What do you think?
Rate this book
Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe
Stitch N' Bitch for sewers complete with 3 full Simplicity patterns from downtown fashion darling Wendy Mullin.
212 pages, Spiral-bound
First published September 1, 2006
14 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 2, 2009
I've sewn for over four decades and I have collected quite a few books on clothing design. I purchased this one because I was interested in her designs and I had read some positive reviews of the book. I have not made up any of the patterns, however, because the seam allowances are not consistent and I have not felt like wasting my time figuring out what the designer had in mind. Here's the problem: the text says that a smaller seam allowance has been included for certain pieces and that this information will be found on the actual pattern pieces. I have been unable to find such information in the edition that I purchased. Like I said, I don't feel like wasting my time, trying to figure out if a particular pattern piece might be considered samll enough (by some other person's standards) to require a 1/4" seam allowance. I would have preferred that the seam allowances for all pieces were the same or if there were no seam allowances provided and that decision had been left up to the homesewer. As it is, I feel that I am expected to guess.
September 17, 2008
Alright, at first glance this is a great book to introduce sewing to beginners. The patterns are a nifty addition, for sure. There is a good discussion of tools, getting set up to sew, and terminology.
However, once I started in following the instructions for the patterns themselves, they have the same problems that all other commercial patterns seem to have - no details and vague illustrations. I've been sewing for over 20 years, and still couldn't make heads or tails of some of the directions or illustrations. This book would really benefit from larger "detail" images of what is shown in the general illustrations.
One thing I really like about this book is the discussion on how to change a basic pattern into multiple projects - I think it's an important step to move from relying on a specific pattern to visualizing your own shapes and designs. And there are some great directions for that.
However, once I started in following the instructions for the patterns themselves, they have the same problems that all other commercial patterns seem to have - no details and vague illustrations. I've been sewing for over 20 years, and still couldn't make heads or tails of some of the directions or illustrations. This book would really benefit from larger "detail" images of what is shown in the general illustrations.
One thing I really like about this book is the discussion on how to change a basic pattern into multiple projects - I think it's an important step to move from relying on a specific pattern to visualizing your own shapes and designs. And there are some great directions for that.
Read
March 13, 2009If you are a plus size - the patterns are not for you!
October 26, 2008
The patterns and instructions in this book are cool. The pattern pieces required a lot of alteration before I could get a good fit for myself. The S, M, L pattern options are too general for the various body shapes and sizes, and new sewers are likely not to get a great fit if their patterns require alteration unless they know how to do this. If I could make a recommendation for future books like this - provide a download option for multiple, specific sizes. This way you can get a better fit and construct the pattern from a printed PDF in your own size. This would also save a lot of paper since the sizes provided in the pattern envelope that I did not need just went to waste.
February 2, 2011
I'm learning that one of the cheapest ways to get patterns for basics like pants, simple skirts, and shirts, is to buy one of these new basic sewing books that comes with patterns. This is a basic primer in sewing, but it also comes with patterns for cute pants, an a-line skirt, and a button down shirt, all from the "Built By Wendy" collection. Even if you already know how to sew, three really good patterns for $20 is a screamin' deal.
That said, if you want to learn to sew clothing, this would be a really great place to start. I think Wendy's descriptions are really down-to-earth and understandable - not dumbed down, but very simple and straight-forward.
ETA: The A-Line skirt pattern rocks. I'm excited to try to blouse soon. The pants totally intimidate me.
That said, if you want to learn to sew clothing, this would be a really great place to start. I think Wendy's descriptions are really down-to-earth and understandable - not dumbed down, but very simple and straight-forward.
ETA: The A-Line skirt pattern rocks. I'm excited to try to blouse soon. The pants totally intimidate me.
February 11, 2019
An empowering guide to getting started at modifying patterns. I haven't tried the information yet, and based on some reviews, that's going to be harder than the book makes it out to be.
September 2, 2022
You can check out the review - https://youtu.be/vqOS6kHtph0
September 12, 2009
This book was incredibly useful when I first started sewing. It explains a lot of the basics, and if you are learning entirely on your own, then I can't recommend it enough. Especially useful (for me) were the chapters on reading and cutting patterns and the sewing basics (hems, curves, bindings, etc.). If you aren't taking a class and don't have anyone to show you how to sew, then SEW U is an excellent place to start. Especially nice is the fact that the book includes three basic patterns (skirt, shirt, and pants). You can practice all you want with cheap fabric and not worry about dealing with a pattern that is overly complicated.
My only quibble with this book is that I think in reading it I didn't really understand how difficult it is to alter a pattern. The book has several suggestions for how to make several different looks using the same pattern. As a real novice, this ended up being more confusing to me than otherwise. And it took some things for granted--in home sewing, for example, most patterns include facings. Ready-to-wear garments don't, but the book more or less assumes you know what a facing is.
My only quibble with this book is that I think in reading it I didn't really understand how difficult it is to alter a pattern. The book has several suggestions for how to make several different looks using the same pattern. As a real novice, this ended up being more confusing to me than otherwise. And it took some things for granted--in home sewing, for example, most patterns include facings. Ready-to-wear garments don't, but the book more or less assumes you know what a facing is.
March 11, 2010
Sew U is a sewing guide for beginners. It comes with three basic patterns--skirt, button-down shirt, and pants--and provides ideas for making a significant chunk of your wardrobe based on those three basics, changing them up by using different fabrics, trims, embellishments, and notions, as well as modifying the pattern. The first few chapters also contain basic sewing know-how (how to hem, what sort of needles to use, seam allowances, etc.) as well as great ideas on storing and organizing supplies.
I don't consider myself a beginner sewist, but I still learned a lot from this book. The biggest thing for me was the chapter on making pants, something I've only attempted twice, to not-very-good results. Between the provided pattern and the wonderful ideas for making interesting pants, this is definitely something I will have to try. Also, I am self-taught, so it was useful to read about some basic sewing conventions that I had not picked up on, such as why facing is important and the proper direction to sew certain seams in.
I definitely recommend this book to beginner sewists and anyone who is looking for inspiration in making their own clothes.
I don't consider myself a beginner sewist, but I still learned a lot from this book. The biggest thing for me was the chapter on making pants, something I've only attempted twice, to not-very-good results. Between the provided pattern and the wonderful ideas for making interesting pants, this is definitely something I will have to try. Also, I am self-taught, so it was useful to read about some basic sewing conventions that I had not picked up on, such as why facing is important and the proper direction to sew certain seams in.
I definitely recommend this book to beginner sewists and anyone who is looking for inspiration in making their own clothes.
January 31, 2015
This is a great book for new DIY sewers who don't mind getting their hands dirty. The point of the book is to give you a foundation that will allow you to get running and make cool things by showing you the basics of construction and assembly.
The patterns included are great basics and are building blocks to modify and play with. I like to think of them as the shells or forms that you can use as a canvas. That's why they're so generic, and shouldn't be taken extremely literally (unless you want a boxy, very basic shirt).
I don't think this book will be satisfying for anyone who's already had experience sewing or has taken classes. Also, for those sewers--even more advanced ones--who need very detailed, step-by-step directions, this is probably not right for you either. Rather, the audience for this is beginners who are creative and who aren't afraid to tinker and mess around. In that case, it's very fun!
The sister book to this, Sew U: Home Stretch, is similar but probably a little more useful because serging and working with knits are each less-covered DIY topics.
The patterns included are great basics and are building blocks to modify and play with. I like to think of them as the shells or forms that you can use as a canvas. That's why they're so generic, and shouldn't be taken extremely literally (unless you want a boxy, very basic shirt).
I don't think this book will be satisfying for anyone who's already had experience sewing or has taken classes. Also, for those sewers--even more advanced ones--who need very detailed, step-by-step directions, this is probably not right for you either. Rather, the audience for this is beginners who are creative and who aren't afraid to tinker and mess around. In that case, it's very fun!
The sister book to this, Sew U: Home Stretch, is similar but probably a little more useful because serging and working with knits are each less-covered DIY topics.
May 26, 2014
Rating not based on the patterns--my library copy was missing the pants & shirt patterns, but I wasn't planning on using any of the patterns anyway.
This book was a lifesaver when I was making my very first (!) shirt (the free Colette Sorbetto sleeveless top). I found that Colette wasn't all that specific when it came to darts and stay-stitching, which this book explained very well. Wendy's instructions on using the sewing machine are some of the clearest I've read.
I appreciated Wendy's tone--that she too started from the beginning, and sharing her mishaps (and what she learned from them) was incredibly helpful.
I wish she would have included instructions for an FBA, since so many women have this problem. (If you're looking, Alison's instructions are very clear.)
This book was a lifesaver when I was making my very first (!) shirt (the free Colette Sorbetto sleeveless top). I found that Colette wasn't all that specific when it came to darts and stay-stitching, which this book explained very well. Wendy's instructions on using the sewing machine are some of the clearest I've read.
I appreciated Wendy's tone--that she too started from the beginning, and sharing her mishaps (and what she learned from them) was incredibly helpful.
I wish she would have included instructions for an FBA, since so many women have this problem. (If you're looking, Alison's instructions are very clear.)
June 8, 2009
This book was fantastic. Mullin provides lots of useful tips and advice, helping you to demystify the pattern you've got in your hand (as well as all the buttons, dials and attachments that came with your sewing machine). She covers the basics of fabrics and how to cut them, and goes over the types of equipment you might want to get.
There are three patterns that come with this book - a basic skirt, shirt and pants. I didn't make any of those, but I think they would be a good resource to have around for anyone who sews clothing.
I will be buying this book (or asking Santa for it) which is pretty much the highest praise I can give to a craft book.
Mullin also wrote a follow-up book on sewing jersey, which I will definitely be checking out sometime in the coming months.
There are three patterns that come with this book - a basic skirt, shirt and pants. I didn't make any of those, but I think they would be a good resource to have around for anyone who sews clothing.
I will be buying this book (or asking Santa for it) which is pretty much the highest praise I can give to a craft book.
Mullin also wrote a follow-up book on sewing jersey, which I will definitely be checking out sometime in the coming months.
August 13, 2008
This book is targeted to the beginner sewer. Since I've been sewing for years, I knew most of the info already. However, the inclusion of 3 Simplicity patterns make this book worth it, even if you already know the basics. The suggestions for alterations of the patterns are useful as well.
My only major dislike for this book (and Sew-U Stretch) is that the patterns included stop at a fairly medium-ish size. Simplicity makes patterns in a much larger size range, so there's no reason not to include larger sizes with the books.
My only major dislike for this book (and Sew-U Stretch) is that the patterns included stop at a fairly medium-ish size. Simplicity makes patterns in a much larger size range, so there's no reason not to include larger sizes with the books.
March 6, 2009
this is an awesome book for any beginning sewer who has interest in making clothes. like most sewing book it only talks about sewing women's clothes. it comes with several patterns that if you where to buy the equivalents of separately would probably cost more than the book and then it has super clear easy to follow detailed instructions for how to use the patterns to make all sorts of tops and bottoms. i got the copy i read from my library but i think this book is so useful i am going to be buying a copy in the near future.
November 23, 2008
This is a great how-to sew manual for beginners. It includes three basic patterns - for a skirt, shirt, and pants. There are tips and suggestions for customizing fit and style and great ides for personalizing garments using various details.
This was easy to read and understand and had lots of clear diagrams to clarify instructions. But one drawback is the limited sizes of the included patterns. They only go up to size 12. Other than that, I highly recommend this guide.
This was easy to read and understand and had lots of clear diagrams to clarify instructions. But one drawback is the limited sizes of the included patterns. They only go up to size 12. Other than that, I highly recommend this guide.
January 21, 2008
This book rocks!!! It is by designer Wendy Mullin of Built By Wendy clothing. It contains 3 coooool patterns and it helped me to actually sew and complete my first blouse! If you have been a strictly skirts and curtains hack like myself, this book can help you take that leap into the world of collar stands, yokes, darts, and button holes, no problem!
May 8, 2008
An ok book for learning to sew. I learned some new things from the book, but I'm glad that it wasn't the first book I picked up. I think the strength of the book lies in looking at all the different ways to modify the 3 basic patterns (skirt, shirt and pants in order of increasing complexity) to make each unique. It also helps me to learn about how clothes are put together.
August 3, 2008
This is a well-written, easy to understand instruction book for beginning to sew your own clothes. The patterns, unfortunately for me, didn't include my size (I'm a US 10-12 ). Built By Wendy does offer the patterns in larger sizes, so it would be possible to purchase the patterns separately and use them with the book, but I was annoyed enough to just give the book away instead.
January 9, 2010
Written for beginners, this book is a great sewing guide. I've been sewing for more years than I can count, but I still learned some great tips from Wendy. The book comes with three patterns: skirt, button-up shirt, and pants. I can't wait to try her pants pattern. I love that she teaches how to make practical things someone would actually wear.
January 27, 2010
It's hard to remember now, but this was one of the very first "make your own clothes" books to come out (at least since the latest sewing revolution began). It's a great resource for basic sewing information, and has really great basic patterns (like Sew U: Home Stretch) that you can build on, only for wovens, not knits.
February 23, 2014
Although I have sewn for as long as I can remember and was taught the "old" way in the 1960's which unfortunately tended to put people off, I am thrilled to pick up books such as this and learn an easier way of doing a technique. For a reader new to sewing it will be enlightening. I am delighted there is such an interest now in domestic sewing. Easy to read and good instructions.
October 8, 2007
I'm still near the beginning, but it's great to have an accessible sewing tutorial. I mean, it starts from the very beginning! What you'll need, setting up your space, basics, patterns, etc. etc. Thank goodness!
April 19, 2008
I wasn't all that excited about the patterns in this book. They weren't classic enough for me. Too trendy. If you want to sew trendy clothes, this is the book for you. It is written well and she explains how to sew perfectly. I just didn't like the patterns.
November 11, 2008
Excellent resource book for beginner sewers. Has detailed guides and instructions, easy to understand and follow. Also contains basic patterns in the back of the book. Gives you a good list of basic stitches and terms.
October 22, 2009
I really liked the format and the information in this book. It's thorough and well-designed. However, the patterns aren't designed to accomodate plus sizes, which is why I gave the book only three stars.
August 18, 2009
This is The Best book for a beginning seamstress--specifically one who intends to sew clothes. I love, love, love this book (yes, that was the same number of "loves" that Mr. Darcy gives to Elizabeth in the Kiera Knightly Pride and Prejudice.)
May 13, 2024
While over two decades have passed since this book was first published it is still relevant, especially to the new sewer. Helpful information plus organization tips and three timeless patterns, a skirt, classic shirt and pants that can be adapted for different looks.
April 21, 2012
Awesome book for people who need to know the basics of sewing a basic wardrobe. Wendy Mullin covers EVERYTHING a person needs to know to start sewing garments and everything about fabric, notions, tools, etc...This is a great book and I highly recommend it if you are looking to learn how to sew.
May 26, 2012
Bought it at McKays. It's been helpful in setting up a sewing area and knowing what to have on hand to make sewing easier and more fun. My book is missing the patterns but I plan to use easy-to-sew patterns anyway. Can hardly wait to get started!
April 16, 2013
This is a great practical book for beginners. Wendy shares her tips and gives basic guidance to those wanting to improve their garment presentation skills.
I have been sewing since I was 6 and I have found this book helpful. Also, Wendy's patterns are worth the price of the book.
I have been sewing since I was 6 and I have found this book helpful. Also, Wendy's patterns are worth the price of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews