The Pattern-Free Wardrobe
10 Simple Dressmaking Projects
Will be published approx. on 16. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-1-80092-239-6 (ISBN)
Description
Create and customize your own stylish capsule wardrobe... without using dressmaking patterns!
Use simple, beginner-friendly techniques to sew 10 stylish, versatile and contemporary garments with Kimberley Hind (@whatkimberleymakes).
Are dressmaking patterns essential for creating stylish and flattering clothes? No!
Can you create a range of impressive garments using just your own measurements and some simple techniques? Yes!
Popular designer and dressmaker Kimberley Hind takes you through everything you need to know to get started. Whether that's choosing the right fabrics for the look and finish you want, to accurately taking your body measurements so that your clothes fit in just the right way, Kimberley's friendly and no-nonsense attitude will get you started in no time... and with no need for dressmaking patterns!
Everything is shown visually: from seaming, hemming, shirring, adding ruffles and finishing your garments.
All 10 beginner-friendly projects are visually explained step by step: choose from skirts, trousers, tops, dresses, shorts and a jacket.
The projects are looser fitting to suit any body shape, and can be customized for your preferred style: adapt the sleeves, straps, cuffs and hem length as you want.
The projects aim for minimal waste, with advice and tips on using leftover fabric scraps to make accessories.
Use simple, beginner-friendly techniques to sew 10 stylish, versatile and contemporary garments with Kimberley Hind (@whatkimberleymakes).
Are dressmaking patterns essential for creating stylish and flattering clothes? No!
Can you create a range of impressive garments using just your own measurements and some simple techniques? Yes!
Popular designer and dressmaker Kimberley Hind takes you through everything you need to know to get started. Whether that's choosing the right fabrics for the look and finish you want, to accurately taking your body measurements so that your clothes fit in just the right way, Kimberley's friendly and no-nonsense attitude will get you started in no time... and with no need for dressmaking patterns!
Everything is shown visually: from seaming, hemming, shirring, adding ruffles and finishing your garments.
All 10 beginner-friendly projects are visually explained step by step: choose from skirts, trousers, tops, dresses, shorts and a jacket.
The projects are looser fitting to suit any body shape, and can be customized for your preferred style: adapt the sleeves, straps, cuffs and hem length as you want.
The projects aim for minimal waste, with advice and tips on using leftover fabric scraps to make accessories.
Reviews / Votes
The "pattern-free" of the title is somewhat of a misnomer because when sewing clothes, even templates (or following already constructed items) are mandatory, unless a very experienced seamster is the maker. Author Hind does not include a handful of patterns in the appendix and, usually, features more basic shapes in the ten projects included here. Her emphasis, first, is on acquiring and mastering skills in sewing machine stitchery, with good information and tips throughout on tools and materials and step-by-step instructions on details like ruffles, turning ties, bias binding, and others.The rest of the book is devoted to the ten designs as well as alternate forms (e.g., a boho blouse becomes a maxi dress; a jacket transforms into a tie-front blouse). Few traditional embellishments are incorporated, like buttons and buttonholes. Finally, most items are relatively untailored, with elastic waists, tent-like dresses, and strapped tops. A dress-making glossary is included. This is a good selection for beginners. -- Barbara Jacobs * Booklist *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Tunbridge Wells
United Kingdom
Illustrations
250 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 204 mm
Width: 260 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
536 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80092-239-6 (9781800922396)
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
Kimberley Hind grew up around sewing, being the daughter of best-selling sewing author Debbie Shore. After 12 years working as a visual merchandiser, she discovered a real passion for sewing during maternity leave following the birth of her daughter. Since then, she has made it her full-time occupation. Now, Kimberley runs a successful online sewing shop as well as her website which shares tutorials, tips and sewing inspiration. She also designs modern, beginner-friendly sewing patterns through her brand Made on Monday. Kimberley likes to create sewing projects that are simple and easy to follow, providing clear guidance for makers of all levels.
Kimberley lives in London, UK. Visit her website www.whatkimberleymakes.com and find her on Instagram @whatkimberleymakes
Kimberley lives in London, UK. Visit her website www.whatkimberleymakes.com and find her on Instagram @whatkimberleymakes
Content
Introduction
Tools and materials
Fabric
Seams and hems
Gathering
Ruffles
Elastic casings
Turning ties
Bias-binding
Body measurements
PROJECTS
Easy T-shirt
Laze dress
Variation: slouchy top
Elasticated boho blouse
Variation: maxi dress
Billow skirt
Variation: shorter gathered skirt
Mysa jacket
Variation: tie-front blouse
Homestead pinafore dress
Meadow dress
Variation: summer strappy top
Tie-strap cami top
Copy-cat trousers
Variation: floaty shorts
Variation: loungewear set
Sol wrap skirt
Variation: midi wrap skirt
Using fabric scraps
Templates
Dressmaking glossary
Index
Tools and materials
Fabric
Seams and hems
Gathering
Ruffles
Elastic casings
Turning ties
Bias-binding
Body measurements
PROJECTS
Easy T-shirt
Laze dress
Variation: slouchy top
Elasticated boho blouse
Variation: maxi dress
Billow skirt
Variation: shorter gathered skirt
Mysa jacket
Variation: tie-front blouse
Homestead pinafore dress
Meadow dress
Variation: summer strappy top
Tie-strap cami top
Copy-cat trousers
Variation: floaty shorts
Variation: loungewear set
Sol wrap skirt
Variation: midi wrap skirt
Using fabric scraps
Templates
Dressmaking glossary
Index