Linen and Cotton: Classic Sewing Techniques for Great Results (Focus on Fabric)
Author: Susan Khalje
Quote from Book: "Linen and cotton are delightful fabrics to sew-there's little they can't do and little they won't do..."
Topics covered: shoulder pads and sleeve heads, bra carriers, braced seam, thick seam allowances, narrow machine hem, slot seams, seam treatments, fashion fabric, use double thread, stay tape, garment sections, crosswise stretch, thread bars, welt seam, hem lace, bound buttonholes, wing needle, hem allowance, filling yarns, cotton batiste, flat fell, silk organza, narrow bias, stitch size, buttonhole twist
From Library Journal
Khalje, director of the Couture Sewing School and author of Bridal
Couture (Krause, 1997), here examines the characteristics of two
of the most popular natural fiber fabrics used by home sewers. Major
sections of the book are devoted to choosing appropriate patterns,
purchasing and preparing fabrics, techniques for sewing on cotton
and linen, and decorative details and finishing. Recommended for
sewing collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
Linen and cotton are two classic fabrics that are always in style.
This second book in the Focus on Fabric series, Linen and Cotton,
is the essential sewing room reference for working with these easy-to-wear
fabrics. It includes not only sewing techniques, but tips on selecting
the right patterns and equipment, preparing and caring for the fabric
before and after sewing, and construction techniques. These well-behaved
fabrics are the perfect place to try new or complex techniques with
confidence. Rarely taught classic couture methods are explained in
detail. In one concise volume, sewers can find information on weaves,
treatments, finishes, and specialty details like godets, pin tucks,
and piping. A gallery of beautiful garments will serve as inspiration
to take sewing skills to new heights. With the help of these professional
techniques, linen and cotton garments will turn out like expensive
ready-to-wear.
Customer Review:
I love this book
I love sewing and I bought this book as cotton and linen are among my favorite fabrics to use when I am making shirts, blouses skirt and dresses.
The first part of this book includes information (without getting too technical) on these two types of fabric with emphasis on their numerous qualities, types, processing, weaves, dyeing techniques and finishes. Also included are a number of sample garments that cover a range of styles fabrication and techniques to show how versatile garments one can make (even a wedding gown!!) out of linen or cotton. The author then proceeds to describe various techniques one can apply to achieve great results with the use of very clear diagrams and photographs. This part of the book I found to be the most fascinating.
There is a list of decorative seam treatments and seam finishes that look great on these two fabrics. The author includes techniques on different waistline treatments one can apply in skirts or pants. Better yet, everyone who works with these fabrics should check out the information on the use and application of interfacings, underlinings, facings and linings. Instructions on the use of sleeve heads, staystitching and inner stay tape are also included as well as on the application of decorative details such as pleats, gathers, godets and angled seams, topstitching, decorative stitching, application of lace, binding and even pockets. Finally she concentrates on a number of finishing details regarding closures (zippers, buttons, hooks and eyes, plackets etc.) hems and others.
This book is not intended to provide information on how to make shirts, skirts etc. as it is a fiber-oriented and not a garment-oriented book. The author has managed to write a book with so much information and interesting techniques to apply when working with these fabrics (to give structure, embellish, or add the right finishing detail) that I find it to be most valuable to me. Do try these at home!