Colette

Built for both elegance and comfort, this simple knit dress works in every season and for any occasion.

Made with knit fabric, this dress can be created in a matter of hours. With minimal pressing and just a few pattern pieces, you'll be whipping up an army of these wardrobe workhorses. This dress is versatile, layerable, and above all, comfortable.

Women's sizes XS - 3XL

Skill level: Beginner

Phoebe is a modern A-line sheath dress with a customizable style. The lined bodice shaped by princess seams makes Phoebe incredibly easy to fit. Angled waist darts create a flattering shape that is echoed by the lightly flared skirt

Women's sizes 0 - 26

A sweet and easy wrap dress with no closures to sew. The dress wraps in back and has cap sleeves. The wide ties encircle the waist for a comfortable dress with a fitted look. Version 1 has a rounded neckline, while Version 2 has a shaped sweetheart neckline and waist ties in a contrasting fabric.

Women's sizes 0 - 26.

Rue offers two versions with different skirt and sleeve options that can be easily mixed and matched to create the perfect dress. The bodice has flattering, curved style lines that start at the side seams and meet at center front. The bust tucks can be easily adjusted to fit your shape. Add piping in the curved seams for a subtle detail.

Women's sizes 0 - 26

Wren is a feminine, wrap-style knit dress that is sure to flatter every figure.

Women's sizes XS - 3XL

Skill level: Beginner

The two versions of this dress offer some great opportunities for adding to your wardrobe!

Women's sizes 0-26.

Skill level: Beginner

Version 1 is perfect for cooler weather; the 3/4-sleeved raglan- style dress has a flat front skirt which sports a kick pleat at the back hem. Small gathers create gentle curves around an inset waist yoke. The neckline and sleeves are finished with bias tape for a clean look without the need for fussy facing pieces.

Version 2 is summery and sleeveless, featuring straps cleverly constructed from bias tape, and a six-panel skirt. This version of Dahlia is ideal for warmer months, for layering under sweaters, or for creating an understated cocktail dress.

Myrtle has a beautifully draped cowl neckline, a comfortable and figure skimming elasticized waist, and a flowing gathered skirt with in-seam pockets.

The skirt of Version 1 falls just below the knee. Version 2 features adjustable button-on shoulder tabs and an above-the-knee hemline.

Women's sizes XS - 3XL

Skill level: Beginner

Learn to sew with knits and create the wearable wardrobe you've dreamed of. Create comfortable, beautiful garments quickly and easily using techniques taught by a fashion industry insider. You'll learn all the basics, from the ins and outs of the machinery to the best finishing techniques. Alyson Clair shows you that anyone can sew with knits!

• Learn how to seam and finish knit garments, whether you have a serger or not.


• See how sergers and coverstitch machines work, so you'll know exactly what to invest it.


• Explore industry techniques taught by someone who has spent years on the factory floor (and how to adapt them for home use).


• Learn how to shop for knit fabric and what to look for.


• Learn basic fitting and quick-fit techniques that work well for knit patterns.


• See a variety of methods for finishing edges, including necklines, armholes, and hems. You’ll learn techniques you can swap out on almost any knit pattern!


• Get creative with fun embellishments that work particularly well with knits.

Mabel is a quick, easy, and versatile skirt pattern. It is also your perfect introduction to sewing with knits! Because it uses heavy knit fabrics, you get all the benefits of sewing with stable wovens, along with the speed and comfort of sewing with knits.

Women's sizes XS - 3XL

Skill level: Beginner

This quick and easy skirt will have you sewing up a new wardrobe in all your favorite fabrics. It's easy to sew, easy to fit, and works in such a wide range of fabrics that we know it will become your next handmade wardrobe staple.

Women's sizes 0-18.

Skill level: Beginner

With only 4 main pattern pieces (plus details like pockets and belt loops), you'll spend less time cutting and more time making. And because the cut is full, Zinnia only requires fitting in one place — the waist. So there are no tricky curves to get just right.

And once you make it once, you will definitely want more. Try version 1 in a chambray for summer, make a tartan skirt for Fall with version 2, or get dressy using chiffon and version 3, which includes instructions for lining.

Zinnia has plenty of features that you can feel free to interchange. You can switch out the in-seam or patch pockets, or use the belt loops on any version.

Version 1 is a gathered skirt that falls below the knee, with a button-front placket and patch pockets. Version 2 is pleated, hits above the knee for a shorter length, and includes belt loops and in-seam pockets. Version 3 is also pleated, falls below the knee, and is fully lined so that it can be made in sheer fabrics.

Beautifully simple slim pants that will go with practically anything! These pants close with a side zipper for a streamlined look and easy sewing. Version 1 is ankle length, with small in-seam pockets set into the waistband. Version 2 is cropped just below mid-calf.

Women's sizes 0-18.

Skill level: Beginner

Lovely figure-skimming top with no closures, due to the flattering bias cut. This blouse is shaped with bust darts and center seams that gently hug the body. Version 1 has a long collar that can be tied in a bow and elbow length sleeves gathered to a cuff. Version 2 has a shorter contrast collar and a notched cuff.

Women's sizes 0-18.

Skill level: Beginner

This elegant bateau neck sheath dress is simple to sew, with added interest from a fully removable cummerbund style belt which can be made in a matching or contrasting fabric, closing with a single button in back. Version 1 has 3/4 length sleeves, a contrasting belt, and in seam pockets. Version 2 has short sleeves, a matching belt, and no pockets.

Women's sizes 0-18.

Skill level: Beginner

A sweet and easy wrap dress with no closures to sew. The dress wraps in back and has cap sleeves. The wide ties encircle the waist for a comfortable dress with a fitted look. Version 1 has a rounded neckline, while Version 2 has a shaped sweetheart neckline and waist ties in a contrasting fabric.

Women's sizes 0-18.

Skill level: Beginner

Slim dress with high inset waist, gored straight skirt, and scalloped pockets. The wide neckline has a tiny collar formed from a facing in a contrasting fabric. Piping on the neckline and pocket edges is optional. Closes with an invisible side zipper.

Women's sizes 0-18.

Skill level: Intermediate

Note: Instructions include optional piping on neckline and pockets. Allow extra yardage of piping for piped armholes.

Five simple fundamentals can help you perfect any sewing project: a thoughtful plan, a precise pattern, a fantastic fit, a beautiful fabric, and a fine finish. With these core ideas, this book shows you how to start sewing the wardrobe of your dreams.

176 pages
Publisher: Krause Publications
Publish date: November 2011