Sewing for Fashion Designers

Description

This comprehensive guide explores the fundamental sewing methods fashion designers need and teaches professional garment construction. Chapter One introduces sewing tools and machinery (including industrial machines). It discusses how to work with patterns and explains cutting-out methods. Chapter Two is devoted to different fabrics and how they work, focusing on the construction of a garment, including fastenings and trimmings, and the use of materials to support structured pieces, such as corsets. Hand-sewing techniques and basic seams are explored in Chapter Three. Techniques are demonstrated with step-by-step photographic guides combined with technical drawings. A guide to making garment details and decorations, such as pockets, waistlines, and necklines, is found in Chapter Four. Chapter Five addresses fabric-specific techniques, for everything from lace to neoprene. The best technical approaches to use for patternmaking and construction are discussed for each fabric. Catwalk images demonstrate how these kinds of techniques are employed by designers.

Anette Fischer is Senior Lecturer in 3D Development at the University for the Creative Arts, Epsom. She also teaches on the Postgraduate Certificate Course in Innovative Pattern Cutting at Central Saint Martins, London and also is a guest speaker at pattern cutting and garment construction seminars for the British Fashion Council. She has worked in the fashion industry for more than 20 years, with such names as Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy Couture and Julien Macdonald.

This is a great foundational book that has information that someone starting out would need in one place. There is an overview of fabrics, how to prepare them, and the typical application of each one. There are excellent colour illustrations of the techniques covered, both in line art and actual garments being sewn. This is an excellent book for beginners who do not want to have to buy five different ones to get started. -- MICHEAL ROWLEY * ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY *