This book was awesome, the directions are very clear and concise! I am not sure that I would recommend to a beginner, but definitely could recommend to someone with some experience.

A great book for learning to sew heavier duty items. Easy to follow and great images. Well laid out with patterns that a simple to use.

There has been a lack of do it yourself and sewing books related to simple and sturdy bags, packs, knife holders and work aprons that are made with heavy materials. Often I have attempted to use a pattern and instructions for a tote bag or apron and modify it for heavy fabric such as canvas or denim then suffer problems while trying to sew it on my old machine. The Heavy Duty Sewing book by Anton Sandqvist is a perfect guide for creating with heavy materials and I appreciate the publisher making the book available on NetGalley so that I might learn about Anton Sandqvist's talents and advice.
Full Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.

I would recommend this book for those who are accustomed to their sewing machine already. Beginners may attempt these projects but heavy duty sewing is more of a feat than, say, a cotton pillowcase. However, I truly encourage anyone willing to give it shot to do so! Sewing is a fabulous pleasure, therapeutic and peaceful. Sew on!

I am yet to kickstart any project that I successfully complete and bring out in public on my sewing machine. I thought requesting this book would give me added insight on the complexities involved in more complicated projects than a basic pillow cover or quilt. 

I did not have the time to attempt any of the designs provided in the book before my access to the ARC ran out. They seemed detailed and with enough information for execution. There is more practical knowledge provided in the book in the form of the projects and does not have too much of the generic information you expect in such books.

It is an interesting angle to approach sewing in current practical uses. It would be a boon for those with more adventurous disposition when it comes to hand-made enterprises.

This book is written in a down to earth, easy to understand way by a self taught author. It gives quite a lot of tips for sewing heavy duty materials as well as instructions on making items suited to those materials.
I don't have a need to make any of these sewing projects but I can see how handy this book would be to others especially those wanting basic patterns at their fingertips. In my opinion it would suit someone who loves the outdoors and wants to make things useful for camping.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I was really surprised at how easy this book was to understand. Although I'm an experienced seamstress, I felt like the instructions were clear enough for even the first time sewer could understand. From the illustrations and type of projects, I felt like the book was geared for men. That being said, the projects are ones that would interest both men and women. Also, the projects weren't intimidating looking and used logical forms to aid the sewer to visualize the construction process. It is written with only metric measurements listed, I would have liked both metric and USC units.

Great pictures throughout this book help create a wonderful guidebook. The pictures along with the detailed information make this book very helpful. The ideas too create a wonderful sewing book. We recommend it as it is everything you need.

This book fills an odd place in the market. I don't think it's quite suitable for beginners, nor quite for the more experienced. I suppose I would recommend it to anyone who very specifically wants to sew rugged items, and who can visualise 3D shapes really well through description.

The book starts out with some basic information on what tools, materials, and techniques you're likely to use when making sturdy sewn objects. Sandqvist spends an oddly long time explaining how sewing machines work (which seemed a little pointless), but also a good amount of time explaining different types of fabrics and tools, and why you should use them. It isn't groundbreaking, but it's a good start for a beginner who maybe hasn't even considered sewing before. The whole thing slowly works you up to the actual process of sewing, which is very reassuring.

Where this book lets down beginners is the lack of diagrams. The handful of projects detailed in this book generally only get one photograph of the finished object, from one angle. In items as complex as duffle bags and backpacks, which look different from each side, that's a huge failing. Worse, there are no images to go along with the method for making each item.

Sewing instructions can often be a bit cryptic, even if you're using a popular pattern from a well-known pattern publisher, where each step is broken down and diagrammed for you. Here, it's downright mind-boggling. I haven't made anything from the book, but I did try my best to study the instructions for a few of the projects and I was having a tough time following along even though I'm generally good at this sort of thing. I'm sure it's easier when you have the pieces cut out in front of you, and personally I wouldn't let it put me off, but I suspect beginners would struggle with some of the more complex patterns right off the bat.

Many of the patterns are quite simple, however. Bucket-shaped containers that can be hung from anywhere, and a uh, log carrier? (not sure how useful that is for most of us) are both simple, and the buckets at least can be put to a myriad of uses. Is it easier to nip to Ikea and buy something to put your house keys in? Yes, but you're unlikely to find one made of Tardis-printed fabric, or leather, or that old sheet that's no longer fit for your bed but you're really attached to it for some reason and don't want to throw it out. That's where this sort of book comes in handy: you want to make something special and personalised for you, and maybe learnt a new skill or three while you're at it.

Despite not finding the basic information at the beginning useful, and despite being mildly baffled by the complexity of the instructions, this book has made me think that I can make my own backpack at some point. As a smallish woman in a world of stuff sized for 6 foot men with broad shoulders, nothing ever fits me. And stuff doesn't come printed with nerdy designs that declare my allegiance to the Fellowship. I have every faith that with some special-ordered canvas, and some trial and error involving old sheets as test material, I can make something unique and exactly what I want using this book. And really, that's what crafting is all about.

Heavy Duty Sewing is a welcome addition to the creative world. Anton Sandqvist, as a male designer, has a insightful perspective on useful projects.

While I personally sew, I have yet to work with heavy duty materials; I took careful note of his descriptions and explanations and I found them very approachable. These thoughtful additions will put those new to sewing with heavier, more durable fabrics at ease.

The projects aren't concerned with embellishment, choosing to let the materials and craftsmanship speak for themselves. They range from a work apron to a duffel, to even handled bags for plants and more. The range is useful, offering up different time commitments based on your interests or skill level.

There are color photos of each finished project. The one possible detraction I have is that there are no photos of the step-by-step process, which may slow some down. However, the text does its best to eliminate any confusion with clarity in words. And the lack of regular photos throughout the projects is understandable, given how much longer that would make the text. For those used to following online tutorials with frequent photography, you may have to grow in confidence and trust your instincts. However, with the range of projects and the helpful guides in the beginning, you have some good opportunities and motivations to sit at your sewing machine.

This book provides the tools necessary for the reader to gain a solid understanding on creating durable sewing projects. It fits in well with a collection focusing on making and repairing instead of replacing. If you have a DIY group of library members, this would be a perfect addition to your shelves. Sandqvist reminds the readers that you can't get a ticket for doing it wrong, so start creating, making mistakes, and learning the techniques that fit you, your needs, and your sewing machine.

Notes to publisher:
pg 25 : The 1 on the image is not very visible as it is positioned on top of a gridline. Maybe move it.
pg 30: The 5 is hard to see and the 7 is sitting on a dark area of the image. Maybe consider a white circle behind the numbers.
pg 37: caption reads Threading the Lower - but the image seems to depict the top thread.

#HeavyDutySewing #NetGalley #DYI #Outdoors

The book will not disappoint the outdoor and DYI lovers. Anton shares his experience by providing step by step illustrated tutorials which are useful items like a large pack using robust materials.

If you are a sewist who thinks like an engineer you will love this book Heavy Duty Sewing: Making Backpacks and Other Stuff by Anton Sandqvist. Yes! That Anton Sandqvist! The one who is the technical and creative force behind Sandqvist Products, the renown Swedish outdoor gear company. Although Sandqvist is trained as an engineer his sewing skills are self-taught and these two traits shine through in his writing voice. Although he has the tendency to be dry and technical, his enthusiasm for the creative process is genuine and contagious.
Just like the company's products, this book takes a no nonsense approach to both the design process and the construction of the articles. Sandqvist gives a pragmatic overview of the how, what and whys of sewing products for use in the outdoors. He walks you through the mathematics required to produce your 3-dimensional design from 2-dimensional fabric and therein forces you to really think about what you aim to create and it's function.
I especially love that Sandqvist includes detailed steps for making eleven specific projects and addresses how to modify them for your own needs. If you are a beginning sewist I recommend you start with something simple like the apron. There is plenty here to challenge the experienced sewist too, I challenge you to create a customized duffel bag!
"I received a free copy of this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review”

Have you ever tried to sew canvas, leather, or thick denim? It can be a challenge - but this book explains the process with clear instructions and photos, and offers tips to make it easier.

Sandqvist includes patterns for the projects shown on the cover. This is a thoroughly enjoyable way to start designing useful containers or garments with your own heavy-duty work fabrics.

The author of this book, Heavy Duty Sewing, has done a remarkable job in describing the sewing process step by step. He tells us what all the items you need to perform all the projects in his book, by describing their use and by picture. Pictures are great by the way. He tells us where we might purchase these items and how to actually sew heavy duty types of projects. He has several functional types of projects that are described in detail in the book for backpacks, baskets and the like. The projects are masculine looking and would be excellent for the outdoors man for camping, boating and hiking. I was impressed with his completeness, as many "how to sew" books are not so descriptive and would make some people frustrated. I think this would be a great book for that person who wants to keep their projects basic, with natural fibers that hold up in the elements. Four stars, only because the projects are limited. Perhaps there is a plan for more advanced projects in the future.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a pre-publication ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I must admit I had great expectations connected with Sandqvist brand, but unfortunetly while the book gives some nice ideas for bags and backpacks there are no templates included so it's not a step by step sewing tutorial. Another thing is that the book is definitely not for the beginners. You need to know how to use a sewing machine and how to sew a zip and many other more advanced skills. I give it only two stars because even though i have been sewing for over 6 years now I still won't be able to use any ideas suggested in the book.

Interesting projects but pretty bland overall. The projects and writing felt limited and not that interesting overall. I appreciate the foundation building for heavy duty sewing but the opportunities to learn its the projects felt a little too basic.

Full of practical, interesting patterns for functional items such as toiletry bags and backpacks. A little hard to evaluate the book without photographs in the ARC, but I'm sure they'll be great.

This is an interesting starting point for someone interested in working with leathers, duck, canvas and other more commercially used products.
There are plenty of projects featured to help get your feet wet and learn the mechanics of putting the items together.

This is a really nice beginner's book for people who are interested in starting to sew their own gear. It's short, and has good instructions.