This comprehensive guide provides instruction in a wide range of dressmaking techniques, from how to use and adapt patterns, to sewing hems, zippers, and adding embellishments.

Provides general instructions for fitting, constructing, tailoring, and finishing women's, men's, and children's clothing and for making curtains and bedcoverings.

Draping—the art of using cotton muslin to create womenswear directly on a dress form—is an essential skill for fashion designers. Through a series of step-by-step projects, designed to develop skills from the most basic to more advanced techniques, this book will guide you in creating both classic and contemporary garments, as well as historical styles and costumes. Draping projects include dresses, bustiers, and jackets, and highlight key fashion garments such as Audrey Hepburn's dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket. Starting with the basics of choosing and preparing the dress form for draping, the book advances through pinning, trimming, and clipping, and creating shape using darts and tucks, to adding volume using pleats and gathers, and handling complex curves. Advanced skills include how to use support elements such as shoulder pads, under layers, and petticoats, and how to handle bias draping. The book culminates with a chapter on improvisational skills. Each skill and technique throughout the book is explained with step-by-step photographs and line drawings that bring the art of creating womenswear in three dimensions to life.

Offers techniques for designing and making clothes, whether you are following a pattern, adding embellishements, or designing garments from scratch. This book includes illustrated instructions, which explain the essential dressmaking techniques. It is suitable for beginners, or those who are already designing or making their own clothes.

“Organizes the basics of sewing techniques into a photo-heavy encyclopedia for beginner sewers and experts alike.” —Publishers Weekly For Great-Great Grandma, sewing clothes for the family was a necessity. Today, it’s a creative and rewarding personal choice. Now learning how to sew has never been simpler, with step-by-step photographs and friendly advice from internationally accredited sewing expert Wendy Gardiner, and her clear directions ensure that even beginners will get great results. With the techniques you learn in Complete Book of Sewing Techniques, you’ll soon be stitching amazing clothes with skill and confidence. This beautifully illustrated, comprehensive guide to all aspects of sewing from dressmaking to soft furnishings: Covers sewing techniques from hand stitching and hemming to making collars and sleeves, attaching liners, adding darts for shaping, and inserting zips and buttonholes Includes comprehensive information on fabrics, threads, needles and other equipment Features step-by-step photographs and color illustrations

The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Construction helps you master all of the techniques needed to sew clothes--including tops, dresses, pants, skirts, and even outerwear. This technique-driven book follows the entire process of clothing construction, including a section on the sewing machine and other tools/materials used, information on working with patterns and fitting, laying out the pattern pieces, cutting and marking, and on through every step of construction to the final button. Large, detailed photos guide you from start to finish and help give you a visual basis for learning the skills. This comprehensive guide is a long-lasting reference for anyone who sews clothes. It fills in all the technique details not supplied by manufacturers of the clothing patterns that most sewers use for all of their projects. The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Construction explains the reasons behind the methods, warns of pitfalls to watch out for, and provides you with valuable tips that help you reach a satisfying, successful end with every project. Examples show both men's and women's fashions as well as children's clothes.

Includes fully graded patterns to fit a wide range of dress sizes.

The BBC primetime series The Great British Sewing Bee, is back. Starting with the basics, from how to use a sewing machine and understand paper patterns, to knowing your fabrics and how to achieve that perfect finish – this is a go-to guide that you will keep referring back to. With a section that demystifies the fitting process, and with expert sewing tips on making alterations, you'll be able to choose from a variety of projects that will ease you into the world of sewing. For burgeoning sewers, this technique-focused book reveals the joys of sewing and the tools and skills required to progress. Interspersed with essential tips, from advice on finishing – tacking, hand stitching, hemming and more – to guidance on adding decorative finishes including piping, exposed zips, appliqué and more, this book is an indispensable reference that will encourage you to take the leap and start creating long-lasting projects to cherish.

An invaluable resource, Dressmaking will guide you through all the stages of making, altering, and customizing clothes. Starting with the Tools and Materials, you will learn what you need to buy and how to use it. The Fabrics chapter demonstrates the drape and weave of fabrics and explains the best uses of each. The Patterns chapter covers everything from understanding a pattern to altering one. In General Techniques, close-up photography and guiding annotation to explain key techniques step by step. A section on Basic Patterns and Variations then guides you through creating six garments. Patterns and detailed step-by-step instructions are provided for a skirt, dress, shirt, tee, jacket, and pair of trousers. Instructions are also given for possible variations of each garment. Finally, chapters on Alterations and repairs and Customizing offer practical tips for repairing worn items and inspiration for modernizing tired pieces. Packed with essential advice and inspiration, this is the dressmaking bible that no budding seamstress should be without.

Sewing is no longer the preserve of grandmothers and aunties. The popularity of vintage clothing and brands such as Cath Kidston have led to a revival of 'make do and mend', and people of all ages are getting creative. This title starts with the basic kit and techniques before introducing fastenings, embellishments, clothing and home furnishings.