Simple Modern Sewing: 8 Basic Patterns to Create 25 Favorite Garments

by Shufu To Seikatsu Sha

25 fabulous, wearable garments from only 8 simple patterns! Make a closetful of comfortable and easy go-to garments without needing tons of patterns. You need just the eight included basic templates which show you how to fold and cut for each of the 25 unique designs. The patterns are easy and adaptable with no-fuss sizing, so it's simple to sew clothes that are perfect for you. If you're a beginner sewer you'll love the basic shapes and stylish results. Once you've mastered the patterns you can get creative and make each piece your own by using a variety of fabrics, or by adding fashionable embellishments like a print lining or contrast-stitching. Fill your wardrobe in no time with these easy to make and wear garments.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Fashion, Adult, How To

112 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2011

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever book. Lovely simple patterns. However, I do not think this is the book for beginners. There are not enough instructions for setting in the sleeves or how to use the grain of the fabric, for example.

The seams are 3/8" and they suggest zigzagging or serging the edges. However, I have an older sewing machine that does neither so I will use the 5/8" seam width I used for years before zipzag and sergers.

The toughest part was figured out which lines went with which pattern pieces, since you don't cut up the original pattern (you couldn't once you see how the pattern pieces are laid out). Again, not for a beginner that doesn't really know how a garment is put together or what the shape should be for a certain piece. I traced the wrong bodice on my first try. That would have been a disaster if I had not realized that it was not the correct shape.

Also found the sizing a bit off, short-waisted, too narrow sleeves.

BTW, I am an experienced sewer/seamstress. I was working on the dress. I will at some point make the drawstring pants.

Is the price of the book worth just 2 patterns? Maybe not, but I couldn't find this dress pattern anywhere else.

[susan stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book, even though I don't think any of the styles will actually fit me. I'm hoping it will be a good book to teach myself how to enlarge and make adjustments. I love that some of the Japanese pattern books are starting to printed in english. It's a great referecce book

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really drawn to the simple, timeless styles in the book (not all are my cup of tea but some are the sort of thing I would wear every day). I haven’t tried to sew from it yet but the instructions look like something I can handle (I’ve sewn for a long time but am new to garment sewing). A glaring issue is the largest size is size L. The body measurements are too small for a L/XL like me. However, the garment measurements are pretty generous and I think I could get away with the L in some styles. But anyone who wears larger is out of luck. It is a lovely book and a great deal with 8 patterns included.

[Zoey Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the modest, minimalist nature of the designs; each design is paired with a full color photograph worn by a model. I found the instructions to be easy to follow. However, the layout of the book is very off-putting to me. The section on Sewing Basics is in the middle of the book instead of the front. The designs are in the front & their cutting layout/construction instructions are in the back of the book instead of being paired with each design. It is for that reason alone I gave it 3-stars.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the style of the clothing here, casual with simple lines, nothing fussy. And I enjoy the Japanese aesthetic but I don't think these patterns would look good on anyone over a size 14—which, I hear, is the average American woman. I'm an experienced seamstress and figuring out which pattern line goes for which garment would drive me nuts so this book gets returned to the library after a quick browse through.

[Kate]

These clothes look amazing on the designer, and in another (ideal) life where I live in a small French town going to the market and tending my garden, I could see myself in these clothes. But not the aesthetic for my current life.

[Rosemary Bagley · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really like the patterns, the instructions seem good and I like the idea of full size patterns, I found the patterns very hard to trace.

[Jec · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book....patterns included....offered basic pattern and then pattern options to change it up....this is a book i would purchase for my collection.

[Rachel Meyers · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book at all for a beginning sewer, because it had all 25 patterns on a few pieces of paper. It was incredibly difficult to figure out with millions of lines running everywhere which pattern to cut out. You can't just cut out the pattern because if you do, you will be messing up the other patterns on the same page so you have to copy each pattern separately. I didn't want to take the time to do this, so I cut out one a-line skirt pattern from the book paper and I put the book on the shelf where it will stay since my return window has closed.

[Judie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have had this book for awhile and loved the patterns, BUT having just completed the first pattern, a babydoll wrap top, I had to change my rating. I have done some garment sewing before, and consider myself an advanced beginner.
The pattern is not easy to trace off, as so many pieces are on one page, and all are printed in black. Then the instructions are not clear at all. Simple things are possibly over explained and more difficult techniques not even shown.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful patterns! I borrowed a copy from the library and my girls are arguing over which pattern I will make for who first. I need to buy a copy for myself so that I can cut out the patterns and adjust them for my girls.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to try out so many of these patterns! (boatneck dress/jumper, simple yoked skirt, bias cut skirt, cap-sleeved blouse) Note to self: check this out again when you have a bit more time than the pre-Christmas rush...

[Elizaelizaeliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

The patterns and suggestions are beautiful, but the size L is a Japanese large and I will need to know how to size patterns up now :-(

[Anna]

Patterns look really versatile but I will have to scale down to a tighter fit I think. I should check it out again and actually make something next time.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute patterns, decent instructions. Not for rank beginners, but should be fine for someone with a bit of sewing experience.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super cute patterns, but baggy in a way that would not flatter me :(

[Katharine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather baggy and shapeless designs but it does live up to simple. Definitely for the beginner. However beginners would do far better with other patterns rather than these in my humble opinion.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want this for Christmas or for my birthday! Or for my un-birthday . . . I'm not picky! It is such a nifty book for a beginning sewer like me.

[* Bar * · Rating 4 out of 5]

genius!

[Kristen Owenreay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply beautiful patterns, photog, and design... again, larger sizes are, of course, missing