📚 Book of the Month: All New Fabric Savvy – How to Choose & Use Fabrics

At Golden Rose Sewing School, we believe that mastering fabric knowledge is just as important as perfecting your stitches. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight All New Fabric Savvy: How to Choose & Use Fabrics by Sandra Betzina — a modern classic and an indispensable reference for sewists of all levels.

A Trusted Guide, Completely Updated

Originally published as a go‑to fabric reference in 1999, Fabric Savvy has been a staple on sewing bookshelves for decades. This all‑new edition brings the content right up to date, reflecting the latest fabrics, notions, and sewing techniques. Inside, you’ll find detailed guidance on 107 different fabrics, from timeless favourites like cotton, wool, and silk to newer synthetics such as faux fur, oilcloth, and ripstop.

The book is organised alphabetically, making it easy to flip straight to the fabric you’re working with. Each entry includes:

• Fibre content and characteristics

• Recommended needles, threads, and stitch lengths

• Cutting and handling tips

• Best seam finishes and closures

• Pressing advice and troubleshooting

  
  

Visual Learning at Its Best

With over 475 photographs and 110 illustrations, this isn’t just a text‑heavy manual — it’s a visual feast. Clear, close‑up images show fabric textures, seam finishes, and garment examples, making it easy to translate theory into practice. The illustrated reference sections on seams, hems, and closures are especially useful for quick consultation mid‑project.

Why It Belongs in Every Sewing Room

Sandra Betzina’s expertise shines through on every page. Known for her Vogue “Today’s Fit” patterns and engaging teaching style, she distils decades of sewing experience into practical, confidence‑building advice. Whether you’re puzzling over how to tame slippery charmeuse or wondering which interfacing works best with ponte knit, this book has the answer.

It’s also a fantastic problem‑solver: the stain‑removal tips, lining recommendations, and interfacing guidance will save you from costly mistakes.

A Resource for All Sewists

From garment makers to home‑decor enthusiasts, All New Fabric Savvy removes the guesswork from fabric selection and handling. Beginners will appreciate the clear, jargon‑free explanations, while experienced sewists will value the depth of technical detail.

At Golden Rose, we see this as more than a reference book — it’s a confidence tool. Knowing exactly how to approach a fabric means you can focus on creativity, not uncertainty.

Experience the Fabric Journey

As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself building a personal library of fabric knowledge — one that will serve you for years to come. Sandra Betzina doesn’t just tell you what to do; she explains why it works, giving you the confidence to experiment, adapt, and problem‑solve on your own.

Whether you’re sewing a delicate silk blouse, a hard‑wearing denim jacket, or a tricky stretch velvet gown, this book will be your trusted companion at every stage — from fabric store to final press.

At Golden Rose Sewing School, we recommend All New Fabric Savvy as a cornerstone of any serious sewing library. It’s the kind of reference you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re planning your next project or troubleshooting mid‑make.

Where to Find It:

• All New Fabric Savvy: How to Choose & Use Fabrics by Sandra Betzina

• ISBN: 978‑1‑63186‑841‑2

• Available through major booksellers, independent fabric shops, and online retailers.

Golden Rose Tip: Keep this book within arm’s reach of your sewing machine — it’s like having a seasoned sewing mentor ready to answer your fabric questions in an instant.

📚 Borrow it from the Golden Rose Library   If you’re a member of our Sewcial Club, you can borrow All New Fabric Savvy from the Golden Rose Sewing School Library as part of your membership benefits. It’s the perfect way to explore this invaluable resource before adding it to your own collection — and to connect with fellow sewists who are discovering it alongside you.

Join the Club!!!