Couture Sewing: Tailoring Techniques

Learn the tailoring techniques and sewing secrets of such renowned designers as Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga. Couture Sewing: Tailoring Techniques is a complete sewing workshop packaged in a DVD and book ensemble.

Get an insider's view of the couture industry. Author and fashion expert Claire B. Shaeffer shares garment tailoring techniques, construction methods, and even short cuts used in the finest European ateliers of Paris, Rome and London.

Lessons come alive in the 90-minute DVD. Shaeffer presents viewers with an in-depth tailoring workshop, demonstrating key techniques such as converting darts to ease, creating a patch pocket, interfacing a hem, stitching a fly zipper, and making a bound buttonhole.

The companion book reinforces the instruction with step-by-step images of each technique. Whether you're seeking advice on high-fashion sewing techniques or you want to take your skills to the next level, Couture Sewing: Tailoring Techniques fits like a finely tailored suit.

About the Author:

Claire Shaeffer is an internationally recognized expert in fashion design and construction techniques for haute couture. She is a designer for Vogue Patterns, a frequent contributor to Threads magazine, and the author of numerous books. Shaeffer served as Couture Sewing: Technique Consultant for the Museum of the City of New Yorks online exhibit, Worth & Mainbocher. She lives in Palm Springs, California.

Introduction

ONE
TAILORING TECHNIQUES FOR BUTTONHOLES
The Thread Buttonhole
The Bound Buttonhole

TWO
TAILORING TECHNIQUES FOR PATCH POCKETS
Patch Pockets

THREE
TAILORING TECHNIQUES FOR INTERFACED HEMS
The Interfaced Hem

FOUR
TAILORING TECHNIQUES FOR DARTS AND SLEEVES
Converting Darts to Ease
The Classic Tailored Sleeve

FIVE
TAILORING TECHNIQUES FOR TROUSERS
Fly Zipper Closure
Measuring for a Trouser Hem

SIX
CHARACTERISTICS OF COUTURE CONSTRUCTION
What Makes a Garment Couture?

Appendix
Metric Equivalency Chart
Resources
About the Author
Index