The beginner's guide to dressmaking : sewing techniques and patterns to make your own clothes / Wendy Ward.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

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) - Techniquescovered: 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 inbook, include body measurement size chart in this section, each projecthas 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 (i.e. Simple styles, draped styles, will it be warm fabric to wear, how would you care for the finished garment - would it be washable, etc) andtheir advantages and disadvantages.

"The detailed instructions and step by step photography show you how to use the full-scale multi-sized patterns to create basic shapes. The modular elements show how to adapt and add items to the garments to enable you to achieve a wider range of styles, and to increase your skill level, e.g. changing the collar, adding in a pocket. The 6 multi-sized paper patterns include a shift dress and maxi skirt, simple jacket, fishtail skirt, jersey top and trousers, allowing you to create your own mix & match capsule wardrobe."--Amazon website.