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Book recommendations for eager 11yr old sewing enthusiast

9 replies

AngelontopoftheTree · 19/12/2022 16:07

Hi, my niece is 11 and loves sewing. She has a child's machine & has made some basic items. I'd like to get her a good book with patterns etc... for Christmas, but I don't know what's good. Any recommendations? I don't want things too childish for her, but similarly I don't want anything too difficult. She has made scrunchies, simple blouse, A-line skirt, apron.
Any recommendations? Thanks!

OP posts:
SBAM · 19/12/2022 16:51

Is she close to women’s sizing? And would she want to make clothes? If so any of the books by Tilly Walnes (Tilly and the Buttons) would be a good start.

AngelontopoftheTree · 19/12/2022 16:56

Thank you both, I will look at these suggestions.
@SBAM She is not close to women's size at all, but definitely wants to make her own clothes.
She's on the small size for 11.

OP posts:
Enb76 · 19/12/2022 17:04

My daughter got into sewing at a similar age - have you had a look at cloth kits? Any ‘easy’ pattern would be fine to do, their are lots online. That’s what my daughter started on after the obligatory bags, cushions and circle skirts. Choose some nice fabric together. The two books here are her bibles. She’s now 14 and still sewing.

Book recommendations for eager 11yr old sewing enthusiast
Book recommendations for eager 11yr old sewing enthusiast
SBAM · 19/12/2022 17:05

oh, I’m afraid I can’t recommend any books then, I learnt as an adult. There are a lot of pattern companies making children’s clothing patterns, you could offer a voucher for one or two of her choosing. Or if she has a local sewing shop that does lessons maybe a voucher for that, unless there are people in her life who would teach her or work through a pattern with her for free.

terriblemustard · 19/12/2022 17:07

I've just bought my 9yo dd this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1743798202?psc=1&ref=ppxpoppmobbbasin_title

I found all other books aimed at beginners/younger people a bit twee and dated. I follow the person who created the book on Instagram and she's really cool. The book looks great and it's all pattern-free sewing, so gives you instructions on either cutting pieces using measurements or tracing around existing clothing you have.

DisforDarkChocolate · 19/12/2022 17:08

I have bought someone the Sewing Bee book.

If that's too advanced how about something that does craft sews so she can practice her skills.

AngelontopoftheTree · 19/12/2022 17:23

Brilliant, thank you all so much.
As @terriblemustard said some of what I looked at I thought were a bit too twee for her, so it's great to have some advice for a very inexperienced auntie😊

OP posts:
Enb76 · 19/12/2022 17:27

At 11 there isn’t much she won’t be able to do with a bit of patience and YouTube. Stuff aimed at children tends to be a bit patronising and I know I struggled finding that spot between too young and too sophisticated. My daughter is now drafting her own patterns and has got into history bounding. It’s even inspired me to make a skirt or two.

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