You want lovely clothes... are particular about their finish, their fit, their small but important details... that's why you are interested in dressmaking.

This wonderful clothing construction resource will take you step-by-step through all of the design fundamentals of dressmaking.  A simple "how-to-sew" primer. One step at a time... everything you need to know about cutting, fitting, sewing and finishing.

Skillful fit and finish made easy ~ Clever how-to do it diagrams. The spiral-bound publication spans 64 pages.

Vogue's Book of Smart Dressmaking

Learn How to MAKE CLOTHES with the "VOGUE LOOK"

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Includes helpful hints we can all use.

In the hands of an expert, a dart is perfectly smooth at the end.  The secret is to sew towards the point and to taper the seam very gradually.  The last two or three stitches should be almost parallel with the fold.

For Disproportionate Figures - Alter the pattern but retain the lines.  A very slight alteration in the slope of a shoulder or the depth of a dart will often do wonders in fitting an usual figure. Retain the position of the waistline... very often an alteration is needed in the front only, not the back... a full bust or disproportionately large hip line should be taken care of at the first cutting...

Pockets are not difficult, contrary to the beginner's believe, but they do require great accuracy in marking and precision in cutting.

Unless a seam is edge-stitched or otherwise emphasized, it should be practically invisible.

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Includes a handy 4 page guide on FABRIC FUNDAMENTALS

The foundation of successful sewing is really knowing fabrics - not merely what the latest fad or fashion may be, but knowing the actual character of the fibers and weaves.  This includes their limitations, their possibilities, the marks of quality or inferiority which distinguish them, and even the technique of prolonging their life and beauty.

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BOOK CONTENTS INCLUDE:
VOGUE'S BOOK OF SMART DRESSMAKING
FOR BEGINNERS ONLY

THE RIGHT SIZE MEANS SUCCESS
KNOW YOUR PATTERN
THE PROPER EQUIPMENT
HOW TO PRESS

CUTTING, MARKING, AND BASTING
THINGS TO, DO-AND TO AVOID
ALL ABOUT SEAMS
DARTS AND SLASHES

ALL ABOUT HEMS
BANDS AND CORDING
BIAS BINDING
BINDING AND FACING
SMOCKING
SHIRRING
ALL ABOUT SLEEVES
ARMHOLES
SLEEVE FINISHES
ABOUT BELTS

ABOUT BUTTONHOLES
FOR OPENINGS AND PLACKETS
TUCKS AND PLEATS
ALL ABOUT FUR

TYPICAL COLLARS
BUTTONS AND FASTENINGS
ABOUT RUFFLES
TYPICAL INSETS
HAND·HEMSTITCHING
ABOUT LACE
FABRIC FUNDAMENTALS
TYPICAL POCKETS
SHAPED FACINGS
TOO TALL? TOO SHORT?
FOR DISPROPORTIONATE FIGURES
FOR DISPROPORTIONATE NECKS AND ARMS
ALTERATIONS
TAILORED LININGS
DECORATIVE DETAILS