Hundreds of clear photos, excellent step-by-step instructions, dozens of trade secrets from industry experts, and an A-to-Z approach make this one of the outstanding guides on the subject. Besides wonderful coverage of equipment choices and construction techniques, there is terrific information on altering commercial patterns to customize every detail for individual figure specifics, making a muslin, working with various fabric and interfacing types, and layout and cutting. This is an essential addition to any novice's sewing library; the more-experienced garment maker will also find it a very useful reference. --Amy Handy
From Library Journal
While fewer people sew today, those who do are often more serious about it. This book is targeted at true enthusiasts who want to learn the timesaving and quality-enhancing techniques employed by professionals. Together the book's five contributors have worked for more than a century in the garment industry as designers, pattern makers, instructors, and quality-control specialists. With more than 800 photos, Sewing Secrets gives the reader an over-the-shoulder look at apparel construction, emphasizing details that can distinguish a run-of-the-mill garment from a fashion statement. An extensive "tips & techniques" section is arranged alphabetically from awls to zippers, while sidebars of inside information make for interesting browsing. Highly recommended for all sewing collections.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
It seems odd that in a society so pressed for time, anyone other than apparel industry professionals would bother to sew. Still, this volume provides one of the most thorough step-by-step explanations of techniques in a long time--a massive number of insider secrets and tips garnered from five experts. Every one of the chapters reveals at least one piece of information that home sewers probably don't know; an awl, for instance, is invaluable for controlling fabric near the machine's presser foot. And the way to fix a nonfitting thimble is, simply, to step on it. Photographs aplenty showcase all subjects, from the benefits of buying a serger machine to the tricks involved in stitching a designer elasticized waistband. Barbara Jacobs
Book Description
Sewing secrets from the fashion industry
Look over the shoulders of sewing experts as they show you how to cut and sew the professional way. From sample rooms to production sewing factories, the authors gleaned the best and the fastest garment-sewing techniques and treatments.
Sew fast. Sew smart. Make clothes that look better than ready-to-wear. Hundreds of step-by-step photographs and easy-to-understand directions help you:
* Master bound button holes
* Imitate professional seam finishes on your machine
* Create an innovative button placket
* Eliminate ease stitching and basting
* Sew a lined vest in three hours without any hand stitching
* Choose a pocket and waistband that's right for you
* Use industry techniques to interface like the pros
* Make clothing that fits perfectly no matter what your size
From the Back Cover
Sewing secrets from the fashion industry
Look over the shoulders of sewing experts as they show you how to cut and sew the professional way. From sample rooms to production sewing factories, the authors gleaned the best and the fastest garment-sewing techniques and treatments.
Sew fast. Sew smart. Make clothes that look better than ready-to-wear. Hundreds of step-by-step photographs and easy-to-understand directions help you:
* Master bound button holes
* Imitate professional seam finishes on your machine
* Create an innovative button placket
* Eliminate ease stitching and basting
* Sew a lined vest in three hours without any hand stitching
* Choose a pocket and waistband that's right for you
* Use industry techniques to interface like the pros
* Make clothing that fits perfectly no matter what your size
About the Author
Susan Huxley is a lifelong sewer and former editor for Rodale sewing books. She lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Sewing Secrets from the Fashion Industry: Proven Methods to Help You Sew like the Pros FROM THE PUBLISHER
Look over the shoulders of sewing experts as they show you how to cut and sew the professional way. From sample rooms to production sewing factories, the authors gleaned the best and the fastest garment-sewing techniques and treatments. Sew fast, Sew smart. Make clothes that look better than ready-to-wear. Hundreds of step-by-step photographs and easy-to-understand directions help you: master bound buttonholes, imitate professional seam finishes on your machine, create an innovative button placket, eliminate ease stitching and basting, sew a lined vest in three hours without any hand stitching, choose a pocket and waistband that's right for you, use industry techniques to interface like the pros, and make clothing that fits perfectly no matter what your size.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
While fewer people sew today, those who do are often more serious about it. This book is targeted at true enthusiasts who want to learn the timesaving and quality-enhancing techniques employed by professionals. Together the book's five contributors have worked for more than a century in the garment industry as designers, pattern makers, instructors, and quality-control specialists. With more than 800 photos, Sewing Secrets gives the reader an over-the-shoulder look at apparel construction, emphasizing details that can distinguish a run-of-the-mill garment from a fashion statement. An extensive "tips & techniques" section is arranged alphabetically from awls to zippers, while sidebars of inside information make for interesting browsing. Highly recommended for all sewing collections.