This book offers you all the guidance you need to create beautiful clothes, whether you are following a pattern, adding embellishments or starting from scratch. The step by step instructions cover a wide range of dressmaking techniques from basic patterns through to couture designs, suitable for beginners as well as sewers with more experience. Easy-to-follow, highly illustrated instructions explain the essential dressmaking techniques--allowing you to work confidently from a pattern to create beautiful clothes that fit perfectly. It features an at-a-glance guide to basic garment shapes and styles, cross referenced with the relevant techniques throughout the book. Includes advice on body shape, choosing the right fabric for the right garment as well as decorative sewing techniques such as embroidery and applique. It features step techniques for making basic garment details including waistbands, hems, sleeves, cuffs, necklines, collars, fastenings, pockets and linings. Suitable for beginners, or those who are already designing or making their own clothes, this is the perfect book for honing dressmaking skills and inspiring fashionable new designs.