This book takes the mystery out of couture techniques which many dressmakers assume are either extremely difficult, or only for the professional fashion designers. Dressmaker's Handbook shows that these skills can easily be acquired thanks to clear instructions in simple, step-by-step stages. Containing a complete guide to the fabrics suited to each technique and insider secrets from professional dressmakers, the book also includes catch-up panels and refresher notes for novices. The book is divided into 3 sections: couture bindings and finishes, designer underpinnings and finishing touches. Overall a book of fascinating techniques to take any sewing enthusiast to new levels of skill, enjoyment and confidence.
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"This book takes the mystery out of couture techniques which some dressmakers assume are either difficult, or only for professional fashion designers. The Dressmaker's Handbook shows that these skills can easily be acquired, with clear instructions in simple, step-by-step stages." --Sew Today (Feb 2011)
About the Author
Lynda Maynard has a B.A. in Textiles and Clothing from San Jose State University and is an Adjunct Professor in the Fashion Design departments of two community colleges and a private design school in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is known in the industry as a "fit specialist".
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By beth lamb
Format:Spiral-bound|Amazon Verified Purchase
I received this book today and it was just what is needed in any dressmaker's collection. The author gives you such tips as how to make a hidden sew in pocket, how to stop a slit in a skirt from ripping, how to handle difficult materials and many more.
I often find that the little details (how to cover a press stud) are the ones that are so often overlooked in sewing books and this one covers it.
It is not for a complete beginner and it does assume that you already know how to sew.
The book is beautifully illustrated and easy to read, being spiral bound and I'm sure any dressmaker will use it again and again.
Particularly useful for the perfectionist.
This would make a wonderful gift for any dressmaker at any level.
I often find that the little details (how to cover a press stud) are the ones that are so often overlooked in sewing books and this one covers it.
It is not for a complete beginner and it does assume that you already know how to sew.
The book is beautifully illustrated and easy to read, being spiral bound and I'm sure any dressmaker will use it again and again.
Particularly useful for the perfectionist.
This would make a wonderful gift for any dressmaker at any level.
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By W. Wild
Format:Spiral-bound
I bought this along with Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire Shaeffer because, looking at the reviews for both, I thought I might be missing something if I didn't get the other. I wasn't. This book is by far the better in my opinion, but I was looking for something to instruct me on how to get a more professional, high end finish on my clothing (which includes wedding dresses, prom dresses and christening gowns amongst other things - so finish is pretty important) rather than an in-depth history book. This book has very clear, user-friendly instructions, excellent photographs and illustrations and most of the techniques are illustrated in several steps...on actual fabric, unlike the other book! It has given me much inspiration and reminded me of several techniques my mother, a professional seamstress, used but I had completely forgotten about. I do understand that much actual couture sewing is done by hand and I'm not adverse to that, where necessary (in fact, I always 'thread trace' and 'baste', though I've always known these as simply 'tacking' - 'basting' is what you do to a turkey!), but if you want to use a sewing machine for the majority of your project as I do, then this book also comes up trumps in that department. I will definitely be referring back to this book time and time again - exactly what I was looking for!
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By sva, London
Format:Spiral-bound
I found the techniques useful and informative. I was disappointed however that the diamond effect created on the fabric on the front cover wasn't include as that was one of the main reasons I bought the book.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Spiral-bound|Amazon Verified Purchase
So I bought this based upon reviews and descriptions, as I am a beginner/intermediate looking to just learn skills to design and make clothes creatively. Don't get me wrong, what the book contains is explained clearly with relevant photos and that is why I chose to give it the 3 stars. But I needed and was lead to believe that it would contain creative techniques such as on the cover. Anyone else expecting the same will be just as sorely disappointed as I was upon reading it. It covers 'couture' fastenings, edging, hems, seams, lining and interfacing at length. It has a decent guide to materials but even that seems far from complete.
It contains one double page on making toiles and even that is not that useful. The book is interspersed with catwalk images but no explanation of how to do any of the techniques shown in them. The rest of the example images loom like dated projects from the likes of Debenhams or Boscovs!
In frustration I have had to buy another two books - one is 'the art of manipulating fabric' and the other is the revised 'complete collection of couture sewing' which had some bad reviews which instead pointed me towards this red herring. Will be posting reviews on those once they arrive.
It contains one double page on making toiles and even that is not that useful. The book is interspersed with catwalk images but no explanation of how to do any of the techniques shown in them. The rest of the example images loom like dated projects from the likes of Debenhams or Boscovs!
In frustration I have had to buy another two books - one is 'the art of manipulating fabric' and the other is the revised 'complete collection of couture sewing' which had some bad reviews which instead pointed me towards this red herring. Will be posting reviews on those once they arrive.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By Alisya March
Format:Spiral-bound
Beautiful pictures and good paper, but it's not what it's called. Not about couture at all. It's all about basic sewing techniques. The publisher's just put few fresh, glamour photos from Haute Couture catwalks and that's it. If you are looking for couture techniques, better try "Couture Sewing Techniques" by Claire Shaeffer.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Haz
Format:Spiral-bound
Worth every penny - Beautifully laid out, clear and useful. As a dressmaker for about 30 years, you don't know everything. Some new techniques and some refreshers, very simple to follow - even for a beginner not just an old hand. Def worth investing in this one.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By E. Charnley
Format:Spiral-bound
A fascinating book, pulls together my learning after a lifetime of sewing, gives me new ideas and lets us in on those little 'secrets' that take clothes to couture.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By booksforever
Format:Spiral-bound
This book is packed with techniques for giving a high-quality finish to home-sewn garments. In each case she explains where and why you might use the technique. There are ample clear photos to illustrate each process and the book is spiral-bound which makes it easy to read whilst working. The main sections are: Bindings and Finishes; Design Details On Show; Design Details Concealed; Designer Underpinnings; Directory Of Luxury Fabrics; Essential Couture Techniques. My only criticism is that in the underpinnings section there are photos showing a skirt where one half has a technique applied to it and the other doesn't, to illustrate the benefit of lining it, backing the fabric etc, but I can't tell the difference in many cases. Anyone who is serious about improving their dressmaking skills would benefit from using this book. Even a novice could follow it though as it explains things clearly and comprehensively.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
clear instructions
I like this book very much because it is just what I need to take my sewing to a greater level. The information on different interlinings and their application to different fabrics... Read more
Published 2 months ago by miranda
4.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful and well set out
I am returning to sewing after a long break. This book contains some useful techniques and it is well set out and easy to follow.
Published 2 months ago by Dales Dweller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Couture handbook
Cursory glance through this confirms it seems instructive and easy to follow, exactly what I need to bring a professional finish to my garment making. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Karen Louise
5.0 out of 5 stars
couture
Wonderful book.
Has given me loads of tips and ideas. Arrived on time. Isn't scary and v user friendly. Brilliant!
Has given me loads of tips and ideas. Arrived on time. Isn't scary and v user friendly. Brilliant!
Published 6 months ago by Denise Caroline Vye
5.0 out of 5 stars
GreAt refrance book
This book is a great refrance book for all sewers weather a beginner or a pro. I've been sewing for almost 40 years and have learned a lot over the years,, and I still found lots... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Kitty 6
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
This book is beautifully put together and clear and concise, even my friend who is not into sewing commented on how lovely the book was and couldn't put it down. Read more
Published 15 months ago by B
4.0 out of 5 stars
intpiration for an enthusiastic amateur!
This book is easy to follow and full of ideas which I shall try out in my sewing. It has taught me techniques for a more professional finish,to so many dressmaking projects. Read more
Published on 28 Mar 2011 by Ray
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