Dressmaking: The Easy Guide (Mix and match skirts, sleeves and necklines for over 80 stylish variations)

From just 5 basic patterns elements, learn to mix and match these elements to create over 80 different bespoke garments that are unique to you. With full-size patterns to cater for dress sizes 2 to 42.

Let Dressmaker Helen Rhiannon guide you through every step of the process to help you create a classic, customized dress that’s perfect for your body and your personal style.

There’s a pattern for every size and shape (2-42). Simply choose the size closest to your own measurements, trace off your pattern pieces, create a sample in calico and alter it to your unique shape. Then, choose from a selection of basic, but beautiful, neckline, sleeve and skirt options – from classic V-necklines to flouncy Fifties-style circle skirts – to make your dress your very own.

• Basic techniques needed are covered at the start of the book – including seam allowances, notches, cutting out, pinning, machine sewing and finishing.

• The basic sewing kit you need is covered, as well as fabric advice and advice on lining.

• There are 4 style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and 5 skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-Line, with or without pleats. 

• The 5 patterns can be put together to create 80 different dress styles; adapted to make 4 different skirts or 4 tops; or the pattern for the straight skirt can be joined to any of the bodice patterns to make a straight dress.

• You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or in-seam pockets, to your garment. You can even create a skirt as a separate, simply by adding a waistband or facing.

• Nothing is left unexplained; and stunning images of the finished dresses, on a mannequin and on a model, are interspersed throughout the book to inspire your own finished pieces.

Let Helen take you from novice to creator of your own bespoke clothes with this exhaustive guide