-20
  I like the basic book. Since this is "MORE Fabric Savvy", I assume there was a "Fabric Savvy" that this could be the sequel to. That may explain why I have so much trouble finding things in this book. The most basic of fabrics and inter-facings and lining materials seem to be missing. I'll have to look for that other book. If there is one, I will buy it.
  
  Like I said, I like the basic book. If your fabric is in it, it has a wealth of information: fabric care, needles, thread, sewing tips, laundering or cleaning. It just isn't comprehensive; I want the book with that other stuff in it, too!
  
  By the way, someone suggested carrying this book to the fabric store to look things up. It is a very nice size with a hardcover and spiral binding, but it is HEAVY.
  
  
• Excellent Selecting and Sewing Fabric Choices
  By ASF7047NZ408 on 2007-01-12
  I found that this book is well thought out on choosing the right fabric for a sewing job, as I am a Enthusiast in sewing Outfits for my self and what kind of weave is used in the fabric. I will be using this as a guide to use on all my garments that I will be putting together. I am not to experienced in what fabric goes with what out fit, but, all I have to do is look at index and it will tell me what page to go to. Very well put together if you not to sure of what fabric to use.
  
  
• WOW!
  By A3HCF9RUK1B6I3 on 2007-08-13
  Every sewer should have this book is detailed guidance on picking the right fabric and what needle to use to and even how to start sewing some of those harder fabrics without bunching or snagging. One of the best sewing books I have bought yet!
  
  
• This book is Awesome
  By A25AD180VIPCUI on 2007-04-04
  I recently started sewing again. For someone who hasn't really sewn much since the cupcake pillow in the eigth grade, this book is invaluable. It's has proven to be an excellent resource on how to sew with all different types of fabrics. And it even has some great sewing tips sprinkled throughout the book. It's given me a little more confidence when sewing and that's just what I needed.
  
  
• everymoment ready reference
  By A13RQRRUSG8BK9 on 2007-05-29
  of course all the tailors know what to do for the fabric they just bought! there is still a new challenge hiding in the fabric store or something you never dared to try. this book will make you feel confident about the textiles, even when you were scared of trying them for long time. I have been sewing in the last 25 years and many of the experience results are here, with no need to throw away a wrong try. it is on my table, ready to refresh my memory or to inspire new patterns in untried materials. there are informations about needles, yarn, cutting, washing and suitable patterns, and the book remains open on the table!!!
  
  
• Swiss Dog
  By A5Y82AWLVH1SV on 2007-09-06
  Being very hesitatant at first about the book and the people telling me to get this book it's the greatest; well I've head that before. I have to state clearly "I WAS WRONG" this is the greatest book for sewing usage, but also, anytime you want to purchase material for any project whatever it may be you have to have this book. It gives you information such as; tells you the fabric, washing instructions, thread to use, needles, pressing, what foot to use on machine, and much more. This was for every type of fabric it's a "must have book".
  
  
• Excellent book for everyone who sews
  By AQHHY4EFBWPK6 on 2007-09-06
  More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated
  
  This is a must have book for anyone who sews. If you are starting out, it will save you a lot of frustration, money and fabric/supplies. If you are more advanced or a serious seamstress, it will help you to know the answers to all the questions that come up when handling multiple types of textiles. Each page on a fabric gives you all the information you need to know about that fabric, including what needle to use, what pressure foot to sew with, whether to wash or dryclean, line, how to hem, etc.
  
  If I had this book when I was starting out over 30 years ago, I could have saved a lot of money. This is a great gift for someone who loves to sew.
  
  
• Wide range of fabrics covered
  By ATKBHD2PDJHSS on 2008-06-17
  I really like this book. It covers many fabrics, including many I've been hesitant to use or nervous about when I did. I recently bought a new electronic sewing machine and this has been a real help. The recommendations about the right foot to use and when were a boon in selecting which accessories to buy. I also really like the sections in the back. There are illustrations on different seams, closures, and hems, plus information on stain removal, linings, and sources. Great!
  
  

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