Vintage Sewing Reference — Singer Sewing Book (1969, First Edition / Ninth Printing) — Gladys Cunningham | Illustrated Techniques, Sewing Instruction, Craft

This 1969 Singer Sewing Book is a classic, photo-rich sewing reference designed for both new stitchers and seasoned makers. Firmly rooted in the sewing GENRE, it reflects the era when home dressmaking was booming and Singer led the way in teaching technique.

Inside, you’ll find over 1,500 illustrations, clear step-by-step guides, color plates, pattern adjustments, embellishment methods, and construction shortcuts. This copy is photo-verified, complete, and ready to inspire your next project.

Quick Specs

• Item Type: Book
• Size: 12 × 9 × 1.5 in
• Material: Cloth boards with dust jacket
• Color: Mustard-yellow boards with gold stamping; multicolor illustrated jacket
• Origin or Maker: The Singer Company / Western Publishing
• Year or Era: 1969
• GENRE: Sewing Instruction / Craft
• Language / Pages: English / 428 pages + blank note pages
• Identifiers: Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 75-83801

Edition & Features  

• Edition/Printing: First Edition, Ninth Printing
• Dust Jacket: Present; worn, torn, chipped, heavy edge wear
• Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Over 1,500 illustrations including diagrams, pattern guides, color plates, and sewing-machine artwork

Condition Grade: Good

Notes:

• Dust jacket shows heavy wear: large tears, chips, missing sections, creases, edge losses, and surface wear.
• Boards in solid shape with light rubbing to the corners.
• Binding intact and pages clean; signed by a previous owner, no other visible writing or markings.
• Page edges aged, consistent with 1969 printing.
• Overall, a complete and well-kept interior in a heavily worn jacket.

• See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

About the Author Gladys Cunningham

Gladys Cunningham was a longtime sewing educator with Singer, known for her accessible, practical teaching style. Her work helped generations of home sewists master both foundational techniques and creative garment construction.

A classic, richly illustrated sewing companion ready for your studio shelf

Disclaimer  

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.

About Reading Vintage

At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.