It’s holiday time again, and I thought it might be nice to give you some ideas for sewing books that make great gifts. These are what I call “stretch books”, either because they are expensive or difficult to find. But perhaps you can forward this to someone who loves you and they’ll take the hint!
BTW, I have no affiliation with Amazon, any of these authors or their publishing houses. These are just good books that will help increase your sewing know-how. So with no further ado, here ya go!
Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers
Julie Cole and Sharon Czachor
This is an excellent all-around reference book. It has the added bonus of being written for designers, so it sheds light on some techniques that are used in RTW.
Patternmaking for Fashion Design
Helen Joseph Armstrong
I have the 4th edition, and this is a great textbook. It’s one of the best out there and definitely worth it if you want to try your hand a making your own patterns.
Draping for Apparel Design
Helen Joseph Armstrong
You want to drape like Rami Kashou? Dreams of the flou dancing in your head? Here’s a great book to get you started.
The Art of Couture Sewing
Zoya Nudelman
The section on pleating alone made this book worthwhile for me!
The European Cut
Elizabeth Allemong
This is a great reference for learning to draft a European-style – i.e. more close to the body than American style – block. You can then use it for adjusting patterns or for drafting your own. Her instructions are very well done.
So maybe if you’re very good, Santa will put one of these in your stocking.
Happy sewing!
Wishing and a hoping! Nice selections!
All of these sound fabulous and none of which I have. I especially want that pattern drafting book by Helen Armstrong. The one I have is really confusing. Thanks for the inspiration!
I liked the first book last year when I saw it in the bookstore. Kathleen Fasanella didn’t think much of it, so I questioned my judgment.
I have earlier editions of the Armstrong books, although I haven’t used them.
I’ve admired the Nudelman book in the store, but it’s very expensive. I keep hoping the price will come down.
I think I heard about “European Cut” on the Fashion Incubator blog. I was interested.
Incidentally, the first book has a companion volume that I believe has projects and fabric swatches. It’s pricey as well.
I am putting 2 of those on my list for sure!
I had 4 of these on my wish list
))))) I’ll check out the 5th…The European Cut.
It’s nice to know they are all great picks.
I’ve been wanting the Helen Armstrong books for a few years. Have you (or anyone else) have any comparison between the Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers book and Sewing Secrets from the Fashion Industry (I *think* that’s the right title) which I already have? The European Cut and Art of Couture Sewing sound intriguing also. Ah, the money to buy and the time to read them all would be lovely!
Gail I have both books. The Shaeffer book (Sewing Secrets) has some good information but the Professional Sewing Techniques is more comprehensive. If I had to choose between the two, I’d get Professional Sewing Techniques.