The world of haute couture is a place where only a privileged few can ever hope to reside, right? Wrong. Fashion historian Claire B. Shaeffer opened the door to this exclusive realm in her authoritative guide to the techniques that define couture sewing. And now, the industry bible, Couture Sewing Techniques, has been revised and updated throughout -- with new photos and a chapter on specialty fabrics.

No one can unravel couture garment construction the way Shaeffer can, from the art of hand sewing to mastering edge finishes, from classic closures to shaping a garment for a perfect fit. Readers learn all the basics -- and more importantly: how to apply the techniques -- on skirts and sleeves, pockets and jackets, evening gowns, and more. Gorgeous photos, clear illustrations, and concise language combine to make this the most complete couture-sewing course available.

Everything you need to know to make your own clothing and soft furnishings with a sewing machine

Demystify your sewing machine and get to grips with essential techniques with The Sewing Book. This bestselling guide covers over 300 techniques with illustrated step-by-step sequences, showing you how to create everything from seams and hems to darts, gathers, and collars.

Discover how to read a pattern and adapt designs to suit your measurements, get to grips with tools and materials, and find the best fabrics to suit whatever you want to make.

Complete with ten homeware and clothing projects to help you put your new-found skills to the test, The Sewing Book shows you everything you need to know, stitch by stitch.

An indispensable volume for beginning and advanced sewers alike that guides readers through necessary equipment, techniques, fabrics and more.

First published in 1976, Reader's Digest's popular Complete Guide to Sewing has become the standard stich-and-seam reference book for both beginner and seasoned sewers. Now, Reader's Digest has refreshed this tried-and-true volume for the modern era, adapting it to current trends while preserving the comprehensive, practical and inspiring content within.

Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing gives sewers of every experience and comfort level everything they need to know to create the wardrobe of their dreams and beautify their homes with original decorative accents. Clear, simple instructions written by experts in the field tell you what to do and how to do it. Plus, thousands of illustrations and diagrams throughout the book's 384 pages illustrate each stage of the process. Key elements of the book include:

• A detailed list of the basic equipment you'll need before getting started sewing.
• Tips for choosing the right fabric for your project.
• A step-by-step photo guide that shows you how to take measurements.
• Instructions in a variety of essential hand-stitching techniques.
• 20 timeless projects--more than half of them new to this edition--to practice your skills including shirts, dresses, bags and more.

Plus, the book has received endorsements from a variety of trusted sources:

...and I always recommend the Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing. It's very comprehensive and very user-friendly.

--Tim Gunn

...abundant and precise line art, enticing photographs, simple-to-follow instructions and valuable information on tools, supplies, materials and techniques.

--The New York Times

A woman who takes sewing seriously, or who wants to learn to sew, won't want to be
without this book.

--Portland Oregon Journal

Here is everything you always wanted to know about sewing--a veritable encyclopedia of stitching facts.

--The Austin American Statesman

Radical Sewing is a guide for learning how to make your own clothes. Kate introduces you to the basics and best practices of garment sewing for yourself at home, as well as advice and info on things you wouldn't even know to ask about sewing. Topics include hand sewing, picking out a sewing machine, adding pockets to anything, sewing a button so it stays on, altering your clothes to fit your unique body, and so much more Regardless of your sewing experience, gender, or body type, this illustrated guide will empower you to make your wardrobe your own. With loads of encouragement to try things out, all you'll need to do is experiment and break the rules to create the clothes and outfits that you want to wear.

Learn the basic skills and techniques you need for successful hand and machine sewing

Over the past ten years, interest in sewing has grown. If want to learn how to sew or to improve your skills, Sewing For Dummies is the book you need to get started. This complete guide to sewing basics teaches you basic hand stitches and sewing machine operation, with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations. You'll work your way forward to develop the skills to create or repair clothing and furnishings that fit your personal style, your measurements, and your aesthetic. Find great patterns in stores and online, give thrift store finds new life, and learn about cool new fabrics and sewing trends. You'll also get an overview of common sewing mistakes and how to avoid them, so you can take up this relaxing, creative hobby with confidence. A full-color insert brings the text to life. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment you'll get when you use your new skills to create wonderful handmade pieces.

• Learn hand and machine sewing skills, starting with the basics and working your way up
• Choose the right sewing machine for your needs and follow step-by-step tutorials to master its use
• Makes repairs and alterations to keep your wardrobe current
• Learn about online sewing resources and get ideas for finding fabric and patterns

This Dummies guide will help anyone who wants to learn basic sewing skills or brush up on what they already know. Sew a button back on your jacket, make pillowcases from an old dress, alter that great vintage dress to fit like a glove, and complete any other sewing projects you can dream up.

Whether you want to alter a vintage jacket or create a full-tailored suit, this tailoring reference guide has everything you need to produce elegant, bespoke garments that last a lifetime.

With over 80 step-by-step techniques on measuring, cutting, altering, and finishing, this is the only book you will need to create and alter a tailored garment.

Alison Smith MBE is one of the world's leading tailoring experts, and in her new book, she reveals trade secrets and all the practical know-how necessary to master this heritage craft. The Tailoring Book is the latest title in Smith's best-selling sewing series. It covers everything from choosing patterns and fabrics to fitting and construction, including techniques that can be applied to both womens- and menswear.

With this book, you can learn how to:

-Tailor garments by selecting the right tools to create a toile and picking the perfect hand stitch.

-Follow 10 detailed garment projects to create shirts, jackets, coats, and trousers

-Master the techniques of tailoring with step-by-step instructions and downloadable patterns that guide you through every part of the process

This book includes key equipment and techniques, garment projects with clear step-by-step processes and downloadable patterns, and tips on repairs and alterations. It takes the reader from the basics through to couture techniques.

Learn to sew simple, stylish, wear-everywhere garments with How to Sew Clothes. Each chapter is filled with super easy instructions and patterns written for sewists of all skill levels.

If you can sew a straight line, you can sew anything (and, in this book, we'll teach you how to sew a straight line!). We will help you get started from scratch, with detailed sewing instructions and techniques that will soon become second nature. We'll explain why you're doing things, and when it is important to do things a certain way, and when you can improvise and not worry! We'll tell you everything you need to know to sew your own clothes and bags--and to have fun in the process. -- Amelia Greenhall and Amy Bornman, @AllWellWorkshop

Whether you are just learning how to sew or want to reignite your excitement for sewing, How to Sew Clothes makes sewing feel possible. Greenhall and Bornman's illustrated guidance and conversational how-tos feel just like an inviting, in-person workshop. This book will have you wanting to sew every project (and will give you all the tools to make it happen). It is also a great read, even when you aren't in the mood to sew. How many sewing books can say that?

Inside, you'll find an envelope full of pattern sheets and very detailed instructions to guide you through the process of making simple tops, dresses, a jacket, and a coat that will become wardrobe essentials. (Patterns have bust circumferences 32-62 / 81-157 cm.) Several of All Well's bestselling, downloadable sewing patterns are included, in print for the first time!

Pick up this book and learn essential skills such as how to choose fabrics, read patterns, and cut out pattern pieces and sew them together, as well as how to backstitch, assess fit, and learn from what you make. There are also instructions for making bags that will fit you and your style just right. How to Sew Clothes will help you learn to make clothes you love to wear--and have fun in the process.

Sashiko: the needlework form of both decorative and functional embroidery developed in Japan many centuries ago.

With just four key materials needed--needle, thread, thimble and fabric--Sashiko stitches have long been a favorite for quilting and embroidery. Today, the style is popular in the visible mending movement because of its simplicity, efficiency and aesthetic appeal. With Simply Sashiko, you can apply centuries-old Japanese techniques to your home, clothing and accessories in a fun, modern way.

This book gives you simple but thorough lessons on the ins and outs (literally) of 36 different sashiko patterns, plus designs for stylish home and personal accessories so you can try them out, including:

• Decorative pouches
• Little purses
• Placemats and napkins
• Covered brooches and buttons
• And much more

Step-by-step instructions and detailed color photos show you everything from transferring patterns to perfecting your stitch technique. User-friendly templates help you keep your motifs balanced and even, while color combinations ranging from the traditional white and indigo to multicolored threads on primary colored backgrounds inspire you to get creative with these basic stitches.

Think of the moment you wear an outfit you have sewn for the first time. Think of how happy, proud, and accomplished you feel, all because it fits and you love it.

Many women struggle with the standard sizing of commercial or Indie sewing patterns, which often leads to fitting issues. This garment fitting guide will help you adjust sewing patterns to achieve the perfect fit you desire.

The Fitting Book has visual sketches and links to videos to help during each step of the 3-part fitting process.

Here's How it Works:

A) Identify the Fitting Issue.

B) Pin, Cut, & Tape the Fitting Sample.

C) Correct the Sewing Pattern.

It covers the following categories for pattern alterations:

• Full Bust Adjustments (FBA) - bodice alterations for princess seams, darts, no darts
• Small Bust Adjustments (SBA) - bodice alterations for princess seams, darts, no darts
• Armscye and sleeve alterations
• Front width, back, and shoulder pattern adjustments
• Neckline pattern corrections
• Basic skirt pattern alterations
• Fitting pants - this is my specialty and what I am known for in the industry
• Demystifying draglines (my secret to understanding diagonal draglines in garment fitting)

You will learn about terminology, abbreviations, pattern tools, and patternmaking supplies. The Fitting Book shows how to use a hip curve, a French curve, and a clear ruler for patternmaking. The pattern corrections can be applied to womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, knit styles, and woven styles. The sketches and photos are in black and white. This is a fitting book primarily with sketches. It is not a pattern drafting book. Finally, you will learn about the customization scale in garment fitting and patternmaking.

I share my knowledge from fitting tens of thousands of garments while working in the garment industry since 2003. You will learn industry-expert fitting tips to achieve the customized fit you desire.

If you are one of my 58,000+ followers on Instagram and Facebook, you may have seen my short fitting videos. For all the fitting alterations in this book, there are corresponding simple videos to reference. There are QR codes that can be scanned with a smartphone which direct you to each fitting correction. The videos give you a quick visual of how to do each correction, so you never get stuck.

Stop wasting your time and money sewing clothes that don't fit well.

It's time to sew the clothes you love that fit.

Si desea comprar este libro en español, puede encontrarlo escribiendo 'El libro de ajustes para patrones de costura' en el buscador.

Learning how to sew has never been simpler! Like having a personal instructor at your side, this beginner's guide teaches you to sew stitches both by hand and with a machine.

Filled with detailed descriptions of materials and tools, the easy step-by-step instructions for all the basic sewing techniques will have you creating projects like aprons, pillows, and even pants and shorts in no time.

These simple projects will introduce essential sewing skills like hems, seams, balancing tension, and how to use a pattern:

• Rectangular tablecloth
• Knife-edge pillows
• Zipper closures
• Baby blanket
• Elastic-waist skirts
• Elastic-waist pants
• T-shirts
• Apron with pockets
• Unlined jackets

With First Time Sewing, you will soon be stitching amazing gifts and projects with confidence.

Everyone has their go-to items of clothing in the wardrobe that fit them perfectly and look great. This practical guide for home dressmakers explains how to remake these best-loved garments without having to destroy the originals!

Discover how to create a wardrobe full of perfectly fitting garments that can be remade again and again in different fabrics, using accessible techniques to create your own dressmaking patterns. In conventional pattern-making, the original garment is unpicked and taken apart but the non-destructive approach of Clone Your Clones changes everything!

This instructional guide to pattern-making reveals the secrets of remaking without ruining, through a range of techniques, including:

- Direct Measurement: Ideal for simple shapes without too much shaping or detail.

- Tracing: A quick and easy technique suitable for lots of different styles of clothing.

- Over Draping: Perfect for complicated designs like a waterfall frill or a ruched panel, where measuring or tracing would be impossible.

- Combining Techniques: Using a combination of methods to get the best results for your specific garment.

- Adapting Designs: How to adapt your cloned patterns to create new and exciting pieces for your wardrobe.

All of the cloning methods are explained in the Cloning School section, with step-by-step instructions and photography so you can follow along. Each technique is illustrated using an example garment so you can see how it works in practice. From there, the Design School section shows you how to apply these techniques and skills to specific garments - a pair of trousers, a simple dress, a gathered skirt, a shirt and a camisole top.

Author Claire-Louise Hardy, former Sewing Producer on The Great British Sewing Bee, also gives her expert advice on choosing fabrics and which tools to use for the best results. Helpful videos, accessed via QR codes within the book, offer additional support and guidance.

Kids can sew too with the help of this inspiring guide featuring 21 fun sewing projects made to nurture creativity, develop coordination, and boost confidence.

This inspiring guide includes 21 fun sewing projects for children ages 5 and up. With easy-to-follow illustrated instructions and cut-out patterns, young crafters will quickly be sewing up colorful pillows, potholders, dolls, blankets, and more. These kid-tested projects require only minimal supervision and most can be made using simple hand stitches, so no sewing machine is required. With plenty of encouragement and helpful tips, Sewing School (R) helps young sewers develop their skills while sparking a passion that will last a lifetime.

Also available in this series: Sewing School (R) 2, Sewing School (R) Fashion Design, Sewing School (R) Quilts, and Sewing School (R) Box Set.

Whether using new fabrics or upcycling or repurposing an existing quilt, orphan blocks or fabric scraps, Making Quilted Patchwork Jackets instructs you through each step of the process to handcraft a quilted jacket. You will learn to properly position blocks, add appliqué elements, layer, quilt, and construct piece-by-piece. Authors Rae Cumbie and Carrie Emerson reveal the four different approaches they use: jackets with loose linings and two quilted layers, jackets with the lining quilted into a sandwich for three layers, reversible jackets with two decorative sides and batting in between, and jackets made from already made quilts. For beginners to wearable quilting, the authors provide an overview of basic garment construction, fabric selection, piecing and placement, liners, hem length, and finishing details including collars, cuffs, and pockets. Two basic multi-size downloadable patterns are available--adult and child--with multiple length options. Intermediate and advanced quilters can modify the projects to suit their level of expertise, finding inspiration from the gallery of quilted jacket photographs.

A beautiful collection of brand new Tilda projects, featuring seasonal designs in Tone Finnanger's quirky style. Each chapter is themed on a classic children's story, such as Pinocchio, Bambi, The Nutcracker and The Princess and the Pea. Projects include new doll designs (ballerinas, princesses, soldiers and various animals), as well as gifts and decorations using the latest range of Tilda fabrics and products.

Elevate Your Sewing is comprehensive book featuring more than 30 different techniques from changing design lines to honeycomb smocking. Includes clear and easy instruction with illustration or photo step outs to guide you as you work. Includes a stitch dictionary for both couture work and unique embroidery detailing including monograms and a chart for handling and sewing a variety of couture fabrics. Nothing is forgotten in this comprehensive book. Chapters include zippers, edge finishing and embellishments, beading, bead and sequins, stitches and seams, and more! There's even a new stitch dictionary for couture work and unique embroidery detailing including monograms. Revisit some well-known techniques with a new twist on style.

A real-world beginner's guide to mastering your sewing machine and making your own clothes and accessories

Trained on Savile Row, Rehana Begum's taught sewing for years, and knows how to introduce beginners to their sewing machines without stress or disaster. Now she presents that expertise in an elegant contemporary format. With the book's clearly illustrated techniques section, you'll quickly learn how to thread your machine, choose your stitch, and start up without creating a frustrating tangle of knots. Begum then introduces simple patterns, including a tote bag and a simple dress, so you'll quickly be able to build on your skills and turn them into finished products to be proud of. Removing the fear, this book will painlessly get you sewing--and open the way to a satisfying skill that will serve you for the rest of your life.

The most trusted guide to jacket tailoring on the market, Tailoring belongs on every sewer's bookshelf.

Zero Waste Patterns offers a modern approach to sustainable sewing. Using natural fabrics and core sewing techniques, learn how to stitch without waste and make a scandi-style collection of 20 garments. Zero waste pattern cutting is a bit like a puzzle. You use a pre-determined length of fabric end to end by strategically planning your pattern pieces so that everything is used and then draw them onto the fabric. By using this unique 'paperless' method you can eliminate both textile and paper waste from your sewing projects and take the fear out of learning to self draft and sew your own clothing. This book includes 5 simple zero waste pattern blocks - a t-shirt, skirt, tank top, shirt and trousers. These can then be used to make a further 15 projects by making simple changes or mixing and matching your blocks into new designs, and comes with pattern layout instructions and templates to make sizes UK 6-30/US 2-26. Once you have mastered the 5 blocks the possibilities are endless.

The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting is the ultimate reference for fitting test garments and transferring accurate adjustments to patterns.

No matter what size or shape you are, wearing garments that fit perfectly makes you look and feel better. Rather than making commonly accepted changes to a commercial pattern, the method presented in this guide focuses on the way a test garment fits the body. The fabric is manipulated to improve the fit, and then those specific changes are made to the pattern. The result: patterns that fit perfectly!

With The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting, you'll learn:

• The importance of a fitting axis and how to use it during a fitting
• How to recognize fitting issues, such as drag lines and folds
• How to manipulate fabric to solve common and unusual fitting problems
• How to transfer the fitting changes to your pattern easily
• Basic pattern-making skills to ensure accurate alterations

See the fitting process from start to finish on basic garments, fitted on real people. Then follow fitting solutions on different body types. Hundreds of large color photos illustrate the techniques and concepts in simple step-by-step instructions. With these lessons, you will get the perfect fit for any body.

From tissue-fitting pioneers Pati Palmer and Marta Alto comes a new book whose title says it all: The Palmer/Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting: Sew Great Clothes for Every Body! Fit Any Fashion Pattern. It's been 20 years since their last book about fitting and altering sewing patterns, Fit for Real People. For Palmer and Alto, that means 20 more years of hands-on learning and experience from fitting more real people of all shapes and sizes from around the globe. Having long ago dispensed with tedious measuring or making a muslin to check the fit of a sewing pattern, the authors have mastered the process of tissue-fitting. This means simply trying on the pattern's tissue pieces to check systematically for where to alter the pattern for a custom fit. The pattern pieces themselves become the muslin. Systematically means following the tissue-fitting sequence they've developed and refined. It's a no-guess order of fitting that ensures success. The book reinforces this sequence since the alteration chapters themselves are ordered in the same sequence. Readers are instructed to start with length and width, move on to the back, check the neck and shoulders, all before even considering how the pattern fits in the bust. As they work through the pattern, sewers will alter the tissue and try on again until the tissue fits well. The book then instructs how to pin-fit the fabric for a final tweaking before sewing. The book explains all facets of pattern fitting and alteration to give readers the background and guidance they need to achieve a custom fit on any pattern from any company.

Instructions include:
- Take just one measurement to determine the right pattern size to buy. Find out what to do if you are between sizes or a different size top and bottom.
- Make a body map with a close-fitting dress pattern to see how you differ from the standard on which sewing patterns are based. - Learn from real people examples of a variety of bodies and their individual alterations.
- Use the book's new wrinkle dictionary to identify a needed pattern alteration. Wrinkles point to the problem, say the authors, and now you can look up the page reference for a solution.
- See how age can affect body shape, from preteen to octogenarian.
- Take note of the latest sewing techniques for garment details that affect fit, such as darts, zippers and sleeves, for enhancing the look of a well-fitted garment.
- Learn basic skills for designing or redesigning for myriad variations using the same pattern. Throughout the book, step-by step instructions are accompanied by full-color photography and a new style of technical art that is extremely clear. Short captions explain each illustration. As a bonus, the authors detail the evolution of ready-to-wear and pattern sizing over the past century, along with their own history in pioneering the art and practice of tissue-fitting.