The Dressmaker’s Technique Bible by Lorna Knight, hardback, spiral bound by D&C, price 14.99. ISBN 978-0-7153-2954-2 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk
When you know how, it simplifies the task at hand. One good reason to keep this compact, useful guide of sewing techniques for dressmakers by your sewing table. Whether you wish to design your own clothes, follow a pattern or add embellishments to existing garments, you will find the guidance you are seeking in this book.
256 pages are dedicated to making you a better sewer. Expand your sewing skills whatever your existing level. A wide range of techniques are featured with step-by-step instructions. An at a glance feature includes fashion shapes of different items of clothing including skirts, trousers, tops and fashion accessories. Find advice on fabrics and decorative embellishments as well as tools. Learn how to select and adapt a pattern.
The chapter on fabric manipulation teaches a range of construction methods including seams I had never heard of. The techniques chapter has invaluable information for different garment components such as waistbands, buttonholes, cuffs, collars and hems. There is more than one technique given for most components, for example there are eight collar styles. Each technique is accompanied by clear instructions and photographs. Tremendous, this book will be well used, I guarantee.