Nora Abousteit - The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook

Copyright 2011 by

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States by Potter Craft, an imprint
of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.
www.crownpublishing.com

www.pottercraft.com

POTTER CRAFT and colophon is a registered trademark
of Random House, Inc.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Abousteit, Nora.
The BurdaStyle sewing handbook / by Nora Abousteit
with Alison Kelly. 1st ed.
p. cm.
1. Dressmaking. 2. Sewing. I. BurdaStyle, Inc. II. Title.
TT515.A26 2011
646.4dc22

2011005693

eISBN: 978-0-307-58686-5

Cover design by Jenny Kraemer
Photography by Isabel Asha Penzlien and Tory Williams
Cover photography by Tory Williams
Illustrations by Laura Trevino and Rachel Rymar
Technical writing by Diane Gilleland

v3.1

How many times have you tried on a piece of clothing you loved but the fit was off? Or fell in love with a high-end garment well out of your price range? Or had a vision of the perfect outfit but couldnt find it in stores?

The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook, conceived by Nora Abousteit and coauthored by creative director Alison Kelly, showcases an eclectic mix of adaptable sewing projects that embody the quintessence of the BurdaStyle philosophy. We want this book to serve as the new bible for aspiring fashion designers, sewing enthusiasts, and motivated DIYers. Packed with easy-to-follow tutorials and instructional sewing projects, this book gives you the basic building blocks to begin sewing and the tools you need to move beyond the basics to designing and customizing your own wardrobe.

When we launched BurdaStyle in 2007, it was our mission to create an all-encompassing resource for the fashion and sewing communities. We saw a gap and we filled it. Before BurdaStyle there were few places to go for ideas, tutorials, open discussion and, most important, cutting-edge copyright-free sewing patterns. Sewing (and its sister crafts) was considered by many to be outdated, something our mothers and grandmothers did that may have kept us warm in holiday-themed sweaters but certainly didnt serve the demands of our constantly evolving sense of style. The proliferation of the DIY philosophy and the burgeoning popularity of shows like Project Runway have encouraged people to reinvent this craft, and in response, BurdaStyle has risen to the challenge of keeping pace with the demands of this savvy audience.

Five years later, the popularity of the website has surpassed all of our wildest dreams! Our community is made up of more than half a million active members with more than 250 sewing clubs throughout the world. The open-source approach invites users of all skill levels to share their patterns, comments, and expertise, encouraging others to recognize that creating fashionable, custom-fitted clothing is often much easier than you think. Some members even conduct virtual sew-alongs on the site, where participants from all over the globe sew from the same pattern at the same time, sharing tips and suggestions. We are constantly amazed at the creativity, individuality, and versatility of this community.

Designed by BurdaStyles creative team under Alisons direction, the five downloadable patterns you get with this book constitute an interchangeable and fully customizable wardrobe of skirt, blouse, dress, coat, and bag. Ten talented independent designers and skilled BurdaStyle members were handpicked to create variations based on those original designsresulting in the fifteen essential sewing projects youll find in the book. Finally, sixty more BurdaStyle members offered up their own interpretations of the patterns so that you can see how simple adjustments such as changing the fabric or the shape of a sleeve can lead to endless new design possibilities.

Are you someone who has always wanted to sew but never took the time to learn? Use this book to bring your ideas to life. Even if you have never threaded a needle or sewn a single stitch, youre in luck. This handbook contains everything a beginner needs to know, from setting up a sewing space and identifying the essential tools to making your first skirt. A glossary at the back provides sewing terms you might not already be familiar with. And for you sewing experts out there, this book provides insight into great techniques (like circular ruffles) and challenges you to design your own pattern variations. Each project is rated by skill level, from one to three buttons. One is beginner-friendly, while three is for more experienced sewers. Whether youre just starting out or your closet is already full of your own handmade clothing, this book will introduce you to new ideas.

People who sew know how good it feels to put on that new dress they just finished; it is an empowering skill to conceive and design your own look, to be able to say that you made it yourself. We know this because of the hundreds of projects enthusiastically uploaded to our site every month. Now we want you to share in that same enthusiasm that so many of us cherish. We hope that this book will further your passion for creating and enable you to take the next step into the exciting world of sewing and fashion design.

Ulla-Maaria Engestroem in her sewing studio in Finland.

GETTING STARTED

Every time we see a great sewing space, we experience a certain voyeuristic thrill. Oftentimes were amazed by the clever use of space and savvy layouts many sewers and designers have created for themselves in their studios, and we arent ashamed to admit to adopting some of their great ideas in our very own sewing areas.

In many sewing rooms, you will find an arsenal of sewing tools, supplies, and accessories. This chapter will introduce you to your new accomplices in creating your very own customized wardrobe, and will break down exactly what youll need to get started. If youve never even touched a sewing machine, this section will provide you with enough ammunition to begin with confidence.

Hanging shelves, a thread rack, and pegboards attached to the wall can make a small space feel larger while creating easy access to your sewing tools and accessories. A clean, flat surface makes for an ideal patternmaking and cutting table, and the drawers can hide unwanted clutter.