The Complete Book of Sewing Shortcuts

by Claire B. Shaeffer

Why dream about owning a designer dress when you can make one? If you have often stared longingly at designer patterns but have wound up settling for those marked "fast" or "easy," this book has everything you need to achieve the designer look without hours of tedious drudgery.

Some of the great short cuts you will find here: super-fast, hassle-free seams with all the advantages of French seams, but not the effort; quick-and-easy ways of reducing fullness, marking a hem, or making a rolled one; tips on handling tricky fabrics; finishing touches, many of them that look difficult, but aren't - even ways in which to press without using an iron.

Less ambitious? This comprehensive manual is for you, too. It shows better and easier ways to handle almost every aspect of sewing. More than 800 step-by-step drawings make the book invaluable to any home sewer, no matter what level of expertise, and even a beginner can graduate from sewing on buttons to elaborate tailoring.

Genres: Sewing, Reference, Nonfiction, Crafts, Dressmaking

Hardcover

First published March 15, 1981

Reviews

[LeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very complete guide, good refresher for someone who hasn't sewn in a long time as well as good directions and diagrams for beginners. Might be missing some points on the most current of gadgets or tech but sewing techniques themselves dont change much. I use vintage machines and this is a great companion.

[Ruth Trapmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by my tutor on a dressmaking course. Although it is currently out of print I got a reasonable copy from Amazon. I have skim read it and will definitely go back as required for reference.

[Emily Clapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep this book stored near my sewing machine for quick reference while working. The illustrations are clear, the directions concise, and nearly every sewing question answered.

[Jane Dugger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't feel there was anything really overly helpful in it.