Simple Tailoring & Alterations: Hems - Waistbands - Seams - Sleeves - Pockets - Cuffs - Darts - Tucks - Fastenings - Necklines - Linings

by J. Francois-Campbell

An insider’s secrets to tailoring and making alterations. Master the basics and more with Simple Tailoring & Alterations , a practical guide written by an accomplished costume maker and theatrical tailor. With over thirty years experience in the garment industry, J. Francois-Campbell knows every tailoring trick of the trade and shares them with you. A nip and a tuck for the perfect fit. Off-the-rack clothing rarely fits well because it was not made to your specific measurements. With the step-by-step instructions – plus 250 full-color photographs and 100 helpful illustrations – you can now make alterations that will save you big 10 essential tailoring techniques. Jay François-Campbell guides you through must-now techniques suitable for novices and intermediate sewers that range from replacing buttons to changing a garment's shape for a better fit. Projects cover skirts, dresses, pants, jackets, shirts, coats, capes, suits, sweaters, vests and ties. Master new skills and get more from what’s in your closet. Get your copy of Simple Tailoring & Alterations you are on your way to advancing your skills with in-depth information on equipment, fabric choices, measuring, stitching, and making pro-level alterations to men’s and women’s garments. Here’s know-how that will help you revamp your wardrobe and adeptly handle sweeping alterations that go beyond changing a hemline.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Fashion, Crafts, Reference

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2015

About the author

J. Francois-Campbell is a seasoned third-generation tailor, pattern cutter, lecturer, and public speaker with over 30 years of expertise in theatrical and performance tailoring. As the creative mind behind “Simple Tailoring and Alterations,” J. Francois-Campbell has left an indelible mark, with the book being translated into Russian and Chinese, reaching audiences in the USA, Germany, Australia, and Spain.

Passionate about all forms of performance tailoring, including Cosplay and Steampunk, J. Francois-Campbell thrives on pushing the boundaries of imagination, which is included in her new publication – The Waistcoat Workbook.
Beyond the world of tailoring, the author has also ventured into fiction, having completed her first novel Second Hand Love.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waistcoat-Wo...

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what it says, make basic repairs, hem and change the size of your clothes. Something I have to do more often since they no longer sell pants in my leg length along with the plus or minus 2" waist size variations that seems acceptable these days.

A pox on the fashion industry for making crappy clothes.

[Tracy Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many books on dressmaking, it is sometimes difficult not to buy them all.

This is a book that will cover everything needed for a perfect finish to your hand sewn garments. It is also a perfect guide to altering shop bought items in order for them to fit well. 

Hems, sleeves and even pockets are just a few of the techniques given, each instruction is simply described with a pictured diagram.

I loved how the book covers garments for both men and women, 

The foreward is an interesting read, covering the history of clothing and the glossary at the back of the book is full of  descriptive terminology. 

Simple Tailoring and Alterations is good book for beginners, but it is also a fabulous reminder of how to do certain techniques if you are a little rusty. It would  make a wonderful gift and the presentation is perfect. 

Highly recommended 

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice addition to a sewing library - most sewing books deal with techniques used when creating a garment from scratch. Some sewing techniques, such as altering fit, are very different when performed on a finished garment and so are the limitations. This book does a very good job of presenting the steps for a wide range of alterations. It has some introductory material for beginners to sewing but is also very useful as a reference for advanced sewists - especially someone thinking of opening an alterations business.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice clear directions and illustrations. I do wish that there was more detailed fit information included (eg 'be aware that trousers should break here on the shoe when you are hemming') but I suppose that's for another book and would've made this one very lengthy.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for a beginner.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good detailed explanation and description of altering garments. this publication especially good for those beginning to sew.

[Joe Michalak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high-quality, thorough guide to a wide variety of alterations - even some which you'd have otherwise not attempted on your own!

[kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

very approachable and carefully designed

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Clear, concise instructions for fundamental alterations. Illustrations are plentiful and extremely helpful. A valuable addition to any sewist's library.