Beginner's Guide to Dressmaking

Julia Hincks is a teacher and textile artist who has been sewing, knitting and crocheting from an early age. She teaches dressmaking, pattern cutting and overlocking classes privately and at colleges in Brighton, UK, where she inspires adults to take up these crafts and improve their skills. Julia has developed a loyal following. She is the author of the best-selling title The Overlocker Technique Manual (2014), which is now available in five languages, as well as The Coverstitch Technique Manual (2021), with combined sales of over 66k.Julia lives in Brighton, UK. Find out more about her at www.houseofmisssew.com or watch her popular, beginner-friendly videos on YouTube @HouseOfMissSew

• Introduction 6Tools and materials 8Taking body measurements 24Pattern formats 28Pattern markings 30Altering patterns 33Preparing your fabric 35Following the pattern 42Getting started 44TECHNIQUES AND PROJECTS 54Creating an elastic casing 561. Pattern-free skirt 58Stay stitching 62Attaching a facing and understitching 62Stitching in the ditch 64Hand tacking 652. Top 66Tailor’s tacks 74Patch pockets 763. Robe 78Hip pockets 88Machine tacking 91Attaching an elasticated waistband 92Ladder stitch 954. Skirt with hip pockets 96In-seam pockets 102Altering the crotch 1105. Shorts 106Darts 114Bias binding 116Moving the bust dart 1226. Vest 118Adding length to the shorts 1267. Trousers 1288. Dress 132Moving on 141Index 144

With interest in screen-free analog hobbies trending up, while everyday affordability trends down, there couldn’t be a better time for a book targeted to the complete beginner who wants to learn how to sew and create their own clothes. UK-based sewing teacher Hincks provides a thorough, authoritative guide that also manages to be completely clear and unintimidating. There are eight projects, each of which introduces at least one foundational technique so learners can gradually build skills and confidence. Color photographs clearly illustrate all techniques, tools, and materials, and instructions are exceptionally easy to follow.New home sewers can start with a simple, pattern-free skirt, then move on to a short-sleeved top, an unconstructed short jacket, a skirt with pockets, a sleeveless top, shorts, pants, and a dress. Even better, these simple basics can be combined and adapted to create even more types of garments. The book includes a set of full-size pull-out pattern pieces that are needed for all but the pattern-free skirt project. Ideal for anyone new to dressmaking as well as those who want to review the basics.