Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers

Sharon Czachor is an adjunct instructor in the fashion department of Harper College in Illinois, USA. She has taught construction classes in skirts, blouses, pants, dresses, jackets, as well as classes on flat pattern drafting and draping, introduction to CAD pattern design, stretch knits (sportswear, daywear, and children's wear), including embellishments. She has also taught at the College of DuPage, Illinois, USA. Julie Cole has taught at William Rainey Harper College, International Academy of Design and Technology and Mount Mary College. Her main area of expertise is the design process from concept to the production of a garment. She has taught construction classes in leather, coats, collections, and stretch knits as well as classes in design, pattern making and draping. She graduated with a tertiary qualification in fashion design from East Sydney College, Sydney, Australia and later received a BFA from the International Academy of Design and Technology, USA. After graduation, Cole worked as a fashion designer in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia for more than 30 years. She has designed collections for many companies focusing on: teenage, children's and women's apparel and has also worked as a designer in the area of haute couture. Cole also had her own business designing and stitching couture bridal gowns.

• PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionChapter 1—The Design Process: Why Construction Should Matter to the Fashion DesignerChapter 2—Getting Prepared: Sewing Equipment, Fabric, Patterns and PressingChapter 3—Introduction to Stabilizers: Fabricating a Stable FoundationChapter 4—Darts: Tapering to Fit the Garment Chapter 5—Seams: Joining It All TogetherChapter 6—Stitching Knits: Working with StretchChapter 7—Fitting: Developing an “Eye” for Good FitChapter 8—Pockets: Building a Handy CompartmentChapter 9—Tucks and Pleats: Tailoring a TextureChapter 10—Zippers: Fastening Your Way into the GarmentChapter 11—Waistbands: Finishing the Waist EdgeChapter 12—Ruffles and Flounces: Feminine and FlirtyChapter 13—Collars: Silhouetting the NeckChapter 14—Facings: Encasing Unfinished EdgesChapter 15—Sleeves: Setting the Sleeves Chapter 16—Cuffs and Other Finishes: Encircling the Wrist Chapter 17—Hems: Defining the LengthChapter 18—Lining: Covering the Inner SurfaceChapter 19—Closures—Closing the GarmentChapter 20—Sustainable Sewing Appendix—Tables GlossaryNotes