Complete Dressmaking Skills

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.

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.

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.

Packed with professional techniques and tips, The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques takes the mystery out of the sewing and finishing techniques that many dressmakers assume are either extremely difficult or are only for professional fashion designers. Fashion designer and expert sewist Lynda Maynard tackles each professional technique with clear instructions in simple step-by-step stages. Once these skills are understood, sewists will embrace their dressmaking projects with more confidence and the ability to create chic, refined looks. The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques unlocks the door to stunning results with better shaping, simpler construction methods, and professional finishing touches. Lynda also explains several seemingly difficult "secrets," from making bindings and finishing for hems, armholes, and necklines to underpinnings and structuring techniques. Plus, she teaches how to master finishing touches from textured stitches to couching and applique. A complete guide to the fabrics suited to each technique and inspirational fashion photography are also included.

Learn how to make your own clothes in simple steps. A compact and comprehensive dressmaking resource for anyone who wants to learn how to make clothes at home. Learn how to make a dress, trousers, tops, and jackets--18 garments in all--by following clear and simple step-by-step sequences. Everything you need to learn to sew a wardrobe of clothes is included, from information on tools and materials, to key sewing techniques, to garment projects complete with sewing patterns.

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.