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.

Includes text from the previously published title, Fit for real people.

Lauren Guthrie was a very popular finalist in BBC TV's Great British Sewing Bee. Now Lauren wants to show anyone who has been bitten by the sewing bug how beautiful, useful things for your home, for yourself and for family and friends can be only a stitch away. Through a series of step-by-step projects that gradually increase in complexity, Lauren provides structured techniques that allow you to build expertise and confidence - and make some gorgeous projects in the process. The clothes and home wares reflect her own lovely pared-back style, and feature in particular the attention to detail and distinctive touches that she loves to bring to anything she makes, from an unexpected lining to a clever edging. From bags, belts and simple tops to blinds and cushions, each of the projects includes one or more variations to the design, fabric or embellishments, so that, once you have mastered the basic technique, you can create endless, stunning alternatives.

Sewing may be the most rewarding and practical craft of all. With basic skills, even a beginner can make beautiful and useful items, as this clearly illustrated tutorial demonstrates. Assuming no prior knowledge or experience, it covers all the elements of machine and hand sewing, from how to sew a button to basic embroidery techniques. Charming projects put the reader’s growing skills to work right from the start, from the simple Drawstring Bag and Fringed Throw to the more challenging Pompom Slippers and stuffed Toy Dog to fanciful designs such as the all-fabric Flower Necklace and Brooch. With each project, new techniques are introduced, from how to make button loops, patch pockets, and French knots, to the fundamentals of quilting.

The first in an ongoing series of ebooks brought to you by the editor of Sew it All magazine, this ebook brings your sewing skills up to speed. Ten essential sewing skills are covered, including measuring, marking, cutting, buttonholes and more.

The most complete guide to sewing basics People are always looking for ways to cut expenses and be creative and stylish at the same time. Learning to sew is a great way to arm yourself with the skills to repair and create clothing and furnishings for yourself and your family for little to no cost. But learning how to sew and how to choose the tools and supplies to begin sewing can be confusing. Now, you can turn to this hands-on, friendly guide for the most up-to-date information, the best techniques, and fun projects for learning (or brushing up on) the art of sewing. Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations make it easier to learn Fresh new patterns, projects, stitches, and techniques for fashion and the home Budget-conscious tips for breathing new life into existing garments Complete with a section on common sewing mistakes and how to avoid them, Sewing For Dummies, 3rd edition gives you the confidence and know-how to sew like a pro.