Sewing Looking for book recommendations

My advice is look on Amazon, look at the ratings and stars and read the worst reviews, it will give you a feel of the quality of the book.
BUT, before you look for a book, go on You Tube and search for Beginner sewing. There are loads of FREE videos that are packed with info, find a "Teacher" in those videos (find several!) that you like how they present and the info they share and subscribe to them. You will find far more info on You tube than any book.

I have sewn since I was very young. I was blessed with an Aunt that lived down the street from me and was a professional seamstress, she taught me everything she knew. I went on to get a College Minor in Textiles which included tailoring, pattern making and draping classes. Even with all that under my belt, I have found You Tube Videos that have helped me improve and discover new skills, so check out You Tube! and , if you ever need help, please Message me, or post a question, there are many in DOA that are very accomplished sewers and very very helpful! Good Luck, can't wait to see what you make!

 

I have a BJD-related book with a few doll-sized patterns in it! I don't think it's sold anymore (it's quite old I think) and I'd be happy to send you some scans of the patterns when I get back to my dorm on the weekend of the 22nd.

 

Doll clothes are sewn slightly different from human-sized clothing, such as sleeves being sewn flat vs. in the round. There are tricks when it comes to doll clothing due to the scale. I have sewn from patterns made for dolls that were based off human construction techniques and had I known that, I would not have purchased them.

I recommend two doll books, both which have step by step photos and BJD patterns. Both patternmakers and seamstresses are known for their Bythe works, but their books have patterns that fit a variety of doll sizes. Both books can also be purchased on Amazon. (They also have other books, but I am recommending what I think is their best work that includes something usable for BJDs.)

- Tiny Wardrobe by Hanon Satomi. The Japanese version has English captions, but it has since been released in an English version. There are slim mini 1:4 patterns (model is Unoa Quluts). I have made every single clothing item in this book and have shown some of them in my signature line + IG, and despite some of its weird construction techniques, it's a solid book with step by step photos. You can purchase it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Wardrob...d=1&keywords=hanon+doll&qid=1596085097&sr=8-4

- Little Amelie Doll Sewing Book 2. You get 10 different period-themed patterns, which includes Yo-SD0 sized dolls. PoppyW predominantly makes patterns for Lati dolls, but it should fit similarly sized dolls. I personally learned how to sew from her books many years ago when I first started doll sewing. Her patterns also have step by step photos. Other books and patterns didn't make sense for me, but with her instruction, it clicked very easily with me. I have a lot of respect and affection for her since she really felt like my first teacher! https://www.amazon.com/LittleAmelie-Doll-Sewing-Book-instruction/dp/B087SCK3D6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&qid=1596085236&refinements=p_27:LittleAmelie+by+PoppyW&s=books&sr=1-2&text=LittleAmelie+by+PoppyW

 

I'm not sure what size doll you are going to sew for but Martha, who is a member on here, sews the most beautiful dolls clothes. If you go to her blog she has some free downloadable patterns which might be be a good starting point for practising. If you google antiquelilac.com you will find her site then look under tutorials. Her site is pure eye candy for those of us who love beautifully dressed dolls.

 

I am going to second antique lilac, as I have downloaded and used a couple of her patterns for the Wigg’s Kidz and found then each to work with and fun to play with.