The Complete Book of Sewing by Beth Baumgartel, hardback, spiral bound published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-8454-3346-8, price 16.99 from www.apple-press.com

This is another fine book from Apple Press with a simple but effective layout. Discover professional tips and techniques for machine sewing. The book includes easy-to-use reference charts and lays flat for ease of use too. Illustrated with over 1,000 illustrations, this book will show you how to create garments or home decoration. It is designed for all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or experienced sewer, you will useful information in this book. Dust off your sewing machine and start creating today.

New Complete Guide to Sewing by Reader’s Digest, softback published by Reader’s Digest in the USA. Available in the UK, ISBN 978-0-2764-4416-6, price 15.99 from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Like having an expert to guide you, this is a complete guide to sewing clothes and home accessories. It’s full of useful line drawings that offer so much information along with the text. This book takes you from materials and equipment through to making actual garments and projects. It answers so many questions along the way about fit, shaping and so on. There are twenty projects to test your skills – some good, some rather old-fashioned, but on the whole these are useful. Overall I thought this was a handy book to have around, especially for beginners, but even more advanced stitchers will find practical information here.