Dressmaking: The Easy Guide

Create bespoke garments that fit and flatter!

Awarded ‘Best Sewing Book’ at the Creative Book Awards, 2024. In this comprehensive, informative book, Helen explains how to create beautiful, customized dresses for every shape and size.

Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips. Trace off your pattern pieces, then create a sample (toile) in calico which you can then adapt to create the dress of your dreams, in your own choice of fabulous fabric. 

There are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats. You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or inseam pockets, to your garment.