Sewing for Fashion Designers

This comprehensive guide explores all the fundamental sewing methods and introduces 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 pattern cutting and construction are discussed for each fabric. Catwalk images demonstrate how these kinds of techniques are employed by designers.

Anette Fischer is a 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 over 20 years, with such names as Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy Couture and Julien Macdonald.