Basic Sewing for Costume Construction: A Handbook, Second Edition

by Rebecca Cunningham

Backed by decades of testing by the author, this easy-to-follow guide presents the fundamentals of sewing. Its clearly laid-out projects cover hand stitching, hand sewn fasteners, and seams, all while teaching a simplified approach to pattern making. Readers learn to translate their body measurements into patterns for garments of their own design. They follow the steps from developing a pattern, to preparing a fitting muslin, to creating a finished garment. Each project builds on the previous one to develop a full understanding of the costume construction process.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sewing

168 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2005

Reviews

[little free lib-rei-ry (•̀ᴗ•́)و ̑̑ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect guide for a novice costumer. It is really intimidating, donning the mantle of such a time-honored craft, yet not having a mentor to teach the nuance. All the Italian nonnas on YouTube are useful, and Rebecca Cunningham's handbook is another invaluable asset to the beginner costumer's arsenal. What I really appreciate about this work is that Cunningham makes the art accessible in that one need not have a professional studio with the highest caliber of tools in order to make good things. One of the biggest hurdles I am facing in my seamstress journey is the lack of seam finishing supplies. What good is a garment that unravels before my very eyes from the inside out? Cunningham provides myriad methods for seam finishing that I am eager to incorporate into my practice immediately! Thank you, Rebecca!