The Handsewn Wardrobe: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own Clothes from Patternmaking to the Finishing Stitches

by Louisa Owen Sonstroem

Discover the slow, quiet joy of sewing clothes by hand in this one-of-kind guide. 

Featuring step-by-step, illustrated instructions, this hand-sewing course-in-a-book shows you how to create nine wardrobe staples, including a t-shirt, button-up, and jeans, using simple hand-sewing and hand-stitching techniques. Author Louisa Owen Sonstroem shares her sustainable, empowering, and portable craft with gentle encouragement and guidance. 

Sewists of all experience levels will learn how   Draft a pattern to fit custom measurements.  Select and cut fabric. Make nine pieces of clothing with simple hand-sewing techniques. Construct each garment without using a sewing machine. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Sewing, Crafts, Art, Fashion

344 pages, Hardcover

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is a really thorough sewing book on a topic not covered by too many others: hand sewing a wardrobe. It covers basic pattern making, the most important hand sewing stitches with nice illustrations, and instructions for drafting nine garments. Each includes techniques for specific elements, like understanding sleeve caps or making a rub off of your jeans. A lot of these instructions would be helpful even if you sew on a machine. I don't know that I'll be making any of the designs in this book, but this would be a nice reference for drafting and finishing techniques.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

[Cassandra Sannino · Rating 4 out of 5]

everyone’s getting handsewn panties next year for christmas

[KRM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thoughtful book. You can tell the author loves the craft and loves her readers — the suggestion to take measurements in a less familiar unit (cm for Americans, for example, or inches for those who normally use metric) to avoid “number shame” is very clever. This is someone who knows a lot about stitches, yes, but also the many ways people feel about clothing and making their own clothes. Every time she mentions commercial patterns, she uses very neutral language to remind readers that the pattern probably won’t fit without altering, because it’s just a starting place. The advice to “keep a sense of humor” is so charming. If I was giving my niece a book on making clothes, I would want her to read this book not just because of the technical guide, but because of how thoughtful the author is about bodies and sizes. The artwork is thoughtful too — it’s nice to see men included, normalizing sewing as a hobby for everyone.

At times the writing is a little flowery for my taste, especially for a technical guide. I think the book probably could do with another round of edits for word economy and detail (like the “see page XXX” missing the actual page number). The thimble games seemed out of place to me.

I have a good deal of sewing experience, both by hand and machine. It’s incredible that even with two decades of making clothes there’s still more to learn! Even if you are very advanced, the book is worth flipping through for tips. For example — the tip for measuring neck width by draping a stirng with two weighed objects and measuring the distance inbetween is brilliant! I’ve just been using the same bodice block with the neckline width I like, but now that I know that measurement it’s much easier to freehand new necklines and still feel confident they’ll look nice with fewer mock ups. I loved the suggestion for making a hand sewn label, I haven’t seen that before and it’s absolutely darling.

The technical aspects of the book are excellent — a lot of pattern making guides will skip teaching wearing ease for some reason, assuming people will think to add it in themselves I guess. When you’re new to pattern drafting and it tells you to take a bunch of measurements of your body, it’s natural to then plot those exact measurements on your paper — but the body needs extra room for movement and so the garment drapes nicely! This book puts info about wearing ease directly after talking about measurements, which is the perfect place for it.

I was very impressed by the range of projects in this book. Usually entry level sewing books do very simple designs that all look pretty similar, and all suggest plain quilting cotton because it’s easy to work with, like the linen top or gathered skirt. Each pattern is progressively more advanced. The pattern I was most excited about was the jeans! I have been planning for months to make a pair in some nice japanese denim I bought but have been putting it off because of how expensive the material was and how unsure I was of getting it right. I already have a pants sloper, so the guide to refining it for jeans was really helpful.

When talking about fit, I liked that the book gives you all the technical terms and simplified meanings. If you know those weird little bunched up lines are called “drag lines” then you have a search term to learn more on your own. The book is a great jumping off point, it gives readers the ability to read other books with more technical jargon comfortably.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc copy, all opinions are my own.

[Margaret Adelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two fun facts about me.
1. I review books
2. I love crafting

So after it belatedly occurred to me that NetGalley has a Crafts & Hobbies section, I decided I could combine the two. I found "The Handsewn Wardrobe," by Louisa Owen Sonstroem and spent a couple afternoons pretending I could understand how to read directions without doing the things the directions tell you to do.

Obviously, this isn't the kind of book you're meant to just read through. And, admittedly, my eyes often glazed over at the instruction sections, especially for the projects I knew I would never attempt. But between each of the projects is a mini biography of a handsewist (handsewer?) that explains their preferences and process. The one that mentioned they never use a thimble and only know like 4 stitches made me feel so seen.

Still, the book has a delightful overall vibe. Rather than telling the reader "THIS is the PROPER way to sew, you COMMONER," it explains why sewing techniques are used the way they are. How which way you cut on the grain affects the way the garment drapes or why certain stitches are used for stretchier fabrics. It isn't telling you that you must do things in a certain way, just be aware of the possible outcomes if you don't. For a consummate contrarian like myself, it was probably the only way to convince me to actually try the more "official" techniques.

Every project in the book is broken into two sections: patternmaking and handsewing. The instructions on handsewing advise which stitches are best used for which seams of the garment depending on how much tension those seams will be under. The book also notes that you don't actually need to use both parts. You can make the pattern and sew on a machine or use a premade pattern and handsew it.

The garments themselves are intriguing, as so many of them were created for the age of sewing machines, things like t-shirts, jeans, jean jackets, and even a hoodie. Since these garments were never meant to be handsewn, there's still an element of unknown in the process. The author emphasizes that this is what she does for the moment. Who knows, perhaps the next generation of neo-handsewists may refine the skillset and create new traditions.

Without actually making one of these garments myself (I'm working on it, I promise) the only critique I can give is that I wish the note on pattern abbreviations were earlier in the book with, not the end glossary. While I could eventually piece together what "WST" meant, patterns can be confusing enough without also having to work out what it's even telling you to do. Especially when one of the most commonly used abbreviations in the book is SA (for seam allowance), which has a very different meaning in other contexts.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend that anyone read the entire book front to back the way I did. But if you're still near the beginning of your sewing journey, there's a lot to learn from the sections on stitches and fabrics. And, of course, you could try your hand at the projects that interest you. I'm already eyeing that one autumnal bedsheet in my stash for the gathered skirt. The Thanksgiving fit this year is gonna be next level.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book at Netgalley, just a few days before the release date, and it just spoke to me for a few reasons.

🪡 As a hand piecer and quilter who never uses a sewing machine, I’m already used to sewing by hand, but then with tiny 1 inch pieces taking 7 years to become a queen sized bed spread lol.
🪡 My autism HATES sewing machines. Enough for meltdowns. I spend 2 hours last week hemming my jeans by hand because the machine was too loud. Just nope.
🪡 I’m on an all natural clothing quest, and as I favor linen and wool, there just aren’t many options in my size. I only have three identical linen shirts as they were the only ones I could find, and while that may seem very in brand for autism, I have the ‘tism that loves bright colors and dopamine dresses. I need options!

This book made me realize I have options. Options without a sewing machine. Options of which I already know the basics! Sort of. It seems really silly I never thought of hand sewing a garment before, as I do alter and embroider most of my pieces, but actual sewing just seemed intimidating and something else entirely.

Ok that was a long intro. I just wanted to share where I came from. Lots of hand sewing practice, literally NONE in garment patterns. And I have to admit, the pattern department is scary. Especially as I know how much can go wrong. Combine that with having no idea what stitches would work. But this book has all of this! It walks you through everything, especially the pattern drafting! And you know what… it seems doable! The instructions are very clear, and the pictures illuminate it even farther. The stitches are very clear, and its use is explained, and then there are garments with a walk through from how to make the pattern, what to watch out for to how to sew it step by step. I understood it all, which is a miracle to be honest (kudos to the author for performing said miracle). It also is size inclusive in the words and measurement taking (the patterns are inclusive by definition as you make your own) and I adore that in some of the illustrations the woman has leg hair. Silly thing to notice, I know, but I just really liked that detail.

So instead of writing this review after finishing the book, I ordered bright yellow linen fabric for a shirt and measured myself extensively. Then I remembered the publication date was really close and I should stop hyperfixating and just write it first, but tbh I’d rather scrape all the info from the book and draft a pattern and see if it works. I’m very inspired, this book was what I didn’t know I needed. And if you”re crafty, just pick it up and see if it’s something you might like, chances are you’ll be ordering fabric too before long lol.

Anyway, off to start drafting! I really recommend this book, and I want to thank the publisher and netgalley for granting me an e-arc. My opinions are my own.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

The book feels mostly about pattern making since the author really wants you to make your own patterns rather than buying 'the limiting choices of premade commercial patterns (sort of a sewing purist, I guess). So for those just starting out, you'll need to also get all the tools and such that are required for pattern making as well as the sewing supplies to make the items in the book.

The stitching sections were a bit confusing for me - someone who doesn't sew. There are a few illustrations but they are mostly about what the stitching looks like on each side of the fabric rather than a step-by-step guide on how to make the stitch. The directions are rather clunky, large blocky paragraphs that can be frustrating to read, especially since I could not change the font size or zoom in with my digital copy.

There are several basic projects you will make and then sew: t-shirt, skirt, underwear, blouse, jeans, jacket, etc. The images were particularly uninspiring and I really felt the book let readers down here with what was presented. Everything was bland and unimaginative and I wasn't that eager to waste my time learning to sew on something I didn't even like. I do understand that we are to bring our own taste and creativity here - but I also want to be have an idea of possibilities and inspiration instead of just having to dream up something on my own.

While making items is nice, I was more interested in learning the hand sewing techniques. For me, I wanted to see the technique steps fully illustrated and then to have a glossary of where those stitches are most likely used (images of those stitches in actual clothes). This is in contrast to learning how to stitch from mostly text.

The author is thorough and if you can stick with it, you will have the basics of hand stitching down (though admittedly the author also says just to machine sew the projects if you want). But for me, it was confusing and incredibly unmotivating. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Handsewn Wardrobe is a well organized tutorial and technique guide for handsewn clothing construction designed and curated by Louisa Owen Sonstroem. Released 5th Aug 2025 by Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 344 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Although this is, indeed, a book about hand-sewn clothing, and it contains start-to-finish tutorials with which readers can certainly create credible, functional, and beautiful pieces of clothing, the author emphasizes process and the meditative aspects of creating as much (or more?) than the actual finished products. It takes slow fashion to a whole other level.

She covers measurements, some simple design elements, and drafting patterns from pre-existing clothes. Materials selection and basic utility sewing are covered, but not in-depth (again, some background with handsewing, or a mentor/teacher/resource will prove handy for beginner sewists). Techniques like slash&spread, adding design elements and cutting pattern pieces are also covered in a straightforward (abbreviated/simple) way.

The author has added some whimsy in the form of a few simple games (thimble wars, thimble "football", tug of war, etc) which will probably bring a smile to readers' faces.

Many (but not all) of the included tutorials are surprisingly unisex and can be adapted to more or less anyone. The styling is not at all fussy. There's a Japanese vibe to the simple lines and emphasis on natural fibres and quality materials.

Four and a half stars. More for the philosophy and process than for the finished products. The author has an engaging, comforting, and wise style of communication. The pace is slow and methodical. This would be an excellent choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, for fibre-arts groups, and for the home sewist's library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
2.5-3
I'm generally a big fan of Storey books, but this one puzzled me.
The author spends an enormous amount of time/pages on the very technical mechanics of drafting, which is fine, but maybe a bit daunting for beginners (yes, the blurb does say 'all experience levels'). The hand sewing advice is fine, but it's available elsewhere. I personally dislike 'drawings' as instruction for books like this - I find good photographs are usually much clearer. The designs are uninspiring (especially for more experienced sewists), and I really think several of them aren't very well suited for hand sewing projects. The author does say that 'anything goes' and that the reader can use a sewing machine for part or all of the construction, which I think maybe lessens the 'message' she's trying to convey.
I've been sewing garments for many years, and I found the author's discussion of fabrics and threads somewhat superficial. The book design is cute and cozy, and obviously a lot of time was put into it, but it's difficult to read, especially as an ebook with no option to change font size or style. It would have been nice to see an extra example or two from the designers mentioned as inspiration.
There seemed to be a couple of references that went nowhere, and the index wasn't included in the ARC, so I don't know if this will be remedied.
If you're experienced, and looking for a primer on drafting contemporary streetwear, I'd recommend this. If you want to learn how to hand sew tshirts, dresses, shirts and leggings, I'd recommend the Alabama Chanin books.

[Paula P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Louisa Owen Sonstroem’s The Handsewn Wardrobe is a delightful surprise and a true gem in the world of garment-making guides. I was initially unaware that it focused on hand sewing rather than machine stitching, but I quickly found that its wisdom applies beautifully across both disciplines. Even as an experienced sewer, I discovered plenty of fresh, practical insights that I’ll be referring back to — especially when working on my machine in future.

The book is impeccably laid out, with clear instructions and excellent diagrams that demystify a wide range of techniques. Each project is broken down into small, approachable steps, making it equally valuable for beginners and those with a bit more sewing experience. From stitches and hems to darts and fitting tips, the level of detail is impressive and makes it a dependable reference guide for anyone building or refining their sewing skills.

One minor quibble: I would’ve appreciated having the pattern abbreviation notes earlier in the book rather than tucked away in the end glossary. A simple tweak, but it would aid navigation for readers dipping in and out.

What makes this book truly special is its inclusive tone and well-thought-out structure. It caters to all levels and walks readers gently through not just technique, but mindset. Everything from materials to patterns is thoughtfully illustrated and explained — there’s even a charming nod to games, which adds a bit of whimsy and warmth.

This is the kind of book you’ll want on your shelf not just for its guidance, but for its encouragement. A fabulous resource I’ll return to time and time again.

[bookcookery]

The Handsewn Wardrobe aims to support both beginning and experienced sewists, encouraging newcomers to jump in while supporting seasoned makers in transitioning to more handsewn items. I think I would have really enjoyed this book if it had existed when I was a beginner, though I might also have found it overwhelming.

In trying to cater to both audiences, the book ends up spreading itself thin. The introductory section is a bit of a hodgepodge, covering too much without going deep enough. For example, it strangely includes a full section on darts, despite none of the projects requiring them, yet offers minimal guidance on fitting, simply advising readers to search online. And while the book clearly aims to demystify sewing and promote creative exploration, its open-ended approach lacks the structure that many first-timers need.

As someone who prefers hand sewing to machine sewing, I was genuinely excited to try a new project, especially with this being my first foray into drafting. Unfortunately, none of the included projects appealed to me. The ever-present woven, dartless T-shirt makes another appearance, a staple of beginner books that, in reality, few new sewists seem to enjoy or actually wear.

Still, this is a genuinely interesting book that reignited my excitement for hand sewing. My main concern is that beginners may invest a lot of time and effort only to end up disappointed by an underwhelming first project, rather than feeling inspired to continue. It would likely work best when supplemented with a book on historical sewing techniques and a few reliable commercial patterns to help provide more direction and satisfaction early on.

Thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic resource. It is very detailed in all the right stitches to use with hand sewing (hint — not the stitch I always used), how to make your patterns, supplies and more. There are detailed instructions on how to make your own T-shirt, gathered skirt, leggings, jean jacket, button up shirt, hoodie, underwear and even jeans.

This is one of those books that is so detailed on how to do things right that I realized I am not that well suited for it because I am inherently lazy with a short attention span. 😉 I prefer books that are more along the lines of ˋlook what you can do in an hour; it’s not perfect but it’s fun and easy.´

I also am always looking for books that will teach me how to make my style of clothes (basically fairy) that will fit my excessively tiny (under 5 feet ), curvy body. These patterns are very boxy, utilitarian and practical. They seem quite comfortable and standard, just not the type of clothes that would make it worth the effort for me.

I also like to reuse and repurpose, and would have liked information on using oversized shirts, sheets, ruined clothes, etc. as materials.

That said, that’s just me. I love the diversity of models and how thoroughly every step is laid out. It will be a perfect book for people who want to start hand sewing their own clothes and want to make standard clothing.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

[Lisa Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends!
Grab this gorgeousness for your craft room, your makerspace collection, your library (public or school). This is a go-to reference that will serve you (or the learners you work with) for years. This is your next step after getting comfortable with mending techniques, and doing some hand sewing projects.
Have students who are frustrated with clothes that don't quite fit? This is for them. Not sure how to adjust a bought sewing pattern to fit your body? This is for you. Want to machine sew, but with patterns designed from a favourite garment in your closet? Those techniques are here, too. Louise Owen Sonstroem has put together clear information on pattern drafting methods, clear instructions on hand-sewing techniques, and a set of beautiful clothing to make.
In the age of fast fashion, this is your invitation to marinate in the making process. Tons of diagrams, and you could pair this with a video series (many available through your local library with Creativebug or Craftsy) by a maker like Cal Patch for learners who would benefit from that support. Can't wait to get my hard copy of this one. Thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the e-arc.

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

An excellent guide to hand sewing, and how to apply those skills to making your own clothing items, making this important (and easy to learn skill) very accessible. The book is set out logically so that you can learn about what you need (honestly not a lot) and the stitches before you get to any making. Then each project is set out clearly with lots of excellent detailed picture instructions. There are also suggestions for other versions or tweaks that could be easily done to each project.
I really like that the author champions making your own patterns or learning how to tailor premade patterns to be perfect for you and your body. I really appreciate all the lessons in this book. Hand sewing is obviously slower but feels more purposeful and mindful. And you don't need to spend much money at all, so it's so much more accessible as a way to make your own clothing.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy-to-read guidebook for hand sewing clothes. To be clear, hand sewing means just that--sewing by hand, not handmade using a sewing machine. Once I realized that, it seemed like a crazy idea until I thought about the fact that was exactly how clothes were originally made. Further, not using a sewing machine makes sewing projects portable and not much different from knitting, crocheting, or other needlework. The guide includes instructions for making patterns, choosing fabric, and stitching techniques. A few of the featured projects are legging, underwear, jean jackets, and buttondown shirts.

I'm not sure I'll ever take up hand sewing my clothes, but this book made it seem like a viable option and helped me become much more comfortable about the possibility of altering my clothing. #TheHandsewnWardrobe #NetGalley

[Sharondblk · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I requested this book, I don't think I realised that this is about handsewing (as opposed to machine sewing, rather than as opposed to buying clothes). I don't know why the idea of handsewing makes me resistant - I knit, spin, embroider. Something about handsewing seems so slow and exacting. The book itself addresses this. It talks about why we would engage in this activity, and then very thoroughly explains how to do so, including pattern drafting, sewing and everything in between. It's kind, supportive and sets the reader up for success. I don't think I am ready to try to sew my own clothes by hand - but if I get the urge, this is the book I will use.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Maude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for anybody wishing to start hand-sewing! The stitch explanations are clear and detailed (even for a leftie like me!), and the patterns chosen are easy to understand. I found it fascinating to learn the basic of pattern-drafting this way, as I've always found it to be a bit overwhelming and intimidating, even when "just" machine-sewing. Reading this book, however, makes me feel like taking on a few new hand-sewing projects!

I'd recommend this to anyone who se past purchases include Bernadette Banner's "Make, sew and mend" - the two would also go very well together as gifts, whether for a beginner or a more advanced dressmaker.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[C K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book! I loved how it walks you through everything from making your own patterns to finishing garments with beautiful hand stitching, all in a way that feels really calming & encouraging. It’s not just about sewing, it’s about slowing down & really connecting with what you’re making. The instructions are super clear & there’s a lot of care put into every page. Whether you’re totally new to sewing or just looking to be more intentional with your craft, this book feels like a gentle nudge to create things that truly last!

Thank you to Net Galley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was only a few pages in when I put this book onto my wishlist - it aligns so well with how I sew and how I learn, I need a copy! I love how thorough the stitch explanations are - showing the cross section and explaining why they work - and the tips and suggestions are all very helpful. I’m already itching to use some of the skills in this book to make some projects!
a few of the diagrams were a little lacking or confusing, but largely they were very helpful. I also love how kindly and gently its written - the explicit permission to do what works for you, and providing multiple options where possible, makes it feel very accessible and easy to translate to your own crafting style.

[Jenny Blacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realise when I requested this that it was hand-hand sewing, as opposed to handmade on a machine, but I was pleased to see the amount of information in it that could apply to either!

Some decent bsic info about tools and fabrics, pattern drafting and techniques. Followed by several (basic but staples) how-tos

Will I be sitting and hand sewing my own wardrobe? No, but I will refer back to this when making clothes on my machine in future

I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extensive. I highly suggest a physical copy so notes can be written and pages marked. It is so well thought out and the instructions and information is extremely thorough. I actually think this is my favorite book pertaining to sewing clothes and it writes everything out to draft your own pattern that it was easy to follow and I felt no steps were lacking. It read amazing and didn’t feel like I was reading a textbook but I was getting enough information to fill a textbook. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to sew their own garments. Thank you NetGalley for the book.

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book that I am going to buy. I already have a ton of book about the subjects, but this one teaches how to make patterns for your size (all the ways) with simple easy to see illustrations on how to do it. The materials you need and why, and how to hand sew. And that includes using a machine (although not specifically on that topic). Goes over the stitches and fabric choices. And goes through several projects: tops, leggings, gathered skirt, t-shirt, hoodie, undies, button up shirt, jean jacket and jeans. Plus it's a pretty book of pretty pictures. Sold.

[Jessie (Saffity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for those looking to make their own clothes. The pattern drafting section is invaluable in itself, the discussion of stiches and fabrics just adds to it. The patterns included are lovely, but boxy, though using some of the tips within the book you should be able to figure out how to adjust them to be more fitted or to fit as you prefer. It's a lovely book about slowing down and enjoying working with your hands.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a helpful book! I really appreciate how half of this book focuses on how to make your own customized patterns, not just a printable cookie cutter pattern.

I have recently taken a basic sewing workshop and I believe this will be so helpful in my sewing endeavors. The images and fonts works well together to make this guide super easy to navigate.

Thank you to NetGalley & Storey Publishing for the ARC!

[Liz Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an experienced dressmaker of some years, I found this book informative and useful, and would definitely like a copy on my bookshelf. It is quite comprehensive and will appeal to all levels of seamstresses. It was not particularly easy to read as a digital copy, and is a book one really needs to hold in its solid form.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

[Marcia Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting fairly high-level finishing techniques--i.e., "handsewn" bespoke garments. This, however, is a very basic primer on how to go about creating clothing using not much more than thimble, needle, thread, and fabric. For beginning sewers, this will be engaging. One caveat, from my sixty-plus years of sewing experience: sewing by hand takes a Very Long Time. Enjoy the journey.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Storey Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful, with lots of info. Cleverly teaches you to create your own patterns.

[Karen Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book and it did not disappoint. it is very well written and the hand drawn illustrations are a delight. I learned a lot and am looking forward to making several garments inspired by the book. 5 star without hesitation.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to this book for a while. It is very well written.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

This book gives a very thorough overview on hand sewing and then drafting and constructing several patterns of basic pieces. The instructions were very clear and included diagrams for all of the steps. I liked that tips for customizing the pieces were also included. Overall, I think this is a good book for someone looking to start customizing or drafting their own patterns. For the actual construction part, I'd recommend having a bit of experience with sewing first, or it could get frustrating to sew around curves and such.

[Colette Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In recent years, the slow movement has become very popular, first with cooking, then restaurants and the slow sewing movement. This book incorporates the benefits of slow sewing in generating the Handsewn Wardrobe. Often, the time we take to make something, the handknitted jumper, the embroidered picture is reflected in our enjoyment of the piece when it is finished. This book shuns fast fashion, and focuses on the precision of hand sewing items for the wardrobe including leggings, jeans, hoodies, skirt, blouse and tee shirts.

Each project is itemised in small simple steps suitable for the novice. There are details on how to use a number of stitches, types of hems, darts, fitting instructions. The book is thorough in its approach to the topic and is a very useful reference book.

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.