This book is exactly what it says it is: a reference tool. If you come across a pattern that gives instructions for something - say gathers or a french hem - and you aren't getting what to do, this book will tell you. If you need to add interfacing to a bag or a dress and the pattern just says "interfacing," this book will tell you about every single type of interfacing that exists, whether it is fusible or sewn-in, who makes it, and what types of applications it is best used for. Ever gone to buy elastic for a skirt and had no idea which one to get? This book will tell you.

– thebitchystitcher

Carla has written a thorough and well curated reference guide. Both sewing veterans and new sewists will appreciate the trusted and detailed content contained in the book. The Essential Sewing Reference Tool is sure to be a long-time friend on your sewing room book shelf.

– Pink Chalk Studio

Drawing upon 30-plus years of experience, Crim condenses all things sewing related into this quick reference. The topics covered range from tools, notions, and sewing machine feet to concise how-tos for common sewing topics such as zipper installation, hems, and seam finishes. Beginners will be able to follow Crim's step-by-step lessons, and experienced sewists will appreciate the quick refreshers on less-common techniques. The book is small enough to fit in a purse or sewing tote, making it easy to take along to the fabric store to help select the appropriate notions for a specific project. VERDICT There are plenty of large reference guides to sewing but few pocket-size ones. The balanced coverage of basic and advanced subjects, combined with the simple and useful directions, makes this a solid purchase.

– Library Journal

C&T Publishing has recently released three new Reference guides packed with information quilters and sewists use on a regular basis. The "Essential Sewing Reference Tool" is by Carla Hegeman Crim. This all-in-one visual guide covers tools & supplies, stitches and seam treatments, ruffles & bias tape, zippers & buttonholes, sewn accessories, Home Dec, garment making, sizing charts for all ages and more. With more and more quilters jumping into stitching garments, totes and other non-quilt related items I am sure, if you are like me, you have come across more than one term you did not understand. This guide will lead you through all those issues with good illustrations, step-by-step directions including more than 300 how-to photographs. This guide is small enough to tuck into your sewing tote, library shelf, or even a drawer in your desk. It has loads and loads of charts, photos, instructions and sidebars. It is bound with a type of binding called wire-o binding. This type of binding is nice because you can read the title on the spine like any other book on your shelf while it still allows the book to lay flat while you are using it.

– The Applique Society Newsletter - May/June 2014

In sewing, a myriad of questions come up throughout the process. What thread? What needle? What fabric? What steps? Whenever you feel the need to "Google it" because you're unsure, you can skip the computer and just turn to a new book by Carla Hegeman Crim, "Essential Sewing Reference Tool." This name is no joke - this really is the most essential sewing reference that I've ever seen. Every aspect of what to buy and what to use in certain situations is broken down into simple charts and lists. Pictures accommodate most descriptions, such as of scissors and presser feet. In charts that show sizes that are counterintuitive or not self-explanatory, like thread weight or batting loft, there is a triangle visual on the side to show relative thickness. There is also information on things you may never have considered before, like the compositions of elastics. Photos also accompany step-by-step directions of potentially confusing processes, like making bias strips or sewing curved seams (how do you match up a convex and concave curve??). For those who are interested in home decor, Crim gives detailed directions and measurements for making duvet covers, comforters, bedspreads, pillows (including poufs), bed skirts, curtains, and table linens. If you're more of a wearable accessories gal, there are instructions for making fabric belts and bags. For making clothes, the book covers how to alter what you have rather than how to start from scratch. For instance, it shows how to draw darts on a pattern, or adjust a pattern for height or girth. Crim also discusses steps for processes of clothing sewing that can be confusing, like facings, sleeves, and linings. Perhaps the most unusual element in this book is the chart of name brands of interfacing and whether they're sew-in/fusible, woven/knit, and what fabrics they're meant for. At first I was confused by this, but then realized that it would, in fact, be super handy to have when you go to a fabric store and see a package of interfacing - how do you know if it's the right kind for your project? (I should add that the book is very portable, so bringing it to the fabric store is no big deal.) The interfacing chart is exemplary of the care and attention to detail Crim put into this book. She really seems to have thought of every aspect of the sewing process and the questions that may arise.

– Lovesewing.com