Get to Dressmaking today with this ultimate guide to sewing your own clothes from Simply Sewing magazine. Whether you're completely new to sewing, inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee or looking to rediscover some long-lost skills, our Get into Dressmaking collection will take you through all the essential tools, techniques, advice and projects you need to get started on your sewing journey. Inside this bumper magazine, you'll find 132 pages of step-by-step guides and helpful info about fitting, fabrics, zips and more that will inspire you in your dressmaking. We’ll show you how to follow dressmaking patterns with a series of workshops as well as a full dress and top pattern (for sizes 6-20) worth £8.99 as a printable PDF download with complete instructions. We also introduce you to working on your own patternless creations, from upcycling to using your own clothes as templates, with 10 stunning patternless designs to follow, from dresses and tops and skirts and culottes. Improve your skills and expand your wardrobe today with this essential guide!
get into DRESSMAKING
TOOLS & ESSENTIALS • Start your dressmaking journey by learning the basics, from how to use your sewing machine to choosing the right type of fabric to sew with
ESSENTIAL TOOLS • Get to grips with these essential sewing tools and make a head start building your stash and boosting your skills.
SCISSORS & SHEARS • From cutting out sewing patterns to snipping threads, scissors and shears are some of the hardest-working tools in your kit. Get the most out of yours with these tips for choosing, using and maintaining them.
ROTARY CUTTERS • Along with fabric scissors and pinking shears, rotary cutters are invaluable when it comes to cutting out your fabric accurately. And not only are they precise, they’re speedy, too! Here’s how to use them.
PINKING SHEARS • Pinking shears are an essential, used for finishing edges and clipping curves. Here’s all you need to know about buying, using and looking after them.
FABRIC TYPES • From the lightest chiffon and softest cotton to heavyweight denim and canvas, there are so many fabrics to choose from! Pick the right one for your project with our fabrics guide and handy table.
FABRICS & USES • When you’re fabric shopping, the variety can be overwhelming! So we’re here to explain common fabrics types and what they’re used for.
FABRICS… • And the list doesn’t stop there – here are even more common fabric types, from acrylic to velvet, and what they’re used for. Take these pages with you next time you fabric shop!
TIPS & GLOSSARY • Use our handy guide on how to sew with a range of different dressmaking fabrics to become more familiar with fabric fibres and weaves.
FABRIC MARKERS • Fabric markers are something you can never have too many of. Here we take you through the marker types that will work for most projects and fabrics – but don’t forget to test!
INTERFACINGS • From stiffening pockets, collars and hems to keeping your stitches steady, interfacing and stabilisers will give a new, professional dimension to your sewing – here’s what’s out there.
LAUNDRY SYMBOLS • Treat your fabrics with love and they’ll last for years. Washing them correctly is the key to longevity, so keep them in top condition with this care symbols guide.
MEASUREMENTS • A great fit always starts with accurate measurements! So before you get started on your project, follow these steps for taking the key body measurements.
SEWING MACHINE • Familiarise yourself with the basic functions of your sewing machine with this handy at-a-glance guide.
MACHINE SKILLS • Whatever type of sewing machine you have, it’s key to use and maintain it correctly to keep it whirring away nicely! Follow these tips to get the best...