Book Recommendations for Dressmakers, Quilters and Home Furnishers
It’s the time of year when we are desperate for gift inspiration and in an attempt to research useful gifts, which can still delight the recipient, at Fabrics Galore we have come up with a selection of brilliant books for dressmakers, quilters and home furnishers which are sure to be well received. You can also add them to your own wishlist if anyone buying for you is stuck for ideas. It is perfectly possible to buy good quality second hand editions of many of these sewing books which is a great way to support the sustainable sewing movement.
Books for Dressmakers
Sewing Techniques and Inspiration
- Pitched as a a must-have for beginners and expert stitchers alike, this is a complete guide to dressmaking and includes all the essential skills and techniques required to make wardrobe staples.
- It includes 13 downloadable patterns for skirts, dresses, trousers, tops and jackets that can be used to create 31 different garments.
- As the name implies, it covers over 80 sewing techniques including pattern cutting, hand stitching and so much more with step-by-step instructions.
- Essential dressmaking techniques explored with step-by-step instructions and guides to basic garment shapes and styles.
- Suitable for sewers of all abilities with easy-to-follow illustrated instructions, covering most sewing techniques including waistbands, hems, sleeves, collars, pockets, linings and fastenings.
- It has been updated to include a textile directory.
- A comprehensive guide to couture techniques, perfect for refining advanced sewing skills.
- Focuses on hand-finishing details, seam work, and garment structure.
4. Pattern Magic series by Tomoko Nakamichi
- For those who love creative and unique pattern designs, this series explores the art of transforming flat patterns into stunning 3D creations.
- Ideal for advanced dressmakers looking to innovate.
- This book delves into techniques like pleating, gathering, and smocking, offering endless possibilities for creative garment construction.
6. Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear by Winifred Aldrich
- A staple for UK dressmakers, this book provides detailed instructions on creating patterns for various garment types.
- Updated editions cater to modern body shapes and styles.
- Reviewed brilliantly by The Foldline this is a step-by-step guide to draping fabric on a dress form, perfect for creating custom designs.
- Comes with videos for additional instruction.
- A fantastic choice for those looking to branch out into menswear design.
- Covers classic tailoring and contemporary styles.
Sustainable and Ethical Sewing
9. Great British Sewing Bee Sustainable Style
- Encourages environmentally friendly practices in garment making.
- Perfect for dressmakers interested in sustainability.
- Reviewed by The Sewing Room, this book is focused on mending, upcycling, and creating clothing with a sustainable mindset.
- Combines historical and modern sewing techniques.
Fashion History and Inspiration
11.
- A visually stunning book charting the evolution of fashion over centuries.
- Inspiring for dressmakers interested in period styles or costume design.
- An intimate look into the life and work of one of fashion’s greatest designers.
- Great for fans of couture and history.
Fun and Modern Sewing Books
13. Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing by Gretchen Hirsch
14. Tilly and the Buttons: Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walnes
- A beginner-friendly guide from the ever-popular UK-based designer.
- Includes stylish and simple sewing projects.
These books cater to various interests, from technical skills to inspiration, ensuring there's something for every dressmaker. Pair one with some quality sewing supplies for a thoughtful gift.
Books for Quilters
Here are three excellent book recommendations for quilters in the UK that would make fantastic Christmas gifts:
- Why It’s Great: This comprehensive guide covers everything about finishing a quilt, from borders and bindings to perfecting the final touches.
- Perfect For: Quilters who want to elevate their projects with professional finishing techniques.
- Why It’s Great: Written by a UK-based quilter, this book explores contemporary quilt designs with step-by-step instructions for over 100 techniques and blocks.
- Perfect For: Quilters who enjoy modern aesthetics or want to experiment with bold patterns and styles.
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Why It’s Great: This practical workbook teaches quilters how to confidently select and combine colours for their projects. It includes exercises and hands-on swatch challenges.
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Perfect For: Quilters looking to improve their colour coordination skills and create visually striking quilts.
These quilting books are diverse in their focus, offering inspiration, technical mastery, and creativity to quilters of all levels. They also cater to the individual preferences of quilters with accessible designs and techniques. You could gift one of these books with some beautiful quilting fabrics to get them using the techniques as they learn.
Books for Home Furnishers
Here are two excellent book recommendations for UK home furnishers who enjoy sewing soft furnishings like curtains, cushions, and blinds:
- A highly regarded author in the soft furnishing’s world, Wendy Shorter's book covers tools, techniques, and projects like curtains, blinds, and cushions, with detailed diagrams and photos. It’s often recommended as a practical guide for home furnishing enthusiasts and professionals
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Why It’s Great: a practical resource for creating beautiful home furnishings. It features clear, easy-to-follow instructions for making cushions, slipcovers, and other soft furnishing projects, with a focus on professional techniques and creative details.
- Perfect For: beginners and intermediate sewists who want to add a personal touch to their home with custom-made furnishings. It’s also great for those looking to improve their sewing skills in a fun and practical way.
These books are ideal for anyone interested in making custom soft furnishings to enhance their home. Pair one with a selection of beautiful furnishing fabric or a set of sewing tools for a thoughtful Christmas gift.
Bonus Books for our Sewing Community
The Team at Fabrics Galore (AKA Team FG) have also contributed some bonus book titles from their own sewing libraries:
A History of Women in 101 Objects: A Walk Through Female History by Annabelle Hirsch
- This book offers a captivating journey through women’s history, exploring significant objects that illuminate the roles, achievements, and struggles of women across the ages.
- A biography of Catherine Dior, sister of Christian Dior, that delves into her remarkable life as a Resistance fighter and the muse behind the iconic Miss Dior fragrance.
The Glossy Years by Nicholas Coleridge
- A memoir of glamour, publishing, and personalities, recounting Coleridge’s fascinating life in the world of glossy magazines and high society.
- A thought-provoking exploration of living sustainably, from Great British Sewing Bee legend, Patrick Grant, encouraging us to buy fewer, better things for our own happiness and for the good of the planet. A good message to conclude our blog with especially at this time of year.
Let us know on our social media platforms any sewing books that you swear by or have been given and love – we can then add them to this list as a directory for our fabulous Fabrics Galore community.
