The Beginners Guide To Dressmaking: Sewing Techniques And Patterns To
Make Your Own Clothes

This is the ultimate guide to how to make your own clothes even if you have never done so before As well as step-by-step instructions for all the basic dressmaking techniques there are six garments to choose from It even includes multi-sized paper patterns for all the garments so you can get started immediately The garments include a maxi dressskirt jersey top simple jacket trousers fishtail skirt and a shift dress The author has also included advanced techniques for optional techniques such as pockets and collars which you can choose to add to the basic patterns as your skills improve CONTENTS LIST 1 The Projects (building in complexity each project to have made-up samples photographed in different fabrics to aid in fabric choice and using the different modular elements to personalise
style and increase skill level) Fishtail skirt - Techniques covered centred zip bias binding gathering Modular elements patch pockets Jersey maxi skirt dress - Techniques covered sewing knit fabrics gathering Modular elements length options adding extra seams Jersey top - Techniques covered sewing knits - finishing edges Modular elements adding extra seams Simple boxy biker style jacket - Techniques covered sleeves exposed open-end zip bias binding Modular elements collar patch pockets additional seams Loose trouser (jersey fold over waistband woven legs) - Techniques covered sewing knit fabrics pleats Modular elements side seam pockets length options Shift dress - Techniques covered centred zip pleats darts understitching Modular elements optional sleeve collar side seam pocket adding
extra seams 2 Basic Techniques (a section to refer to when working on the projects this section needs a comprehensive contents page) Seams - ways to neaten edges - how to get accurate straight seams including sewing and neatening curved seams Simple centred zip Exposed open-ended zip Bias binding - used as a trim used as a facing Gathering Pleats Hems Darts Setting in sleeves Understitching (facings) Cutting - to include explanations of straight grain selvedges bias etc (including knit fabrics) Taking measurements and how to relate to size charts for patterns in book include body measurement size chart in this section each project has its own finished garment measurement chart Include an explanation of ease here Sewing knit fabrics - seams hems edges cutting 3 Modular Elements (optional
techniques that could be applied to the projects to personalise and customise and increase skill level) Adding additional seams to the patterns in order to mix fabrics Flat collar Standing collar Side seam pockets Patch pockets 4 Resources - where to buy fabrics and haberdashery suitable for the projects described 5 Glossary - a list of the different kinds of fabrics their best uses (ie Simple styles draped styles will it be warm fabric to wear how would you care for the finished garment - would it be washable etc) and their advantages and disadvantages