The Beginner's Guide to Dressmaking
Easy Techniques and 8 Fun Projects
Will be published approx. on 14. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-1-80092-336-2 (ISBN)
Description
Sew 8 stylish, versatile garments with this essential beginner's guide to dressmaking, from best-selling author and teacher Julia Hincks.
This fully illustrated, step-by-step guide contains all the techniques you need, plus four full-size (1000 x 700mm) pattern sheets for sizes UK 6-30 (US 2-26, EU 34-58).
In this complete course, popular sewing guru Julia Hincks covers everything you need to get going: discover the essential tools and materials, how to read and use a sewing pattern, choose fabrics, make seams and understand dressmaking terminology. Clear step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible for all, whether you are creating your first garments or revisiting the basics.
The 8 projects are carefully chosen by Julia to teach you new skills each time, so that you can build up your confidence through practice. Each of the stunning projects will teach you new techniques and terminology, and will gradually develop your skills as you work through the book.
Choose from 8 stylish garments:
pattern-free skirt
top
robe/jacket
skirt
shorts
vest
trousers
dress
Full-size pull-out pattern sheets are included, graded in 13 sizes from UK 6-30 (US 2-26, EU 34-58).
This fully illustrated, step-by-step guide contains all the techniques you need, plus four full-size (1000 x 700mm) pattern sheets for sizes UK 6-30 (US 2-26, EU 34-58).
In this complete course, popular sewing guru Julia Hincks covers everything you need to get going: discover the essential tools and materials, how to read and use a sewing pattern, choose fabrics, make seams and understand dressmaking terminology. Clear step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible for all, whether you are creating your first garments or revisiting the basics.
The 8 projects are carefully chosen by Julia to teach you new skills each time, so that you can build up your confidence through practice. Each of the stunning projects will teach you new techniques and terminology, and will gradually develop your skills as you work through the book.
Choose from 8 stylish garments:
pattern-free skirt
top
robe/jacket
skirt
shorts
vest
trousers
dress
Full-size pull-out pattern sheets are included, graded in 13 sizes from UK 6-30 (US 2-26, EU 34-58).
Reviews / Votes
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. -- Jane Harper * Booklist, June Issue *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Tunbridge Wells
United Kingdom
Illustrations
400 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 260 mm
Width: 205 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
640 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80092-336-2 (9781800923362)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
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
Julia lives in Brighton, UK. Find out more about her at www.houseofmisssew.com or watch her popular, beginner-friendly videos on YouTube @HouseOfMissSew
Content
Introduction 6
Tools and materials 8
Taking body measurements 24
Pattern formats 28
Pattern markings 30
Altering patterns 33
Preparing your fabric 35
Following the pattern 42
Getting started 44
TECHNIQUES AND PROJECTS 54
Creating an elastic casing 56
1. Pattern-free skirt 58
Stay stitching 62
Attaching a facing and understitching 62
Stitching in the ditch 64
Hand tacking 65
2. Top 66
Tailor's tacks 74
Patch pockets 76
3. Robe 78
Hip pockets 88
Machine tacking 91
Attaching an elasticated waistband 92
Ladder stitch 95
4. Skirt with hip pockets 96
In-seam pockets 102
Altering the crotch 110
5. Shorts 106
Darts 114
Bias binding 116
Moving the bust dart 122
6. Vest 118
Adding length to the shorts 126
7. Trousers 128
8. Dress 132
Moving on 141
Index 144
Tools and materials 8
Taking body measurements 24
Pattern formats 28
Pattern markings 30
Altering patterns 33
Preparing your fabric 35
Following the pattern 42
Getting started 44
TECHNIQUES AND PROJECTS 54
Creating an elastic casing 56
1. Pattern-free skirt 58
Stay stitching 62
Attaching a facing and understitching 62
Stitching in the ditch 64
Hand tacking 65
2. Top 66
Tailor's tacks 74
Patch pockets 76
3. Robe 78
Hip pockets 88
Machine tacking 91
Attaching an elasticated waistband 92
Ladder stitch 95
4. Skirt with hip pockets 96
In-seam pockets 102
Altering the crotch 110
5. Shorts 106
Darts 114
Bias binding 116
Moving the bust dart 122
6. Vest 118
Adding length to the shorts 126
7. Trousers 128
8. Dress 132
Moving on 141
Index 144