Couture Sewing Techniques

Couture
Sewing
Revised & Updated
ClaiRe B. shaeffeR
techniques
Couture
Sewing
techniques
REVISED & UPDATED
Couture
Sewing
techniques
CLAIRE B. SHAEFFER
Text 2011 by Claire B. Shaeffer
Illustrations 2011 by The Taunton Press, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Pp
The Taunton Press, Inc., 63 South Main Street, PO Box 5506,
Newtown, CT 06470-5506
e-mail: tp@taunton.com
Editor: Erica Sanders-Foege
Copy editor: W. Anne Jones
Technical editor: Linda Conner Griepentrog
Indexer: Lynne Lipkind
Cover design: Kimberly Adis
Interior design/Layout: Kimberly Adis
Illustrators: Steve Buchanan and Christine Erikson
Cover photography: (front) Ken Howie, authors Collection; (back, clockwise
from top) Ken Howie, authors collection; Steven H. Bluttal, courtesy of the
Museum of the City of New York, Costume Collection. Costume worn by
Katharine Cornell in No Time for Comedy [1939] by S. N. Behrman; Photo
by Brian Sanderson, Courtesy of the FIDM Museum at the Fashion Institute
of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles, CA. Gift of Mrs. Herbert Lawrence,
1956; Claire B. Shaeffer.
The following names/manufacturers appearing in Couture Sewing
Techniques are trademarks: Harpers Bazaar
SM
, Mylar, PlastDip, Rigilene,
Teflon, Vogue Patterns.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Shaeffer, Claire B.
Couture sewing techniques / Claire Shaeffer. -- Rev. and updated.
p. cm.
Summary: Best-selling couture sewing reference that presents in clear
photos and illustrations and concise prose the basics and applications of
couture sewing, as well as its cultural importance-- Provided by publisher.
E-Book ISBN 978-1-60085-835-2
1. Dressmaking. 2. Tailoring (Womens) I. Title.
TT515.S483 2011
646.4--dc22
2011007172
Printed in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3
Tis book is dedicated to

home sewers everywhere who
appreciate fne workmanship
and take pleasure in creating
beautiful garments.
Acknowledgments
couture houses, bespoke tailors, embroiderers,
and custom shirtmakers in Paris, Rome, London,
Florence, and New York.
Special thanks to the late Mme Margurite Carr
for her personal memories of the techniques used
at Christian Dior, when she was the premire de
premires, and to the late Charles Kleibacker for
sharing his knowledge of couture techniques.
For the 2nd Edition of Couture Sewing Techniques,
I thank Ralph Rucci and James Galanos for allowing
me to visit their workrooms, observe the techniques
which they used, and interview their employees. I am
grateful to the Fondation Pierre Berg and Yves Saint
Laurent for arranging an interview with Jean-Pierre
Derbord, the premier of the atelier du tailler, who
shared his expertise and described the techniques
used at Yves Saint Laurent.
I am very grateful to Phyllis Magidson, the curator
at the Museum of the City of New York, with
whom I worked on a research project that focused
on Mainbocher and Charles Frederick Worth. Tis
project expanded my knowledge while reminding me
that many couture techniques which I had written
about earlier had changed little, if at all.
A special thanks to Ken Howie and Sherill Taylor,
who photographed the designs in my vintage
collection, and to their stafs and the stylists who
assisted them as well as the Phoenix Art Museum
and Neils of Palm Desert, who loaned mannequins.
I also want to thank the museums that loaned
photographs and sketches, their curators, and
photographers: Dennita Sewell at Phoenix Art
Museum, Phyllis Magidson at the Museum of the
City of New York, Gayle Strege at Te Ohio State
University Historic Costume Collection, Valerie
Steele at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kevin Jones at the
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in
Los Angeles, Sjic Phaf at Christian Dior, John
Wirchanski and the estate of Charles Kleibacker, and
Lynn Cook at Australian Stitches.
I want to thank Sarah Benson who helped with so
many things from typing and editing, making samples
and photos, organizing, repairing, and pressing the
garments to dressing mannequins.
Im particularly grateful to Te Taunton Press for
undertaking such a challenging project and to its staf,
especially my editor Erica Sanders-Foege, whose skills
and enthusiasm helped to transform my dreams into
reality.
And last, but not least, my thanks to my mother,
the late Juanita Sumner Brightwell, who taught
me that only my best was good enough, and to my
husband, Charlie Shaefer, MD, whose support and
encouragement make it all possible.
A book of this kind cannot be written without much help and
cooperation. I am greatly indebted to the couture industry, which helped
me enormously with the research for the original edition of Couture Sewing
Techniques. My thanks in particular go to the Chambre syndicale de la couture
parisienne, the governing body in Paris of the couture industry, and to the
Contents
106 part two
Applying
Couture Techniques
108
C h a p t e r 6
Skirts & Pants
124
C h a p t e r 7
Blouses & Dresses
144
C h a p t e r 8
Sleeves
158
C h a p t e r 9
Pockets
172
C h a p t e r 1 0
Jackets & Coats
198
C h a p t e r 1 1
Designing
with Fabric
214
C h a p t e r 1 2
Special occasions
240 SelectedGlossaryofTerms
243 MetricEquivalencyChart
244 Bibliography
247 Resources
248 Index
2 Introduction
4 part one
the Basics
of Couture Sewing
6 C h a p t e r 1
inside the world
of Haute Couture
24
C h a p t e r 2
the Art of
Hand Sewing
38
C h a p t e r 3
Shaping the garment
66
C h a p t e r 4
edge Finishes
86
C h a p t e r 5
Closures
2
haute couture will help you better understand
garment construction and ftting, and in turn, help
you to solve many problems you encounter.
My focus is on the craftsmanship, even though
elements like draping and design, proportion and
balance, ft and fabric are equally important. Ive
concentrated on classic couture techniques that can
be applied to a variety of designs and fabrics and
also ofer the most value to the greatest number of
readers.
Te book itself is divided into two sections.
Te frst fve chapters introduce you to the world
of haute couture, how it difers from expensive
ready-to-wear, basic couture skills, and essential
techniques. My instincts as a teacher compel me to
suggest that you read these chapters frst.
Te last seven chapters focus on the application
of these techniques to garments. Te new chapter
Chapter 11: Designing with Fabricdescribes
particular details Ive seen on specifc fabrics.
Many of the photographs in the frst edition were
no longer available so Ive selected new ones from
various museums; and Ive included photographs
of some garments in my vintage collection.
Te measurements used throughout the book are
only guidelines; I suggest that you always purchase
extra fabric so you can make samples before sewing
the actual garment. Tis allows you to fne-tune the
dimensions and practice your skills.
No matter what your sewing expertise, this book
will expand your horizons. Most importantly, it
is a practical guide for learning the craft of haute
couture, and it will also provide new ideas for
applying the techniques that you already know.
While some techniques are less suitable for
beginners, most will be of value to the average
home-sewer; they are easy to duplicate and can be
applied to many designs and fabrics.
I fnd sewing by hand extremely rewarding. Te
pleasure of both making and wearing beautifully
constructed garments far exceeds the time and
efort required to complete them. I hope this book
will help you develop these same skills and perfect
old ones, and, in turn, reward you with years of
pleasureand a closet full of beautifully made
garments.
introduction
If you can sew, you can sew couture. Very
few techniques are difficult, but they require time and patience. This
edition, like the original, describes couture techniques as practiced
in the ateliers of the haute couture. They are not adapted for home-
sewers because I feel strongly that grasping the principles used in the
3 I nT R od u C T I on
5

p a r t o n e
This stunning two-piece dress
was made in the I. Magnin Custom
Salon in 1948 for Mrs. Moon, the
manager. Apparently influenced
by Christian Diors New Look
collection in 1947, this dress is a
very subtly designed border print
on silk muslin.
(Photo by Ken Howie. Authors collection.)
Te Basics
of Couture Sewing
7
1
Inside the World of
Haute Couture
When I left for Paris in January 1991 for a week of press
previews of the haute couture collections, the Gulf War had just begun
and the weather was brutally cold. Although I had visited the workrooms
of many couture houses over the years, this would be the frst time I would
have the opportunity to attend the runway shows debuting their collections,
and I did not know what to expect. I soon found that
each show was as diferent from the next as the designs it
presented. All were extravagant and exhilarating to watch.
Te designs themselves were magnifcent, although some
were so flamboyant that it seemed they were not really
intended to be worn off the runway. Many, however,
would set the next seasons fashion trends. Literally
translated, the French phrase haute couture means
sewing at a high level, but a better translation might
be the fnest high-fashion sewing. Although the haute
couture designs shown on runways in Paris and Rome
are too expensive for most pocketbooks, their infuence
on styles, colors, and accessories echoes throughout the
womens clothing industry worldwide. For the home-
sewer, haute couture designs have a special relevance.
Inspired by a Guy Laroche
dress, the author designed this
evening gown for Vogue Patterns.
Fabricated in an unusual satin/
wool brocade, the dress is cut on
the bias. It has a single seam at
center back with darts positioned
vertically and horizontally to
enhance the figure. The muslin
toile, or working pattern, at
the right was used to refine
the fit and determine the best
construction techniques.
8 T he b A S I C S oF C ou T u r e S e wI NG
Custom-sewn for a select group of women who can
aford them, couture garments are simply the most
beautifully made in the world. It may surprise some
to learn that most of the techniques used in couture
workrooms can be duplicated at home.
Originating in mid-19th-century Paris with the
designs of an Englishman named Charles Frederick
Worth (see A Brief History of Couture on p. 12),
haute couture represents an archaic tradition of
creating garments by hand with painstaking care
and precision. In an elaborate process thats very
much the same today as it was in the 1850s, each
couture garment is custom cut, ftted, and even
frequently redesigned for a particular individual.
Te process involves numerous steps and people
with specialized skills, from the couturier, or designer,
who creates the design to the team of assistants,
ftters, and needleworkers who bring it to life.
Today, even though there are excellent couturiers
in Rome, the center of haute couture remains in
Paris, where there is still an enormous support
structure of skilled workshops and needleworkers
who specialize in hand embroidery, beading,
feather work, braiding, fabric fowers, and custom-
made accessories. In France, the term haute couture
is strictly controlled by the Chambre syndicale
de la couture parisienne (Parisian High Fashion
Syndicate), the governing body of French fashion
houses. Te use of this term is reserved exclusively
for the groups eleven members, who meet the
strict qualifying rules outlined below. Te ofcial
list for haute couture spring/summer 2010 for
members included Adeline Andr, Anne Valrie
Hash, Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix,
Dominique Sirop, Franck Sorbier, Givenchy, Jean
Paul Gaultier, Maurizio Galante, and Stphane
Rolland. Tere are also fve Correspondent
(foreign) Members including Elie Saab, Giorgio
Armani, Maison Martin, Margiela, and Valentino
as well as 14 Guest Members. Two Americans
Mainbocher and Ralph Rucciare former
members; Oscar de la Renta was the couturier for
Pierre Balmain. To be named to the list remains
the highest recognition that a designer can achieve.
To earn the right to call itself a couture house and
use the term haute couture in its advertising or in
any other way, a member of the Chambre syndicale
must design fashions that are made to order for
private clients and involve one or more fttings,
have a workroom in Paris with at least 15 full-time
workers, present a collection of at least 35 designs,
including day and evening garments, to the press
in Paris in January for spring/summer season and
in July for the autumn/winter season, and show
the collection to potential clients in the respective
couture houses.
Te Chambre syndicales defnition of a couture
house is so limiting that it excludes such notables
as the houses of Renato Balestra, Gattinoni
Couture, Romeo Gigli, and Sarli Couture, who
both work and show their collections in Italy. Even
Deceptively simple, this timeless design features pin-
tucking on the cashmere knit.
(Photo by Ken Howie, courtesy of Chado Ralph Rucci and the Phoenix Art
Museum.)
9 I NS I D e T he wor L D oF hA u T e C ou T u r e
the many old, established French couture houses
do not qualify because, although their workrooms
are in Paris, they do not present a collection.
What makes couture haute?
Whats so special about haute couture designs
that simple day dresses range in price from $8,000
to $20,000, suits from $10,000 to $50,000,
and evening gowns from $15,000 to as much as
$500,000? Tere are many factors, notably the
fabulous, exclusive fabrics used, the fawless design,
cut and ft of each garment, the exquisite
craftsmanship, and the time required.
Haute couture begins with strong, innovative
designthe couturiers ability to interpret the
mood of the time for the mode of the world.
Whether classically styled or exaggerated, couture
designs rely on such basic design principles as
proportion, balance, color, and texture, and they
conform to the image of the couture house.
Maintaining the integrity of a design while
making adjustments to suit a clients fgure and
personal preferences is a delicate balancing act.
Most couture houses will go to great lengths to do
both. Several years ago, for example, when I visited
the workrooms of English designer Hardy Amies,
the staf had just ftted a clients dress, which she
felt was about 1 in. too short. Te black velvet,
asymmetrical design featured a 4-in. pleated tafeta
rufe inserted in a seamline that began at the left
shoulder, curved gently downward and ended at
the right side seam about 4 in.a rufes width
above the hemline. Since the garment had a wide
hem allowance, it could have been lengthened by
simply lowering the hem, but then the proportion
of the rufes width and distance to the hemline
would have been spoiled. Rather than demean the
design, the house decided to lower the seamline,
even though it meant cutting a new right front that
positioned the rufe precisely 4 in. above the hem.
Couture designs are enhanced by the
extraordinary fabrics from which they are sewn.
Only the fnest luxury fabrics are used in couture,
and they frequently cost hundreds of dollars a yd.
some cost more than a thousand dollars a yd. Most
fabrics are made of natural fbers, but they can be
made of silver threads; and a few couturiers use
metallic, plastic, and man-made fbers for special
efects. In the 1960s, designers experimented with
new materials like Mylar
. See Chapter 12, p. 214,

for a Mylar dress designed by Chanel.
Designs by Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, and
Givenchy have what initially appears to be an
unnecessary use of an expensive fashion fabric
for the lining or backing. When examined closely,
The only American designer to have an eponymous
couture house in Paris, Main bocher changed his name
to Mainbocher and gave it a French pronunciation. This
boned-strapless gown was considered old-fashioned in
1934 when Mainbocher created it.
(Photo by David Arky, courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York, gift of the
Estate of Tilly Losch, Lady Carnarvon, ca. 1956.)
it is apparent that there was a reason for the
extravagance. Te two most common reasons are
to eliminate a hem at the lower edge and to provide
an inconspicuous lining fabric that might show
when the garment is worn. My favorite is a short,
special occasion dress by YSL. On the outside,
the skirt has pleats at the waist; on the inside, the
same fabric is tucked under the pleats to provide
support. Tere is only a fold at the hemline.
Many printed fabrics are made with exclusive
patterns or colorways, meaning the same design in
diferent colors, designed by either the couturier
or a fabric designer. A few couturiers work closely
with a fabric house to develop new fabrics. Some
fabrics, such as the extra-wide silks manufactured
for Vionnet, the silk gazar designed in 1958 for
Balenciaga by the noted fabric-design frm of
Abraham (see below) and the printed silk muslin
designed in 1947 for Dior by the frm of Bianchini-
Ferier (see the photo in Chapter 12 on p. 220), are
still widely used. Many other original fabrics are, of
course, no longer available.
Te long-standing liaison between the House
of Chanel and the fabric frm of Linton Tweeds
began with Chanels frst collection in 1919 and
continues today. Frequently used for Chanel suits,
Linton fabrics are often a combination of wool and
mohair, but many incorporate acrylic, metallics,
novelty yarns, and even cellophane. Te House of
Chanel chooses from 15 to 40 exclusive patterns
for the frm of Linton to weave in lengths of
small amounts of 6 to 8 meters so they can make
prototype designs for the runway. Linton will also
weave fancy selvages, which might include the more
expensive yarns in the fabric and supply matching
yarns and narrow trims when requested.
The Swan ball gown from 1954, like many others by
Charles James, is heavily boned with a lowered back
waist. As is typical for a couture design, the dress
was made to fit its owner and cannot be altered
successfully for another individual.
(Photo courtesy of Chicago History Museum, gift of Mrs. Corson Ellis.)
Designed by Cristobal
balenciaga in the
1950s, the simple lines
of this coat showcase
the unusual fabric,
which appears to be
gazar woven like a
matelass. The coat is
completely lined with
self-fabric even though
it most certainly added
to the cost.
(Photo by Taylor Sherrill.
Authors collection.)
Te Atelier
In the atelier, or workroom, of a couture house,
fabric patterns are sometimes cut apart, rearranged,
and sewn back together to create special efects
for a particular design (for example, see the blouse
by Chanel on p. 208). Tis procedure is most
often used to rearrange the color bars on striped
fabrics or to appliqu motifs where there is a void
on the garment, but Ive seen fabrics that were
literally created in the atelier. Some are relatively
simple creationssuch as the red-and-blue-
striped Chanel blouse I saw that was made by
cutting red and blue fabrics into narrow strips and
seaming them together. Others, such as the fabric
customized in Valentinos atelier for a wedding
gown, are extremely labor intensive. Tat particular
fabric had pink-and-white-rufed diamond
patterns completely covering the gowns tulle skirt,
which took four workers four weeks to make.
Buttons and trims are often custom-made as
well. Braids run the gamut from silver crocheted
trims to re-embroidered braids to thread-
wrapped embroidered topstitching. Buttons
range from Worths fabric covered buttons with
an embroidered fower on top to Schiaparellis
avant-garde, whimsical designs with plastic cicadas
or ceramic trapeze artists to Chanels simpler
double-C gilt designs or ornate camellia buttons.
In addition to the array of high-quality trims
employed on a couture garment, the ft is also a
highly conceived element of any couture piece.
A couture garment fts fawlessly as a result of
multiple fttings on the clients dress form, which
has been customized to duplicate her fgure, but
more impressive than the ft are the subtle ways in
which a couture garment is proportioned for the
individual client. For an asymmetrical fgure, for
example, the collar, pockets, and shoulder seam
may be slightly narrower on one side. For a full
fgure, vertical seamlines are moved in or out as
needed to create the most fattering line, while for
a short fgure, all horizontal seamlines are adjusted,
not just the waistline and hem.
Te size of the clients garment also afects
the way it is embellished. On a garment with
embroidery or beading, the embellished design is
scaled to the dimensions of the clients garment, so
that it does not overwhelm a smaller fgure or foat
against the sizable background on a larger one.
Craftsmanship
Impeccable craftsmanship is the essence of haute
couture, and it begins long before the fabric is
cut. With the help of a muslin pattern, or toile,
every design is planned so the motifs, stripes, or
plaids are not only matched, but also positioned
most attractively for the clients fgure. At garment
openings, foral motifs match so perfectly you have
The legendary designer Christian Dior drapes silk
taffeta on a model to begin a design for his 1948
collection. According to Mme. Marguerite, who worked
closely with him, he would then make quick sketches
from which the atelier premiers would cut and sew the
first toile.
(Photo by Bellini, courtesy of Christian Dior.)
continued on p. 17
I n the begI nnI ng, France
was recognized as the worlds
foremost fashion leader when
Louis Napoleon Bonaparte
established the Second Empire
in 1852. About the same
time, an Englishman named
Charles Frederick Worth, a
sales assistant at the famous
Parisian fabric store, Gagelin-
Opigez et Cie., persuaded his
employers to allow him to open
a new department with a few
dressmakers. By combining his
extensive knowledge of fabrics
and garment construction with
a talent for promotion, Worth
soon established himself as the
A Brief History of Haute Couture
only male dressmaker in Paris.
Worth executed each of his
original designs in several Gagelin
fabrics, distinguishing himself
from conventional dressmakers,
well-trained technicians who
combined the customers
design and fabric. In so doing,
he became the father of haute
couture, a phrase coined in 1863
by an American client, a Mrs.
Moulton.
the house oF Worth
In 1858, Worth created his own
couture house with his partner
Gustof Bobergh. Within two years,
he secured the patronage of the
French Empress Eugnie, one
of the most important fashion
leaders of all time. Worth was the
first to establish a house style and
create a collection of seasonal
designs shown on live models.
In 1868, Worth established the
Chambre syndicale de la couture
parisienne, the governing body of
French fashion.
Worth was also the first to
understand the relationship of
the fabric to the design. He began
cutting garment sections with
the grain and used one of the
concepts of mass production
interchangeable, modular parts
to create a variety of different
designs. But the fashion change
he made that pleased him most
was abolishing the cage, or hoop
skirt, in favor of a more relaxed
silhouette.
When the Franco-Prussian War
toppled the Second Empire in
1870, the fairy tale ended, and
Worth lost his most important
client when Empress Eugnie
went into exile. Paris, nonetheless,
continued as the international
center of high fashionalbeit
more restrained fashionand
Worth continued to design for
women of wealth and note.
At the same time, aesthetic
dress, which was initially inspired
by designs from late medieval
and early renaissance periods,
was introduced. These soft, loose
dresses were simply embellished
and worn without a corset. The
aesthetic movement reached its
height in the 1880s.
the belle epoque
As La Belle Epoque dawned, the
first important woman designer,
Madame Pacquin, founded her
couture house in 1891. Although
she became known for glamorous
evening gowns, exquisite work-
manship and innovative mix of
materials, Pacquin was also a
practical designer. She introduced
a dress style tailored enough for
daywear but elegant enough for
informal evening occasions. She
was the first French designer to
Designed by Jeanne Pacquin, this
silk velvet and satin gown illustrates
the designers talent for creating
an afternoon dress that could be
worn to dinner.
(Courtesy of Chicago History Museum.)
publicize her designs by sending
several models to the races at
Longchamps wearing the same
outfit, and she was the first to
open international branches of
her couture house.
changIng tImes
When the new century dawned,
women were still confined in tightly
laced corsets and elaborately
ornamented clothing, but the
fashion world was ready for a
change. Credited with modernizing
dress design, Paul Poiret intro-
duced the straight silhouette in
1907, which has dominated fashion
for most of the century. Worn with
a less confining corset, the fore-
runner of the brassiere, his new
designthe shiftwas a simple
narrow tube with a high waist.
The first couturier to collaborate
with artists such as Raoul Dufy,
Poiret produced new fashions
that were bold, brilliantly colored
and exotic, and were often
distinguished more by their
decoration than by their cut.
Madeleine Vionnet, another
innovative designer, showed her
radical new designs in 1907 while
working for French couturier
Jacques Doucet, one of the major
competitors of the House of
Worth at the turn of the century.
Cut entirely on the bias and
worn over uncorseted figures,
Vionnets dresses appeared
simple in design, but their
construction was quite complex.
Mass production of various
goods began during the war, and
many women entered the work
force. Even though clients from
the Austrian, German, Balkan, and
Russian courts had vanished, the
couture houses thrived after the
war. They created simpler, less
individualized designs intended
for wealthy, fashionable women
in France and abroad, but most
sales were now made to retailers,
who purchased hundreds of
models or to manufacturers who
planned to copy them. As a result,
many couture houses became
specialists in handmade designs.
During the 1920s, the
garonne, or boyish look,
became popular, introducing
a new informality to the haute
couture fashion scene, which
was dominated by Jean Patou
Known for superb workmanship, intricate cuts, lace, and embroidered
embellishments, the atelier Callot Surs specialized in formal eveningwear.
(Photo by Steven H. Bluttal, courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York, gift of Mrs. Robert L. Stevens &
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt.)

which could be imported to
America duty free.
In the 1930s, fashions changed
dramatically once more. Italian-
born designer Elsa Schiaparelli
created outlandish fashions
in unique color combinations.
Known for her hard-edge chic
and fantasy, la Schiap created
styles that often featured prints
and embellishments designed
by such artists as Dali and
Cocteau. She is credited with
inventing the long dinner suit and
voluminous evening trousers.
Inspired by masculine uniforms,
she introduced the broad-
shouldered, boxy silhouette that
dominated fashion from 1933 to
the late 1940s.
After Germany invaded
France in 1940, many couture
houses closed, while others
movedMolyneux to London
and Mainbocher to Americabut
most continued to present small
collections.
During the war years, American
designers like Gilbert Adrian,
Irene, Jean Louis, Charles James,
Valentina, Claire McCardell,
Mainbocher, Norman Norell,
Hattie Carnegie, and Sophie
Gimbel developed an American
style. Intended for a more
active lifestyle, this style was
straightforward and more
youthful than the European
tradition on which it was built.
the neW look
Womens fashions remained
virtually unchanged after the war
until Christian Dior showed his
first collection in 1947. Dubbed a
New Look by Carmel Snow,
editor of Harpers Bazaar
SM
maga-
zine, Diors designs featured long,
full skirts, wasp waists, and narrow
sloping shoulders. Influenced by
La Belle Epoque, Dior restored
femininity to a world tired of uni-
forms and uniformity and made
fashion exciting once more. The
couture industry was revitalized.
During the postwar boom and
into the 1950s, haute couture
continued to flourish. Pierre
Balmain created magnificent ball
gowns, Jacques Fath introduced
This avant-garde Poiret ensemble
is from about 1919. The coat is
fabricated in a single layer of wool
double cloth. wool inserts conceal
seaming on the face of the coat.
(Photo by Steven H. Bluttal, courtesy of the Museum
of the City of New York, gift of Mrs. Henry Clews.)
and Coco Chanel. Inspired by
sportswear, Patou invented the
V-neck sweater and the short
pleated skirt, and was the first to
use his monogram as a design
element. Chanel put her rich
clients, who had been wearing
satin and lace day dresses, into
casual, unstructured jersey
dresses and woolen cardigan
jackets.
The 1929 Wall Street crash
abruptly ended the prosperous
Roaring Twenties. When the
United States raised import taxes
on couture designs, many houses
began selling designs and toiles
to retailers and manufacturers,
Cut on the bias, this asymmetrical
Vionnet design from 1922 is fabri-
cated in multiple layers of silk crepe
georgette and trimmed with lam.
(Photo by Ken Howie, courtesy of the Phoenix Art
Museum, gift of the Arizona Costume Institute in
honor of the Museums 50th anniversary, 2009.)

later combined with fashion and
fabric developments in the 1960s,
would have a devastating effect
on haute couture.
By the mid-1960s, couture
fashions were less structured
and even more casual, inspired
by the loose-fitting fashions of
the hippie movement. With the
demise of the bra and fitted
silhouettes, the fashions coming
out of Paris were easily copied in
all price ranges. For the first time
in history, couture had lost its
leading edge, and many couture
pastels to bridal wear, and
Hubert de Givenchy introduced
separates to high fashion. In the
early 1950s, an unfitted silhouette
was ushered in with Cristobal
Balenciagas introduction of the
sack dress in 1951. By the mid-
1950s, many designers were
showing designs that bypassed
the waist. Notable was Yves
Saint Laurents trapeze dress,
created for his first collection
at Dior in 1958. The new relaxed
silhouette was off and running
but, unfortunately, its success,
houses launched prt-a-porter, or
luxury ready-to-wear, collections.
Pierre Cardin, the first to do so
in 1959, was promptly, though
temporarily, expelled from the
Chambre syndicale.
By 1975, luxury ready-to-wear
was an important industry.
Unfortunately, the success of
the new luxury ready-to-wear
clothing came at the expense
of haute couture fashions. The
easy availability of luxury ready-
to-wear meant that retailers and
manufacturers no longer had to
purchase toiles and designs for
copying.
the me Decade
Dubbed the Me Decade by
writer Tom Wolfe, the 1970s
offered many choices. Fashions
were romantic, individualistic, and
unstructured, with extravagant
interpretations of Russian,
Chinese, African, Indian, and
gypsy themes, as well as retro
looks from the 1920s, 30s,
and 40s. The decade, too, was
dominated by pantsfrom very
short hot pants, stovepipes,
and bell-bottoms to Yves Saint
Laurents trouser suit for women.
the big 80s
With the 1980s came an English
royal wedding, an infusion of
Middle Eastern petrol dollars, the
ostentatious Reagan Era, and
new clients from Japan. There
was lots of new money, younger
customers, and a renewed
The Petal ballgown was constructed like many Charles James designs
with a boned bodice and elaborate skirt. Fabricated in black velvet and silk
taffeta, the skirt has numerous underskirts, all cut in different shapes, to
support the approximately 25 yd. of fabric in the overskirt.
(Photo by Ken Howie, courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum, gift of Mrs. Eleanor Searle Whitney McCollum, 1975.)
interest in haute couture. Karl
Lagerfeld was hired to modernize
the Chanel style and resuscitate
the couture house. The innovative
Christian Lacroix revived the
House of Patou and promptly
left to establish his own label,
putting us all in pouf dresses.
Yves Saint Laurent perfected
his classic styles for day and
rich fantasies for evening, Pierre
Cardin continued to develop
his geometric-inspired futurist
shapes, and Givenchy and
Valentino created the elegant
luxuries their clients adore.
couture toDaY
The finest jewel in fashions
crown, haute couture is an
anachronism today. Having
peaked in the 1940s and 1950s,
when its sales were the major
source of income for the great
design houses, couture clothing
has largely been replaced by
luxury ready-to-wear, which
is generally called couture in
America. Couture sales have
dropped to a fraction of their
all-time high. The couture
customer base has dwindled to
an estimated 2,000 with perhaps
only a few hundred women
purchasing regularly, and the
number of couture houses has
dropped from a high of 53 after
World War II to 21 at the beginning
of 1993. By 2010, there were just
11. Given the shrinking clientele
and rising prices of haute
couture, its not surprising that
its future is frequently a subject
for speculation. Many couture
houses such as Givenchy, Ungaro,
and Balmain have discontinued
their haute couture collections.
Today, couture is considered
the engine that pulls the train as
the most successful houses spin
off lucrative licenses for ready-
to-wear clothing, fragrances,
cosmetics, fashion and home
accessories, chocolates and even
automobile interiors. The House
of Cardin, for example, had
840 licenses in 94 countries,
including one for car tires.
Although supported by bigger
and more profitable business
operations, haute couture is
still an art form practiced by a
few creative men and women
and a small group of skilled
artisans. Whether classic in
style or playfully outrageous,
the designs that emerge from
couture workrooms influence
womens fashions throughout the
industrialized world.
ralph rucci is the master of simple,
modern silhouettes that belie their
complexity. This design, from his 2010
collection, features a bias-cut satin
slip and sweater with bugle beads.
(Photo courtesy of Chado Ralph Rucci.)
In 1959, Pierre Cardin was banished
from the Chambre Syndicale
because he introduced a ready-
to-wear collection. After his
reinstatement, his sculptured
space-age designs set the fashion
trends for several years. This dress
from 1965 is fabricated in a thick
wool double knit.
(Photo by Ken Howie, courtesy of the Phoenix Art
Museum, Donor Mrs. Peter Lipton.)

to look twice to see the fasteners, and on suits and
two-piece designs, the fabric pattern continues
uninterrupted from neck to hem.
During the construction process, most of the
sewing is done by hand. Tousands of perfectly
spaced basting stitches mark or hold the garment
layers together temporarily so a design can be
ftted on the client or dress form, stitched or hand-
sewn permanently or precisely pressed. Ten
these stitches are taken out so the construction
can continue. Again and again, the fabric is
painstakingly shaped and manipulated in the
hands or on a form until the garment is completed.
Even the seams may be permanently sewn by hand.
Te construction of the dress, gown or suit that
emerges may look efortless, but it takes many
hours to produce that efortless look.
All of the hand sewing that goes into making a
couture garment distinguishes it from a comparable
design in luxury ready-to-wear, which is known
in France as prt--porter. Priced from $200 for
a cotton shirt, for example, to $30,000 for an
evening gown, luxury ready-to-wear is sewn from
high-quality fabrics and sold in better stores and
boutiques all over the world. Hundreds of copies
of each design are sewn, primarily by machine
operators, who are part of a piecework system
each one performs the same operation over and
over. As a result, theres considerably less hand
work on many luxury ready-to-wear garments
by such designers as Armani, Ralph Lauren,
Oscar de la Renta, or Versace. Te garments are
nonetheless lovely, and most are clean-fnished, or
lined with rayon or silk to conceal serged, pinked,
or unfnished seams.
Creating a Couture Collection
Twice a year, in January and July, each couture
house spends millions of dollars to present its
collections. Although the couture shows were once
sedate afairs held in couture salons, they have
become theatrical extravaganzas produced with
lights and loud music. Designed to lure almost
1,500 members of the media to Paris, the shows
generate important publicity for the designers. Te
most successful designs that make headlines in
January and July are eventually copied or translated
into mass-produced clothing in all price ranges.
As a laboratory for womens fashions, the couture
industry has a major impact on what women wear.
A couture collection is frequently developed
around a theme such as a major art exhibit, an
exotic vacation spot, or a period in fashion history.
Te collection will have some day dresses, some
suits (and occasionally trouser suits), a few short
evening designs, and a number of long gowns.
Some designs will be comfortable and may fatter
older or less-than-perfect fgures. Others may
include a few glitzy showstoppers to promote the
houses image and excite the press.
Designing the
Couture Collection
Te frst phase of assembling a collection begins
in the couturiers design studio many months
before the press show. Te couturier will begin
with either the fabric or the silhouette. Tey must
be compatible because the combined qualities of
the fabric, that is, its weight, drape, texture, and
hand (the fabrics crispness or softness), will make
it appropriate for some types of silhouettes and
not for others. If the designer is contemplating an
exaggerated, sculpted look, a crisp, tightly woven
fabric will probably be chosen. If, on the other
Designed by Christian Dior,
this sketch of Mexico for
Summer 1953 is called a
croquis. A photograph of the
design is shown on p. 220.
(Photo courtesy of Christian Dior.)
hand, the designer begins with a bolt of soft fabric,
the design will probably fall more gently and follow
the lines of the body. One designer known for his
ability to use a fabric to its fullest potential was
the Spaniard Cristobal Balenciaga (see one of his
designs on p. 10).
When the fabrics arrive, the couturier drapes
unfolded lengths of each one over a dress form or a
model to see how it hangs on the lengthwise grain,
crossgrain, and bias. Ten, using this information
as a guide, he makes hundreds of croquis, or design
sketches, for his collection. Since it is impossible to
develop toiles for every sketch, the editing process
to select the best designs and fne-tune the focus of
the collection begins at once. Tis is usually done
by the couturier with the help of design assistants
and the premires, the heads of the ateliers, whose
technical expertise is highly regarded. Te design
sketches are then distributed to the workrooms.
Tailoring Workrooms
Depending on the type of garment the couturier
has designed, his sketch will go to the atelier du
tailleur (tailoring workroom) or to the atelier du
fou (dressmaking workroom). Te garments made
in the tailoring workroom are more structured
than those created in the dressmaking workroom,
and the tailoring fabrics, usually woolens, tend to
be heavier than dressmaker fabrics. In the tailoring
workroom, the fabric is often shaped by stretching
and shrinking it (see p. 64) and is supported by the
garments entoilage, or inner structure of
interfacings and pad stitching.
A few houses have two tailoring workrooms: one
that concentrates on tailored, menswear-infuenced
designs made of fabrics similar in texture, weave, and
weight to those used for menswear; and a second
that concentrates on softer dressmaker styles made
of soft wools, mohairs, boucls, or chenilles.
In the dressmaking atelier, where many gowns,
dresses, blouses, and other garments are sewn, silk
is the predominant fabric. Many of the garments
made in this workroom are softly draped designs
that have to be sewn on a dress form from the
right side of the garment in order for the draped
folds of the design to be accurately pinned and
stitched in place. Some designs have no inner
structure and rely completely on the body to give
them shape (see the bias-cut dress designed by
Madeleine Vionnet, shown on p. 14). Others, like
the Charles James gown (see p. 15), may be backed
or rely on an elaborate inner structure.
After discussing the design with the couturier,
the premire decides who will make the toiles and
sew the prototypes, called modles. Te toiles and
prototypes are usually sewn by the premires mains
or frst hands, who are the most experienced
workers in the atelier, and a small group of workers,
or mains (hands), with a variety of skills and
training. Ten a muslin fabric in the appropriate
weight for the design is selected, and the toile is
draped on a dress form to duplicate the couturiers
sketch and provide the basic pattern from which
the garment will be sewn. Depending on the
complexity of the design, this process usually takes
four to eight hours.
Even though the toile is just a working pattern, it
is made carefully with the necessary underpinnings
and sometimes even with buttonholes. During
its development, the toile is basted and rebasted
for fttings on one of the house models and is
examined and modifed again and again until the
couturier is satisfed.
In the New York
workroom at Scaasi,
this dressmaker is
basting the hem.
Notice that the bulk
of the garment is
supported on the table
and she is holding a
small section of the
hem in her hand.
(Photo by Author.)
the prototypes, the edges are sometimes serged,
pinked, or zigzagged, and it is not uncommon for
tailored garments to be left unlined. Finally, jewelry,
hats, and shoes are selected by the couturier or his
assistants for the press show and the design is entered
in the livre de fabrications, or production book.
ordering a Couture Design
Let me take you on an imaginary shopping spree
to purchase your frst couture design. Te best
times to visit are in February or September shortly
after the grand dl (press preview) so you can see
the private fashion show, called the dl, which
is held several days each week immediately after
the collection is shown to the press. If this is not
convenient, you can visit another time and watch
a videotape of the fashion show.
To make an appointment, you should write
the directrice, who manages the salon, or wait
until you arrive in Paris and ask the concierge
at your hotel to contact her for you. If you have
a friend who shops at a particular house, she
may recommend that you ask for her vendeuse
(salesperson); otherwise, one will be assigned to
you. Tis assignment is permanent unless you
request a change. You will get to know each other
well, and she will provide expert fashion advice on
selecting the clothes that are appropriate for your
lifestyle and fgure and how to accessorize your
wardrobe. In fact, a vendeuse is sometimes trusted
so implicitly that some clients allow her to select
their garments and do not bother to come in until
they are ready for the frst ftting. Do not worry if
you do not speak French; most of the salespeople
speak excellent English.
If you arrive a little early on the day of the fashion
show, you can browse in the boutique, where you
will fnd the luxury ready-to-wear collection,
lingerie, accessories, and often some decorative
items for the home. Present yourself at the
reception desk so you can meet your vendeuse,
who will show you to your seat. During the show,
note the numbers of the designs you want to see.
This timeless evening gown is fabricated in silk velvet.
A very successful New York designer, Valentina made
many designs that were cut off grain but not on the
true bias.
(Photo by Steven H. Bluttal, courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York,
Costume Collection. Costume worn by Katharine Cornell in No Time for Comedy
[1939] by S. N. Behrman.)
Once the toile is approved by the couturier, he
reviews the fabric selection for the prototype to
make certain it is still appropriate for the design.
Te toile is then carefully ripped apart and pressed
so it can serve as a pattern for cutting the fashion
fabric. After the fashion fabric is cut and marked
with thread tracing (see Chapter 3, Marking the
Garment on p. 48), the prototype is completely
basted for a frst ftting on a house model. Ten it
is modifed and corrected as needed; this usually
involves two or three fttings, until the couturier
is satisfed with the results. To save time fnishing
HAuTe CouTure HigH-enD reADy-To-WeAr
HAuTe CouTure vs. reADy- To-WeAr

Not available in stores

Limited availability; garments must be ordered

Little hanger appeal

Designed for individual client

Designs limited availability

one of a kind or few duplicates

Design may appeal to only one client

Design must fit only one client

Design can be complex with little or
no opportunity for alterations

Client can sometimes choose a different
fabric or color or request design changes

Fine-quality fabrics

Limited quantities

Limited availability

Fabrics sometimes custom made (red/blue
stripesseamed to make striped fabric

Couturier may work with textile manufacturer
to create exclusive fabrics

embroideries designed and proportioned
for individual

Design is proportioned for individual client

Design proportion sometimes adjusted
for asymmetrical figure

Not cut until client orders

Pattern made by draping muslin on clients
dress form

Fitted on client and/or clients dress form
constructIon

Made by hand, preponderance of hand sewing

Stitching linesseams, darts, pleatsthread-
traced

Seam allowances generally wider, not precise
widths, can be different widthsone wide,
one narrow

Sold in boutiques/fine stores

Garments are ready to be purchased and worn

Designs have hanger appeal

Designed for target customer

Multiple identical garments

Design must appeal to many customers,
fit a variety of figure types and sizes, be suitable
for alterations, fit into a specific price range,
reflect the manufacturers image

Customer has no input in fabric selection
or design

Fine-quality fabrics

Designer selects colors and fabric patterns

Fabrics used as designed by textile mill

embroidery designs may not change
with the garment's size

Design proportioned for target customer

Patterns graded up and down specific
amounts for larger/smaller figures

Design proportion is symmetrical

Cut when retailer orders

Pattern made by flat-pattern method

Fitted on fit model or fit models dress form

Mass-produced with little or no hand sewing

relies on precision cutting so edges can be
matched when assembled

Seam allowances are precise widths

Some seams very narrow (") so they can be
stitched quickly and accurately
HAuTe CouTure HigH-enD reADy-To-WeAr
HAuTe CouTure vs. reADy- To-WeAr ( cont. )

Matchpoints located on seamlines

Seams, darts, tucks, pleats hand basted
before stitching

basting sometimes from face side and/or
on dress form

Layers frequently sewn together by hand
with wrong sides together

At edges, extended facing folds to wrong side to
avoid bulk of seam

understitching is by hand with a backstitch

Darts slashed open or balanced

Garment front marked with cross-stitches or "F"

Dresses frequently backed, not lined

untrained eye considers inside "rough" or
unfinished

Most common seam/hem finish today is
hand overcasting, because it is soft and
inconspicuous

hand-rolled hems, sometimes picot edges

buttonholeshand bound, or in-seam

Snaps frequently fabric covered

Patch pocketsmade by hand, handsewn to
garment

waistbands often faced with silk or ribbon

Finished by hand

Jacket sleeve vents finished with hand-folded
miter or no miter

Sewn-in interfacings for support

underpinnings frequently sewn into garment

Stays used to hold garment in place on body,
to hold design in desired position, or to
reduce bulk.

Shoulder pads handmade, sometimes unusual
shapes

Notches (matchpoints) located on cut
edge with short clips

Little or no basting

Layers stitched by machine with face sides
together

At edges, separate facing joined to garment

understitching by machine

Darts pressed to one side

Garment front generally not marked

Dresses lined

Most common seam/hem finish is overlocking
(serging)

Narrow, machine-stitched hems

buttonholesmachine stitched, bound, or
in-seam

Snaps not covered

Patch pockets made and applied by machine

waistband faced with self-fabric, finished by
machine

Jacket sleeve vents mitered at corner

Fusible interfacings

underpinnings generally not sewn in and may
require separate purchase

Stays rarely used

Mass-produced shoulder pads
If you want to try some on, you can stay afterward
or make an appointment to come back another day.
You will probably want to try the house with
a small ordera day dress or a suit. During the
l940s and l950s, many clients had their entire
wardrobes from a single couturier. Although some
clients will order an entire wardrobe from the
same designer, many prefer nowadays to patronize
several houses.
To look at the designs you have selected, you will
be escorted to a dressing room. Te designs will be
brought from the cabine, or models dressing room,
where the prototypes are stored. Since they are
custom-made for tall, extremely thin models, they
may not ft, but do not worry.
Depending on your size, you can get an idea of
what you will look like in a given design by slipping
into the prototype without zipping it, or by having
it pinned to your slip. If you prefer, one of the
house models will model it so you can see it on the
fgure at close range. Since you probably are not
accustomed to shopping this way, you might be
alarmed at the idea of ordering a costly garment
that you have not tried on in your size. But your
vendeuse has had years of experience, and since
the business of haute couture depends on loyal
customers, she is not going to let you purchase an
unfattering design.
Once you have made your selection, discuss any
changes you want with the vendeusefor example,
a diferent neckline or sleeve, another color or
fabric, a longer or shorter skirt or possibly two
skirts. How much you can change a design depends
on the couturier and the available fabrics. Most
designers do not mind as long as the integrity of
the design is not compromised.
At most houses, a new client will be asked to pay
50 percent of the entire order when it is placed
and before your measurements are taken. If you
are a high profle client, you may not be asked for a
deposit and the price may be less because you will
be a walking advertisement for the house.
gettIng measureD
Te premire of the workroom that will make your
garment will take your measurements. You will
be measured from head to toeabout 30 mea-
surements altogether; these will be turned over
to the premire main, who will be responsible for
your design. She will pad a dress form with cotton
batting or lambswool to duplicate your fgure,
including any quirks or irregularities noted by the
premire, and cover the form with a toile de corps,
which is a muslin body suit that zips up the back.
Using the designs original prototype or its muslin
toile as a guide, the premire main will make a toile
of the design on your dress form. She will drape,
mold, and pin pieces of muslin to the form until
she is pleased with its design and ft.
If you were to lay your toile on top of the original
toile for the prototype, you would probably fnd
that they are quite diferent in cut even though they
look exactly the same on dress forms. Tis is one
of the most fascinating aspects of the construction
of a couture garment. Your toile will refect the
changes made to accommodate, fatter, and ft your
individual fgure. It takes an atelier worker many
years to learn which adjustments will be most
In couture, a dress form is padded to the individual
customers measurements so the design can be
draped and fitted on the dress form before it is fitted
on the client. (Courtesy of Treads magazine.)
fattering to the client and then execute them on a
toile without visibly altering the design.
After the fabric for your garment has been cut,
the garment sections are marked with thread
tracing. Ten, almost every detail of the design,
including the hem, zipper, and sometimes even the
lining, is hand basted for the frst ftting.
About a week after you have ordered your
garment, you will have your frst ftting. Even
though the garment will have thread tracings to
mark the garment centers and balance lines so
the ft can be evaluated easily, it may look fnished
because the basting stitches are so fne and regular.
For your ftting, your vendeuse and the directrice
or couturier, and the premire or premire main,
who is making the garment will evaluate the ft and
design of your garment.
Back in the workroom, all the basted seams are
ripped apart and the sections are laid fat on the
table. Called mis plat, or laying out fat, this
procedure is one of the distinguishing techniques
of couture construction. Te corrections marked
during the ftting are made on the garment sections
and also on the toile for future reference, should
you want a similar design. When necessary, a new
garment section is cut to replace one that can not
be corrected.
If the garment has embroidery, beading or
another type of embellishment, it is done at
this point. Often the garment sections to be
embellished are sent out to one of the small frms
in Paris that specializes in ornamentation. Ten
the corrected and embellished garment sections are
rebasted, pockets are added, and the permanent
stitching is completed on seams and details that do
not require further ftting.
At your second ftting, the garment is checked to
be sure it fts and hangs correctly, and any minor
adjustments are indicated so the design can be
completed. If the design is very complex or your fgure
is difcult to ft, there may be additional fttings.
Although heavily embellished designs may require
several months to complete, most designs are fnished
in two to three weeks, for special clients they are
sometimes made in less time.
When your own garment is complete, you will
have your fnal ftting, and assuming all is well, the
grife (label) will then be sewn in. It is considered
bad luck to sew it in before the fnal ftting. At
Dior, the date of the collection is woven on the
label, and the fabrication number (the cumulative
number of garments produced by the house) is
stamped on it. At many houses, the number is
handwritten on the bolduc or plain cotton tape.
Finally, the design is logged into the livre de compte,
or sales book, carefully packed and delivered to
your hotel or shipped to your home.
At most houses, your new outft comes with an
unspoken, unconditional guarantee of satisfaction.
If the color is wrong, you may return it even
though the error was yours. If you lose or gain
weight, the garment will be altered, frequently at
no extra charge; but, if you want it restyled, there is
often a fee.
This label from the house of worth is on the waist
stay or Petersham. The garments number, which is
sometimes called the passage, is written in ink on
the underside.
(Photo by Author, courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York, gift of
Mrs. Calvin Brice.)
when the Chanel couture label is turned wrong side up,
you can see the bolduc or tape with the garments
number on it. (Photo by Author.)
25
2
There are thousands of temporary stitches sewn by hand into a
couture garment during its construction, and hundreds of permanent hand
stitches on the fnished piece. Te frst thing you notice when visiting a couture
atelier is that the workers (referred to in French as mains [hands] or petites
mains little hands are seated at tables where they sew by hand, rather than
at sewing machines. In fact, there are only a few sewing
machines in the atelier.
Hand stitching has many virtues. Te most important
is the control you have to shape the garment when
handling the fabric. You can sew inconspicuously from
the right side and work in sections that are too narrow to
be stitched on a sewing machine; and you can sew very
precisely. If the hand stitches must be removed, they are
less likely to mar the fabric than machine stitches.
In this country, home sewers tend to be much more
familiar with machine stitching than with sewing by
hand, so its worth reviewing some hand sewing basics
and choosing tools and supplies.
Designed by Chanel in the 1930s,
this extraordinary silk chiffon
blouse features alternating strips
of handsewn pintucks and lace
insertions. The body of the blouse is
backed with flesh-colored silk chiffon.
On the front, the shaping for the bust
is hidden in the seams joining the
lace and chiffon. Narrow overcast
seams at the armscye are cleverly
hidden by the lace at the top of the
sleeves. The French seams at the
underarm and shoulder seams are
sewn with short running stitches.
Te Art of
Hand Sewing
26 T he b a s i C s OF C Ou T u r e s e wi Ng
Needles and Tread
Needles come in various types and sizes. Te
needle type is determined by its length, the size and
shape of its eye, and whether it's point is sharp or
blunt. Dressmaking and tailoring needles are sized
from 1 to 18, and tapestry needles and yarn darners
are sized from 14 to 26. Te higher the number,
the fner and shorter the needle.
Use long needles to pick up multiple short
stitches and for long stitches used for thread
tracing, uneven basting and stab stitches; use
shorter needles for general sewing, short basting
stitches, hemming, and other fnishing techniques.
Fine needles are appropriate for lightweight and
medium-weight fabrics, and sturdier needles for
heavier materials. Use needles with oval or long
eyes for coarse threads and easy threading. To
prevent rusting, store your extra needles in their
original packages or on a piece of fabric.
Use an emery bag, usually shaped like a
strawberry, to sharpen and polish needlessimply
push the needle back and forth through the bag
several times. If you leave needles in the emery bag
for long periods, they may rust.
A thimble is indispensable in couture sewing. It
not only protects your fnger but helps you make
neater stitches with greater speed. Tere are two
types of thimbles: the frequently used closed-end
dressmakers thimble, and the open-end tailors
thimble. Each type of thimble is used for similar
tasks, but as their names suggest, they are worn by
workers in diferent workrooms of a couture house.
Treads come in a variety of fbers and sizes (see
Tread Types and Teir Uses on the facing page).
It has a twist. When youre hand sewing, the thread
will knot and kink less if you work with the twist.
Te twist usually runs in the direction from the
loose end of the spooled thread toward the spool.
horsehair braid (1), wigan (2), stay tape (3), Petersham (4), seam binding (5), weights (6), spiral boning (7), magnifier
(8), boning stays (9), tracing wheel (10), reducing glass (11), measuring and drafting equipment (12), homemade
pouncer triangle (13), basting cotton (14), scissors (15), beeswax (16), thread (17), chalk (18), pins (19), machine
needles (20), thimbles (21), tambour hooks (22), needles (23), silk pin bag (24). (Photo by Taylor Sherrill. Authors collection.)
7
3
5
8
9
4
2
1
12
14
15
16
17
18
20
22
23
24
21
19
13
10
6
11
Basic sewing Tools and supplies
27 T he a r T OF ha ND s e wi Ng
TYPE fEaTurEs usEs
all-purpose thread for hand
and machine sewing; usually
mercerized; may fade
or crock (rub off)
All-purpose cotton
(size 50/3, 50/2, or 3-cord
cotton, sometimes called
silk Finish)
basting, hemming, padstitching,
zippers, button stems,
buttonholes on cotton fabric,
machine stitching
all-purpose thread, stronger
than mercerized cotton
Cotton-wrapped
polyester core
general hand and
machine sewing
all-purpose thread for lightweight
fabrics; more sheen than
mercerized cotton
Fine machine
embroidery thread
(size 60, cotton)
general hand and machine
stitching, buttonholes on
lightweight fabrics
all-purpose thread for hand
and machine sewing,
may fade or crock
Mercerized cotton
(size 50/3 or 3-cord cotton,
sometimes called silk Finish)
basting, thread-tracing,
gathering
Lightweight thread Serger thread Finishing raw edges, seaming
lightweight synthetic fabrics
heavy silk thread Silk buttonhole twist
(sizes D, e, F, 9 weight)
buttonholes on medium-
to heavy-weight fabrics,
button stems
Versatile, medium-weight
silk thread
Silk machine twist (50 weight) hand and machine
stitching
THrEaD TYPEs aND THEI r usEs
Loose twist, soft finish, breaks
easily; does not fall out of fabric;
rarely leaves impression on fabric
when pressed
Basting thread, skeined
cotton, embroidery floss
Thread-tracing, tailors
tacks, hand basting
strong, all-purpose
thread
Extra-fine cotton-
wrapped polyester
hand and machine stitching
on lightweight fabrics
Glazed cotton
(sizes 40, 50, or 60)
strong, starched thread;
easy to pull up; usually
leaves an impression
when pressed
basting, thread-tracing,
gathering
all-purpose thread for
all types of fabrics
Polyester Machine stitching on
synthetic fabrics
Silk basting
(100 weight)
Very fine; rarely leaves
impression on fabric when
pressed
Top basting, rolled hems,
machine-stitching chiffon
Silk line stitch or
silk embroidery
(30 weight)
Medium-weight silk
thread; similar to silk
machine twist, but
stronger
buttonholes on light- to
medium-weight fabrics, machine
topstitching, thread chains and
loops, button stems
Topstitching heavy polyester
thread, stiffer than silk
buttonhole twist
Topstitching, buttonholes,
buttons; rarely used in
couture
Tread the needle with the end that frst comes
of the spool just as you would thread a sewing
machine needle. Tread the end thats pointed like a
fower bud and knot the end that fares open.
When used for permanent hand stitches, all thread
types should be pulled once or twice through a small
cake of beeswax, and then pressed to strengthen.
Pressing with a warm iron also prevents knotting
and fraying and keeps the wax from rubbing of on
the fabric. Do not use beeswax on basting threads; it
will leave a permanent stain if pressed over.
In couture workrooms, the type of thread selected
depends on whether it is to be used for hand or
machine sewing, the kind of stitchtemporary or
permanent, decorative or utilitarianthe garment
section to be sewn, the fabric fber content, the
degree of strength required, and the sewers
preference.
Beginnings and Endings
For most hand sewing, sit at a table and let the
bulk of the garment rest on the tabletop. If you are
right-handed, rest your left forearm at the edge
of the table with your palm curled toward you;
pick up the edge of the garment. Rest your right
forearm on the edge of the table and sew from right
to left with the bulk of the garment on the table
below the needleunless, of course, the stitch
you are sewing requires reversing sewing direction
or holding the garment vertically. (If you are left-
handed, reverse these directions.)
Once you are ready to begin stitching, fasten
the thread with a simple knot, waste knot, or
backstitches at the beginning of your work. Keep
the knots small and inconspicuous to prevent
an impression from showing through when the
fabric is pressed. To make a simple knot, wrap
the thread end around your forefnger. Use your
thumb and forefnger to roll the thread of the
fnger; pull the knot taut. Te waste knot is used
to anchor the thread temporarily for sewing
buttons, buttonholes, and bastings; it is a simple
knot trimmed away once the thread is fastened
permanently or the seam is stitched. Te thread
is frequently anchored with backstitches, then the
knot trimmed away.
An alternative to a knot, backstitches are used
at the beginning and end of temporary and
permanent hand stitches. Make two or three
stitches on top of each other.
Te fgure-8 knot is used to secure permanent
hand stitches. Pick up a very small backstitch;
wrap the thread around the point of the needle in a
fgure 8. Pull the needle through.
To hide the thread end, I insert the needle next to
the knot; pull it out about
1
2 in. away. Ten I hold
it taut and cut close to the fabric so the thread end
will disappear between the layers.
Te tailors knot is used to secure machine
stitching at the beginning and the end of a seam.
Make a loose loop; use your thumb and forefnger
to work the knot down to the fabric, and pull it taut.
When learning this knot, it sometimes helps to
insert a pin into the loop; then pull the thread taut.
Temporary stitches
Hand-sewn stitches fall into two basic categories
according to their use: temporary and permanent.
Generally referred to as basting stitches, temporary
stitches are used to mark the garment, prepare
in couture, hand sewing is done at long tables, which
support the garments and allow the workers to sew
easily. (Photo by Author.)
it for fttings, and hold the various fabric layers
in position during construction. Temporary or
basting stitches are sewn into a garment again
and again throughout its construction, only to
be removed a short time later after serving their
purpose. By contrast, permanent stitches are sewn
once and removed only if an error has been made
or if the garment is altered.
In fact, most of the actual stitches used for
bastingeven, uneven, diagonal, and slip
bastingare the same as those used for permanent
functions. Four basic basting stitches are described
in this section; two additional stitchesthread
tracing and tailors tacksare described in
Chapter 3 (see p. 48). Gathering and ease-basting
stitches, also described in Chapter 3, are used as
temporary and permanent stitches (see pp. 5354).
Slip-basting and fell stitches are used to baste from
the right side.
For most applications, a soft basting thread is best;
it will break easily when stitched over and will not
disturb the permanent stitches when it is removed.
All directions are given for right-handed
sewers. Left-handed sewers should reverse these
directions; and unless noted otherwise, stitches are
sewn from right to left.
Even Basting. Even basting stitches are similar to
permanent running stitches (see Running Stitch,
p. 32). Tey are used to join two edges under some
stress; for example, the seams of a closely ftted
garment or curved seams. Tey are also used for
easing one layer, or a gathered section, to another
shorter layer or section.
1. Use a long needle such as a cotton darner so
you can pick up several stitches on the needle
before pulling the thread
through.
claires hint I
use cotton basting thread
so I can machine stitch
on the basted line. When
its removed, the thread
will break; but it will
not disturb the machine
stitching.
2. Anchor the thread with a backstitch or waste
knot.
3. Right sides together, pick up several stitches
about
1
4 in. long and equal in length on both sides.
When basting tight curves, use shorter stitches.
4. Anchor the thread with a backstitch.
Uneven Basting. Uneven basting stitches are used
for marking, basting hems, and straight seams that
don't need to be particularly strong and for top
basting. Longer on one side than the other, the
knoTs
SiMPlE KnoT WASTE KnoT BACKSTiTChES
FiGUrE-8
KnoT
TAilorS
KnoT
even
BasTing
stitchesthe spacesare usually
1
8 in. to
1
4 in.
with the threads measuring between
1
4 in. to 1 in.,
but they can be longer.
claires hint When basting long seams, I pin
one end of the work to a weight, such as a tailors ham,
so I can hold the fabric taut while sewing.
1. Use a long needle and
cotton basting thread.
2. Anchor the thread with a
backstitch or waste knot.
3. Right sides together, pick
up several short stitches
(
1
8 in. to
1
4 in.), spacing them
about
1
4 in. to 1 in. apart.
4. Continue, so the stitches
on one side of the garment are two to three times
the length of the stitches on the other side.
5. Anchor the thread at the end with a backstitch.
Double Basting. Double basting is two rows of
basting stitches with the second row on top of
the frst to fll the spaces in the frst row. It is used
to hold two or more fabric layers securely and
prevent shifting when stitched. Te frst row is
often even basting, but it can be slip basting (see
the facing page).
Top-Basting. Top-basting is used on the right side
of the fabric to hold the layers in place for ftting
or pressing. Top-basting can be made with even or
uneven basting stitches.
1. Use a long needle and cotton or silk basting thread.
2. Anchor the thread with a backstitch or waste knot.
3. To top baste seamlines
for fttings, fold the seam
allowances in one direction;
top baste through all layers
a scant
1
4 in. from the
seamline.
4. To top baste seamlines
for matching plaids or fabric
patterns, turn under the
seam allowance on the upper
layer at the seamline. Align the folded edge with
the seamline on the underlayer, and top baste a
scant
1
4 in. from the seamline.
5. To top baste edges for pressing, or for ftting,
even-baste through all layers, basting about
1
4 in.
from the edge when possible.
claires hint When you sew right at the edge,
it often distorts the edge.
lap-Basting. Use lap-
basting when basting bias
seams that are stretched
when stitched.
1. Use a long needle and
cotton basting thread.
2. Anchor the thread with
a backstitch or waste knot
at the beginning.
3. Baste 6 in. to 8 in. Cut the
thread, leaving a 2-in. tail.
4. Begin again, using a 2 in. tail instead of a knot.
Overlap the last few stitches about
1
2 in.
5. Continue to the end, basting short segments so
the threads overlap at the beginnings and ends.
Diagonal Stitches. Diagonal stitches can be
temporary basting stitches or permanent stitches.
Te stitch can be worked vertically or horizontally,
depending on how you hold the fabric, and from
top to bottom, or vice versa. When used for
basting, diagonal stitches hold two or more layers
together such as pleats, backings, and interfacings
to prevent shifting, as well as to baste pile fabric
layers together.
1. Use a between or crewel needle and cotton
basting thread.
2. Anchor the thread with a backstitch.
3. Hold the fabric vertically and insert the needle
horizontally from right to left. Pull the thread
through; make the next stitch
1
4 in. to 2 in. directly
below or above the frst stitch. On one side of
uneven
BasTing
Top
BasTing
lap
BasTing
Leave 2 tail
Lap 2-3
stitches
the fabric, the stitches will form a vertical column
of diagonal stitches; on the other, short
horizontal dashes.
claires hint I
use two rows of diagonal
stitches to baste velvet
seams. When I baste the
second row, I place the
stitches in between the
stitches of the frst row.
4. Fasten the
thread at the end
with a backstitch.
Cross-stitches. A variation of diagonal stitches,
cross-stitches look like catchstitches, but they're
made by working a pair of diagonal basting stitches
in opposite directions. Tey can be temporary or
permanent stitches.
In addition to their
use as temporary
marking stitches, cross-
stitches are also used
permanently to mark
the garment front so
you can identify how it
is to be worn.
1. Use a between or
crewel needle.
2. Anchor the thread
with a backstitch.
3. Work the frst row from top to bottom and the
second row from bottom to top.
4. Fasten the thread at the end with a backstitch.
Slipbasting. Use slipbasting to baste seams
from the right side of the fabric when matching
stripes and plaids, or for sewing intricately
shaped seamlines and easing one edge to another.
Generally, one slip-basted edge overlaps the other.
Occasionally, the two edges can abut, or the two
garment sections and their edges can be sewn one
on top of the other as, for example, at the end of a
belt or waistband.
Slipbasting is sewn
with the same
slipstitch used for
permanent seams
joined from the right
side (see Slipstitch,
p. 33). Since slip-
basting alone does
not always keep layers from shifting when stitched,
its frequently reinforced with an additional row of
even basting.
Fellstitching is often substituted for slipbasting
when you need to match patterns or edges
precisely, since fellstitches are less likely to shift
than slip-basted stitches. Fellstitching is also
sometimes reinforced with a row of even basting
(see Fellstitch, p. 33).
1. With the garment right-side up, turn under the
overlap seam allowance; align the seamlines and
match the design.
2. Use a between or crewel needle and cotton
basting thread.
3. Anchor the thread with a backstitch or waste
knot, and work right to left. Take a short stitch in
the folded edge and pull the needle through.
claires hint Generally, I fnd it easier to work
with the overlap edge toward me.
4. Directly opposite this point, pick up a small
stitch
1
16 in. to
1
4 in. long in the lower layer.
5. Begin the next stitch in the folded edge directly
opposite this small stitch. Make several stitches
alternating between the two layers so they form a
perfect ladder.
6. Pull up the thread.
Permanent stitches
Permanent stitches are used to shape the garment,
fnish edges and details, and manipulate the fabric
with pleats, tucks, or gathers. Tese stitches can
be simple and utilitarian, such as catchstitches,
pad-stitches, running, and hemming stitches, or they
diagonal
sTiTches
cross-
sTiTches
slipBasTing
can be both functional and decorative, such as blanket
stitches, buttonhole stitches, and cross-stitches.
Permanent stitches such as blanket and
buttonhole stitches have limited applications
while others such as backstitches, catchstitches,
hemming, and running stitches can be adapted for
a variety of tasks. Te stitches here are listed in
order of frequency of their use.
running Stitch. Running stitches are short, even
stitches used mainly for staystitches, setting stays,
securing the folds on a draped design, and seams
that require little strength. By lengthening the
stitch or sewing it unevenly, it can be adapted for
other uses such as setting zippers, joining two
layers permanently, or securing the folds of a
draped design.
1. Use a long needle such as a cotton darner in a
small size.
2. Anchor the thread with a knot or backstitch and
take several small, even stitches about
1
8 in. long
on the needle. Pull the needle through and repeat
the process to the end of the work.
claires hint When sewing a seam that
needs more strength, I add a backstitch after every
third or fourth stitch. Combining running stitches and
backstitches produces a combination stitch. Tis stitch
is softer and weaker than the backstitch alone but can
be sewn much more quickly.
3. Anchor the thread at the end. Running stitches
are also used for staystitching. Use staystitching to
prevent a curved or bias edge, such as an armscye
or neckline, from
stretching out of shape
during the garments
construction.
To staystitch by hand,
sew a row of short
running stitches on the
seamline, either before
or after a backing has
been applied to the
garment section. Ten
tighten the thread as needed to prevent the edge
from losing its shape.
Backstitch. Te backstitch is one of the strongest
and most adaptable permanent stitches. Its primary
function is to join seams that need strength and
elasticity, such as those used for setting sleeves. At
Gieves and Hawkes, a well-known mens bespoke
tailor in London, the backstitch is the preferred
stitch for joining the crotch seam on trousers.
Tis stitch can be
sewn two ways: as
either a full backstitch
or a partial backstitch.
On the front side,
the full backstitch
looks like machine
stitching, which
makes it very useful
for repairing seams. Te partial backstitch looks
like a simple running stitch on the front side. Sewn
either way, these stitches can be varied in length
and tension for a great deal of control.
1. Use a short needle such as a between or crewel
needle.
2. Anchor the thread, and work right to left. Pick
up a
1
8-in. stitch. Pull the thread through and
insert the needle
1
16 in. to
1
8 in. behind the thread.
3. Complete the stitch by passing the needle under
the fabric and out again
1
8 in. ahead of the thread.
claires hint On the mid-19th century Worth
designs, the stitches are
1
16 in.
4. When you make the next stitch, insert the
needle either at the end of the previous stitch for a
full backstitch or with a short space separating the
two stitches for a partial backstitch.
5. Anchor the thread.
claires hint In this book, whenever the term
backstitch appears, it refers to either a full or partial
backstitch.
Te prickstitch and pickstitch are variations of
the backstitch. Both are only about
1
16 in. long and
running
sTiTch
BacksTiTch
spaced about
3
16 in. apart. Te pickstitch is used as
a decorative stitch on the edges of collars and lapels;
it does not show on the underside. It can also be
used for understitching. Te prickstitch is used for
setting zippers; it looks like the pickstitch on the
top side, but it goes through all layers.
To understitch a fnished edge with a facing or
lining, begin with the garment wrong side up.
Sew through the facing or lining and both seam
allowances
1
16 in. to
1
4 in. from the seamline using
a pickstitch. If you are understitching where theres
no seam allowance (on an extended facing, for
example), sew the understitches to the garment
backing, interfacing or stay.
Slipstitch. A slipstitch is used to permanently join
two layers from the
right side such as a
waist or appliqu seam,
intricately shaped seam
or two folded edges
on the end of a band
or belt. It can also be
used for hemming
and for basting (see
Slipbasting, p. 31).
To prevent slipstitches from showing on the right
side when hemming, be careful to pick up only a
single thread on the garment.
Drawstitch. A variation of the slipstitch, the draw-
stitch is used in tailoring to join two folded edges
such as the collar and lapel.
1. Use a short needle.
2. Right side up, anchor the thread. Take a short
stitch
1
16 in. to
1
8 in. long in one folded edge, and
then take a stitch in the other. Continue, alternating
between the two edges.
3. Draw the thread
taut so the two
folded edges are close
together. Te draw-
stitch can be worked
like a slipstitch or a
fellstitch. However,
each stitch must be
taken separately, the
stitches must be close together, and evenly spaced
and parallel to each other, so the fnished seam
looks as if its been machine stitched.
Fellstitch. A fellstitch is used to sew a raw or
folded edge fat against the fabric beneath it, such
as setting an undercollar, sewing seams permanently
from the right side, sewing fat-felled seams, and
fnishing narrow and rolled hems. Tese directions
are for fell stitching, or felling, a lining to a facing;
however, they apply to other uses of fell stitching,
except for hemming and felling a French seam fat,
which are described on p. 51.
2. Begin with the facing and lining right side up,
fold under the lining and match the seamlines.
3. Work from right to
left with the bulk of
the garment below the
needle.
4. Anchor the thread
and bring the needle out
through the lining fold.
Insert it into the facing
directly opposite the
point it just exited.
Couture skirts rarely have a label so cross-stitches are
used to mark the center front to facilitate dressing.
(Photo by Taylor Sherrill. Authors collection.)
slipsTiTch
drawsTiTch
FellsTiTch
5. Take a stitch in the facing, and bring the needle
out through the lining fold
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. away.
6. Pull the thread taut. Continue to fnish the
seam. Te fnished stitches should be perpendicular
to the edge of the lining and invisible on the
right side. On the wrong side, there will be a row
of diagonal stitches, unless the layers are so
thick that your needle does not pass through all
of them.
claires hint When using the fell stitch for
hemming such as on a rolled hem or when felling a
French seam fat against the background fabric, take
very small stitches, picking up only a single thread of
the background fabric.
Whipstitch. A whipstitch is similar to an over-
casting stitch (see the facing page), but it's used for
seaming and hemming rather than fnishing raw
edges. It can be sewn with either right or wrong
sides of the garment
together.
Te best method for
anchoring the thread for
a whipstitch is to leave a
long tail and lay it over
the seamline so the frst
few stitches are sewn
over the thread tail.
3. Insert the needle from the back of the fabric
through all layers, bring it out just below the edge
and pointing toward you.
4. Repeat, inserting the needle
1
16 in. to the left
of the previous stitch. Pull the thread taut after
each stitch.
claires hint If you are careful to insert the
needle just a few threads below the edge, the fnished
seam will be smooth and fat.
5. To join a new thread, cut the previous thread
end to
1
2 in. and sew over it when you begin with
the new thread.
6. To fnish a whipstitched seam or hem, sew six
whipstitches in the opposite direction, and hide the
thread end between the edges.
Stabstitch. Te stabstitch is used for sewing
bound buttonholes and pockets, setting shoulder
pads and zippers, and
joining thick fabric
layers.
1. Use a long needle.
2. Right side up,
anchor the thread
and stab the needle
vertically into the
fabric layers pulling
it through to the
underside.
3. Reverse the procedure and stab the needle
vertically into the fabric to bring the needle back
to the top side, placing the stitches from
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. apart for a zipper to
3
8 in. to
1
2 in. apart for
setting a shoulder pad.
claires hint When setting a shoulder pad,
keep the stitches loose to prevent dimples. When
possible, locate the stitches in the well of the shoulder
seam and dont pull too tightly so they will be incon-
spicuous on the right side of the garment.
Diagonal Stitch.
Diagonal stitches
are used to join two
or more fabric layers
together permanently
and to shape collars
and lapels. When used
in tailoring, this stitch
is called padstitching.
For information on
how to sew diagonal
stitches (see Diagonal
Stitches, p. 30) and padstitches (see Finish the
Undercollar, p. 188).
whipsTiTch
sTaBsTiTch
diagonal
sTiTch
Diagonal
stitches
used to
padstitch
lapel
Catchstitch. Catchstitches look like a row of Xs
on the right side of the fabric with two parallel
rows of dashes on the wrong side. Tey are often
used when hemming
to hold one edge fat
against another. A
very elastic stitch,
the catchstitch can
be used to form
casings for elastic
and tapes, and to
tack pleats and
attach labels.
2. Working from left to right, anchor the thread.
3. Insert the needle horizontally in one row so it
points to the left and take a small stitch.
4. Move to the second row, position the needle a
little to the right and slightly below the frst stitch,
insert the needle horizontally and take a second
stitch.
5. Move back to the frst row, to the right and
slightly above the last stitch position the needle as
before and take the next stitch. Repeat this process,
alternating between the two rows, keeping the
stitches in each row aligned with one another. Pull
the thread taut after each stitch.
6. Anchor the thread at the end.
hemming Stitches. Te blindstitch and blind
catchstitch are the two hemming stitches used most
often by both couturiers and home sewers. For
hems on sheers, rufes, and scarves, use the slipstitch
(see p. 33) and/or the fell stitch (see p. 33).
Blindstitch.
Sometimes called
the blind-hemming
stitch, the blindstitch
is worked incon-
spicuously between
the hem and garment.
1. Use a short needle
and anchor the thread in the hem allowance.
2. Take a tiny stitch in the garment skimming the
backs of several threads.
3. Pull the sewing thread through, then pick up a
small stitch on the hem allowance
1
4 in. to
1
2 in. to
the left of the previous stitch. Alternate the stitches
between the garment and hem to create a series of
small Vs, keeping the stitches loose and pulling the
thread through on every stitch.
4. Fasten the thread on the hem allowance.
Blind Catchstitch. Te blind catchstitch is
stronger, more durable, and more elastic than the
blindstitch. It is used for hemming heavy fabrics.
Tis stitch is actually a catchstitch worked between
two layers of fabric, like a blindstitch.
1. Use a short
needle. Work left
to right, anchor the
thread on the hem
allowance.
2. Pick up a small
stitch on the
garment to the
right; then pick up
a stitch on the hem.
3. Alternate the stitches between the garment and hem.
4. Anchor the work at the end.
overcasting Stitch. Used to prevent raveling,
overcasting stitches are small, slanted stitches sewn
over a raw edge. Generally made on a single layer,
they can also be sewn on a double layer and worked
in either direction. Tey should be about
1
16 in.
deep and evenly spaced
1
16 in. to
1
8 in. apart. (See
Chapter 3, p. 44, for an example of overcasting
stitches.)
1. Use a short needle and work from left to right.
2. Hold the raw edge horizontally so its parallel
to your index fnger. Anchor the thread on the
underside with a simple knot and insert the point
of the needle under the edge about
1
16 in. from it.
Bring the needle out at a 45 slant.
caTchsTiTch
BlindsTiTch
Blind
caTchsTiTch
3. Pull the thread through and the needle up,
while holding the thread against the fabric with
your left thumb.
4. Insert the needle for the next stitch
1
8 in. from
the frst. Continue, making each stitch separately
rather than trying to take several stitches on the
needle at once then pulling the thread through.
5. Anchor the work at the end.
Cross Your hand. For fabrics that ravel, overcast
a row in one direction; then overcast a second row
in the opposite direction. In haute couture, this
is called cross your hand. When done well, the
fnished stitches look like a machine zigzag.
Blanket Stitch. Use
the blanket stitch to
cover hooks and eyes,
fnish thread bars and
thread chains, and as
a decorative edging.
Blanket stitches can
be worked from top to
bottom, or vice versa.
1. Use a short needle
and hold the work
right side up with the
raw edge positioned vertically in your hand.
2. Anchor the thread; insert the needle horizontally
into the fabric about
1
4 in. from the edge. Loop the
thread under the needle point; pull the thread taut,
but not tight. Once you get the knack of this stitch,
youll be able to position the thread loop at the
edge before inserting the needle.
3. Continue to the end and anchor the thread.
Buttonhole Stitch. Te buttonhole stitch is used to
control fraying on hand-worked buttonholes as well
as to make button shanks, decorative button loops,
and decorative edges. It is important to wax and press
the thread used for buttonhole stitches, because wax-
ing will strengthen it and keep it from twisting while
you sew. Buttonhole stitches can be worked in any
directiontop to bottom, left to right, or vice versa.
1. Wax and press the thread.
2. Use a short needle and hold the work right
side up with the raw edge positioned vertically in
your hand.
3. Anchor the
thread with a waste
knot.
4. Pass the needle
point under the
fabric edge and
bring it out about
1
16 in. away. Loop
the thread under
the needle point
in the direction
in which you are
workingright to
left. Pull the needle through so it is perpendicular
to the fabric edge. Tighten the thread and use your
thumbnails to position the purl portion of the
stitch on top of the fabric.
5. Anchor the thread at the end.
Thread Bar. Made by sewing buttonhole or
blanket stitches over several strands of thread
anchored at two points in the fabric, thread bars
serve various purposes and are referred to by
diferent names, depending on their function
and location on the garment. Used at the top of
pleats and slits, at the bottom of zippers, on lining
pleats, at V-shaped openings, and at any other
BlankeT
sTiTch
Make a bar with
several strands
Work blanket
stitches over bar
Thread Bar
BuTTonhole
sTiTch
Purl
Insert needle into
wrong side of fabric
point of stress on a garment, a thread bar becomes
a reinforcing bar tack. Used at a garment edge
instead of a fabric button loop or metal eye, the
thread bar is called a thread loop.
2. Anchor the thread with a waste knot.
3. Sew two to four stitches, one on top of the other,
the length you need for the thread bar or loop.
4. Work blanket or buttonhole stitches over the
length of the strands. Work the stitches tightly, but
do not crowd them.
5. At the end, push the needle to the wrong side of
the fabric and fasten the thread securely.
Thread Chain. A thread chain is made with a
hand-crocheted chain stitch. When used to hold
two or more layers or garment sections loosely
together, the thread chain is called a French tack, or
swing tack.
Tread chains are softer and less durable than
thread bars and can range in length from
1
4 in. to
several inches. Scaasi used long French tacks to
hold together the various layers of hems on his
famous ball gowns. Chanel used short ones to
attach ties to necklines, and to keep the ends of
collars and faps from lifting up.
2. Anchor the thread with a waste knot.
3. Take a small backstitch to make a loop.
4. Hold the loop open over the thumb and index
fnger of one hand; hold the thread in the needle
taut with the other thumb and index fnger.
5. Ten, using the middle fnger on the hand
holding open the loop as a crochet hook, pull a new
thread loop through the frst one and allow the frst
loop to slip of the fngers.
6. Open the new loop as you pull the last loop taut
on the chain.
7. Continue making loops in this fashion until the
chain is the desired length.
8. To fnish, pick up a small stitch on the corre-
sponding garment section before slipping the
needle through the last loop of the chain.
9. Fasten the thread securely.
Thread chain
Pick up stitch in
fabric, then last loop
39
3
Shaping
the Garment
Seams, darts, and pressing techniques are crucial
elements of garment construction. Combined with support fabrics, they shape
a two-dimensional fabric to fit the three-dimensional contours of a body.
Essential to home sewing and ready-to-wear, these elements are practiced
with the greatest skill in haute couture workrooms, where both the fit and
construction of a garment are intended to be fawless.
Seams and darts shape a garment visibly, while support
fabrics and expert pressing shape it invisibly. For this
reason, perfectly sewn seams and darts are perhaps
appreciated more than the selection of appropriate
support fabrics and skillful pressing, but the latter are
equally signifcant in the garments construction. In fact,
in the case of pressing, a couture pattern may appear to
have little relationship to the fnal garment because many
sections have been stretched and/or shrunk extensively
during construction.
One of the best examples Ive seen on a fnished
garment was a jacket with princess seams from the
shoulders. At frst glance, the jacket front appeared to
be a single piece of fabric. When I examined it carefully,
An important costume designer
before he opened his couture
salon in 1942, Gilbert Adrian
Greenburgh was known for his
architectural designs and padded
shoulders. He liked working with
the fabric grain, intricate seams,
insets, and free-floating tabs. This
jacket, like many others, fastens
with hooks and eyes and ties at the
neck and waist instead of buttons
and buttonholes.
40 T He b A s i c s of c ou T u r e s e wi nG
I found that the front and side front sections had
been shaped instead of cut, to create the shape of
the princess seams. When I visited the workroom
of London bespoke tailor Gieves and Hawkes,
the presser was shaping the trouser legs on a
uniform for one of the Queens guards. Using
heat and moisture he shrank and stretched the
straight, narrow-legged pants again and again until
they duplicated the shape of the guards legs (see
Pressing Techniques, p. 61).
Only a few seam typesplain, lapped, abutted,
and French seamsare used extensively in haute
couture. Except for novelty seams, all other seams
are variations of these four basic seams. Te plain
seam is by far the most frequently used and the
most versatile. Te lapped seam epitomizes the
attention lavished on a couture garment (one of
its variations, the appliqu seam, is painstakingly
hand-stitched around the motifs of luxurious,
costly lace and special-occasion fabrics). Te
French seam is very narrow and frequently used
for sheer fabrics so it will be inconspicuous on the
fnished design. Novelty seams, such as piped, slot,
tucked, and welt seams, are not used as frequently
in haute couture as in luxury ready-to-wear, and
since basic directions for these seams are included
in many sewing books, they are not included in
this chapter.
Many seams in couture are sewn by hand, with
machine stitching reserved for structural seams
and darts. Te shoulder and armscye seams on
linings are always sewn by hand, as are those that
join the lining to the garment. Seams joining a
tailored collar to a neckline and lapels are generally
Before looki ng at seams,
lets quickly review the
fundamentals of machine
stitching. In haute couture,
most machine stitching is
done on only a straight-stitch
machine. When sewing on a
zigzag machine, I use a straight-
stitch foot and a round-hole
throatplate. When sewing
lightweight fabrics on a machine
with a very wide (9mm) zigzag
stitch, the foot does not hold
the fabric firmly because the
feed dogs are set too far apart.
Before you begin machine
stitching, clean the seams
by removing all but essential
Machine-stitching Basics
bastings. Check the machines
stitch length, tension, and
needle size on a fabric scrap.
Since the seams are basted
before machine stitching, youll
have fewer stitching problems
than usual and can disregard
many of the commonly held
rules, such as stitching with the
fabric grain or with the ease or
gathers on top.
To fasten the thread ends
when machine stitching, use
a tailors knot (also called an
overhand knot; see p. 28) or
thread the ends into a needle
and sew a few backstitches by
hand. Machine backstitching is
never used in couture because
it adds stiffness and bulk to
the seamline; and it is almost
impossible to remove without
marring the fabric. I use a calyx-
eyed or easy-threading needle
to secure the thread ends. To
make a tailors knot, pull the
bottom thread through to the
upper layer. Give the threads
a sharp tug to be sure they are
firmly locked; knot the ends. To
remove the bastings after you
have machine stitched, clip the
basting threads every 3 in. to
4 in. and pull them out, using
tweezers if necessary.
41 s HA p i nG T He GA r me nT
sewn by hand, and those attaching a skirt or sleeve
to a bodice are sometimes hand-sewn.
Te seams discussed here can be sewn by hand
or by machine depending on their location,
whether they need to be sewn from the right
or wrong side, the fabric bulk, and the strength
and elasticity needed. One type of lapped seam,
the appliqu seam for woven fabrics, is sewn by
alternating between machine and hand stitches.
Tis chapter focuses on permanent seams. In
couture construction, all seamlines are marked at
the outset with thread tracing and matchpoints or
notches (see Marking the Garment, p. 48), and
basted for the frst ftting. After the ftting, the
bastings, but not the thread tracing, are removed
and adjustments are made to correct the ft.
Finally the seams are stitched permanently (see
Assembling the Garment, p. 42).
Plain Seams
Te plain seam serves as the foundation for many
other seams. Although this seam is used on luxury
ready-to-wear and home-sewn designs as well as on
couture garments, there are important diferences
in how each sector constructs it. In ready-to-
wear and home sewing, the cut edges of the seam
allowances are used as guides for stitching the
seams. In haute couture, the seam allowances are
frequently too wide, uneven or varied in width to be
used as accurate guides. So, in couture, seamlines
are marked with thread-tracing, tailors tacks, and
matchpoints. Tese markings become the guidelines
for assembling and ftting the garment.
Although the traditional plain seam is very
inconspicuous when pressed open, it is not
appropriate for all fabrics. For lightweight and
transparent fabrics, the fve variations on the plain
seam described in this chapternarrow plain
seam, false French seam, drapery French seam,
self-bound seam, and whipped seamare more
suitable. However, unlike the traditional plain
seam, these seams cannot be altered.
Basting seams
In couture, most plain seams are basted together
at least once before they are machine stitched, and
many are basted, ripped, and rebasted several times.
1. Right sides together, align the thread-traced
seamlines and matchpoints; pin. Use a long needle
and short, even basting stitches to baste intricately
shaped seams and those that join close-ftting
sections of the garment. Use long, uneven stitches
for seams that will receive little stress. Check
carefully as you sew to be sure you are basting
precisely on both seamlines.
2. When basting seams that cross darts or other
seamlines, work carefully to avoid catching the seam
allowances or dart fold. When basting seams and
darts, begin basting at the intersecting seamline,
rather than at the raw edge, to make it easier to
ft the garment accurately. Press the closed seam
lightly. Do not press the seam open frmly until
you are certain the seam will not be changed after
the ftting.
3. To prepare for a ftting, fold the basted seam to
one side and top baste through all layers
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. from the seamline.
claires hint Used instead of pressing to
hold the seam fat, top basting lets you evaluate the
garments ft and visual efect easily.
4. If there are no corrections to be made after the
ftting, remove the top-basting, press the seam fat
once more, and machine stitch on the basted lines.
Remove the bastings and thread tracings before
pressing.
5. Press the seam fat to marry the seam so the
stitches will sink into the fabric layers. If the fabric
is thick or heavy, turn the seam over and press the
other side (see Pressing Techniques, p. 61).
6. Wrong side up, open the seam with your fngers.
Using just the iron point, not the entire soleplate,
press the stitched line frmly with a sharp up-and-
down movement.
claires hint Do not press the edges of the seam
fat against the garment. Tis is easier if you place the
seam on a seam stick, point presser, or seam roll.
the process of assemBli ng
a garment in haute couture
is less straightforward than in
home sewing and luxury ready-
to-wear.
Draping the pattern
The garment usually begins
with draping several rectangles
of muslin on the right side of a
dress form padded to duplicate
the customers figure. Since
only half a pattern is usually
needed for a symmetrical
design, the design is draped
on the right side, then its
duplicated for the other half.
The left side of the garment is
draped in muslin only for bias-
cut, asymmetrical, or complex
designs; fabrics with patterns
to be matched, asymmetrical
figures that are difficult to
fit, and embellished designs
that need to be scaled to the
garments proportions.
Assembling the Garment
The draper pins and shapes
the muslin to create a toile,
or muslin pattern, for the
customers design. As the
design takes shape, the excess
muslin is trimmed away, and
changes are made in proportion
and scale to fit and flatter
the clients figure. Once the
draping is completed, the toile is
carefully marked with grainlines
and matchpoints, unpinned and
pressed. The toile is doubled
and basted together to check
the fit on the clients dress
form. After any corrections are
made, the toile is ready for use
as the garment pattern. If it will
be used for several garments, a
clean copy is made on muslin
rectangles.

cutting the garment
The toiles bodice and skirt
sections are laid on the garment
fabric with the lengthwise grains
aligned and with ample space
between for seam allowances at
least 1 in. wide. Any backing is cut,
but the sleeves, collar facings,
pockets, and lining are often left
uncut until needed, particularly
when there are fabric patterns
to match.
All the cut sections are marked
with thread tracings at stitching
lines, hemlines, matchpoints,
garment centers, and horizontal
balance lines. Since the garment
fabric and muslin drape differently,
the garment is hand-basted
together and fitted on the dress
form so corrections can be made.
The bastings are then removed,
the sections laid flat again, and the
fitting corrections made.
preparing for
the first fitting
For the clients first fitting, the
garment is rebasted with short
basting stitches to make the
7. When using steam, a damp cloth, or sponge,
press the entire section until it is almost dry. Let
it cool before moving the work so the fabric will
remember the pressed position.
8. Finish the raw edges of the seams appropriately
(see Seam Finishes, p. 44).
Basting from the right side. When matching
fabric patterns or assembling intricately shaped
or lapped seams, its more practical to baste the
seams from the right side instead of the wrong
side. Tis is much easier to do in couture because
the seamlines are thread-traced and can be aligned
easily from the right side.
1. Turn under and pin; baste as needed to control
the seam allowance on a shaped edge.
2. Right sides up, match the seamlines, aligning
matchpoints; pin.
3. Slip baste the two sections together.
narrow plain seam
Tis plain seam variation is trimmed and fnished
with the raw edges overcast together. Used
frequently on the armholes of unlined blouses
and dresses, this seam is especially appropriate for
curved seams that are not pressed open and for
frmly woven, sheer fabrics.
1. Right sides together, stitch a plain seam.
2. Remove the bastings and press the closed
seam fat.
3. Baste the seam
allowances together
1
8 in. from the
seamline.
claires hint
When the fabric ravels
badly, I stitch again next
to the basting.
4. Trim the seam so it
is no wider than
1
4 in.
garment appear machine
stitched.
Instead of pressing and
permanently creasing the seams,
they are folded to one side and
top basted about in. from the
seamline for the fitting. The edges
are basted under at plackets,
hems, and seam allowances, and
clipped only as needed to turn
under smoothly. Shoulder pads
and stays are basted in place.
Some premires even baste the
zipper, pockets, and lining in, while
others fit with few facings and
may even fit a toile sleeve instead
of a fabric sleeve.
preparing for
the seconD fitting
Corrections are carefully
marked and matchpoints added
as needed. Again the bastings
are removed and the garment
laid flat to make corrections.
Any sections requiring shaping
are eased, shrunk, or stretched
to mold the fabric permanently,
and the pockets and stays are
set. At this point, the garment
is rebasted and checked on the
dress form.
If the garment has set-in
sleeves, theyre pinned into
the armscye while the garment
is still on the dress form. The
sleeves are basted in place with
sleeve heads and shoulder pads
so the garment appears finished
for the second fitting. The fit is
then examined to be sure earlier
alterations are correct and to
see if additional fine-tuning is
needed.
preparing for
the final fitting
After the second fitting, the
sleeves are carefully marked
and removed so underarm
seams can be stitched and
pressed, and cuffs, vents, and
any linings can be finished.
Before permanently stitching
the garment, each seamline is
carefully checked to be sure
intersecting seams match
precisely and bastings are taut
enough to keep the layers from
shifting. Except for bastings
that hold seams together, all
other bastings, including thread-
tracings, are removed, and the
seams are stitched precisely on
the basted seamlines.
The sleeves are then basted
and permanently stitched into
the armscyes. Any remaining
unfinished seams are basted,
stitched permanently, and
pressed. The garment is
hemmed, lingerie guards added,
zipper set, and all raw edges
finished.
After a final check to make sure
all bastings have been removed,
the garment is pressed lightly
and ready for the final fitting on
the client. After the fit and drape
are examined a last time and the
client accepts the design, the
label is sewn in place.
One vendeuse told me that its
considered bad luck to sew the
label in before the final fitting;
and if the garment already has
a label, she will rip it out before
the fitting. Its sent back to the
workroom to be resewn after
the fitting.
Narrow
PlaiN Seam

seam fi ni shes are useD to
prevent the edges of seams,
facings, and hems from fraying.
Overcasting seams by hand is
the preferred finish in couture
because it is the flattest, softest,
and least likely to show on
the right side of the garment.
Although its the most popular
finishing method, its also the
most time consuming and
therefore the most expensive.
claires hint To reduce
expense, a few couture workrooms
now use a narrow, machine-sewn
zigzag fnish or a serged edge. A
bound edge, called a Hong Kong
fnish by home sewers, is also
selectively used.
Seam Finishes
hanD overcasting
Hand overcasting is used to finish
individual seam allowances. It can
also be used on the raw edges
of hems and facings to reduce
bulk, on a narrow plain seam that
finishes two seam allowances
together (see p. 43), and to finish
narrow seams on transparent
fabrics. When two layers are
overcast together, extra care
must be taken to be sure theres
no strain or pull that shows on the
face of the garment.
1. Use a short needle and fine
cotton or silk thread. Anchor the
thread and work from left to right.
2. Use overcasting stitches no
more than
1
8 in. deep and
1
8 in.
apart at the edges (see left). For
fabrics that ravel badly, work a
second row of stitches in the
opposite direction.
BinDing
A seam, hem, or facing can also
be finished with a binding to
encase the raw edges. On seams,
the allowances can be bound
together or separately. Binding
them together produces the
bulkiest and stiffest edge; and
when the fabric is lightweight to
medium-weight, it may show as
a ridge on the right side of the
garment. Binding the two edges
separately is suitable for fabrics
that ravel or irritate the skin and
for unlined or backed garments.
This type of binding is also often
used to finish a hem or facing
on heavy or bulky fabrics. When
working with lightweight and many
medium-weight fabrics, this finish
may show on the right side, in
which case the edge should be
overcast rather than bound.
To make a seam binding, choose
a lightweight fabric like chiffon,
plain-weave silk, or organza.
1. Cut 1-in.-wide bias strips (see
p. 82).
2. Trim the seam or hem
allowances so they are even in
width and
3
4 in. to 1
1
4 in. wide.
3. Right sides together, pin the
strip to the seam allowance,
matching the raw edges. Stitch a
1
4-in. seam by hand or machine
and trim to
1
8 in. or less.
claires hint For a
softer fnish and more control, I
sometimes sew the binding with
short running stitches.
You can see the overcasting on this
inside view of the red Dior dress,
shown on p. 131.
(Photo by Greg Rothschild, courtesy of Treads
magazine.)
BiaS
BiNdiNg
Seam allowance
Running
stitches
Wrap
binding
around
edge
Trim to
1
8
RS
RS
RS
Stitch
1
4 from
edge

4. Wrap the binding around the
raw edge and pin it in place. Use
short running stitches close to
the first seamline to secure the
binding.
5. Press and trim the excess
binding width to
1
4 in.
6. When finishing armholes or
seams on transparent fabrics,
baste the seam allowances
together. Trim the seam to
1
4 in.
to
1
2 in., and apply the binding to
the both edges together.
7. To finish the binding, turn
under its raw edge and sew it to
the seamline joining the bias and
seam allowances.
A favorite finish of designer James
Galanos, a narrow silk binding is
used to finish the raw edges of
the pocket. Here you can see the
finished side as well as the raw
edge on the underside.
(Photo by Author.)
bound with flesh-colored silk
chiffon, this seam will be almost
invisible when the dress is worn.
(Photo by Greg Rothschild, courtesy
of Treads magazine.)
(although armscye seams can be as wide as
1
2 in.);
overcast the edges together.
5. Remove the basting and press again. Te
location of the seam will determine the direction of
its fnal pressing. On an armscye, press it fat; then
fold it toward the sleeve. On the shoulder, press it
toward the garment front.
claires hint Many sewing references, suggest
pressing the shoulder seam toward the back. When this
is done, the seam is more noticeable from the front of
the garment.
false french seam
Unlike the traditional French seam it resembles
(see p. 51), the false French seam is stitched with
right sides together and can be used on lightweight
fabrics to fnish shaped and closely ftted seams.
1. Right sides together, stitch a plain seam; remove
the bastings and press the seam fat.
2. Trim the seam allowances to between
1
4 in. and
1
2 in.
3. Fold one seam allowance in toward the other
and pin along the fold. Fold and pin the remaining
seam allowance.
4. Align the folded edges; baste them together.
5. Sew the edges together with slipstitches or
whipstitches; press again.
self-BounD seam
Called a standing fell seam in factory production,
the self-bound seam is so named because one
seam allowance wraps around and binds the other.
Te fnished seam is generally less than
3
8 in.
falSe freNch Seam
Basting
Slipstitches
Plain seam
wide and is frequently used on the armholes of
unlined blouses and dresses. Tis seam is only
suitable for lightweight fabrics.
1. Right sides together, stitch a plain seam; remove
the bastings, and press the seam fat.
2. Trim one seam allowance so it s
1
4 in. narrower
than the other.
claires hint At the armscye, trim the sleeve
seam allowance to
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. wide; trim the bodice
seam allowance to
3
8 in. to
1
2 in. wide.
3. Wrap the wider seam allowance around the
narrower one, and fold under the raw edge. Baste
the folded edge at the seamline.
4. Use fell stitches or slipstitches to sew it
permanently. Press lightly.
whippeD seam
Another variation of the plain seam, the whipped
seam looks more like a heavy cord than a seam.
It is used on transparent fabrics like chifon, silk
mousseline, and organza.
1. Right sides together, stitch a plain seam.
2. Fold both seam
allowances over
1
16 in.
from the stitched line.
3. Overcast the fold
and trim the seam
allowances close to the
overcasting.

Lapped Seams
Te lapped seam is made by lapping one garment
section over another. Te overlap is folded under
and permanently sewn to the underlap from the
right side with fell stitches or slipstitches and
sometimes blindstitches or machine stitching.
Compared with a plain seam, the lapped seam
is more visually defned on the surface of the
garment. Many couture houses use this seam to
join a gathered skirt to the bodice. A few designers
use it for setting sleeves, even though the stitches
nearly always show. Te lapped seam is sometimes
used as an alternative to an abutted seam (see p. 51)
when joining seams and darts on interfacings
and backings.
1. Using the thread tracing as a guide, turn under
the overlap seam allowance. Baste
1
8 in. from the
edge with soft cotton basting thread or silk thread.
claires hint When sewing a lapped seam on
a curve, stretch or shrink the seam allowance as needed
so it will lie fat when turned under. If necessary, clip or
trim the seam allowance to remove excess bulk. If the
overlap is shaped with an outward corner, miter the
seam allowances. If it has an inward corner, face the
corner (see p. 56).
2. Wrong side up, press the folded edge lightly.
Remove the thread tracing on the seamline
and press.
3. Right sides up, align and pin the seamlines and
matchpoints on the two sections; top baste next to
the earlier basting.
whiPPed
Seam
Self-BouNd Seam
Fellstitches
Wrap longer seam
allowance over
trimmed allowance
Basting
laPPed Seam
Thread-traced
seamline
Basting
Fellstitches
4. Sew the seam permanently with slipstitches or
fell stitches.
claires hint I use blindstitches about
1
16 in.
from the edge so the stitches are not noticeable or I sew
from the wrong side with running stitches, using the
basting as a guide.
5. Remove all bastings and press lightly.
6. When joining seams and darts on interfacings
and backings, trim away the seam allowance on
the overlap, and leave a small seam allowance
on the underlap. Lap and pin the sections. Sew
permanently with catchstitches or running stitches.
appliqu seams
Appliqu seams are among the most intricate
seams sewn in couture workrooms. Used to seam
lace and patterned fabrics, they are variations of
the lapped seam and often used on couture bridal
gowns and special-occasion designs. Tere are
many ways to sew appliqu seams, most of them
labor intensive, difcult to alter, and rarely used
except in haute couture.
Lace appliqu seams can join intricately shaped
lace designs without visible seamlines. When an
appliqu seam joins patterned fabrics, the seamline
is often adjusted to avoid disrupting the motifs of
the fabric design. Te resulting seam zigzags or
meanders around motifs that cross the seamline
and returns to a regular straight seam between
motifs. Te sections outlining a motif are sewn by
hand; the straight sections between the motifs are
sewn by machine. Tis seam is inconspicuous but
rarely invisible.
1. Use the ftted toile to plan the layout before
cutting the fabric.
2. Cut of the seam allowances or make a paper
pattern without seam allowances so you can see the
motifs at the seamlines when you place the pattern
on the fabric.
3. Spread the fabric right side up; place the toile
or pattern on top of it, positioning the motifs
attractively on the garment sections. Wherever
the major motifs cross the seamline, you will cut
This blouse is beautifully constructed with appliqu
seams and motifs. notice that the sleeves are cut
crosswise and the bodice lengthwise
around the motif and appliqu it to the seam.
Leave plenty of room between the garment sections
for cutting around appliqu motifs.
4. Before cutting out the sections, thread-trace
all seamlines and darts. Leave at least
1
4-in. seam
allowances around the motifs and 1 in. to 1
1
2 in.
on straight seams.
lace appliqu seams. A lace-on-lace appliqu
seam is the simplest appliqu seam. Its made
by whipstitching a fnished or cut lace edge to
another piece of lace. Only a small seam allowance
is needed if you are working with a cut lace edge
since this edge will not be turned under. Instead,
marki ng a garment, an
important element of couture
sewing, is essential for its
assembly since, unlike in
ready-to-wear construction
and home sewing, raw edges
are rarely used as a guide for
seaming. In addition to indicating
seamlines, hemlines, darts, and
matchpoints, markings are also
used to note fabric grainlines and
design details such as pocket
positions and buttonholes.
A garment can be marked with
thread, chalk, or a tracing wheel.
In couture, marking with thread
is generally preferred because
its visible on both sides of
the fabric and durable enough
to stay in position as long as
needed during construction
without damaging the fabric.
Since information on chalking
and tracing-wheel markings is
readily available in other sewing
books (see Bibliography on
p. 244), the focus here is on
thread tracing.
If youve never marked with
thread, the process may seem
tedious at first, but youll soon
discover how invaluable it is for
assembling and fitting garments.
There are two basic marking
stitches: thread tracings, most
often used in dressmaking
workrooms to mark dresses,
blouses, and gowns; and
Marking the Garment
tailors tacks, used in tailoring
workrooms on suits, pants, and
tailored dresses. Both types
of markings are made before
the pattern is removed from
the fabric and sometimes even
before the fabric is cut.
threaD-tracing
Thread-tracings are usually
made with soft basting cotton;
but you may want to use silk
basting thread to mark the
garment centers and balance
lines since silk is less likely to
leave an impression on the fabric
when pressed. When thread-
tracing seamlines and darts,
first mark the stitching lines
on the garment with chalk or
dressmakers carbon or transfer
them directly from the toile.
1. To use a toile on a single layer
of fabric, begin with the fabric
face up and the toile on top.
2. Fold the toile back on the
seamline, and mark the garment
at the folded edge.
3. To use a toile on a double
layer, thread-trace only the
upper layer.
claires hint To avoid
catching the lower layer, many
workers place the scissor points
between the two layers.
4. Pin the layers together on the
thread-tracing, turn the sections
over, and thread-trace between
the pins.
5. Use a long needle and soft
basting cotton. Anchor the
thread with a backstitch. Use
alternating long and short
basting stitches to mark the
seamlines. Continue basting
about 1 in. past the intersection;
do not pivot at the corner.
claires hint At the
end of each seamline, I mark the
intersection clearly by inserting the
needle at the intersecting seamline.
6. To thread-trace the adjacent
seamlines, begin again in the
seam allowance about 1 in.
from the intersecting seam;
continue to thread-trace the
seamline (see the drawing, on
the facing page).
tailors tacks
Tailors tacks are generally used
only on wool fabrics since they
tend to fall out of slippery and
open-weave materials and
are cumbersome to use on a
muslin toile.
1. Use a pattern without seam
allowancesor with the seam
allowances folded backas a
marking guide. Usually sewn
through two layers of fabric with
a double strand of soft, unglazed
thread such as basting cotton or
hand embroidery floss, tailors
tacks are a series of connected
thread loops (see the photo
above) that are then cut apart,
leaving tufts of thread in each
layer of the fabric.
2. Cut out the garment sections
first. With the pattern still on
the fabric, mark all seamlines,
garment centers, darts,
placket openings, button and
buttonhole locations.
3. To mark straight lines, take a
short stitch, then pick up another
short stitch about 1 in. away.
4. To mark a curved line, make
the stitches about in. apart
and leave a loop when you pull
up the thread.
5. Gently pull the fabric layers
apart about in. and clip the
center of the loops, leaving
short thread tufts on each layer.
to stop any raveling that may occur, the cut edge is
whipstitched to the corresponding section and the
excess seam allowance is trimmed away.
1. Right sides up, lap the sections, aligning the
thread-traced seamlines and matchpoints; pin.
claire hint If it will be more attractive, lap
part of the seam in one direction and part in the other.
Clip to the seamline between the motifs each time you
change the direction of the lap.
2. Pin all seams together and examine your work,
making sure the motifs are attractively positioned.
couture construction begins with
marking. most pieces are marked
with thread-tracing or tailors
tacks, which can be seen on both
sides of the fabric.
(Photo by Susan Kahn.)
lace-oN-lace aPPliqu Seam
Match thread-
traced seamlines
Thread-
traced
seamline
Seam is
here
Designed by castillo, this evening gown from the 1980s
(shown on p. 203) was assembled with lace appliqu
seams and darts to camouflage the seamlines and
avoid interrupting the motifs of the lace pattern.
(Photo by Author.)
and other couturiers. Tis seam is usually machine
stitched between the motifs and hand-sewn around
them, and it must be planned before the fabric is
cut. Te motifs on the two sections dont have to
match, but they should merge attractively. One
section can consistently overlap the other; or they
can alternate overlap directions.
1. Tread trace all seamlines and matchpoints.
2. To sew a simple appliqu seam with one section
overlapping the other, clip the seam allowance on
the overlap to the seamline above and below each
motif to be lapped.
claires hint When the motifs alternate from
side to side, establish one side as the primary overlapping
side, clip above and below any motifs that are to overlap.
3. Using the thread tracing as a guide, fold under
the seam allowance between the motifs. Press
lightly from the wrong side.
claires hint Sometimes I alternate the
overlaps, but it is more difcult when working with
woven fabrics than when working with lace.
4. Right sides up, align the seamlines and
matchpoints; top baste the sections together about
in. from the thread-traced seamline. Baste the
edges of the motifs fat.
5. Slip baste the part of the seam to be machine
stitched.
6. Remove the top-basting; and reposition the
sections with right sides together. Stitch the basted
sections between the motifs.
To be worn over a long black dress, this cropped top
was assembled with appliqu seams and darts. Look
closely at the large red flower; it laps the armscye
seam, making the seam almost invisible. The fabric is
silk taffeta with silk embroidery and chenille.
(Photo by Author.)
claires hint If you fnd a bald spot or
two, cut out extra motifs and apply them as needed.
Equally important, do not try to save every motif or the
seamline will be more noticeable.
3. Baste using diagonal stitches; then sew the new
seamline with small whipstitches. Trim away
the excess lace at the overlap edges; generally, the
underlap is not trimmed.
4. Remove the thread tracings and bastings, and
press the garment wrong side up on a softly padded
surface.
fabric appliqu seams. Suitable for fabrics with
large, widely spaced motifs, the appliqu seam
for patterned fabrics has been used on designs by
Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Dior, Balmain, Balenciaga,
If motifs alternate side
to side, completed seam
will look like this.
aPPliqu Seam for PatterNed faBric
Machine-
stitched
seam
Turn
under
edge and
fell stitch
Top-basting
Basting
Slip-basted
seamline
7. Remove the bastings, secure the thread ends and
press open the machine-stitched sections, clipping
as needed to make them lie fat.
8. Right side up, trim the seam allowance around
the motif so it can be folded under smoothly; clip
as needed at the curves and corners. Pin and baste
the motifs in place.
claires hint I use a fne needle to work the
raw edges of the motifs under, and fnger-press
the edges.
9. Use fell stitches or slipstitches to sew the edges
of the motifs permanently.
10. Remove the bastings and trim away the excess
fabric under the appliqu. Press lightly from the
wrong side.

aButteD seam
Te abutted, or butted, seam has no seam
allowances and is used for joining seams and darts
on interfacings where you want to minimize bulk.
Occasionally it is used for piecing fabrics. Tis
seam is usually sewn with an underlay, which adds
strength; but it can be sewn without one.
1. Use plain-weave linen or cotton tape, rayon seam
binding, lightweight selvage cut from silk organza
or georgette, or muslin selvage for the underlay.
2. Cut away the seam allowances or the dart take-
upfold.
3. Center one raw edge on the underlay and baste.
Butt the second edge to the frst and baste.
4. Stitch the edges permanently by hand with
catchstitches or by
machine with straight
or zigzag stitches.
Press.
Eliminating the
underlay produces a
softer, more fexible
seam. To fnish the
seam without an
underlay, sew the
edges together with a
catchstitch and press.
aButted
Seam
Butt edges together and
catchstitch to underlay
french seam
Called an English seam in France and a French
seam in the English-speaking world, the French
seam looks like a tuck on the wrong side of the
garment. Its neat appearance on both sides of the
garment makes it appropriate for handmade silk
lingerie and fne blouses, and for some garments
made of transparent fabrics. Because of its
strength, this seam is also suitable for fne infants
wear and other lightweight, washable garments.
French seams, however, are unsuitable for
intricately shaped seamlines and for garments that
are closely ftted or might require alterations.
A French seam is actually two seams: the frst
is sewn in the seam allowance, and the second on
the seamline. Either seam can be sewn by hand or
machine, but if you sew them both by hand, they
will be softer and interfere less with the drape of
the fabric.
1. To prepare the garment for a ftting, baste right
sides together as you would for a plain seam.
2. After the ftting, and after all corrections are
made, remove the seam bastingsbut not the
thread tracingsso you can lay the garment fat.
3. Wrong sides together, match and pin the thread-
traced seamlines together. Baste.
claires hint On very lightweight fabrics like
chifon, georgette, or organza, I baste the frst stitching
line in. from the thread-traced seamline. On heavier
fabrics, I baste a scant
1
4 in. away.
freNch Seam
Baste
1
8
to
1
4 from
seamline.
Stitch on
basting.

Thread-
traced
seamline
Trim
Baste, then
machine stitch
on seamline
4. Shorten the stitch length, machine stitch over
the basting; or if you are sewing by hand, use short
running stitches.
5. Remove the seam bastings, but not the thread
tracings.
6. Press the seam fat; then open.
7. Reposition the sections with right sides together
with the seam at the edge. Press the fold with the
iron point.
8. Open the sections and trim so the seam is
slightly less than the fnished width.
9. Right sides together, baste on the thread-traced
seamline and stitch.
10. Remove the basting; press the seam fat; then to
one side. Press shoulder and side seams toward the
front of the garment so they will be inconspicuous
when the garment is worn.
claires hint For a stronger seam, fell stitch
the free edge of the French seam to the wrong side of the
garment.
Stitching Intricate Seams
Couture garments often feature intricate seamlines
that require special attention. Te seamlines on
Adrians stunning jacket (see p. 38), for example,
join reverse corners, which need to be handled
diferently from the standard plain seam. Most of
these seams require additional reinforcement since
the inward corner is clipped to the seamline. More
common than either seams with reverse corners
or reverse curves are intersecting seams. When
encountering any of these seams, you will fnd
these guidelines helpful.
intersecting seams
Most designs have at least one or two seams
that either meet or cross one another. In home
sewing and ready-to-wear, the second seam is
stitched across the seam allowances of the frst
seam. However, this can interfere with the drape
of the garmentand cause a pull when the body
moves. Many seams in haute couture are sewn
without stitching across the seam allowances at the
intersecting seamlines. Instead, the seam is stitched
up to the intersecting seamline. Ten it begins
again just on the other side of the seamline, with
the seam allowances held out of the way. Shoulder
seams are often stitched in this way when they
intersect the armscye seam. When considering
whether to cross one seam with another, base your
decision on whether the stitching will create an
unwanted tension in the seam. If so, interrupt the
seamline when it meets an intersecting seam.
matching seamlines, method one. To perfect
your skill at matching seamlines, make a patchwork
sampler with twenty 3-in. squares just as the
students at the school of the Chambre syndicale do.
On this sampler the strips are stitched across the
intersecting seams.
1. Cut twenty 3-in. squares; make four long strips
of fve squares joined together with
1
2-in. seams;
press all the seams open.
2. Right sides together, baste the long edges of the
strips with
1
2-in. seams.
claires hint I double-baste at the intersections
to keep the layers from slipping.
3. Machine stitch across the intersecting seam
allowances. Check to be sure the intersections
match exactly. Remove the bastings and press.
matching seamlines, method two. On this
sampler the strips are stitched together without
stitching across the intersecting seams.
1. Cut twenty 3-in. squares and make four long strips.
2. Right sides together, baste the long edges of
the strips with
1
2-in. seams keeping the seam
allowances free.
3. When stitching the seam, push the seam
allowances away from the presser foot as you
approach each intersection and sew precisely up to
it. Cut the thread, leaving long thread tails.
4. Rearrange the seam allowances to avoid stitching
across them. Start again precisely on the other side
of the seam; stitch to the next seam. Repeat to the
end of the strip.
5. Secure the thread ends with tailors knots or
backstitches. Remove the bastings and press.
claires hint I use the calyx-eye needle (easy-
threading) to pull the threads through to one side.
stitching over Darts. Te garment will drape
better if you do not stitch over the folded dart.
Tis situation is handled in the same way as the
intersecting seams whose seam allowances are
left free.
1. Stitch the dart stopping at the seamline.
2. Cut and press the dart open.
3. Baste the seam. With the dart on top, stitch to
the dart, stop and cut the threads, leaving long
thread tails.
4. Fold the dart over the stitched section and begin
again on the other side of the dart.
5. At the end of the seamline, pull all thread ends
toward the undarted layer; fasten with tailors
knots or backstitches before pressing.
encloseD seams
Tese seams are enclosed between the garment
and its facing or lining; they can be located at any
faced edge. Since these edges can be bulky, enclosed
seams require some special handling to make them
smooth, fat, and inconspicuous.
1. Right sides together, baste and stitch the seam;
press.
claires hint I press the seam open frst so it
will lie fatter.
2. Grade the seam to reduce the bulk, trimming the
individual seam allowances to diferent widths. To
ensure a smooth fnish on the right side, trim the
garment seam allowance to
1
4 in.; trim the facing
seam allowance slightly more.
claires hint To avoid making an unwanted
cut on the garment when trimming, I hold the edge
Im trimming above the table with my left hand
immediately under the scissor points.
3. At curved edges, clip or notch the seam
allowances as needed so they will lie fat and
smooth. Make the clips on the bias, rather than
on grain, to avoid weakening the seam. At corners,
trim away only a small triangle. After grading
the seam, I catchstitch one seam allowance to the
interfacing or backing; then I sew the remaining
seam allowance to the frst one.
4. Turn the edge right side out so its covered by the
facing or lining; press lightly from the wrong side.
easeD seams
Eased seams join a longer section to ft a shorter
one smoothly, such as a back shoulder joined to
a front shoulder. Ease basted with tiny running
stitches to hold in the excess fabric, these stitches
smoothly ease rather than gather or pleat the fabric.
1. Wrong side up, begin with a simple knot and
stitch a row of short, even basting stitches on the
seamline with approximately 20 stitches to the in.
leaving the thread slack with a long tail.
with stitcheD-Down
seam allowances
iNterSectiNg SeamS
with seam allowances left free
Stitch to
seamline
Push seam away
from presser foot
2. Add two more rows of identical basting
1
8 in.
one above and one below the frst line of stitches.
3. Pull up the threads and evenly distribute the
fullness until the section is the desired length.
I set the pin at the end of the basting by picking up
a very tiny bight. Ten I pull up the threads and
wrap them around the pins in a fgure-8.
4. Shrink out the excess fullness with your iron
until the eased area is smooth (see p. 64).
If there is a lot of ease or the fabric is difcult to
ease, I pull up the ease-basting some to shrink a
little, then I pull it more and shrink until it is the
appropriate length.
5. Baste and complete the seam like a plain seam.
gathereD seams
Use small running stitches to gather a large, full
section into a smaller one. Tis technique is similar
to ease basting, but the extra fabric length is much
fuller, not shrunk out with the iron, and has a
softly gathered decorative efect. Use this seam to
join gathered edges to waistbands, cufs, and yokes.
1. Use a long needle and a strong thread like glazed
cotton. Anchor the thread and begin the frst row
of gathering stitches on or just inside the seamline
of the longest layer. Pick up fve or six small stitches
on the needle before pulling it through the fabric;
continue until the entire section is gathered.
2. At the end of the gathering, leave a long thread tail.
3. Sew two more gathering rows in. above and
below the frst.
4. Pin the beginning end of each row to a weight
(such as a tailors ham) and pull up all rows as

maDe from stri ps of seam
binding, plain-weave tape,
or selvage, stays are used to
stabilize seamlines or garment
edges so they hug the body
and prevent stretching. A seam
stabilized in this manner is called
a stayed or taped seam. Stays are
also used on eased or gathered
seams to control the fullness,
make the garment section easier
to handle during construction,
and prevent the finished edge
from gaping away from the body.
A stay will also keep fabric from
stretching at foldlines on garment
edges such as a front opening,
zipper placket, or slashed pocket.
Stays are usually sewn to a
single garment section and
do not cross seamlines. One
notable exception is a waistline
or underbust stay, which is
usually sewn in after the skirt is
assembled and sometimes after
the skirt and bodice are joined.
1. To apply a stay at an opening,
mark its position on the right side
of the garment during the fitting,
before stitching the seam. When
removing fullness, pin out a small
dartor series of small darts if
theres a lot of fullnessindicating
the amount to be eased.
2. With the dart(s) pinned and the
garment still on the body, measure
the length for the finished stay.
This length will vary, depending on
how easily the fabric can be eased,
Stays
eaSed Seam
Match
point
to mark
beginning
and end of
ease
No easing
Eased seem
Wrap
threads
around
pin
No ease

6. Pin the mid-point of the stay;
distribute and pin any excess to
be eased.
7. Use running stitches just inside
the seamline to sew the stay
in place. At the end, check the
stays length then anchor the
thread.
8. Using the iron point and a
damp press cloth, shrink out the
ease. You can shrink some of the
ease before pinning the stay on
the garment and finish shrinking
after its sewn.
folDeD-eDge stay
A stay at a folded edge preserves
the lines of a design, prevents the
edge from stretching, and makes
a softer fold.
1. With the wrong side up, fold the
stay in half.
2. Use blindstitches to sew the
folded edge to the garment fold.
Do not pull the stitches tight. If
the garment has a backing, use
short running stitches to sew the
stay to the backing.
StayiNg a Seam
Mark beginning
of eased
section
Amount to be
eased
Mark end of
eased section
Ease fabric
to stay tape
the fabric grain, the garment
design, and the amount to be
eased; but the stay should always
be a little longer than the section
being stayed. The excess can be
trimmed away later.
3. After the fitting, if a dart was
pinned out, mark its width by
thread-tracing a crossmark on the
seamline at each dart leg.
claires hint Charles
Kleibacker would leave a
connecting thread between the
crossmarks to avoid confusion with
nearby thread tracings.
4. Press a
1
4- to
1
2-in.-wide strip
of preshrunk silk organza or
chiffon selvage, plain-weave tape
or seam binding, and pencil mark
the finished length of the stay on
the strip.
5. Wrong side up, center the stay
over the seamline, aligning and
pinning the matchpoints on the
stay and garment.
called The master of bias,
charles Kleibacker always used
stays to control V-necklines and
keep them from sagging and
gaping when worn. on this toile
from Kleibackers workroom, a
dart was pinned out on the left
side of the neckline to make it
fit snugly. on the right side, a
stay was pinned in place and
the darts fullness distributed
evenly along the edge.
(Photo courtesy of Treads magazine.)
gussets and yokes that will be subjected to stress
when the garment is worn, the corner must be
reinforced.
Tere are a variety of ways to reinforce an
inward-corner seam. Te simplest method is to
back each garment section at the outset with a
lightweight, frmly woven backing fabric, like silk
organza or chifon. To reinforce the seamline to
withstand more stress, face the inward corner.
1. Tread-trace the seamlines.
2. To face the corner, cut a 2-in. square of silk
organza or silk chifon; center it over the corner on
the right side of the garment section so the grainline
of the square is parallel to one seamline; baste.
3. Use short machine stitches to sew just inside
the seamline, beginning and ending 1 in. from the
corner.
tightly as possible. Fasten the threads by making a
fgure-8 around a pin at the end of the center row.
5. Hold the top of the gathered section in one
hand. Use the other hand to pull the bottom
sharply so the ridgestops of the gathered folds
are parallel to one another.
6. Remove the pin holding the gathering threads
and loosen the threads. Use a tapestry needle to
stroke the gathers so they lie evenly side by side.
7. Adjust the gathered section to the desired length;
fasten the threads in a fgure-8 around a pin.
8. When sewing a seam at a waistband, armscye,
cuf or yoke, fold under the seam allowance of the
ungathered edge.
9. Right sides up, and the ungathered edge on top,
align the seamlines and matchpoints; pin. Top
baste the sections together for ftting.
10. After ftting, machine stitch or slipstitch the
seamline permanently.
11. Trim the seam allowances to
1
2 in.; press frst
the band, then the gathered section, working
carefully to press between the ridges to avoid
setting creases.
12. To make a buttressed seam, turn the seam
allowances toward the gathered section. Trim the
seam allowances to
1
2 in. and press frst the band,
then the gathered section, working carefully to
press between the ridges to avoid setting creases
(see Buttressed Seam, p. 221).
13. Overcast the seams.
seams with reverse corners
Designs with gussets, square or pointed yokes, and
shawl collars have seams with reverse corners, that
is, an inward corner on one edge and an outward
corner on the adjoining edge (see photo on p. 38).
Te Adrian jacket has decorative seams with
reverse corners. At the inward corner, the seam
allowance is clipped to the seamline so the seam
can be stitched and pressed open. Since the seam
allowance tapers to nothing at the corner, the seam
cannot withstand stress. When these seams are
used on decorative godets or shawl collars, their
weakness is not a problem. But on seams such as
reVerSe corNer
Thread-traced
seamlines
Turn back and press
reinforced corner
Top-basting
Align and pin
thread-traced
seamlines
Slip baste or fell stitch
Stitch
4. Clip the corner up to the machine stitching.
claires hint When clipping, I use my best
scissors with very sharp points; position the points
exactly where I want the clip to be and close the
scissors.
5. Turn the facing and seam allowance to the wrong
side; press lightly.
6. Trim away the excess reinforcing fabric, and
overcast the clipped edges with tiny stitches.
7. Right sides up and the inward corner on top,
align and pin the seamlines and matchpoints; top
baste the sections together.
8. Slip baste the seam.
9. Remove the top-basting and reposition the
sections with right sides together and the faced
corner uppermost. Using short stitches, begin at the
corner and stitch away from it for about 1 in. on the
seamline. Lengthen the stitch and fnish the seam.
10. Finish the corner by repositioning your work so
you can begin at the corner. Again stitch away from
the corner, using short stitches.
claires hint By starting the seam at the
corner and sewing away from it, youll get a sharper
corner and eliminate the shifting and mismatching of
edges that might otherwise occur if you stitch toward
the corner.
11. Fasten the threads at the corners with tailors
knots, remove the bastings and press the seam
toward the section with the inward corner. If the
fabric is bulky, press the seam open so you can
fatten the seam allowance on the outward corner.
seams with reverse curves
A seam with a reverse curve joins an outward curve
on one garment section with an inward curve on
another section, as shown in the top photo on
p. 10. Te seam can either be decorative, or it can
be functional, as in the case of a princess ftting seam.
Although the seamlines joining a pair of
decorative inward and outward curves are
the same length, the raw edges of their seam
allowances are diferent. On the inward curve its
shorter than on the outward curve. Successfully
joining these two curved edges requires some
manipulationthe more intricate the curve, the
more the edges have to be manipulated. Since
seams in couture are frst thread-traced, matched
and basted with right sides up, these seams are
easier to sew than they would be otherwise.
stitching reverse curves
1. Tread-trace seamlines.
2. When stitching a decorative seamline, frst turn
under the seam allowance on the outward curve;
baste about
1
8 in. from the folded edge.
3. Right sides up and the folded edge on top, align
and pin the seamline and matchpoints; top baste
the sections together. Slip baste.
4. Remove the top-basting so the sections can be
repositioned with right sides together for machine
stitching. Stitch.
5. Remove the bastings, trim the seam allowances
and press the seam open, clipping the inward seam
as necessary to make it lie fat.
6. Round any clipped corners, and when
overcasting the edges, overcast the clips as well.
Seam with reVerSe curVe
Thread-
traced
seamlines
Turn under
seam
allowance
Match points
Slip-basting
Top-basting
Attributed to emanuel ungaro, this 1960s dress is one
of my favorites. The insets are cut on the same grain as
the dress so the reverse corner seams are sewn with
two bias edges. The jacket is cleverly designed to show
the insets when the dress and jacket are worn. A view
with the jacket is on p. 186.
stitching fitting seams. Fitting seams such as a
princess seam or a sleeve-cap seam are frequently
uneven in length. Once joined, the excess fabric on
the longer edge shapes the design.
1. Ease-baste and shrink the longer edge to control
the fullness before basting the two edges together.
2. Complete the seam like a plain seam.
BraceD seam
A braced seam is a plain seam with a bias strip
of lightweight, crisp interfacing such as silk
organza, sewn over the seam allowances to hold
them open. Intended for fabrics that are difcult
to press crisply
without marring
the garment itself,
the braced seam
produces a smooth,
fat seamline.
1. Right sides
together, stitch a
plain seam and
press it open.
2. Measure the
width of the pressed-open seam. Cut a bias strip
this width to make the brace.
3. Center the brace over the seamline and pin.
4. Use running stitches to sew the brace edges to
the garment seam allowances.
5. Finish the edges.
Darts
A dart is a stitched fold that shapes the fabric to
the contours of the body. When positioned at the
edge of a garment section such as a skirt, the dart
can taper to a point at one end or be released to
form a dart tuck. When placed in the middle of a
garment section, such as a dart below the bust on a
jacket, both ends taper.
Unlike the darts in ready-to-wear and home sewn
garments, which are pressed to one side, darts in
haute couture are pressed open or balanced to
prevent a ridge. Most darts are stitched on the
wrong side of the garment to hide their bulk, but
stand-up darts are stitched on the right side
for decorative efectsa treatment Valentino
frequently used. To avoid disrupting a patterned
fabric, darts can also be sewn as appliqu seams
(see p. 50 and the photo on the facing page).
In haute couture, darts are used less often than in
ready-to-wear and whenever possible are converted
to ease (see p. 60). Nonetheless, couture garments
certainly use darts and occasionally theyre in
unusual places. For example, horizontal darts are
sometimes used on the hem allowance to raise the
hemline. On slips and underpinnings, which need
Braced Seam
Running stitches
to ft the bust closely, horizontal darts extend from
a center-front seam to the bust.
stitching a Dart
When stitched properly, a dart is barely visible on
1. Tread-trace the stitching lines. If the dart
is long or shaped, mark any matchpoints with
crossmarks.
2. Right sides together, baste the dart with short
even-basting stitches, tapering the stitches to the
point.
3. To prepare the dart for a ftting, fold the basted
dart into position and top baste. If there are no
corrections after the ftting, remove the top-basting.
4. Wrong side up, lightly press the dart fat and
machine stitch precisely on the basted lines.
5. Secure the thread ends at the point with a tailors
knot, remove the bastings; press the stitched line.
6. Carefully clip the dart open, stopping about
1
4 in. from the point. If the dart is wide, trim it to
1 in. on each side of the stitched line. If the dart is
too narrow to cut open, arrange the dart like a box
pleat so that it is centered over the stitched line;
baste the center so the dart will not shift when
pressed. Or balance the dart using the directions
on p. 60.
7. Open the garment and spread the darted area
over an appropriate pressing cushion to shape the
dart to ft the body.
8. Open the dart with your fngers and, with the
iron point, press just the stitched line frmly with a
sharp up-and-down movement. If necessary, insert
a tapestry needle into the dart point to press it
smoothly.
claires hint Pressing over the needle keeps the
fabric centered over the stitched line and prevents
the dart from becoming crooked at the tip end. Press the
entire section, shaping it to ft the body and overcast
the darts raw edges.
Double-pointed Darts
1. When pressing double-pointed darts, stretch the
folded edge of the dart at the widest point so it will
fold back smoothly.
2. If the fabric is cotton, linen or another fber
without much give, clip the dart before pressing it.

If the dart is too narrow to be cut open, balance it
with a strip of fabric (see p. 60).
Backed Darts
1. To sew darts on a garment with a backing, apply
the backing to the fabric wrong side.
2. Baste the dart centers together and work the two
layers as one.
3. After the darts are stitched, check to be sure the
backing is not too tight. If it is, remove the bastings
at the edges of the garment section and rebaste so
both layers lie fat.
interfacing Darts. Eliminate extra bulk on
interfacings by adapting the instructions for lapped
or abutted seams to make the darts. On the Yves
Appliqu seaming can be used to stitch a dart. on
the right side of this sample, the tulip was cut to lap
over the dartline and appliqud in place with tiny fell
stitches. if it had been stitched in the usual manner as
with the dart on the left side, the tulip would have had
an ugly straight line at the stitching.
Saint Laurent jacket on p. 172, the interfacing
dart take-up was cut away and the dart edges were
catchstitched to the jacket dart.
Balanced Darts.
On a balanced
dart, a strip of
fabric is sewn and
pressed in the
opposite direction
from the dart fold
to balance its bulk.
Tis technique
is particularly useful for sewing small darts on
bulky fabrics that ravel, although its rarely used on
lightweight fabrics.
1. Baste the dart.
2. Use self-fabric or an interfacing similar in
weight to the garment fabric to cut a strip on the
lengthwise grain twice the width of the dart and
about 1 in. longer.
3. Center the strip over the basted dart.
4. Double-baste through the strip to keep the strip
from slipping, stitch permanently.
5. Remove the bastings and press the dart in one
direction and the interfacing strip in the other. converting Darts to ease
In home sewing and luxury ready-to-wear, the
practice of converting small darts to ease is often
used at the elbow and back shoulder. In couture,
darts are converted much more extensively to
preserve the uninterrupted lines of a design. And
sometimes theyre converted in unconventional
places to refne the garments ft. Tis technique
is frequently used on skirts to eliminate some or
all darts, to prevent gaping dcollet necklines,
to tighten the back armscye on tailored jackets,
to replace elbow darts on sleeves, and to replace
the bust darts from the armscye. It works best on
fabrics that can be shrunk easily.
In these directions, the dart is marked when
the toile is ftted, and the technique can also be
adapted to commercial patterns.
1. During the ftting, pin a small dart anywhere its
needed or indicated on the pattern. Generally, the
BalaNced dart
Dartline
Fabric or
interfacing
Dart
by converting darts to ease, you can avoid
disrupting the fabric pattern or the style lines of
the garment. The waist dart on the right has been
converted to ease on the left side; the excess was
shrunk away with a steam iron. notice that the dart
on the right is positioned between two prominent
stripes to create a flattering line.
coNVertiNg dartS to eaSe
Section
to ease
Dart
location
Uneased
section
1
1
1
1
1
Matchpoints
Matchpoints
dart must be relatively small and positioned at an
edge or a seamline.
2. Remove the garment and mark the location of
the dart.
3. Remove the bastings and lay the garment fat.
4. On the wrong side, mark the dart stitching lines
with chalk and measure its width at the seamline.
5. On the section with the dart, measure and mark
the darts width on each side of the marked dart
so the section to be eased is three times the width
of the dart. For example, if the dart is 1 in. wide at
the seamline, measure 1 in. above the dart and 1 in.
below it, making the eased section 3 in.
6. On the undarted section, measure and mark the
dart width above and below the stitching line of
the dart location, so the uneased section is twice
the width of the dart. For example, if the pinned
dart is 1 in., the eased section will be 3 in. and the
undarted section will be 2 in.
7. Shrink out the fullness, ease and shrink the
longer section to ft the adjoining section smoothly
(see Eased Seams, p. 53).
8. Complete the eased seams.
Pressing Techniques
Pressing is such an important priority in couture
sewing that many workrooms I visited had more
irons than sewing machines. Pressing occurs
throughout a designs constructionfrom shaping
and molding garment sections before joining them,
to pressing seams and edges during and after
their shaping or sewing, to the fnal pressing of a
completed garment.
Te pressing tools I saw in couture workrooms
are similar to many you may already have. An
industrial steam iron with an outside water tank
was generally used in tailoring workrooms, while
a dry iron was used in dressmaking workrooms.
Sometimes, however, a regular domestic iron was
the only one used. Te issue is not the brand or
type of iron you have, but how you use it.
steam iron (1), pressing stand (2), point presser (3), clapper (4), an assortment of pressing cloths in cotton, wool,
silk (5), needle board (6), soap (7), Teflon
iron shoe (8), sleeve board (9), seam stick (10), lint brush (11), spotters
brush (12), pressing pads (13), large pressing pad or ham (14). (Photo by Susan Kahn.)
7
3
5
8
9
4
1
2
12
13
14
10
6 11
PreSSiNg toolS
useD much more extensi vely
in haute couture than in
luxury ready-to-wear and
home sewing, interfacings and
backings are generally natural-
fiber fabrics sewn to the interior
of a garment to help shape
and support the design. More
malleable than synthetic and
fusible materials, these natural-
fiber fabrics can be applied to
part or all of a garment section.
By contrast, linings, which
are generally silk, serve for
aesthetics rather than durability.
Although almost always used
on tailored jackets and coats,
linings are used much less
frequently in couture than in
luxury ready-to-wear for dresses
and evening gowns since they
add an unnecessary layer
that may wrinkle or distort the
garments drape.
The distinction between an
interfacing and a backing is
somewhat blurred. They both
help shape a garment, but a
backing (sometimes called
an underlining or mounting)
usually lends body to the fabric
itself, while an interfacing helps
control or produce the shape
of the garment. An interfacing
is never used for modesty,
but a backing is often applied
to make a fabric opaque or
change its color. Both backings
and interfacings can duplicate
Interfacings and Backings
the garment section or just a
portion of it.
Traditional couture interfacing
and backing fabrics include hair
canvas, silk organza, China silk,
handkerchief linen, organdy,
muslin, cotton flannel, lambs
wool, net, tulle, crinoline,
and self-fabric. Ive also seen
more luxurious fabric used,
like fine Egyptian cotton,
faille, silk taffeta, charmeuse,
and chiffon. Ive found one
stiffener, horsehair braid, used
in several interesting wayson
the front edges of a Dior jacket,
as the skirt backing for a Nina
Ricci evening gown, and as
the support for one of Hardy
Amiess off-the-shoulder
wedding dresses.
Choose a backing or
interfacing fabric by deciding
how much support the interior
architecture of the garment
needsthe more support
required, the stiffer the backing
or interfacing (or both). To make
a selection, try draping the
garment fabric over the support
material and examine the results:
Does it hang stiffly or fall gently
from your hand? Does it over-
whelm the garment fabric? The
support fabric can be crisper
than the garment fabric, but it
should not be heavier. Experi-
ment with various support fabrics
to find the effect you want.
claire s hint
I frequently cut backing and
interfacing on the bias because
they provide the support I want
but they dont hang as stiffly.
Known for blurring the boundaries
between art and fashion, roberto
cappucci often experimented
with structure and over-the-top
designs. fabricated in black silk
taffeta, the ruffle on this beautiful
piece is lined with fuschia and
stiffened with very rigid crinoline.
it outlines the hem, then spirals
around the body to the top of
the dress back.
Other essential pressing tools include an ironing
board or pressing table, point presser, sleeve roll,
seam stick or seam board, large pressing pad or
tailors ham, a clapper and point presser, lint brush,
and an assortment of pressing cloths in cotton,
linen, wool, and silk to press various types and
weights of garment fabrics. Optional tools I use
regularly are a needleboard and a tailors brush.
Designed for pressing velvet, a needleboard is very
expensive; but it will last forevermine is about
75 years old. Te tailors brush is a stif brush
about 2 in. by 4 in.
Pressing successfully is not difcult, but it
requires some experimentation because there are
no set formulas, and its not uncommon for two
people to press the same fabric diferently. Te key
to getting professional results is understanding the
essential elements of pressingheat, moisture,
and pressureand how they work together and
afect the fabric. For general pressing techniques
and more information on pressing specifc fabrics,
see Claire Shaefers Fabric Sewing Guide in the
Bibliography on p. 244.
Te amount of heat, moisture, and pressure needed
for successful pressing depends on the fber content,
weight, thickness, and texture of the fabric. Cotton
and linen fabrics need more heat than woolens,
silks, and synthetics. Tin fabrics are more easily
damaged by excessive heat than thick fabrics, even
when both have the same fber content. No matter
what the fabric, pressing without a press clothor
with a very thin onerequires a cooler iron than
pressing with a regular or thicker press cloth.
Many fabrics become more malleable when
pressed with both moisture and heat. You can
apply moisture with a steam iron, damp pressing
cloth, or sponge. Steaming with an iron is both
the easiest and most unpredictable method since
it may leave waterspots. Te damp press cloth and
sponge are much more dependable and versatile
since you can use them directly on fabrics that do
not waterspot. For fabrics that do waterspot, cover
them frst with a dry press cloth; then apply the
damp press cloth or sponge.
To dampen a press cloth, wet one end and wring
it out. Ten fold the cloth so the wet end wraps
around the dry section and press it to distribute
the moisture evenly. To dampen a sponge or
dauber, dip it in water and shake it so its wet but
not dripping. Ten rub the wet end over the area to
be pressed.
Most pressing requires some pressure, but the
amount needed varies with the pressing task and
fabric. For fattening seams and edges or reducing
bulk on heavy fabrics, apply more pressure than
for pressing lightweight or napped fabrics. You can
apply pressure with several toolsan iron, clapper,
bristles or handle of a tailors brush, or your
fngers. And you can vary the pressure by using
diferent pressing surfaces. For pressing pockets,
buttonholes, hems, appliqud seams, and textured
fabrics place the garment section wrong side up on
a softly padded surface or a needleboard to avoid
fattening it or causing pressing imprints. For a
hard, crisp press at seamlines and edges, use an
unpadded hardwood surface.
Always test-press on fabric scraps frst. Make
sample darts, seams, and hems, then experiment
with various amounts of heat, moisture, and
pressure, and with diferent press cloths and
pressing tools to determine which work best for
your fabric and design.
Whenever possible, press from the wrong side.
When pressing from the right side, use a press
cloth to protect the surface. When pressing large
sections or uncut yardage, check to be sure the
grain is straight. To avoid stretching the fabric
when pressing, slide the iron only with the
lengthwise grain, and do not move the fabric or
garment section until its cool and dry.
Press at every stage of construction. Press fat
areas on fat surfaces and shaped sections over a
pressing cushion or curved board that duplicates
the shape of the body. Press small garment sections
before applying or joining them to other sections.
Press darts well before joining the section to other
sections. Press all seams and darts before crossing
them with another line of stitching.
Before pressing seams and darts, check the
ft and examine the stitching. If its not perfect,
correct it before pressing. Remove all bastings and
thread tracings. Press the seam or dart fat in the
direction it was sewn to marry the stitches. When
pressing heavy or bulky fabrics, turn the seam
over and press again. To avoid making unwanted
impressions on the right side, place the seam wrong
side up on a seam roll, point presser, or seam stick
so you can press just the stitched line. Ten, using
your fngers, a pin or the iron tip, open the seam
without applying pressure.
Press the seamline frmly with the iron point,
using steam or a damp press cloth if needed.
For fatter, sharper edges, clip, notch, and grade
seams properly. Press enclosed seams open before
trimming them and turning the section right side
out. To fatten the edge after its turned, place it on
a frm surface, then fll the edge with steam, and
cover it with a clapper. If the edge is bulky and
doesnt fatten easily, spank it once or twice with
the clapper to beat the steam out. Do not move the
section until its dry.
Avoid overpressing. You can always press again,
but well-set creases, unwanted wrinkles, shines,
and scorches may be impossible to remove. If you
overpress and the seam or dart shows on the right,
place the section wrong side up on a needle-board
or large piece of hook and loop tape. Fill the fabric
with steam; turn it right side up and brush with
tailors or fabric brush. Repeat until the seam
impression is removed.
Shrinking or Stretching
the Garment
Te ease with which you can shrink or stretch fabrics
when pressing depends on the fber content, weave,
and the grain of the garment section or edge to be
shaped. Wools, wool blends, and loosely woven
materials shrink and stretch more easily than silk,
cotton, linen, synthetic, or closely woven fabrics. Bias
sections and edges are easy to shrink (and stretch),
while the lengthwise straight grain is more difcult.
shrinking
Although the technique for shrinking fabric is
familiar to many home sewers, its used much more
extensively in couture and bespoke tailoring than
in home sewing. Shrinking is used most commonly
to reduce excess fullness when shaping sleeve caps,
easing skirts to waistbands, controlling fared hems,
tightening an armscye or converting darts to ease.
It can also be used to restore a stretched edge, such
as a neckline.
1. Begin by ease-basting as for an eased seam (see
p. 53); pull up the basting threads until the edge is
the desired length.
2. Wrong side up, press with a steam iron or with a
dry iron and a damp press cloth. Moisten or steam
the garment section and apply heat. As the fabric
many designers cut standing collars on grain
sometimes the straight grain, sometimes the
crossgrainto create a more pleasing design. The
collar on this chanel jacket is cut on the straight
grain. The upper edge was shrunk, and the lower
edge stretched.
bust so the garment will conform to the body
contours.
1. When the garment has a backing, stitch the darts
in the backing material before basting it to the shell
fabric.
2. Baste the sections together. Te shell fabric will
bubble over the darted backing.
3. Baste around the bubble since you want to
control the shrinking.
4. Steam the shell fabric and fnger-press to remove
as much of the excess as possible. Ten cover with
a damp press cloth and shrink some more.
5. Continue until the excess is shrunk out.
stretching
Stretching a garment section to conform to the
body will be a new technique for most home
sewers. Its used to straighten and lengthen inward
curves and to transform straight edges into
outward curves. Frequently used in tandem with
shrinking, stretching can also be used at the top
or bottom of waistbands and the front edge of an
upper sleeve.
1. Begin with the section wrong side up. Dampen
the edge with steam, a moistened press cloth, or a
sponge, depending on the fabric.
2. As you press, hold one edge of the fabric with
one hand and use the iron as a weight to stretch the
edge into the desired shape. Check your work often
to be sure you dont overstretch it.
To shrink an edge, pull up the ease basting and fill the
edge with steam. pat it with your hand; then apply
pressure with the iron. To avoid pressing pleats, shrink a
small amount, pull up the ease, baste again, and shrink
some more. Lift the iron and repeat until the entire
section has been shrunk. use a dry iron and press cloth
to press the section dry. when shrinking with the right
side up, cover the fabric with a press cloth (not used
here in order to show the fabric).
shrinks, use fnger pressure, then press with the
iron. When the surplus fabric has been removed,
use a dry pressing cloth and a cooler iron to press
the fabric dry.
shrinking within a section. Shrinking within
a garment section is slightly more difcult than
shrinking at the edges, but the technique can be
used to remove fullness at the waist or under the
67
4
Tree fnishes are used extensively in couture: hems, facings, and bindings.
The choice of edge finish depends on many thingsthe shape of the
edge being finished; its position on the garment; the type, design, and
fabric of the garment; current fashion trends; and the preferences
of the i ndividual wearer and desi gner. For exampl e, i f the l ower
edge of a dress is straight, it might be completed with
a hem, facing, or binding. However, if this edge is
asymmetrical, curved, scalloped, or otherwise unusually
shaped, it will require a facing. Even when the edge
is visually the same on the neckline and hem, the two
diferent edges are likely to require slightly diferent
fnishes to accommodate the curve at the neckline and
the weight of the fabric at the hem. Hems, facings, and
bindings are all edge fnishes, but each has a slightly
diferent function.
Hems are used on the lower edges of a garment or
garment section (like a sleeve) and may help the garment
hang attractively by adding weight to the edge. Facings,
on the other hand, are most often applied to the upper
and vertical edges of a garment. Bindings can be used on
The opening on this Dior jacket
from the late 1990s is finished
with an extended facing for the
jacket front and a separate facing
for the lapel/collar.
Edge Finishes
68 T he b a s i c s of c ou T u r e s e wi ng
upper, lower, or vertical edges, but they are used
more often to replace facings rather than hems.
Cut as an extension of the garment section, hems
can be wide or narrow, depending on the design,
the hem location, and the fabric weight and/or
transparency. Hems can even be fnished with a
separate facing, but this treatment is generally
reserved for unusually shaped hems.
Facings can be cut as separate sections and sewn
to the garment to fnish curved or shaped edges.
Or, when used on straight or slightly curved
edges, they can be nothing more than a wide hem
allowance, in which case they are called extended
facings. Both hems and facings are visible on only
one sideusually the undersideof the garment.
Bindings, by contrast, are separate strips of fabric
that encase the garment edge and fnish both sides
of the garment attractively.
In couture, the cost of labor and materials takes
a back seat to the desired results, so edges are not
always fnished with the simplest method or the
one most common to ready-to-wear construction
or home sewing. Whatever the fnishing method,
hems, facings, and bindings can be sewn entirely
by hand or machine, or a combination of both. Te
hand work visible on the fnished product, however,
is only a fraction of the hand work used to fnish
the edges of the traditional couture garment.
Hems
Before a customers frst ftting, the hemline is
marked with thread-tracing so the hem can be
folded under and basted in place. Tis enables the
ftter and the client to consider the overall efect of
the design and its ft. After the ftting, the basting is
removed so any necessary alterations can be made
and the vertical seamlines stitched permanently.
Te garment length might be adjusted at this stage
with new thread tracing. Te process is repeated
for the second ftting, when the fnal hemline is
usually established.
Plain Hem
Sometimes called a couture hem or blind hem,
the plain hem is the simplest hem. Its the most
commonly used because its the fattest and easiest
to sew. Whether the lower edge of the garment
with a plain hem is wide or narrow, the vertical
seamlines in the hem are on the lengthwise grain
and the hem allowance has no excess fullness.
After the hemline is thread traced, the plain hem
is made by folding and basting the hem allowance
to the wrong side of the garment; the raw edge
is overcast, folded under, or bound to prevent
raveling and is secured inconspicuously by hand
near the upper edge. Properly fnished, the hem is
completely invisible on the garment outside.
Hanging a Hem
Te process of establishing the fnished garments
length is called hanging a hem. Whether the skirt
Hem Facing Binding
AnAtomy of A Hem, fAcing, And Binding
Overcast
Blindstitches
Hem
Hem depth
Hemline Overcast
Facing
Binding
Slipstitch
69 e D ge f i ni s he s
is straight or full, the goal is to create the illusion
that the hemline is parallel to the foor. To create
this impression, many designers fnish the skirt
1
2 in. longer at center back than at center front to
account for the contours of the body.
1. Tread-trace the hemline on each garment section.
2. Baste the garment together, pin and baste the hem
in place for the frst ftting. Baste frst about
1
4 in.
above the hemline and then baste again about
1
4 in.
below the hems raw edge; lightly press the hem fold.
3. Try on the garment; match and pin the opening
closed.
4. Examine the hemline to see if it appears level
and parallel to the foor. Use a yardstick to check
the distance from the foor to the garment hemline
at center front, center back, and the side seams.
5. To lengthen or shorten a level hemline, just mark
the new hem length with one or two pins. Remove
the basting, but not the thread tracing. Spread the
garment on a table; measure and mark the new
hemline in a second color an even distance from
the original thread-traced hemline.
6. If the original hemline is so uneven that it needs
to be completely remarked, release the bastings
during the ftting, but do not remove the original
thread tracing. Measure the hem parallel to the
foor and mark it with very fne pins or needles set
horizontally to keep them from falling out. Pin up
the hem so the folded edge is
1
2 in. below the pin
at center back and
1
4 in. below the pin on each side
seam. Te sections between these points should be
pinned smoothly. Examine the altered hemline to
see if it looks level; if necessary, continue to correct
it until youre satisfed with the results.
7. When hanging a foor-length skirt, its difcult to
measure close to the foor. To make the task easier,
pin-mark a guideline below the fullest part of the
hip parallel to the foor, about 12 in. from the foor
and use this as a marking guide for the hemline.
Mark the fnished length at center front.
8. Remove the garment and lay it on a table,
measure the distance between the two pins at the
center front; use this measurement to mark a new
hemline below the pinned guide.
Te Hemming Process
Te garment style and fabric weight infuence the
hem depth. For straight skirts sewn from medium-
weight fabrics, the hem is usually 2
1
2 in. to 3 in.
deep. In general, heavy or stretchy fabrics and full
skirts (including those with pleats, gathers, or
fare) require narrower hems, from 1 in. to 2 in.
On garments sewn from transparent fabrics, the
hem depth is visible and becomes an integral part
of the design. Its usually very narrow on these
garments, but if the skirt is straight and gathered,
but unfared (like a dirndl), the hem depth can be
as much as one-third of the skirt length on sheer
special occasion dresses.
Once the hem depth is established, the actual
hemming process begins.
1. Wrong side up, fold up the hem on the thread-
traced hemline; baste
1
4 in. above the hemline.
claires hint If the fabric is heavy or bulky,
I reduce the seam allowances on the shell fabricbut
not on the backing since it is lightweight and provides a
bufer for the seam allowances.
2. Wrong side up, place the skirt on an ironing
board or pressing stand.
claires hint I like using a pressing stand on
a table so the table will support the skirt weight. If you
dont have a pressing stand, place a table next to the
ironing board.
3. Press the folded edge of the hem frmly. To avoid
stretching the hem and to prevent rippling, dont
Reduced Bulk of SeAm
AllowAnce in Hem AReA
Trim seam allowance
Hem
allowance
Hemline
9. If the fabric doesnt wrinkle easily, pick up the
hem of the top skirt layer, hold it perpendicular
to the table and fold it back at the basting so the
garment is folded right sides together.
10. If the fabric creases easily, work on the bottom
layer of the skirt, leaving the hem fat on the table
and folding back just the upper hem edge, instead
of the entire hem allowance. (See Te Hemming
Process, p. 69.)
11. Using a fne needle and matching thread,
anchor the thread into the hem allowance. Hold
the folded-back edge in place with one thumb
while securing the edge with a fairly loose stitch.
Te stitches should hold the hem in place but not
be tight enough to show. If the garment is backed,
try to avoid sewing through the backing to the
garment fabric (see Hemming Stitches, p. 35).
claires hint If the garment is made of a heavy
fabric use blind catchstitches, and work from left to right.
12. Complete the hem and remove all basting
threads. With the skirt wrong side up, press the
hem carefully, stopping just below the top of the
hem allowance to avoid creating a pressing imprint
on the garment right side. Press the skirt itself,
sliding the tip of the iron between the hem and the
garment. Examine the right side of the garment. If
there are any basting imprints, cover the hem with
a self-fabric or woolen pressing cloth and steam-
press to remove them.
Plain Hem Variations
On fared designs such as gored, trumpet, A-line,
and circular skirts, the raw hem edge is the widest
part of the skirt. Te excess fullness caused by the
slide the iron along the hemline, which is on the
crossgrain. Instead, lower the iron onto the fabric,
press, then lift the iron and reposition it.
4. Continue pressing, working your way around the
entire hem. When pressing with steam or a damp
press cloth, press a second time without moisture
to dry the hem section before moving on to the
next (see Pressing Techniques, p. 61).
5. Mark the hem depth with chalk. With wrong
side up and the hem toward you, measure the
fnished hem depth from the fold. If the upper hem
is to be fnished with a folded edge, add
1
4 in. to
the desired fnished depth. Trim away any excess
above the chalked line.
6. Finish the raw edge appropriately (see Seam
Finishes, p. 44).
7. Pin the hem fat against the garment, setting the
pins on an angle and with the heads away from
you. Baste about
1
4 in. below the pinned edge.
When the garment is backed, pin the hem only to
the backing layer.
8. Right side out, spread the garment on the table
with the hem toward you.
1
4
PlAin Hem folded, Pinned,
And BASted foR StitcHing
Hem
1
4
Overcast
Baste
two wAyS to Hold gARment foR Hemming
Blindstitches
Hemming FaBrics
tHat do not WrinKle
1
8
Heming FaBrics
tHat WrinKle
fare is concentrated
near the seamlines.
If this extra fabric
is not eliminated
or controlled, the
garment will not hang
properly, the hem will
not lie fat against
the skirt, and the
excess bulk may show
through to the outside
of the garment.
Te simplest method
for controlling fullness
on a curved wool hem
is to shrink out the excess fullness with heat and
moisture. Te curved corners on a boucl wool
Balenciaga jacket shown above were fnished in this
manner. Folding small darts into a hem is another
efective means of controlling the fullness when
fabric cannot be shrunk. Although the wrong side
of the hem will not look as neat as a hem allowance
shrunk with easing, the hem will hang attractively
when the garment is worn. Tis method of
controlling fullness is more likely to be used on a
lined garment.
Some cottons, linens, silks, and other fabrics, like
the velvet dress shown at right, however, cannot
be shrunk efectively, and the fullness in a curved
hem of these fabrics would have to be handled with
dressmaker techniques including small darts in the
hem or using the hemming stitches themselves.
Darting would be used on crisp fabrics, while
eliminating fullness with hemming stitches would
be preferable for lighter-weight fabrics.
controlling Fullness.
1. Fold the hem to the wrong side on the thread-
traced hemline; baste
1
Te excess fullness will cause the hem to ripple.
2. Wrong side up, press just the folded edge without
pressing over the ripples on the hem allowance.
3. Measure and mark the hem allowance so its
even; trim to reduce the depth.
claires hint I generally trim to 1 in. to
1
1
2 in. Its tempting to reduce it more; but since the
hem allowance provides weight, a very narrow hem
will change the way the skirt drapes.
4. Match and pin the seamlines on the hem
and skirt. Smooth and pin the hem against the
garment wrong side, working from the front and
back centers to the seamlines. As the skirt begins
to fare, the excess fullness will form ripples
perpendicular to the hemline.
5. Pin the hem allowance to the garment,
setting the pins at right angles to the edge and
eASe tHe
fAcing to
tHe lining
Seam
Folded
edge
Lining
This bias-cut dress from
the 1930s drapes softly
at the neckline. The
smoothness of the drape
belies the garments
excess fullness, which
has been skillfully
controlled on the hem
allowance. in addition,
the dress fastens with
two zippers at the
shoulders, an underarm
zipper, and buttons and
loops at the wrist.
(Photo by Taylor Sherrill. Authors
collection.)
inset: on the inside, the stitches have been
carefully placed between the ripples.
Hem
from 1 in. to 3 in. apartthe tighter the curve,
the closer the pins. Te excess fullness will stand
up in small ripples between the pins. To avoid
distorting the hang of the garment, keep the ripples
perpendicular to the hemline.
6. Baste near the top of the hem allowance without
fattening the ripples. Using blindstitches, sew the
hem between the ripples.
double-stitched Hem. When the fabric is heavy,
the weight of the hem will pull on the hemming
stitches, causing them to show on the right side.
A simple solution is
to hem the garment
twice or three
timesfrst at the
midpoint of the hem
allowance depth, then
near the fnished edge.
1. For a double hem,
mark the hem depth
and place a row of basting stitches midway between
the hemline and the upper fnished edge. For a
triple hem, divide the hem allowance into thirds.
2. Use blindstitches or blind catchstitches to hem
the garment at the basted line.
3. Baste and hem again at the top of the hem
allowance as you would normally.
interFaced Hem
Hems interfaced with bias strips add body to the
lower garment, reduce wrinkling, create smoother
hemlines, and prevent visible breaks at the hemline.
If you wish to add body to the garment, the best
interfacing fabrics include traditional woven, non-
fusible interfacing materials such as hair canvas,
muslin, wigan, silk organza, and silk shantung.
For a soft, padded hemline, try lambswool,
wadding (cotton batting), and cotton fannel are
good choices. For more padding, choose wadding,
polyester batting, or polyester or wool feece. Te
best choice for a very crisp hemline is horsehair
braid or crinoline.
To determine the width of the interfacing strip,
frst consider whether you want a soft or crisp edge
and whether the garment is to be lined or unlined.
For a soft edge, cut the interfacing to overlap the
hemline in. to 1 in. For a sharper edge, cut the
interfacing just wide enough to meet the hemline.
On unlined garments, the interfacing should be
concealed within the hem, with the upper edge
of the interfacing in. below the top of the hem
allowance. On lined garments, the interfacing can
be any width, though it is usually at least 3 in.
wide so it will extend at least in. above the hem
allowance to act as a bufer between the garment
and hem, and keep the hem edge from showing
on the garment right side. Generally, interfacings
on the hems of special-occasion dresses, which are
usually longer than regular daywear, are 10 in.
to 12 in. wide, while those on daywear will be from
2 in. to 4 in. wide. However, there are always
exceptions: Te hem interfacing on some of Yves
Saint Laurents famous trapeze dresses for Dior,
shown on p. 127, had interfacings as wide as 20 in.
to help shape the skirt. Te design silhouette, fabric
weight, and the skirt length all determine how wide
the hem, and consequently its interfacing, should be.
1. Cut enough bias strips to interface the hems
entire length.
2. Spread the garment on the table wrong side up;
pin the interfacing on the garment so it laps the
hemline
1
2 in.
claires hint I piece the strips as I go by
lapping the ends
1
2 in. and joining them with short
running stitches.
contRolling fullneSS
in Hem AllowAnce
douBle-
StitcHed Hem
3. Use catchstitches to sew the upper edge of the
interfacing to the backing or vertical seams.
4. At the hemline, attach the interfacing lightly
to the garment with long running stitches or by
folding the interfacing at the hemline and securing
it with widely spaced blindstitches. If the garment
is backed, catch it to the backing but not the
garment. When the vertical seamlines are closely
spaced, I dont sew the interfacing at the hemline.
5. On lined garments; use catchstitches to sew the
top of the interfacing to the garment or its backing.
To complete the hem, fold and baste it in place. Use
catchstitches or running stitches to sew the hem to
the interfacing.
6. If the skirt is fared, shape the interfacing when
you lay it on the garment by slashing the strip
slightly and lapping out small darts. If youre using
horsehair braid on a fared skirt, however, instead of
slashing the edge, pull up the edge thread and ease.
7. For a wider interfacing, pin a second interfacing
strip to the frst. I frequently use two 4-in.-wide
interfacing strips on jacket hems so the interfacing
will begin just below the waist. Generally, it
isnt necessary to catchstitch the top of the frst
interfacing to the garment.
Horsehair Braid Hem. Unlike traditional
interfacing materials, horsehair braid is too stif to
fold and lap at the hemline. Wider horsehair braids
have a string along one edge so it can be pulled up
to ft the edge of a fared skirt smoothly.
1. Use 2-in.-wide horsehair braid.
2. Align the edge with the hemline; use blind-
stitches to sew it permanently.
3. At the end, lap the ends of the horsehair braid
1
2 in. Cover the cut ends with seam binding
or ribbon.
4. Use catchstitches to sew the upper edge of the
horsehair braid to the seams.
5. Shape the horsehair braid as needed on a fared
hem by pulling up the edge thread.
6. Turn up the hem allowance and complete
the hem.
narroW Hems
Te narrow hem has several variationsthe
hand-rolled hem, pin hem, felled hem, and several
types of blouse hems. Te hand-rolled hem and
felled hem are among the most useful. On couture
garments, narrow hems are usually sewn by hand,
while on luxury ready-to-wear and home-sewn
clothing, they are often machine stitched. Narrow
hems are softer and more supple than machine-
stitched ones.
claires hint Regardless of which narrow-
hem style you choose, carefully check the length of the
garment before trimming away the excess fabric since
you cannot lengthen a hem thats too short.
Hand-rolled Hem. Hand-rolled hems are used
frequently on lightweight silks and wools, and on
chifons and organzas. Tey are not suitable for
heavyweight fabrics or lightweight materials with
weave variations, embroidery, metallic threads, or
beading because the edges are uneven and will be
difcult to roll smoothly.
Te thread on a hand-rolled hem is almost
completely hidden within the roll.
inteRfAced Hem
Blindstitches
soFt-edged Hemline Flared Hemline
Catchstitches
Backing
Running stitches
Slap and lap
Hemming at
stitches
1. Wrong side up, trim any vertical seams in the
hem area to
1
8 in. and press them to the left.
2. Tread-trace the hemline.
claires hint When hemming a scarf, I simply
assume the hem allowance is
1
2 in.
3. Set the machine for a short stitch (20 stitches
per inch or 1.5 mm); stitch
1
8 in. below the
hemline. Trim close to the stitched line for 6 in. to
9 in. To avoid excessive raveling, I trim and hem a
few inches at a time, instead of trimming the entire
hem at the outset. Trim more as needed.
4. With the wrong side facing you, hold the rolled
edge over your index fnger. Use your left thumb and
forefnger to roll the edge, enclosing the stitched line.
Stop at the thread-traced hemline. If you slightly
moisten your index fnger with the tip of your
tongue before rolling the hem, the roll will be tighter.
5. Tread a fne needle with an unknotted fne
machine embroidery cotton, mercerized cotton, or
silk thread about 15 in. long. Anchor the thread in
the hem roll.
6. Use slipstitches, fell stitches, or whipstitches to
hem the roll.
When using slipstitches or fell stitches, pick up
only a single thread on the garment, then pick up
a small stitch on the edge of the roll; take several
stitches before pulling the thread taut.
Pin Hem. Only
1
8 in. wide, the pin hem is fatter
than a rolled hem and used on crisp, difcult-to-
roll fabrics.
hem area to
1
8 in.; press.
3. Set the machine for a short stitch (20 stitches
per inch or 1.5 mm); stitch a scant
1
8 in. below the
thread-traced hemline.
4. Fold the hem to the wrong side on the machine
stitching; edgestitch
1
16 in. from the fold; press.
claires hint I loosen my thread tension before
edgestitching so the thread will be easy to remove when
the hem is fnished.
5. Trim as closely as possible to the edgestitching.
I use my 5-in. trimmers so I can trim very closely.
6. Turn under the hem; use fell stitches or
slipstitches to secure it.
7. Remove the basting.
Felled Hem. A felled hem is a double-folded hem
that can be used on lightweight fabrics unsuitable
for a rolled hem. Its also suitable for medium-
weight materials, when machine stitching would be
unattractive or when both sides will be visible.
hem area to
1
8 in.; press.
3. Trim the hem allowance to the width of the
fnished hem plus
1
4 in. For example, trim to
1
1
4 in. for a 1-in.-wide hem.
Pin Hem
Hemline
Hemline
Machine stitch
Trim
felled Hem
Baste
Hemline
Hem
Fell
stitches
1
8
HAnd-Rolled Hem
Machine stitch
1
8 below
hemline
Trim 69
Slipstitch
Roll to thread-
traced hemline
Hemline
4. Wrong side up, fold a scant
1
4 in. to the wrong
side. Pleat the edge with your fngers every inch to
crease the fold.
5. Fold the hem under on the hemline. For a
1
4-in.
hem, baste
1
8 in. above the hemline. For a wider
hem, baste
1
4 in. above the hemline. If needed, baste
again
1
4 in. below the folded hem edge.
6. Use fell stitches or slipstitches to secure the hem.
Remove the bastings; press lightly.
7. On fared designs or founces (circular rufes),
hand-stitch a row of ease-basting
1
4 in. from the
hem raw edge. Pull up the ease and turn under the
edge. Baste the hem to the garment about
1
8 in.
below the folded edge.
Blouse Hems. On tuck-in blouses, hems should be
narrow and fat to avoid creating a ridge beneath
the skirt. Te hems used most often on such
blouses are a simple overcast edge, edgestitched
hem, and pin hem.
Te fattest of the three is the overcast edge,
which is a simple variation on the overcast seam
fnish (see Narrow Plain Seam on p. 43) because
there is no hem allowance and the edge is fat.
2. Machine stitch on the garment
1
8 in. above the
thread traced line, trim on the thread tracing.
3. Overcast the edge by hand.
4. For fabrics that ravel or for a neater fnish,
overcast in both directions.
5. Remove the bastings.
Similar to the overcast edge, the edgestitched hem
is overcast, then edgestitched.
1. Tread trace the hemline.
2. Trim away the hem allowance
1
4 in. below the
hemline.
3. Overcast the edge.
4. Turn under the hem; edgestitch
1
16 in. from the
folded edge.

Bias Faced Hem
Used for shaped hemlines, faced hems are well
suited for reducing the bulk on plain or eased
hems, covering interfaced hems on unlined
garments, and lengthening a garment that does not
have a generous hem allowance. For most designs,
the fnished bias facing will be between 1 in. and
2
1
2 in. wide. Use the narrower width for sharp
curves and the wider one for straight edges and
gentle curves. Choose a frmly woven, lightweight
lining material for the facing strips.
1. Cut the bias strips
1
2 in. wider than the fnished
facing width and join as many bias strips as needed
for the length of the facing (see p. 82). Press the
seams open and trim away any selvages.
2. Tread-trace the hemline; interface as needed.
3. Fold under the hem allowance; baste. Trim on
straight skirts to 1 in.; on fared or shaped skirts,
to
1
2 in. or
1
4 in. Stretch and clip the raw edge as
needed to make it lie fat; pin. Baste.
4. Spread the garment on the table, wrong side up,
with the hem toward you.
5. Turn under one edge of the bias strip
1
4 in.
Place the folded edge on the hem so it laps the hem
allowance
1
4 in. to
1
2 in.; baste.
6. Fold under the top of the bias strip
1
4 in. Pin
and baste it.
7. Use fell stitches to sew both edges permanently.
8. Remove all bastings; press.
Facings
Facings, like hems, are used to fnish garment
edges. Unlike hems, which hang free of the body
and afect the garments drape more than its overall
shape, faced edges frequently ft the bodys curves
and subtly afect the garments silhouette. Used on
garment openings, and curved and shaped edges,
facings contribute signifcantly to an overall
impression of a well-constructed garment.
BiAS fAced Hem
Baste
Fell stitch
Fell stitch
Tere are three types of facings: extended,
separate, and bias. Two of theseseparate and
biasare cut independently of the garment from
self- or contrast fabric, or lightweight lining fabrics.
Te extended facing is cut as an extension of the
garment section like a plain hem.
Te extended facing is nothing more than a
1
2-in.
to 5-in. hem, generally sewn like a plain hem (see
Plain Hem on p. 68). When the garment edge
is on the lengthwise grain, the extended facing
duplicates the shape and grain of the edge it faces.
When the edge is slanted on a bias, or has a slight
curve, the facing cannot duplicate the grain and
must be eased, stretched, mitered, or clipped to ft
the edge smoothly.
Te extended facing is used extensively in couture
because the folded edge is fatter and more supple
than the seamed edges of separate and bias facings
and consequently drapes better.
Te separate facing duplicates the shape of the
edge it faces and often the grain as well. Tis facing
is used on necklines and on edges intended to
have a crisp, constructed look; it is also used on
scalloped hems.
Te bias facing is a strip cut on the true bias.
Since it doesnt duplicate the grain of the edge it
faces, this facing must itself be shaped to ft the
edge. Bias facings are made from lightweight fabrics
and produce a narrow, inconspicuous look.
In couture, more than one type of facing is often
used on a single garment or even on a single edge.
Te dress shown at left has extended facings on
the front neckline and back opening with separate
facings on the back neckline. Similarly, the jacket
shown on p. 66 has a separate facing on the upper
half of the front edge and an extended facing on the
lower half of this edge.
Before applying any kind of facing, examine the
garments ft to determine whether the edge
needs to be held in or stabilized with a stay tape
(see p. 54) or interfaced (see p. 73).
seParate Facings
Separate facings can be applied by hand or
machine. Both types of applications are used in
couture, while only machine applications are used
in ready-to-wear. Tese directions are for applying
the facing by hand.
Facings can be cut from the original garment
pattern if the edge was not changed during the
ftting process, or the garment itself can serve as
a pattern. When the garment is used as a pattern,
use the thread-traced neckline to establish a
corresponding stitching line on the facing. A
fnished neckline can also be used as a guide when
applying the facing by hand.
Neck facings can be cut in several shapes. Two
of the most popular are the traditional circular
shape, which measures an even width from the
This 1950s design from hardy amies features a
scalloped neckline, a dropped waist, and a full skirt. The
neckline is finished with separate facings.
edge, and a rectangular shape, which extends into
the armscye seams. When the larger shape is used,
the facing edges can be anchored at the armscyes,
to hold them smoothly in place. Te facing shadow
may also be less obtrusive with the larger shape,
depending on the design. Te obvious disadvantage
of the larger facing is the additional fabric
introduced into the shoulder area, which may give
the garment a bulky appearance.
One solution for reducing some of this bulk is
to relocate the seamlines on the facing
1
2 in. to
1 in. from their original positions. In couture, the
seams on facings are not always aligned with the
corresponding garment seamlines, as they are in
ready-to-wear and home sewing.
Tese directions are for the less familiar
rectangular facing. Tey can easily be adapted for a
smaller facing or a lining.
1. Use the garment fabric or a lighter, frmly
woven material for the facings. Begin with a large
rectangle about 16 in. wide by 7 in. long for the
front facing and two smaller ones about 8 in. wide
by 6 in. long for the back facings. Adjust the sizes
as needed for diferent garment sizes.
2. Finish the garment neckline before making
the facing pattern. Tape or interface the edge as
needed. Trim the seam allowance to
3
4 in. Turn
under the seam allowance; pin. Baste a generous
1
8 in. from the edge.
3. Wrong side up, place the neckline over a pressing
cushion; steam and fnger-press the edge. With
your fngers, gently try to fatten the raw edge. If
necessary, trim the edge to
1
4 in. or
3
8 in. for frmly
woven fabrics and slightly wider for less stable
materials.
claires hint To minimize the seam
allowances tendency to curl around the neckline curve,
snip shallow cuts into the raw edge every in. or so as
needed to make the neckline seam allowance lie fat (see
Bias Facings on p. 78). Dont clip through the basting
stitches around the neck edge.
4. Use loose catchstitches to sew the edge of
the garments seam allowance to the backing or
interfacing. If the garment has neither a backing
nor interfacing, sew carefully so the stitches do not
show on the right side.
5. Cut a rectangle for each section to be faced.
Before proceeding, I examine the bulk at the
shoulder seams. If its thick, I relocate the facing
seams to redistribute the bulk.
6. Wrong sides together, match and pin the grain-
lines of the garment and its facing at center front.
7. Hold the neckline curved, as it will be when
worn and smooth the facing in place, pinning as
you go.
8. At the shoulder seams, smooth the front facing
over the seams so the seam allowances are fat.
Pin; then trim away the excess at the shoulders
and neck edge, leaving
1
2-in. seam allowances on
the facing.
9. Pin the back facing(s) in place. At the shoulders,
trim and turn under the raw edges; pin and
slipstitch.
10. At the neckline, trim away the excess, leaving a
1
2-in. seam allowance.
SHAPed fAcingS
circular Facing rectangular Facing
This silk print dress was
designed by cristobal
balenciaga in the
1950s. a wide facing
finishes the neckline
and armscyes. it is
made of ribbon and
finished with ribbon at
the top and bottom.
The dress had a wide
waist stay originally,
which was removed.
collection.)
11. Wrong sides together, pin the facing to the
garment. Turn under the raw edge so the facing
is
1
16 in. to
1
4 in. below the garment edge and
does not expose the clips on the garment seam
allowance; pin.
12. With the facing toward you, baste the facing
in place and press lightly. Use fell stitches or
slipstitches to sew the facing to the neck edge.
Bias Facings
A bias facing is shaped, rather than cut, to
duplicate the edge it faces. Well adapted to
garments with soft edges, this facing is frequently
used on blouses and dresses, and on lightweight
silk and cotton fabrics. In couture workrooms,
self-fabric is used if the garment is sewn from
lightweight fabric, but if the fabric is heavy,
lining can be used instead. Designer Mainbocher
frequently used narrow chifon facings for
necklines, armscyes, and hems.
Bias facings are narrower, smoother, and less
conspicuous than separate facings. Often cut from
silk chifon or organza as well as self-fabric, they
may require less fabric. Bias and separate facings
are generally more comfortable to wear next to the
skin and sometimes more economical to sew. Tere
are two disadvantages to these facings: the garment
edge is rarely interfaced and may not be as smooth,
and since the bias facing is usually slipstitched
to the garment, it can be difcult to prevent the
stitches from showing on the garment outside.
Most bias facings are fnished to about
3
8 in. to
1
2 in. wide, but they can be as narrow as
1
4 in. on a
jewel neckline and as wide as 2 in. at the waist of a
skirt. Generally, the wider the bias facing, the more
difcult it is to shape to a curved edge.
1. Before applying a bias facing, fnish the garment
edge. Fold the seam allowance to the wrong side and
baste
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. from the edge. Clip as needed to
make the edge lie fat. Wrong side up, press.
2. Measure the garment edge to be faced; cut a bias
strip several inches longer, or join several strips to
get the length you need. For a
1
2-in.-wide facing,
cut the strip 1 in. wide for straight edges and
1
1
2 in. wide for curved edges.
3. On a straight garment edge, begin wrong sides
together. Fold one long bias edge under
1
4 in.; align
the folded bias edge with the basting,
1
8 in. to
1
4 in.
below the garment edge. Pin.
4. For a shaped edge, press the bias; stretch slightly,
and shape the strip to smoothly ft the edge. Wrong
sides together, fold the bias edge under
1
4 in.; align
the fold with the basting and baste.
BiAS fAcing
APPlying fAcing By HAnd
Catchstitches
maKing Front Facing
maKing BacK Facing
Facing
Facing
Basting
Free stitches
Basting
Clip
5. Wrong side up, place the edge over a pressing
cushion; press just the edge and the bias strip. Te
facing should lie smoothly against the wrong side
of the garment. If it doesnt, release the basting and
try again.
claires hint I cover the section Im pressing
with a satin-faced organza press cloth. Tis allows me
to see the section and protects the garment.
6. Using slipstitches or fell stitches, sew the facing
to the seam allowance.
7. Trim the bias to an even
3
4 in. wide. To fnish the
bias, fold under
1
4 in., pin, and baste.
8. With a very fne, short needle, make loose
slipstitches or fell stitches to sew the edge to
the garment. If the garment is backed, catch the
backing but not the garment.
9. Remove the bastings and press lightly.
armscye Bias Facing
1. Finish the armscye using the directions above.
2. Beginning at the underarm, fold under the end
and baste the bias around the armscye.
claires hint I apply the bias to the front
armscye frst because the deeper curve is more difcult
to shape than the back; then I smooth it over the
shoulder and around the back armscye.
3. To fnish the ends, turn under the remaining
end; slipstitch the folds together.
4. Complete the facing using the directions above.
claires hint A neckline without an opening is
very similar to an armscye, I begin at the left shoulder
seam and work toward the front neckline because the
front is more difcult to face due to a deeper curve.
Worths corded Facing. Charles Frederick Worth
frequently used a corded bias facing in a contrast or
matching fabric to fnish the edges of bodices. From
the outside, the facing looks like a corded piping;
from the reverse, it resembles the narrow bias facing
described above.
1. Begin by fnishing the edge using the bias facing
directions above.
2. Cut the bias 1 in. to 1
1
4 in. wide.
3. Wrong side up, place a very small cord on the
bias
1
4 in. from one edge.
4. Wrap the bias over the cord; baste close to
the cord.
5. Wrong sides together, place and pin the facing
on the garment so the cording shows just above the
edge; baste. Using small running stitches, sew it
permanently at the basting.
6. To fnish, turn under the bias facing edge
1
4 in.;
fell stitch permanently.
claires hint If the edge has a corner, I miter
the corner when I apply the facing and sew the fold fat
with fellstitches.
fabricated in cloth of silver with cut and uncut velvet
flowers, the waist edge of this worth design from 1860
is finished with corded piping. This signature detail
has two separate rows of piping. The first is cut with a
narrow seam allowance and sewn in place; the second
is cut so one seam allowance is wide enough to make a
narrow bias facing on the wrong side.
(Photo by David Arky, courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York, gift of Miss
Sarah Diodati Gardiner.)
Bindings
An elegant fnish suitable for nearly every edge,
a binding is made by stitching a strip of fabric
to the right side of an edge, wrapping it around
the edge and securing it neatly on the underside.
Often fnished so they are attractive on both sides
of the garment, bindings are frequently used on
transparent fabrics, double-faced fabrics, and on
reversible and unlined garments.
To shape and sew bindings to curved edges
easily, most fabric bindings are cut on the true
bias (at a 45 angle to the lengthwise grain). But if
the garment edges are straight or almost straight,
bindings can be cut on either the crossgrain or
lengthwise grain to enhance the design. Tese
directions focus on bias-cut bindings.
Most bindings are fnished about in. wide; on
very lightweight fabrics they can be as narrow as
1
8 in., and on bulky or heavy fabrics they can be
as wide as 1 in. Tey can be made with either a
single-layer, open strip of fabric or with a double-
layer, folded strip. Obviously, bindings sewn from
a double layer are stifer and thicker because
they contain more fabric, an advantage when the
binding fabric is lightweight or when you want a
sharply defned edge. When the binding fabric is
heavy or bulky or the garment edge is designed to
hang softly, a single-layer binding is more suitable.
Generally, bindings are not applied until the
appropriate interfacings and backings have already
been applied, the garment ftted, and all corrections
made. On lined couture garments, the binding is
frequently applied frst by hand or machine, and
the raw edge is covered by the lining.

cut and stitcH tHe Bias striP
If you lived in Italy, you would visit your favorite
merceria, or sewing-notions store, when you wanted
to trim a design with bias bindings. Tere you
would fnd a large assortment of fabrics already cut
with one edge on the bias. After you chose your
fabric, a salesperson would cut a parallelogram for
you, which would be ready to be cut into bias strips.
Unfortunately, bias is not sold like this in the
WHen a Faci ng and Hem meet
at the corner of a jacket or coat
opening, or skirt or sleeve vents,
the bulk must be reduced for a
smooth finish, either hemming the
lower edge, trimming away some
of the hem at the corner, and
hemming the vertical edge, or by
mitering. These directions are for a
garment or garment section where
the lining will cover the raw edges.
mitering a corner
1. Thread-trace the foldlines for
the facing and hem.
2. Turn under and press the facing
and hem using the thread tracings
as a guide.
3. Mark where the raw edges meet
with a pin.
4. Chalk-mark at the miter
seamline from the pin to the
corner on the hem.
5. Unfold the hem; chalk-mark the
facing from pin to corner.
6. Fold the corner on the chalked
lines; baste, backstitching at the
corner. Press and trim to
1
4 in.
7. Fold the facing and hem in
place so the folded edges match;
baste.
8. Baste the miter flat against the
garment. Slipstitch; press lightly.
9. On an acute angle, the chalked
and basted lines will form a wide
Finishing
Corners
3. Turn under the facing, tapering
the bottom of the facing from the
corner to
1
8 in. shorter than hem;
baste. Press lightly.
4. If the fabric is bulky, release the
basting for the facing; trim.
5. Catchstitch the hem.
6. Baste the facing in place with
the edge in. tapered above the
hemline; baste. Press lightly.
7. Hold back the lower edge of the
facing; blindstitch to corner.
8. Catchstitch the raw edge of the
facing to the hem.
V from the corner. Clip to the
corner and trim away the excess.
10. On an obtuse angle, the
chalked and basted lines will be
shaped like an inverted V.
Clip the seam allowance to
the corner.
Hemming a corner
1. Thread-trace the foldlines for
the facing and hem.
2. Wrong side up, turn under the
hem using the thread tracings as
a guide; baste. Press.
miteRing A coRneR
maKing a rigHt angle
Chalk miter
seamline
Unfold corner to chalk miter
Hem
Facing and
hem meet here
Facing
Hem
Baste
Trim to
1
4
Backstitch
at corner
maKing an oBtuse angle
Thread-
traced
hemline
maKing an acute angle
Thread-
traced
hemline
Garment
Baste
and trim
Chalked
line
Clip and trim
Clip to
corner
Chalked
line
Baste and
trim
Hemming A coRneR
claire s hint When
fnishing the corners on faps,
pockets, and waistbands, after
the corners and seam allowances
are catchstitched, I apply the
lining with wrong sides together.
Catchstitch
Baste
Baste
1
2
Catchstitch
Trim
Facing
Leave section
here unstitched
Hem
1
2
5
8
Thread-
traced
foldline
Facing
Hem
Baste
Thread-traced
hemline
Taper so it is
1
8 shorter
Hem Hem
Hem
Americas; and, even though Ive looked in stores in
France and England, I havent found it there either.
establishing true Bias. Establishing true bias is
particularly important because the strips must be
cut exactly at a 45 angle or the fnished bindings
will ripple, twist, and pucker. Te best way to
establish the true bias is with a right trianglea
drafting tool that has two sides of equal length
with a 90 angle in between.
1. Spread the fabric on the table. Mark the
lengthwise grain about 1 in. from the selvage.
2. Straighten the fabric so the crossgrain is
perpendicular to the lengthwise grain.
3. Align one short side of the triangle with the
grain. Te other side will be on the crossgrain, and
the long edge in between will mark the true bias.
4. Mark parallel lines on the bias frst with chalk,
then with thread tracing to mark the stitching lines.
For single bindings, mark the strips 2 in. wide;
and cut in. from the thread tracings. For double
bindings, mark the strips about four times the
fnished width plus two
1
2-in. seam allowances; cut
midway between the thread tracings.
Join Bias strips. When the binding is applied
prominently, such as on a neckline or lapel, try to
avoid seaming the bias. For longer edges, join as
many strips as needed for your length.
1. Trim all ends of the bias strips diagonally so they
are on the desired grainusually the lengthwise
grain. When the fabric has a prominent cross-rib
or horizontal stripe, the seam will be less noticeable
if the seam is parallel to the stripe or rib.
2. Right sides up, turn under
1
4 in. at the end of
one strip. Align the grainlines and pin it to another
strip; slip-baste at the fold. Repeat until all the
strips are basted together.
3. Refold the basted strips with right sides
together; sew the seams with very short machine
stitches (20 stitches/in.). Remove the bastings.
4. Press the seams fat, then open. Trim away the
extended seam ends and trim the seams to
1
8 in.
5. To prepare the garment, thread-trace the
seamline; then thread-trace a guideline for the
binding seamline
1
4 in.or the width of the
fnished bindingbelow the seamline. Before
proceeding, compare the neckline to the pattern
to be sure theyre the same. Dont trim away the
seam allowance. Te frst thread-tracing marks the
fnished edge of the garment; the second marks the
stitching line for sewing the binding.
Although bindings can be applied to almost any
edge, the directions given here are for applying
single and double bindings to a neckline, where
they are most often sewn.
Joining BiAS
Slip baste
Top
neck edge PRePARed
foR A Binding
Raw edges
Finished width
of binding
Finished width
of binding
Thread-
traced
neckline
Guideline
for
stitching
binding
mARking BiAS
True
bias
Thread-trace bias Cut
single Binding
Te couture method of applying a single binding
has several advantages over the regular home-
sewing method. Its worked right sides up, allowing
you to see the binding as you shape it to ft the
edge. It can also be made entirely by hand rather
than by machine, which results in a softer fnish. To
determine the most suitable width for the fnished
binding, experiment with fabric scraps until you
arrive at a size you like, then cut the strips.
1. Tread-trace the garment edge, and cut the bias
strips so that the width of each strip is six times the
desired fnished width of the binding plus
1
2 in. (To
make a fnished
1
4-in.-wide binding, for example,
cut a bias strip 2 in. wide.) Press the strip, stretching
it slightly lengthwise. Fold under one long edge of
the bias
1
4 in., regardless of the desired fnished
width, and baste
1
8 in. from the fold.
2. Working with the right sides up, align and pin
the folded bias edge to the garment so it barely laps
the binding seamline. To apply the bias smoothly
to a neckline, hold the folded edge of the strip taut
when pinning it in place.
3. Top-baste through all layers close to the folded
edge and slip-baste the strip to the garment. Ten
remove the frst row of basting that holds the
binding fat, unfold the strip so the right sides are
together, and machine stitch over the basted line.
Trim the seam allowance at the neckline, remove
any bastings, and press lightly.
4. Fold the binding toward the neckline and fnger-
press the binding seam. Wrap the binding around
the necklines raw edge and fnger-press again. Pin-
baste the binding in place on the wrong side of the
neckline, setting the pins just below the binding.
Measure the binding width. If it is more than
1
4 in., the fnished neckline will probably be too
tight. If this is the case, unpin the binding and trim
the seam as needed to keep the fnished binding
width at
1
4 in.
5. Fold the raw edge under so that the folded edge
touches the seamline. If the folded edge overlaps
the seamline, unfold the bias and trim it as needed
to make a folded edge the width you need. Baste
and then permanently fell or slipstitch the folded
edge to the stitched line. Remove the bastings and
press lightly.
6. Some binding fabrics are too bulky to produce a
binding that looks the same on both sides. If the
design has a lining that can be applied over the
binding raw edge, bulk can be reduced. Sew
the binding in place by hand with short running
stitches. Ten trim it
1
4 in. below the seamline and
apply the lining to cover the raw edge.
7. When binding outward curves, for example on
collars and pockets, trim away the garment seam
allowance. Ease the folded edge of the binding to
the seamline so the bias is smooth at the raw edge.
Ten proceed as for neckline curve.
douBle Binding
American couturier Charles Kleibacker had an
unusual method for applying a double binding,
which he used to fnish and trim the edges of his
lace designs and to sew wide bias bands in the
place of skirt hems. He laid the bias strip fat on
the table and applied the garment to the bias strip,
instead of the reverse. Working this way makes it
easier to control the bias binding and it produces
fantastic results.
Single Binding
Slip baste
Guideline for
stitching
Top-baste
Bias
Fold under
1
4
1
8
1
4
Slipstitch or
fell stitch
Because the fnished binding for this application
method will consist of at least seven layers, the
weight and bulk of the binding fabric are particularly
important and must be taken into account when
deciding the width of the fnished bias. Medium-
weight fabrics such as 4-ply silk and silk linen are
suitable for bindings ranging from
1
4 in. to several
inches wide. For bindings as narrow as
1
8 in.,
lightweight crepes, chifon, and organza can be used.
Te instructions here are for a fnished
1
4-in.-
wide binding. Tey can be modifed to make a very
narrow
1
8-in.-wide binding or one thats several
inches wide.
1. Cut the bias strip four times the fnished width
plus two
1
2-in.-wide seam allowances. For a
fnished binding
1
4 in. wide, cut the strip 2 in. wide.
2. Wrong sides together, fold the strip in half
lengthwise and baste about
1
3. Place the strip fat on the table with the fold
toward you. Using chalk, mark a line an even
distance from the folded edge and equal to twice
the fnished width. For a
1
4-in.-wide binding, mark
1
2 in. from the fold. Baste through both layers on
the chalked line to mark the seamline.
4. On the garment, thread-trace the fnished
edge and the seamline for the binding, spread the
garment fat on the table right side up with the
edge to be bound toward you.
5. Using the thread-traced seamline as a guide, fold
under the garment edge
1
4 in.; pin.
On a neckline or concave curve, the turned-under
edge is shorter than the garment section. To do this
neatly and without stretching the neckline, I clip as
needed and fold under a small section at a time.
6. Match and pin the folded edge of the garment to
the binding seamline on the bias strip (the one
farther from the folded edge of the bias strip).
Baste the garment to the binding, using a small fell
stitch or slip-basting. Reposition the layers with
right sides together. Machine stitch over the basted
seamline. Remove the basting and press lightly.
7. Trim away the original thread-traced seam
allowance on the neckline to reduce bulk. Wrap the
binding around this raw edge. Te folded edge of
the binding should just meet the stitched line on the
wrong side, and the fnished binding should measure
1
4 in. wide. If it doesnt, trim the garment edge a
little more. If the binding is wider on a neckline edge,
it may be too tight and uncomfortable to wear.
PreParing Binding striP seWing garment to Bias striP FinisHing Binding
douBle Binding
Baste
2x binding
width
1
8
Binding
Slip
baste
Grade
seam
Garment
1
2 seam
allowance
Fold
This narrow bias facing was frequently used by
Mainbocher instead of a wide facing. Made of silk chiffon,
it is lightweight, inconspicuous, and easy to apply.
(Photo by Author, courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York.)
Machine
stitching
8. Grade the seam allowances as needed. Pin the
binding in place.
I set the pins at an angle with the heads toward
the neckline so its easy to baste over them.
9. Use fell stitches to sew the folded edge to the
stitched line.
FinisH Binding ends
Bindings often begin and end at garment openings,
such as neckline plackets and zipper closures. For
a smooth, inconspicuous fnish, fold the ends of
the binding to the wrong side before wrapping the
binding around the edge.
1. Complete the opening and trim away any excess
bulk before beginning the binding. Pin the bias to
the garment, allowing a 1-in. extension of the bias
strip on each side of the opening.
2. Stitch the strip to the right side of the garment
and fold the end of the bias strip at the opening to
the wrong side.
3. Trim the folded end to about
1
2 in. and sew it
with a catchstitch to the wrong sides of the bias
strip and garment. Repeat for the other end. If the
opening has a hook, eye, or button loop, sew it in
place now so the end will be hidden between the
layers of the binding.
seaming Bias. On couture and good-quality
ready-to-wear garments, bindings applied to edges
without openings (for example, circular necklines,
armholes, sleeve edges, and skirt hems) usually
have the ends seamed on grain. Before beginning
such bindings, decide where to locate the seam so it
will be as inconspicuous as possible on the fnished
design. On necklines, the seam is usually deemed
least conspicuous at the left shoulder; on armholes
and the edges of sleeves, under the arm; and, on
hems, at the left side seam.
1. Prepare a bias strip thats long enough to allow
for a 4-in. tail on each end of the strip. Pin the
bias strip to the garment. Fold back one tail on
the lengthwise grain with wrong sides of the bias
together and pin it in place. Repeat for the other
end so the folded edges meet.
2. Slip-baste the folds together. Unpin the bias
about 1 in. on either side of the basted seamline so
you can stitch the basted seam easily, or use a short
backstitch to sew the seam by hand. Press the seam
open and trim the seam allowances to
1
4 in.
3. Repin the bias to the edge and complete the
binding, which encases the raw edges of the seam.
This narrow bias binding
on a chiffon blouse is
from Yves saint Laurents
russian collecion. a
narrow metallic braid was
then applied to the silk
charmeuse.
(Photo by Author, courtesy of the
Museum of the City of New York.)
Machine stitching
on edge WitHout oPening
finiSHing Binding endS
at an oPening
1
2
Trim excess
Seamline
Slip baste
87
5
The word closure refers to both an openi ng
or placket in a garment and to the fastener that joins an opening.
Cl os ures can be i ncons pi c uous or or nament al . They can be
l ocated i n seaml i nes or i n sl ashes i n the garment. They can be
lapped or abutted, straight or shaped, visible or invisible, and even
wiggling and winding in a seemingly haphazard fashion
within the garments design.
Plackets can extend 2 or 3 in. from a garment edge or
run the entire length of a garment. Tey can be located
at the upper or lower edge of a garment section or within
the body of the garment. Tey can be closed with any
type of fastener, including zippers, hooks and eyes, snaps,
or buttons with buttonholes or button loops.
In couture, the type of closure a garment will have,
even when its inconspicuous, is planned long before
construction begins. Te choice of closure depends on
the garments design and function, its fabric, the desired
efect, and the closure location. For example, a bound
buttonhole would rarely be used on a sheer fabric, and
buttons would generally be avoided under the arm.
Designed by Marc Bohan for Dior,
this beautiful evening gown has a
very convoluted placket that, when
fastened, completely obscures
the zipper. If you look closely, you
can see the zipper pull about 2 in.
below the neckline.
(Photo by Brian Sanderson, courtesy of FIDM
Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design &
Merchandising, Los Angeles, CA; gift of
Mrs. Alfred Bloomingdale, Spring/Summer 1992.)
Closures
88 T he B a s I c s of c ou T u r e s e wI ng
Some designers are known for a particular
kind or style of closure. Schiaparelli was the
frst couturier to use the utilitarian zipper as
a decorative accent, which Andr Courrges
later took to new heights as a decorative detail.
Schiaparelli was also known for the unusual
buttons and early use of zippers. Chanels gilded
buttons, like those on the jacket on p. 64, were an
important part of her signature suits.
Plackets
Te term placket was frst used in the 16th century
to describe an underskirt, whose opening was,
in turn, called the placket hole. Today the term
describes any fnished slit or opening in a garment.
Generally used at garment centers, side seams,
necklines, sleeve edges, and waistlines, well-made
plackets are fat and neat. Tey do not gap when
the garment is worn and are long enough to make
dressing easy.
Tere are several types of plackets used in
couture. Two of them, the faced placket and the
continuous bound placket, are often used in home
sewing, and the directions for making these plackets
are readily available in most sewing books. Tree
types of plackets (and a few of their variations) that
home sewers may be less familiar with and may
fnd useful additions to their sewing vocabulary are
presented here: the hemmed slit, bound slit, and
concealed placket.
Hemmed Slit
A hemmed slit is the simplest of all plackets. Its
made by hemming the edges of an opening at the
top or bottom of a seam or a slit opening at an edge.
Often used on blouses and dresses at sleeve openings
and occasionally at necklines, the hemmed slit is
not strong and may tear when stressed. To avoid
tearing, make the slit longer and be sure when
using it on a neckline that the opening is long
enough to slip easily over the wearers head.
1. Tread-trace the opening on the grain and mark
the opening end.
2. Stitch
1
16 in. from the thread traced line,
beginning at the open end. Stitch to the closed
end, sew one or two stitches across, then stitch
the other side.
claire s hint I shorten the stitch length for
about 1 in. on both sides of the closed opening end and
sew one or two stitches across so the fnished slit will
fold into a gentle U-shape rather than a V-shape. It
also makes the slit easier to hem.
3. Carefully cut the thread-traced opening between
the stitching lines.
4. Use a fne needle and matching thread to hem
the edges of the slit with a rolled hem (see p. 74);
remove all bastings.
Bound Slit
Frequently used as a decorative opening at the
neckline of blouses and dresses, a bound slit is
made by cutting a slit at an edge and binding each
side of the slit with separate bias strips. When the
garment is unlined or the edge is fnished after the
lining is applied, the binding is fnished so there are
Hemmed Slit
FiniSHed Hem Slit
Hemmed Slit in ProgreSS
Shorter stitches
Machine stitch
Rolled hem
1
16
89 c los u r e s
no raw edges on the inside (see p. 84). When a
lining is to be applied after the binding is sewn, the
lining will cover the bindings raw edges.
Te opening of a bound slit can be fnished with a
point at the end or squared of and fnished like a
bound buttonhole. Te directions below are for a
bound slit squared of at the end.
1. Tread-trace the opening on the grain and mark
the opening end.
2. Cut two bias strips about 1 in. longer than the slit
and about fve times the fnished width of the binding.
3. Right sides together, position one of the bias
strips at one side of the thread-traced opening.
Baste the strip
1
4 in. from the thread-traced line,
stopping at the end of the opening. Repeat for the
other side. Turn the work over and examine the
basted lines. Tey should be evenly spaced, parallel
to the opening and equal in length.
4. Stitch the binding, and tie the threads at the ends.
5. Cut the slit open between the stitching lines,
stopping
1
4 in. from the closed end. Clip diagonally
to the ends of the stitching. When clipping, dont
cut the strips, only the garment layer.
6. Wrap the binding around the slit raw edges.
Turn under the binding raw edges until the fold
meets the stitched line; pin. Te fnished binding
should measure
1
4 in. wide. Baste.
7. Use fell stitches to sew the binding fold to the
stitched line.
8. Fold the garment back to expose the small
triangle at the slit end and the ends of the strips.
Stitch across the bottom to catch all raw edges.
Remove all bastings and press lightly.
claires hint I give the strips and triangle a
sharp tug before stitching. When stitching, I swing in
slightly at the corners to be sure I catch all threads.
ConCealed PlaCketS
Designed to hide the fasteners that close the
garment, a concealed placket has a separate
underlay of fabric hidden beneath the fnished
opening edges. Te garment edges are fnished
with extended facings, and the underlay of self-
fabric or lining material is applied to the facing.
Concealed plackets are particularly useful when
a more obvious closure would detract from the
FiniSHed deSign
StitCHing Binding StriPS Cutting Slit oPen
Bound Slit
1
4
Baste
Machine
stitch on
basting
Baste at bottom
of opening
Machine
stitching
Cut opening
stop
1
4
from end
Clip to ends
FiniSHing tHe Binding
Fell
stitches
Turn under
and fell
stitch
StitCHing aCroSS triangle
Fold back to expose triangle. Stitch
triangle and binding strips together.
garment design. Usually fastened with buttons and
buttonholes, snaps, or zippers, these plackets can
be lapped to produce a fy opening or abutted to
make an inverted pleat.
Fly Placket. A favorite of many designers, the
fy placket is frequently used on blouses, dresses,
and suit skirts. Some fy plackets are topstitched,
while others are left plain. Te underlays, however,
are made by hand and fastened with buttons and
buttonholes or occasionally with snaps.
1. To plan the placket, decide frst if the edge will
be topstitched. If so, cut the extended facing
1
4 in.
to
1
2 in. wider than the fnished width of the
topstitching. Otherwise, cut the facing 1
1
2 in. to
2 in. wide. Finish the facing and overcast the edge.
Topstitch the garment section if planned.
2. For the underlay on a blouse or dress, cut a
rectangle on the lengthwise grain 3 in. longer than
the opening and 4 in. wide.
3. Right sides together, fold the underlay length-
wise. Baste, stitch the long raw edges
1
4 in. from the
edges. Overcast the edges at the sides and bottom.
4. Turn the underlay right side out; press.
5. Assemble the blouse and fnish the hem; dont
fnish the neckline. On the underlay, mark the
buttonhole locations and make hand-worked
buttonholes.
6. Wrong side up, place the underlay on the
facing so the facing shows about
1
8 in. at the front
edge; baste. Using short running stitches, sew it
permanently.
7. Use short thread tacks between buttonholes to
join the underlay to the facing layer only.
8. Finish the neckline with a facing or collar.
Remove all bastings.
multiPle PlaCketS
A multiple placket is composed of two or more
plackets located at the same or nearby positions on
diferent layers of the garment. Double, triple, and
occasionally even quadruple plackets are a necessity
for a design with a built-in foundation. Te design
of multiple plackets runs the gamut from a pair of
simple center-back or underarm zippers on a dress
and accompanying slip to far more convoluted
combinations like the trio I saw on a Lanvin
evening gown with a draped surplice bodice over
an attached silk slip. Te slip itself fastened under
the arm with hooks and eyes. Te left front bodice
fastened to the slip with hooks and eyes at center
front, and the right bodice similarly attached to the
left bodice. Since the surplice edge was irregular,
the hooks and eyes wiggled and wound from
neckline to waist to create an invisible closure.
Designed by Yves saint laurent in the 1970s, the
bodice on this attractive dress fastens with a fly or
concealed placket to the waist.
Fly Placket
Underlay
Hand-worked
buttonholes
Place French tack
between layers
Overcast edges
Facing
1
8
Overcast
91 c los u r e s
Button Closures
Button closures are often an intrinsic part of a
garments design. Tey can serve as decorative
accents as well as utilitarian fasteners and can be
made from all kinds of materials.
Buttons can be used with a variety of buttonholes.
Bound, hand-worked, and faced buttonholes,
as well as button loops, are commonly used in
couture. Te choice depends on the garments style,
function and fabric; the desired fnished efect, the
location, and the designers preference. Sometimes
the choice is straightforward, and sometimes not.
Generally, bound buttonholes are used on soft
feminine designs such as afternoon and cocktail
dresses. Hand-worked buttonholes are most often
used on fne lingerie, traditional menswear-tailored
designs, and skirts. In-seam buttonholes are
frequently used on structured garments and crisp
fabrics. Faced buttonholes are reserved for unusual
shapes, furs, and imitation-fur fabrics.
mark tHe ButtonHole
Regardless of the style of buttonhole you choose,
the garment should be carefully prepared before
you actually sew the buttonhole. All buttonholes
should be identical in length and width, spaced
evenly, and located an equal distance from the
garment edge unless its a novelty design. Te
garment should always be interfaced appropriately
before buttonholes are made. If its not, it wont
maintain its shape, and the buttonholes wont
wear well.
Te thread-traced lines marking the garment
centers are particularly important when ftting
garments with button closures. Tey are always
matched and pinned for each ftting so the closures
are accurately positioned.
1. Measure the buttons diameter and thickness.
claires hint To measure the diameter, I wrap
a narrow strip of selvage, tape, or ribbon around the
button, and pin the ends together. After removing the
button and without unpinning the strip, I measure the
distance between the strips fold and the pin and add
in., since buttonholes, when worked, tend to shrink a
little. Tis is the measurement I use to make a sample
buttonhole.
2. Slip the button through the sample buttonhole.
If the buttonhole is the least bit tight, it wont wear
well. Once you have determined the buttonhole
length, thread-trace horizontal placement lines
to indicate each buttonhole location and vertical
lines to mark the ends of the buttonholes (see the
drawing on p. 93).
Bound ButtonHoleS
A bound buttonhole has two fabric welts that
meet at the opening. Tis buttonhole is sewn
in two separate steps: the frst step fnishes the
buttonhole on the right side of the garment, and
the second step fnishes it on the inside or facing
side. Tere are various methods for making bound
fabricated in silk chiffon, this Valentino blouse from
the mid-1980s has a double placket to accommodate
a close-fitting underblouse and a pleated overblouse.
The underblouse is closely fitted and fastens with
a zipper. The overblouse fastens with small chiffon-
covered snaps that allow it to drape softly.
buttonholes, but those described here are used
most often in couture.
Te welts for a bound buttonhole can be cut on
the lengthwise or crosswise grain, or the bias. Tey
can be sewn from self-fabric, contrasting fabric,
braid, or piping.
In home-sewing and ready-to-wear production,
bound buttonholes are made on the garment
section before the garment is assembled. In couture,
the button locations and even the buttonhole size
may not be fnally decided until after the sections
are sewn together and the garments fnished length
is determined. If the garment is just basted
together, the bastings are removed so the right
front can be laid fat and the buttonholes sewn. If
the garment is already machine stitched, it is
somewhat more cumbersome, but the buttonholes
can be completed.
Patch method. Well-suited for fabrics that ravel,
the patch method is suitable for lightweight and
medium-weight fabrics. Its generally not appropriate
for fabrics with patterns that need to be matched.
Although welts sewn from a bias-cut patch are
easier to shape, the patch can also be cut on the
lengthwise or crosswise grain. Most are made from
self-fabric, but they can be a contrast.
1. For each buttonhole, cut a patch 2 in. wide and
1 in. longer than the fnished buttonhole.
2. Wrong sides together, fold the patch in half
lengthwise. Press the folded edge. Stretch the fold
when pressing so the welts will maintain their
shape on the fnished buttonhole.
3. Right sides together, pin the patch to the garment
with the folded edge aligned with and centered
on the thread traced placement line. Using short
stitches, baste the patch at the center along the
foldline, beginning and ending
1
2 in. beyond the
buttonhole ends. Baste the stitching lines precisely.
4. Set the machine stitch length to 15 stitches
per inchor even a shorter stitch length when
working on lightweight fabric.
5. Interfacing side up, stitch the basted rectangle
around the buttonhole, beginning at its center.
When you have stitched around the buttonhole and
reached the beginning, overlap two to three stitches.
Stitch all the buttonholes, and then check to be sure
all rectangles are perfect and identical.
6. Interfacing side up, cut the buttonhole,
beginning at the center, clip toward the ends.
Stop
1
4 in. away from the ends, and carefully clip
diagonally into each corner. Press.
7. Wrong side up, turn the patch through the slash;
pull the ends of the patch back so you can see the
seam at each end. Press each end carefully.
8. Right side up, wrap the patch around the long,
raw edges of the opening to form the welts; pin
in the well of the seams. If the welts are too wide,
unpin the buttonhole and trim the raw edges of
the opening. Repeat the process until the welts
just meet.
9. Using short diagonal stitches, baste the welts
together; press lightly.
10. Using a fne needle and stabstitches, secure the
welts permanently in the well of the seams. If the
buttonhole is to be corded, thread the cord into a
tapestry needle and run it through the welts.
11. Machine stitch the triangles at the ends. Right
side up, fold the edge back exposing the triangle and
welts. Give the triangle and welt ends a sharp tug;
then using short machine stitches, stitch once across
the base of the triangle. Te line of stitches will be
slightly bowed at each end to catch the corners.
12. Round the corners of the patch and trim
the edges.
The buttonholes
and covered
buttons on this
hanae Mori
design from the
1970s have been
meticulously
matched to the
fabric pattern
on the garment
section.
(Photo by Author.)
93 c los u r e s
13. Remove all bastings. Wrong side up, place the
buttonhole on a soft, spongy pad or towel; press.
14. After the facing or lining is set, fnish the back
of the buttonhole as described on p. 94.
Strip method. Te strip method for making
bound buttonholes can be used on many diferent
fabrics of various weightsincluding those that
raveland its also a good method when youre
matching plaids and stripes.
For each buttonhole, cut two strips on the
lengthwise grain 2 in. wide and 1 in. longer than
the fnished buttonhole. When matching fabric
patterns, cut the strips crosswise so the fabric
patterns match at the stitching line. Prepare and
sew the strips for the buttonhole opening as
explained in the instructions for making a bound
pocket on p. 166. Complete the back of the
buttonhole as described on p. 94.
Handworked ButtonHoleS
Sometimes called hand, thread, or embroidered
buttonholes, handworked buttonholes are used
in couture on a variety of garments, from fne
lingerie to tailored coats and suits. Unlike bound
buttonholes, handworked buttonholes are cut
before they are worked and are generally fnished
after the rest of the garment is completed. In
most workrooms, they are made by a buttonhole
specialist.
All of the handworked buttonholes described
below require the same careful preparation. Before
beginning to sew buttonholes on the garment,
perfect your buttonhole stitch and make some
sample buttonholes on scraps of your garment
fabric. On light- to medium-weight fabrics, use
cotton thread or silk machine thread. On heavier
fabrics, use silk buttonhole twist.
Center front
Baste crease at
center
Baste the
stitching lines
Ends of button hole
Thread-traced
garment edge
PatcH metHod For Bound ButtonHoleS
Sewing PatCH to PlaCement line
1
8
CliPPing to CornerS
Interfacing
Clip opening
Clip to corners
Stabstitch
Push patch
through. Wrap
welts around raw
edges and baste
them together.
SeCuring weltS Permanently
Interfacing
SeCuring endS oF ButtonHole
Machine stitch
triangle at ends
Machine stitched
An easy formula for determining the thread
length needed for a buttonhole is to cut the same
fraction of a yard as the buttonhole length is of an
inch. For example, if the buttonhole is to be two-
thirds of an inch long, cut the thread about two-
thirds of a yard.
Generally, buttonholes are worked with a single
strand of thread. Prepare the thread for all the
buttonholes before beginning, by waxing and
pressing it. When I cut the thread lengths, I knot
the cut end immediately so I know which end to
thread through the needle eye.
1. Tread-trace the buttonhole location and ends.
2. To reduce fraying and prevent the layers from
slipping, machine stitch a rectangle around each
buttonhole. Set the stitch length for 20 stitches
per inch and sew
1
16 in. from the thread traced
opening.
claires hint I begin on one long edge, stitch
around the buttonhole, and overlap the beginning three
or four stitches.
3. Use a small pair of very sharp scissors or a mat
knife to cut the buttonhole opening precisely
along a thread in the fabric. To retard fraying
when working with loosely woven medium- or
heavyweight fabric, I seal the edges with beeswax
(see p. 96).
uSe tHeSe di reCti onS to
finish the facing or lining on a
bound buttonhole.
1. Baste around each buttonhole
to hold the layers together.
2. Right side up, mark the ends
with pins.
3. Turn the garment over and
clip the facing or lining between
Finishing a Bound Buttonhole
the two pins. Clip another
1
16 in.
at each end.
4. Using a fine needle, turn
under the edges of the opening
a scant
1
8 in. and fell stitch the
folded edge to the buttonhole
welts.
5. At each end of the slit, use
the needle point to shape
the opening into a rectangle.
Overcast the corners firmly
to make them square. When
sewing around the opening,
I think its easier to sew around
twice instead of making the
stitches close together on the
first pass.
FiniSHing Back oF ButtonHole
Baste around
buttonhole
Mark
ends
Turn under facing edge
1
8 and fell stitch
Shape corners with needle
95 c los u r e s
4. Overcast the edges of the
opening.
On tailored jackets and coats,
strandingthat is, laying in a
strand of thread before working
the buttonhole stitchesis often
used to create a raised texture
that attractively defnes the
buttonhole. Strand the buttonhole
immediately after sealing and
before overcasting and fnishing
the edge.
5. Using matching thread to
strand the buttonhole; anchor
it securely at one end
1
16 in.
below the opening. Insert the
needle at the other end of the
buttonhole the same distance
below the opening and take a
short stitch between the layers so the needle exits
1
16 in. above the opening. Repeat this procedure
above the opening, so you end where you began.
Add a second strand above and below the opening
to produce a stronger, more attractive buttonhole;
fasten the thread securely at the end.
6. Work either a straight or a keyhole buttonhole
by hand.
Straight Buttonholes. A
straight, hand-worked buttonhole
is a simple slit in the fabric with
the raw edges fnished with
buttonhole stitches. Tese edges
can be fnished with a bar at
both ends, a fan at both ends,
or a bar at one end and a fan at
the other. Generally, double-bar
buttonholes are used for vertical
buttonholes on shirts, while those
with fans are used on concealed
plackets, blouses, and fne lingerie.
Buttonholes with a combination
of a fan and bar are used for
horizontal buttonholes on bands
and cufs.
1. Begin the buttonhole stitches
at the end farthest from the edge,
making sure that the purls of the stitches sit on top
of the fabric rather than inside the opening.
2. At the end, work a fan with fve, seven or nine
stitches, depending on the thread weight and
closeness of the stitches. Te fan stitches should be
evenly spaced with the center stitch aligned with
the opening.
3. Complete the second side of the buttonhole.
The buttonhole on this Yves saint
laurent linen jacket from the late
1970s is as attractive on the facing
side as it is on the face side of the
jacket. for more about keyhole
buttonholes, see p. 96.
(Photo by Susan Kahn. Authors collection.)
Plain ButtonHole
Finished
edge
Machine stitch
around opening
Ends of buttonhole
Center
front
Strand
both
sides of
slit
Stranding ButtonHole
Bar under
stitches
Make fan
5, 7, or 9
stitches
Buttonhole stitches
cover machine
stitching
Blanket
stitches
at end
making a Fan and Bar at endS
4. After the last stitch, slide the needle into
the knot of the frst stitch to draw the opening
together.
5. To make a bar at the end, take three short
vertical stitches about
1
8 in. long across the end,
pulling the threads taut.
6. Work blanket stitches over the bar, looping the
thread toward the buttonhole.
7. To fnish, pass the needle to the facing side and
secure the thread. Using a diagonal basting stitch,
baste the buttonhole closed and press facedown.
8. Remove all the original basting lines.
keyhole Buttonhole. Often used on tailored coats
and suits when the fabric layers are thick or bulky, a
keyhole, or tailored buttonhole has one end slightly
enlarged to allow the shank of a button to be seated
in the buttonhole.
1. Insert an awl into the fabric at the end of the
buttonhole where the button will sit. Twist to form
the keyhole shape.
2. Stitch around the buttonhole about
1
16 in. from
the opening.
3. Cut a straight line for the buttonhole opening
and seal the edges with beeswax to prevent fraying.
claires hint To apply the wax, I fold the
buttonhole slit lengthwise, with right sides together.
Heat the blade of a small paring knife over an iron.
Rub the blade over the wax, then rub the slit raw edges
with the waxed knife.
ameri Can deSi gnerS norman
Norell and James Galanos were
extremely meticulous. When a
buttonhole crossed two colors,
the thread color was changed to
match the fabric pattern.
1. Begin the buttonhole as you
would a straight buttonhole.
2. To change colors, lay the first
thread along the raw edges of
the buttonhole so you can work
the stitches of the second color
over it. Dont cut the first thread.
Youll need it to stitch the other
side of the buttonhole.

Two-color Embroidered Buttonhole
3. Begin the second color with a
waste knot and slip the needle
into the purl of the last stitch.
Hold the slit and the new thread
firmly, then sew buttonhole
stitches for the length of the
new color.
4. To return to the original color,
pick up the purl of the last
stitch with the original thread
and make two stitches over the
second color.
5. Fasten the end of the second
color; complete the buttonhole
with the first color.
Very few designers change the
thread color in the middle of a
buttonhole like norman norell
did on this silk suit blouse from
the late 1960s.
(Photo courtesy of Treads magazine.)
keyHole ButtonHole
11 stitches
around keyhole
Keyhole buttonhole
97 c los u r e s
4. Work the buttonhole stitches from the straight
end to the keyhole. Ten work 11 stitches around
the keyhole.
5. Work the stitches on the second side and fnish
the end with a thread bar, as explained in step 5 on
the facing page.
douBle ButtonHole
A double buttonhole has two buttonholesone
on the garment and one on the facingback to
back. Tis is a feature that distinguishes a couture
Chanel suit from a copy; but Chanel was not the
frst couturier to use the double buttonhole. Charles
Frederick Worth used it in the early 20th century.
Te buttonhole on the Chanel jacket is generally
hand-worked on the shell fabric and fnished like
a bound buttonhole on the lining. Tis technique
solves two problems: it makes the loosely woven
suiting fabric that Chanel favored stable enough
to support hand-worked buttonholes, and it hides
their unattractive wrong side.
1. Before the lining is sewn, work a hand button-
hole on the garment with a large fan instead of a
keyhole. When duplicating the Worth buttonhole,
work a bound buttonhole on the shell fabric.
2. To make the faux bound buttonhole on the back,
cut two welts 1 in. wide and 1 in. longer than the
fnished buttonhole on the lengthwise grain of the
lining or facing fabric.
claires hint When the pattern has
horizontal stripes or a pattern to be matched, I cut the
welts to match the fabrics.
3. Wrong sides together, fold the welts lengthwise;
press.
4. Pin the welts to the back of the buttonhole,
aligning them with the buttonhole opening.
5. Secure the welts permanently with short
running stitches.
6. Finish the lining as you would a facing for a
regular bound buttonhole, as described on p. 94.
Button looPS
Made of contrasting or matching fabric, decorative
cords, narrow braids, or thread, button loops can
be set into a seamline or along a folded edge
individually or in a continuous strip. Tey can be
widely spaced or side by side, as they were for one
Patou jacket made in the 1920s, which had thirty
buttons and loops at the front opening and ten on
each of the ftted sleeves.
Fabric button loops should generally be narrow,
round, and frm, but if oversized, they can create an
unusual efect. Te actual width of the loop is
determined by the fabrics weight and texture.
Loops of lightweight, silky materials can be as fne
as a single heavy thread. Tose of bulky or thick
fabrics are necessarily much wider. Te dimensions
recommended here are only a guide; make samples
from your garment fabric to be sure the loops are
correctly sized.
1. For lightweight fabrics, begin with a 1-in.-wide
fabric strip cut on the true bias (see p. 82). For
heavyweight fabric, make the strips 1
1
2 in. to 2 in.
wide. For individual loops, you can make several
short strips. For loops set in a continuous strip, cut
a strip long enough for all the loops and spaces in
between, plus 3 in.
2. Right sides together, fold the strip in half
lengthwise. Lap-baste a scant
1
8 in. from the folded
edge, increasing slightly more than
1
8 in. at the end
of the tube to make a funnel shape.
The button
loops on this
cardin blouse
from the 1960s
are only slightly
larger than silk
buttonhole
twist.
(Photo by Author.)
3. Shorten the machines stitch length to 20 stitches
per inch; stitch on the basted line, stretching the
strip as much as possible, which will narrow it.
4. Trim the seam allowances to slightly less than
the tubes width. Remove the bastings.
5. Tread a tapestry needle with a short length of
buttonhole twist; fasten the thread at the funnel end.
6. Insert the needle into the tube, pull it out the
other end, and turn the tube right side out. If the
tube turns easily, its probably too wide; try making
a narrower strip of tubing.
7. After turning the tubing, wet it and squeeze dry in
a towel. Pin one end securely to the pressing board.
Straighten the tubing so the seam isnt twisted.
Stretch as much as possible, pin the other end
securely and leave it to dry. Dont worry about the
water staining silk tubing since the entire strip is wet.
8. Before setting the button loops, experiment
with the shape you want. Te loop can be held fat
against the garment edge or it can extend out. Once
you have selected a shape for the loops, thread-
trace the top and bottom of each loop location on
the garment.
9. Mark the loops fnished length on the tubing,
leaving at least a
3
8-in. seam allowance at each end.
Setting individual loops. Individual button loops
are frequently sewn into a seam at the opening, but
they can also be set into a fold at the edge.
1. To set individual loops into a seam, begin right
side up. Pin and baste the loops in place so the
marked fnished length on the loops is aligned
with the marked seamline and the loop seams are
face up. Before sewing, I check to be sure the
loops are identical in shape and length and
correctly spaced.
2. Right sides together, baste and stitch the facing
to the garment to secure the loops.
3. To set individual loops on a folded edge or
extended facing, use an awl to make a hole for
each end of the loop. Carefully work the garment
threads apart without breaking them. From the
StitCHing tuBe turning tuBe Setting individual looP
in a Seam
Button looPS
Setting individual looP in a Fold
Thread-traced
foldline
Setting multiPle looPS
Funnel shape
at end
Machine
stitching
1
8
Funnel at end
Trim
Tapestry needle
Buttonhole twist
Short machine
stitches
Thread-traced
seamline
Sew loops at
seamline
3
8
Loop
seam
Extended
facing
Make a pair
of holes with
an awl
Insert loop end in
foldline or sew end
to facing
Hand sew
to edge
Turn under end and sew facing
99 c los u r e s
right side, insert a loop end into each hole. Adjust
it to the desired length; baste. Repeat for the
remaining loops; sew the ends securely to the
interfacing or stay.

Setting multiple loops. Several methods can be
used to sew multiple loops from a single length
of tubing.
1. For an edge with a seam, sew them into the
seamline using the directions above for setting
individual loops.
2. For an edge with a fold instead of a seam,
secure the ends of the looped strip, using the
directions above for setting loops into a fold; or by
turning under the tubes raw edges and sewing
them to the facing. To make the loops, sew one
end of the tubing to the edge. When the loops have
a space between them, make the frst loop, then
sew the tubing to the facing for the desired
distance. Continue until all loops are sewn. Trim
the excess and turn under the end. Stitch it
permanently.
claires hint To avoid tearing the garment
when the loops are used, I catch the interfacing or stay
at the garment edge when I sew the loops.
CHanel-inSPired Button
An attractive button used on the Chanel jackets
and copies by Davidow has a gilt button, often a
lions head, in the center of a larger fabric-covered
ring. One of the advantages of this button is that
smaller buttons are less expensive and you can
invest in a higher quality button.
Tese are the directions I use for making a similar
button.
1. Use a metal button with a shank and a plastic
curtain ring that fts easily around the button. A
5
8-in. button fts nicely inside a 1-in. ring.
2. Measure the diameter of the ring; cut a fabric
circle twice this diameter.
claires hint I fnd it easier to cover the ring
with the lining or blouse fabric.
3. Using buttonhole twist, sew around the raw edge
of the circle with overcasting stitches, leaving a
thread tail at both ends.
4. Wrong side up, steam-press the circle; place the
ring in the center. Pull up the thread ends tightly
so the fabric fts the ring smoothly. Steam again to
shrink away some of the excess.
5. Right side up, stabstitch around the inside of the
ring so the rim stands up at the edge. I make tiny
backstitches to hold the fabric securely while Im
working.
6. On the back of the ring, sew the fabric edges fat.
When sewing the back, I try to avoid threads at the
center because they will make it more difcult to
insert the button shank.
a clever way to
make a small
button larger,
this attractive
button begins
with a fabric
covered ring.
(Photo courtesy of
Treads magazine.)
metal Button in FaBric-covered ring
Stabstitch inside ring
Pull up overcasting thread
to gather fabric around ring
Button
shank
Make hole
with awl Lining
7. Use an awl to make a small hole in the center of
the ring for the button shank. Insert the shank and
sew it to the fabric on the back of the ring.
8. Sew back and forth across the back several
times; fasten securely.
9. To neaten the back, cut a circle of lining fabric
slightly smaller than the ring. Make a small hole
at the center with an awl for the button shank;
whipstitch the lining to the back of the button.
claires hint If the button doesnt sit inside the
ring, it will be difcult to sew the button on using the
shank to sew it securely. I sometimes make a thread bar
to use as a button shank (see p. 36).
Sewing on ButtonS
Te garment should be fnished and pressed before
the buttons are sewn on. Use fne threads for light-
to medium-weight fabrics and silk buttonhole twist
or linen thread for medium- to heavyweight fabrics.
1. Wax and press a single thread.
2. Make a waste knot (see p. 29); bring the needle
out at the button location and take several tiny
stitches in place on the garment side only to secure
the thread and strengthen the base for the button.
3. If the button is only ornamental, sew it fat
against the fabric. If it is functional, make a thread
stem or neck to allow the button to sit in the
buttonhole without indenting the overlap. If the
button has a shank, make the stem as long as the
shank plus the thickness of the fabric overlap. If the
button has no shank, make the stem the thickness
of the fabric overlap plus
1
8 in.
4. Yves Saint Laurent used a braided, stand-up
button stem; its
stronger than a
wrapped stem and
does not fop over
when the button
is unbuttoned.
Start with a thread
shank of six to eight
threads. Hold the
button slightly away
from the surface
of the fabric to make the stem. If the button has
four holes, take four stitches in each pair of holes
to create the stem, adjusting the stitches to be the
same length. If the button has a shank or two holes,
take six stitches.
5. Divide the threads in half, and beginning at the
top of the shank near the button, sew a buttonhole
stitch around one group of threads. Pass the needle
under those threads and out through the center.
Sew a buttonhole stitch around the other group.
Alternate back and forth until you reach the base
of the stem and fasten the thread with several tiny
stitches into the fabric.
Zippers and Other Fasteners
Invented in 1893 as a fastener for boots, the zipper
was frst called a clasp-locker and later a hookless
fastener or slide fastener. In 1923, B. F. Goodrich
coined the name zipper. Even though early zippers
were heavy and rusted if they werent removed
before garments were laundered, they were
commonly found in inexpensive ready-to-wear
clothing by the late 1920s.
Schiaparelli began showing zippers on couture
designs in 1930. By 1935, her Fall/Winter
Collection was flled with plastic zippers in
contrasting colors and in unexpected placesat
the shoulders of blouses and on evening gowns.
By the mid-1930s, zippers were so commonplace
that instructions for sewing them appeared in
dressmaking books.
Today, zippers continue to be a favorite of ready-
to-wear and pattern-company designers, but
theyre less popular in haute couture. In addition
to ofering less design interest than other kinds of
closures, zippers add bulk and can interfere with
the designs drape.
Despite its drawbacks, the zipper can also be a
useful, unobtrusive closure. On couture skirts,
zippers are frequently used in pairs to preserve a
garments symmetry. Used at garment centers, side
seams, and wrists of sleeves, a zipper can be centered
under an opening with a narrow welt on each side
Braided
Button Stem
101 c los u r e s
(a slot zipper), covered by one wide welt (a lapped
zipper), or hidden under a fy placket (a fy zipper).
Te slot zipper is the most versatile and most
frequently used zipper in couture. (Te directions
below for the slot zipper can easily be adapted for
lapped zippers.)
In couture workrooms, zippers are usually basted
in place for fttings, even though they have to be
removed after the ftting. Some zippers appear
to be machine stitched, but they are usually
permanently sewn by hand because its easier to
control the fabric.
Before permanently setting a zipper, complete as
much of the garment as possible. To reduce bulk,
trim the seam allowances on any horizontal seams
that extend to the opening.
PrePare tHe oPening
Te frst step when setting a zipper is to prepare
the opening and stabilize it with a lightweight stay.
1. Tread-trace the opening when you mark the
seamlines.
2. Wrong side up, use running stitches to sew
a narrow stay of silk chifon or organza on the
thread-traced lines at the opening. I measure
the opening on the pattern and mark that
measurement minus
1
8 in. on the stay.
3. Turn under the opening edges; baste from the
bottom to the top of each side of the opening
1
4 in.
from the folded edge. Press. Measure the length of
each side of the opening to be sure both sides are
the same length.
To avoid stretching the opening, dont clip or
stretch the seam allowances to make the edges lie
fat. If one edge is slightly longer than the other,
shrink it to match the shorter edge (see p. 64) and
reset the stay if needed. Remeasure the opening to
be sure both edges are equal in length.
4. Press the zipper tape to remove any folds. If the
zipper is too long, measure and mark the corrected
length from the top and make a thread bar at the
marked point (see p. 36).
claires hint Zipper lengths are frequently
customized in couture so shortened zippers are not
unusual. When zippers are on sale, I buy only the
longest zippers because they can be cut to any length.
Slot ZiPPer
A slot zipper can be sewn in place before the facing
fnish is applied.
1. Tread-trace and stay the zipper opening even
when it is on grain to prevent stretching and
rippling.
2. When sewing a zipper to a bias or shaped
opening, put the garment on a dress form or the
human fgure to pin the zipper into the opening
rather than trying to work with the garment fat.
When sewing a garment with more than one color
fabric along the seamline, consider this idea from
Yves Saint Laurent used on one of his Pop-Art
dresses: Use fabric paints to recolor a light zipper
so it matches the fabric colors covering it.
a rarity in the
1930s, the
zippers on the
shoulders of
this dress, also
shown on p. 71,
were perhaps a
status symbol.
(Photo by Taylor
Sherrill. Authors
collection.)
Slot ZiPPer
1
4
3
8
Fell stitch
zipper tape
to seam
allowance; sew
permanently
with short
running stitches
Overcast edges
Thread bar at
end of opening
Small amount of
fabric shows
Finish ends with
narrow binding
3. Wrong side up, open the zipper; pin, beginning
at the top. Position the tab stop
1
4 in. to
3
8 in.
below the fnished edge or seamline. Position the
zipper teeth edges just inside the folded garment
edges. When pinning, I set the pins vertically on
the zipper tape, parallel to the opening. After I pin
both sides, I zip it closed so I can check to be sure
the fabric doesnt pull or ripple and all horizontal
seamlines and fabric patterns match.
4. Remove the garment from the model or dress
form; carefully reset the pins on the garment inside.
5. Wrong side up with the zipper open, baste one
side of the zipper, starting at the bottom and using
small stitches close to the zipper teeth. Baste the
other side. To prevent the layers from shifting
when basting across seamlines, take a backstitch at
the junction.
Ideally, you would baste both sides from the
bottom up, but, unless youre ambidextrous, youll
fnd it awkward to baste the second side. Some
couture workrooms actually have two people
basting and sewing each zipper, one of them left-
handed and the other right-handed. I baste the
awkward side with the garment right side up.
6. Close the zipper. Te two welts should form a
small peak at the center. To check the zipper before
sewing it permanently, put the garment back on
the form or fgure. Te welts should fatten out
without exposing the zipper teeth, and the peak
should be gone.
7. Use a small-size needle threaded with silk or
mercerized cotton thread. Right side up, open
the zipper and use
small running
stitches to sew the
zipper permanently.
Unlike backstitches,
running stitches allow
the fabric to move
with the body so the
stitches are less
conspicuous.
8. To conceal the tab at the top, sew the zipper only
to the seam allowances for about 1 in. On the right
side, sew small stitches on the garment layer only to
correspond with the rest of the opening; work
carefully to avoid catching the seam allowance at
the top.
9. Wrong side up, turn under the ends of the
zipper tape at the top; trim and sew the folded
edges fat.
10. Fell stitch the edges of the zipper tape to the
seam allowances to keep them from curling.
For additional security, you can machine stitch
the zipper tape to the seam allowances; this
ofers more strength but is less supple than hand
stitching.
11. If you need to shorten the zipper, make a
bartack across the zipper teeth to stop the slider at
the bottom. Trim the end
1
2 in. below the bartack.
Finish the end with overcasting or a small bias
binding.
12. Right side up, make a tiny bartack at the
bottom of the zipper to reinforce the placket.
14. To prevent irritation from a back zipper, I
make an underlap from 1-in.-wide grosgrain. For
a fat fnish on the ends, I simply overcast the
raw edges. Ten, using short running stitches, I
sew it to the left back seam allowance and across
the bottom.
toP-StitcHed Placket ZiPPer
Overcast edges Overcast edges
Blindstitch
seam allowance
to backing
Sew only
to seam
allowance
FiniSHing a
Slot ZiPPer
Make small
stitches
only on
garment
Sew zipper
only to
seam
allowance
103 c los u r e s
StitCHleSS ZiPPer
A variation of the slot zipper, the stitchless zipper
was used extensively in the 1960s. To use this
technique, the garment must have a backing.
1. Tread-trace and stay the opening.
2. Turn under the seam allowances; baste. Press.
3. Wrong side up, use running stitches to sew the
zipper to the seam allowances only.
4. Fell stitch the edges of the zipper to the seam
allowances.
5. Using blindstitches, sew the seam allowance to
the backing.
extended ZiPPer
Often used on couture tuck-in blouses, the
extended zipper is several inches longer than
the blouse and hangs free below the hem. Te
added length allows the garment to open wide
enough so you can easily step into it. Te extended
zipper could be replaced by a separating zipper,
but separating zippers are heavier, available in
limited colors, and more difcult to manage. Use
the instructions for the slot zipper (p. 101) for
applying an extended zipper.
multiPle ZiPPerS
Its not uncommon to have two zippers, and
sometimes three, one on top of the other in a
single couture garment. Te most common design
is a dress with a corselette. Each zipper is sewn
in separately; and the corselette is often extended
several inches to facilitate dressing.
Mainbocher used a diferent double zipper on a
dress with a light-colored bodice and a dark skirt.
Te bodice has a matching zipper that extended
about 9 in. below the waist; it was hidden by the
blue skirt zipper.
toPStitCHed PlaCket ZiPPer
Ive always called this the YSL zipper because I saw
it frst on a pair of YSL trousers; since then, Ive
found it on many couture designs ranging from
trousers to ball gowns, and even slips.
Tis zipper is sewn into the placket by hand
after the opening has been topstitched. Tere are
several advantages: Te opening can be topstitched
more accurately because the topstitching is done
on fat seams before the zipper is sewn; its easier
to control the fabric layers when sewing by hand;
the topstitching can be sewn closer to the opening
since the zipper teeth do not interfere with the
Designed by Marc Bohan for Dior in 1966, this attractive
coat dress has a stitchless zipper, meaning there are
no visible stitches on the face of the garment.
on this Mainbocher
dress from the
1960s, a light-
colored zipper is
sewn to the bodice
so it extends about
7 in. below the
waist. The dark-
colored zipper is
sewn into the skirt.
(Photo by David Arky,
courtesy of the Museum of
the City of New York, Dept.
of Costumes & Textiles.)
zipper foot; and when fabrics are thick, the zipper
placket is more secure than when it is stitched by
hand. Tese directions are for a fy opening, but
they can be adapted easily for any zipper. Since the
fy opening is rarely altered, the zipper can be set
before the frst ftting.
1. Prepare the opening.
Turn under, baste, and press the openings seam
allowances. Mark the stitching lines on the overlap
with basting so the layers will not shift when
topstitched.
2. Select the thread and machine stitch length to
correspond with other topstitching details on the
garment. Stitch the fy opening as marked. Remove
the bastings; press.
3. Position the folded edge of the plackets underlap
close to the zipper teeth, with any excess zipper
at the bottom of the opening length, and baste
the zipper in place. Close the zipper and baste the
garment together at the center front to position the
zipper on the underneath side of the overlap.
4. Turn the garment wrong side up and baste the
zipper on to the overlap facing. Sew the zipper
permanently by hand with short running stitches
strengthened by an occasional backstitch.
Hooks and Eyes and Snaps
Hooks and eyes and snaps are frequently used
instead of zippers in couture. Available in several
sizes, hooks can be used with a straight or round
metal eye, round ring, or a thread bar, which is less
conspicuous but considerably weaker.
HookS and eyeS
For skirt closures, the French prefer a fastener
thats similar to the large coat hooks available
in America. Since this hook is fat between the
eyelets, it can be sewn to the wrong side of the
waistband before the facing or lining is applied.
Te facing or lining can then be sewn in place
by hand so only the hook itself (not the eyelets)
is exposed.
mark and BaSte Fly ZiPPer
Baste to
mark fly
topstitching
Center front
Basting
StitcH oPening
Edgestitching
Topstitching
Center front
Sew ZiPPer to underlaP
Fell stitch
Running
stitch
Zipper
tape
Teeth
Running stitch
Running
stitch
Fell
stitch
Top stop
Sew ZiPPer to Fly
105 c los u r e s
1. Use mercerized cotton or machine silk thread
that matches the garment; wax the thread for
strength.
2. To be sure the hooks and eyes are aligned
correctly, sew the hooks frst; then sew the eyes.
3. When the hooks will be covered by a facing
or lining, sew the end and the eyelets with
backstitches. When the eyelets on the hooks and
eyes will not be covered, use blanket stitches to
sew around the eyelets. When making a thread eye,
follow the directions for thread bars on p. 36.
For added security when sewing hooks at a
placket on a waist stay or corselette, alternate the
hooks and eyes so each side of the opening has
both hooks and eyes. To make them less noticeable
on delicate fabrics such as chifon, lightweight
metallics, and lace, bend the hook so the two
eyelets are on top of each other.
SnaPS
Snaps are even less conspicuous than hooks and
eyes because they are easy to cover with fabric,
but theyre not nearly as strong. Used on lapped
edges in couture, they are usually combined with
another fastener or used on loosely ftted designs
and on overskirts. When used on coats and jackets,
they are generally covered with a lightweight lining
fabric in a matching color.
1. Sew the snap ball to the overlap using a single
strand of thread; secure the thread and make
several stitches in the frst hole without sewing
through to the outside of the garment. After the
last stitch in the frst hole, run the needle between
the fabric layers to the next hole. Repeat until all
holes are sewn.
2. To mark the location for the snap socket, rub
the ball with chalk and arrange the garment in
the snapped position. Firmly press the two edges
together to mark the sockets position. Sew the
socket in place the same way as the ball.
3. You can use a hanging snap instead of a hook
and eye at the top of a zipper placket as well as on
other openings. Sew only one hole of the socket to
one side of the opening; sew the ball to the facing
on the other side.
Covered Snaps
1. Cut two circles of lining fabric twice the diameter
of the snap. Knot the thread and overcast the edge
of one circle.
2. Place the ball facedown on the circle; pull up
the thread. Sew across the back of the snap several
times to fatten the fabric. Fasten the thread
securely and repeat for the snap socket.
3. Snap the two sections together to make the hole
at the center of the snap socket.
SnaP
Socket Ball
On this pale pink princess-line
dress from Chanel, the double-
corded trim was appliqud to the
neck edge and armscyes. Notice
the princess seaming that begins
at the neck point.
Applying
Couture Techniques

p a r t t w o
107
109
6
Whether long or short, straight or full, skirts have
historically made fashion news. One of the most controversial styles was
French couturier Paul Poirets hobble skirt, which he introduced in 1910. It
was so narrowonly 12 in. wide below the kneesthat to avoid splitting the
seams, a woman wore a hobble garter, or strap of fabric that held the ankles
together. By contrast, Christian Diors New Look skirts,
designed about in 1947, were so full that some required
as much as 25 yds. of fabric.
A variety of silhouettes came and went in the decade
after the New Look, but all skirts remained relatively long.
In 1957, in his frst collection at the House of Dior, Yves
Saint Laurent shortened skirts and raised the waistline,
paving the way for the miniskirt, which dominated the
1960s. In addition to the mini, the 1960s saw long
romantic skirts traditional ethnic designs, and maxiskirts.
Loose trousers, on the other hand, werent included
in haute couture collections until 1911, when Poiret
showed Turkish trousers with limited success. In 1964
the pants revolution began in earnest, when Andr
Courrges presented pantsuits featuring narrow pants
From the early 1950s, this
stunning skirt by Mainbocher is
pleated with a shaped yoke to
flatter the figure and fit smoothly
under the suit jacket, which
is shown on p. 147. Like many
Mainbocher designs, the fabric
is a wool tweed and showcases
his attention to detail; the yoke is
applied to the pleats by hand.
Skirts & Pants
110 a p p Ly i Ng C Ou t u r e t e C hNi qu e s
with hems that curved into slits in the front and
dropped below the heel in back.
Tree years later, Yves Saint Laurent introduced
two important trendsetters: the smoking suit and
the daytime trouser suit, a feminine version of the
mans business suit. He later introduced the culotte
suit in 1968 and the safari suit in 1969.
When examined on the inside, couture skirts and
pants are relatively easy to identify. Te greater part
of a skirt or pair of pants is often sewn by hand,
including zippers, overcast seams, pleats, darts,
waistline fnishes, and hems on the lining as well as
on the garment itself.
Waistbands
Only three techniques are used extensively in
couture for fnishing the waist edges of skirts
and pants: the self-fabric band, the faced band,
and the faced edge, which does not have a band.
Appropriate for lined or unlined skirts, the faced
waistband is fnished with a lining fabric facing or
grosgrain ribbon applied by hand. Tis versatile
method is suitable for a variety of waistband
designs, fabrics, and fgures, and can be easily
adapted for pants (see p. 121) and applied to patch
pockets, belts, tabs, and even facings.
prepare the waistband
Sewn from the same fabric as the skirt, the
waistband can be cut on the lengthwise grain or
crossgrain if the fabric pattern is being matched.
Its rarely cut on the more easily shaped bias,
except when it matches the blouse fabric and a
bias cut is unnoticeable. Most fnished bands are
1 in. to 1
1
4 in. wide. Tey can fasten with lapped
or abutted ends. Use these directions for self-
fabric and faced bands.
1. To determine the fnished length of the band,
measure your waist and add 1-in. ease.
claire s hint I use a muslin strip instead of a
tape measure; pin it around my waist; and sit down to
be sure its comfortable. Ten I measure the strip.
2. Tread-trace the bands fnished length and
desired width on a large fabric scrap, leaving at
least
1
2-in. seam allowance on all sides and 3-in.
extra length, if you plan to lap the ends.
Tread-trace all matchpoints and guidelines at
garment centers, side seams, and the foldline for a
self-fabric waistband. When planning a lap on the
skirt back, I place the underlap on the right back.
3. Cut the interfacing the width and length of
the fnished band. If the fabric is medium- to
heavyweight, choose a crisp interfacing material
like hair canvas, tailors linen, Petersham, woven
belting or grosgrain ribbon. For lightweight fabrics,
select woven belting or grosgrain ribbon.
If the band is wide or shaped, the interfacing
should be crisper than for a straight, narrow band.
If one layer of interfacing isnt crisp enough, use
two or more layers.
claires hint I use hair canvas scraps and
quilt two layers together using zigzag stitches with rows
spaced about
1
4 in. apart.
4. Wrong side up, baste the interfacing to the band.
self-fabric band
Sometimes called a regular or one-piece waistband,
the self-fabric band is used on light- and medium-
weight fabrics.
1. Using the directions on p. 161, apply the
interfacing to the thread traced band. Catchstitch
the edges of the interfacing to the band.
Self-fabric band
Waistline
Band
facing
111 s k i r t s & p a Nt s
2. Wrong sides together, fold the waistband on
the foldline. Use steam to shape the band for a
smoother ft, stretch the upper edge so its long
enough to ft smoothly around the rib cage. To
create a longer line for a short-waisted fgure,
stretch the bottom of the band so the top edge sits
at the waistline.
3. Right sides together, align the matchpoints on
the band and skirt; baste. Machine stitch and trim
the seam to
1
2 in.
4. Remove the bastings and press the seam toward
the band.
5. Right sides together, fold the band on the fold-
line, baste the ends without catching the skirt.
Stitch.
6. Press the seams open, trim, and turn the band
right side out.
7. To fnish the band, turn under the raw edge like
a blouse cuf and fell stitch the folded edge to the
seamline.
claires hint On many Balenciaga skirts,
the waistband seam allowance is not turned under;
instead, it is trimmed away to reduce bulk and the raw
edge is overcast by hand. Ten the edge is sewn to the
seamline. If the band has a lap, the trimmed section is
sewn to the bands seam allowance on the lap.
faced waistband
Te faced waistband is smoother and thinner than
the self-fabric waistband. It is shaped and sewn
almost completely by hand.
1. Using the directions on the facing page, apply
the interfacing to the thread traced band. When
sewing on wool and hair fbers, press to marry the
fbers of the interfacing and fabric.
2. Wrap and pin the seam allowances around the
interfacing and baste them in place for the ftting.
Dont worry about the bulk at the corners.
3. Use steam to shape the band for a smoother ft,
stretching the upper edge so its long enough to ft
smoothly around the rib cage.
4. Baste the band to the skirt for the ftting. If the
band rolls, the interfacing is not crisp enough, the
band is too tight, or the fabric is unusually bulky.
Lengthen the band so its comfortable using some
of the 3-in. lap.
5. After the ftting, mark any corrections with
contrasting thread. Remove the band.
6. Release the bastings holding the seam allowances
in place at the ends and lower edge. Remove just
enough of the bastings at the top of the band to
release the ends. Trim the interfacing so it extends
only 2 in. beyond the opening and does not extend
into the end seam allowance.
7. Right sides together, baste the lower edge of
the band to the skirt, aligning the seamlines and
matchpoints; stitch. Remove the basting and press
the seam fat, then open and press the waist seam
toward the band.
claires hint When the fabric is bulky, I clip
the skirt seam allowance about 1 in. from the end of
the band.
8. Grade the skirt seam allowance so the raw edge
is about
1
8 in. below the raw edge of the band seam
allowance.
9. On most light- and medium-weight fabrics, the
corners of the band can be fnished neatly without
mitering. Baste next to the interfacing at the ends.
Taper the end seam allowances so they wont show
when the ends are folded under. Trim away a small
triangle at the end of the interfacing. Trim at the
center so they dont overlap; press.
10. Fold under the ends of the band, baste them in
place and press again. Spank the ends briskly with
a clapper to fatten them. Trim away any stray
threads and sew the ends securely with small
here you can see
the inside of a
faced waistband
on a skirt from
yves saint Laurent.
Lined with silk
charmeuse and
interfaced with hair
canvas, the band
is comfortable to
wear and very thin.
(Photo by Author.)
whipstitches or catchstitches. Use catchstitches to
sew the fabric to the interfacing.
When the fabric is bulky, miter all corners except
the bottom corner on the overlap (see p. 81 for
mitering corners).
11. Topstitch the band
1
4 in. from the edges and
waistline seam if desired.
12. If the design has belt loops, fold the loops to the
wrong side of the band so each has
1
8 in. to
3
8 in.
of play; sew each loop permanently by hand.
complete and face the band. Before completing
the band, add the lining and hanger loops, if any, as
well as the hooks and eyes on the band.
1. If the skirt will be lined, assemble the lining and
place it inside the skirt with wrong sides together,
matching the seamlines at the waist and aligning
the seams and darts; pin. Use short running
stitches to sew the skirt and lining together about
1
8 in. above the waistband seam.
2. Use large hooks and eyes to fasten the skirt. To
attach the hooks on the overlap, begin with the
wrong side up. Sew two hooks so the ends of
the hooks are set back
1
8 in. from the end of
the band.
3. Right side up, use blanket stitches to sew the
corresponding straight eyes on the underlap. If the
band ends abut, sew two round eyes to the wrong
side of the underlap so the ends meet. Continuing
on the underlap, sew a round eye at the end. Sew
the corresponding hook securely on the underside
of the overlap so the band will ft snugly.
4. Before setting the facing, attach hanger loops to
the skirt so they lap the seamline by
3
8 in. (see p. 123).
5. Cut the band facing on the lengthwise grain from
lining fabric so it is
1
4 in. longer and wider than
the fnished band. Grosgrain ribbon is an optional
facing and the long edges are already fnished. Cut
it
3
4 in. longer.
6. Wrong sides together, center the facing over the
band. Use an awl to make a hole in the facing for
the hook sewn farthest from the end of the band.
Push the threads aside and slip the hook through
the facing. Pin the facing and band together.
7. Turn under the edges of the facing at the top
and ends so the facing is about
1
8 in. from the
band edges; pin. At the end of the overlap, tuck the
folded edge under the hooks; pin. At the waist, turn
under the raw edge so it barely covers the running
stitches; pin. Baste and press lightly. Fell stitch the
facing to the band, remove the bastings and press.
For a grosgrain facing, turn under the ends. Baste all
edges and fell stitch them permanently.
finiShing endS of band
Machine-
stitched
seamline
Bastings
Skirt
Interfacing
ends here
Trim
1
2
Catchstitches
Raw edge
place
1
2
adding facing
to WaiStband
Facing
Hole made with
awl for hook
Zipper
tape
Fold band
end under
Turn under edges
baste and fell stitch Tuck folded end under hooks
Lining
Faced Waistline
Usually fnished with a grosgrain lining-fabric
facing, or lining, the faced waistline was favored by
Chanel for many skirts. Since it doesnt include a
waistband, this fnish is often used on skirts that
accompany overblouses. Te facing is applied by
hand and can be designed so either the bottom or
top of the interfacing sets at the waistline. Tese
directions are for a grosgrain ribbon facing.
1. Fit the skirt with a stay tape at the waist and
interface the top of the skirt as needed.
2. Fold under the skirt seam allowance to enclose
the stay tape. Use catchstitches to sew the seam
allowance to the interfacing.
3. Shape the grosgrain to ft the curve of the waist
using a steam iron, small darts, or small snips at the
bottom of the ribbon. When using snips, overcast
the edges to prevent raveling.
4. Wrong side up, place the grosgrain on the skirt
just below the waist edge. Fell stitch the edges in
place. Turn under the ends and baste.
Joining a Skirt to a Foundation
Some skirts, like the design in the photo at right,
are joined to foundationsa full slip or camisole
and are more comfortable to wear, but the hang of
the garment is afected.
Skirts can be sewn to a blouse, slip, or camisole,
or to a waist cincher. Tese skirts are usually
designed to be worn with a separate, but specifc,
overblouse or tunic, and become a two-piece dress.
Alternatively, the skirt can be frst joined to
the foundation and then the bodice sewn to the
foundation. When complete, the garment is a dress,
but it begins with a skirt-foundation construction.
Tis technique is one way to create a blouson
bodice, but its equally efective for a ftted bodice
(see p. 132).
1. Fit the foundation and stitch permanently.
2. Tread-trace a seamline on the foundation
where you plan to set the skirt. It can be parallel
to the foor, follow the contour of the waist, or
be completely diferent. To reduce bulk at the
waistline, the skirt can be set several inches below
the natural waistline.
3. Joining the skirt is much easier if you have a
dress form. Put the foundation on it; pin the skirt
to it, aligning any thread tracings and matchpoints.
If you dont have a form, ask a friend to pin it in
place when you try it on.
faced WaiStline
Fold at
waistline
Catchstitch to
interfacing
Seam allowance
Skirt
Zipper
Seam allowance
Designed by
Marc Bohan
for Dior in the
1960s, this skirt
was worn with
a cropped top.
the skirt is
attached to
a silk slip,
which adds
comfort and
helps control
the drape of
the skirt.
(Photo by Author.)
Depending on the desired efect, the skirt seam
allowance can be pressed with the raw edge pointing
toward the shoulders to produce a fatter seam, or
it can be turned under with a buttressed seam (see
p. 221) so the top of the skirt will stand away from
the body; this is especially appropriate for boufant
petticoats and evening skirts.
4. Check the hang of the skirt; correct as needed.
5. Remove the foundation and skirt. Baste them
together, and examine the results.
6. If the skirt hangs properly, sew it in place
permanently. For a fat fnish, trim the skirt seam
allowance to
1
4 in. to
3
8 in. wide; use catchstitches
to neaten the trimmed edge or cover it with seam
binding. For a buttressed seam, slipstitch the skirt
to the foundation and overcast the raw edge.
7. To attach a bodice to the foundation, put the
foundation and skirt back on the dress form or
ft them again on the fgure. Pin the bodice in
place, aligning any matchpoints and adjusting the
length as desired for a smoothly ftted torso or for
a blouson efect. Finish the waistline of the bodice
by folding the raw edge under or covering it with
a band of matching or contrasting fabric. Sew the
attaching seam by hand.
Pleated Skirts
Tere are many pleat variations, but most are
developed from the simple knife pleat, which con-
sists of a single fold on the garment right side and
another fold in the opposite direction on the wrong
side. On skirts, pleats are usually held in position
only at or near the top of the pleat. Used alone or in
groups, pleats vary in width, sometimes narrowing
at the top to conform to the slope from hip to waist,
and they can be widely spaced or overlap.
Whatever their design, all pleats have an underlay,
which is the lowermost layer of the pleat. Te
underlay can be the bottom fold of the pleat or, less
frequently, a separately cut and attached piece that
substitutes for the lower layer.
Pleats hold their shape best when made of fabrics
that drape and press well. Avoid fabrics that are
difcult to press. Wide pleats maintain a crease
longer than narrow ones, and pleats sewn on the
lengthwise grain look crisper than those sewn on
the crossgrain or bias. Kilts, which are traditionally
made of fne worsted, twill-weave tartans, are
pleated on the crossgrain because the design
requires many yards of uncut fabric.
Unlike the knife pleat, which is a single pleat,
inverted and box pleats are double pleats,
frequently stitched down several inches at the top.
Te inverted pleat is made with two knife pleats
facing each other, while the box pleat consists of
two knife pleats facing away from each other. On
the underside, the underlays of box pleats can meet,
From Christian Diors 1955 autumn/Winter Collection,
Virevolte features deep inverted pleats on the front
and in back. to reduce the bulk at the waist of the skirt,
the pleat underlays were trimmed, then darted. the
bias folds on the pleats have organza stays. the tuck-in
section of the blouse is made of silk.
(Photo by Brian Sanderson, courtesy of the FIDM Museum at the Fashion Institute
of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles, CA; gift of Mrs. Herbert Lawrence, 1965.)
overlap, or have a space between them (see the
pleats on the Dior skirt on the facing page).
Skirts with many knife pleats will fall more
gracefully if the pleats are tacked on the underside
with several horizontal rows of running stitches.
Tis technique was used on Bar, Diors most
famous New Look skirt; designed in 1947, the
skirt has more than 60 knife pleats and almost
6 yds. of fabric at the hemline. Te
1
2-in. pleats on
this skirt have very deep underlays and appear to
hang free from a narrow yoke below the waist.
Another way to tame small pleats is to hand-fell
stitch each one vertically for 1 in. to 2 in. from the
upper edge. Tis technique is used on fne kilts
and pants. On kilts, the pleats are all pressed in
one direction and felled for about 7 in. For a more
fattering ft on pants, the bulk of the pleats on the
wrong side is pressed toward the side seams, and
the pleats are felled for about 2 in.
inverted pleats
Tese directions are for a skirt with inverted pleats
without a separate underlay, like the pleats on the
Dior skirt on the facing page.
1. To mark a skirt with inverted pleats, use the
pattern to mark all pleat lines as well as the stitching
lines. Tis would include thread tracing the
stitching lines from the waistline to the top of the
pleat. Mark the ends of the stitching lines precisely,
and mark the pleat foldlines and the center of the
pleat on the underlay. Te foldlines of the pleat are
a continuation of the seamline; they are aligned
with the center of the underlay to make the pleat.
When planning a plaid skirt with pleats, position
the pattern sections so the fabric design matches
at the pleat foldlines. Te easiest way to do this is
to treat the foldlines of the pleat as if they are the
stitching lines of a seam. When inverted pleats are
used on a plaid fabric, the center of the underlay
also matches the foldlines.
2. If the garment has a backing, baste the backing
to the wrong side of the garment sections.
Making inverted PleatS
Placement line
Foldlines
Mark
end of
stitching
End of
seamline
Baste
seamline
Baste edge
1
4
from fold
Skirt
Matched
stitching lines
Baste
Pleat line
Center
Waistline
taMing knife PleatS
With running StitcheS
Running
stitches
Skirt
perfect fi t i s one reason
many clients purchase couture
garments, which, according to
one woman, feel like a second
skin and are more comfortable
than sweats. This fit is the
result of many fittings during
the construction process, on
both the client and a dress form
duplicating the clients figure.
The primary focus of this book
is couture construction rather
than fitting so I can only include
a few basic fitting principles with
some suggestions for analyzing
and correcting fitting problems.
These basic principles will serve
you well, but for more information
on fitting, see the Bibliography on
p. 244.
I strongly recommend working
with a dress form, even though
youll always need to fine-tune
the fit on the actual figure.
Although its physically much
more difficult to fit yourself
without a dress form, it isnt
impossible. You will need an
assistant for taking accurate
measurements, but if you fit a
toile or muslin pattern before
cutting the garment fabric for a
new design, youll be able to do
much of the fitting by yourself.
Before making a toile for a
particular design, I recommend
fitting a basic muslin pattern
called a sloper. You can use a
Fitting the Skirt Toile
basic commercial pattern or draft
your own. Unlike a toile for a
garment design, the sloper is a
close-fitting, long-sleeve, jewel-
neck pattern that serves as a
basic fitting shell for all other
designs. Fitting a muslin sloper will
help you analyze your body,
posture, and any figure
irregularities you may have. It will
also help you learn how
grainlinesboth lengthwise and
crosswiserelate to the body and
how they indicate the adjustments
necessary to perfect the fit. And
even though most designs are
more complex than the sloper,
the basic principles for fitting
remain the same (see p. 126 when
fitting blouses and dresses and
p. 147 when fitting sleeves).
In couture houses, a toile is
usually made for each design
and fitted on the clients dress
form before the garment is cut.
Although simple garments like
a straight skirt might proceed
directly with fitting the actual
garment on the client.
Home sewers are often tempted
to skip making and fitting a toile,
but the toile serves several
functions:
It allows you to fine-tune most

fitting adjustments.

It reduces the number of
fittings after the garment is
assembled.

It helps you evaluate the
proportions of the design on the
figure.

It provides an opportunity to
practice and perfect any new or
difficult sewing techniques.

It allows you to plan and utilize
the fabric more creatively.

It helps you avoid handling the
fabric and garment excessively.
These instructions are for fitting
a basic straight skirt with no flare
below the hips. This is one of the
easiest of all garments to fit; and
its even easier if you work with a
muslin toile, using a basic skirt.
prepare the toile
1. Mark the toile with pencil and
dressmakers carbon instead of
thread tracings.
2. Add seams at center front and
back to make it easier to adjust
the skirts width on the toile.
3. Add 1-in. seam allowances to
all seams.
4. Cut out the toile.
5. Mark all stitching lines on both
sides of the muslin so you can
see the seamlines when sewing
right sides together and fitting
with the right sides out.
6. Mark the crossgrain at the
hipline about 7 in. below the waist
at the center front.
7. Hand baste the skirt together.
When fitting yourself, leave the
opening at the center front.
8. When basting seams and
darts, dont baste into the seam
allowance at the waist. Press.
9. Make a grosgrain fitting band.
Cut a piece of 1-in.-wide grosgrain
4 in. longer than your waist
measurement. Beginning 2 in.
from one end, mark the waist
length on the band. Mark the
center back for a front opening.
10. Right side up, pin the bottom
of the band to the waistline
stitching line, aligning the centers
and side seams; baste the band
to the skirt. On most figures, the
front is 1 in. larger than the back.
fit the toile
1. Try on the toile; pin the opening
closed.
2. First check and correct the
width. The hang of the skirt is
difficult to evaluate if its too
tight or loose. The skirt should
have a minimum of 2-in. ease at
the waist and hips, and should fit
without distortion or tightness.
Small additions in the width of
up to 2 in. total can be made at
the center seams. Additional
adjustments can be made at the
side seams. If youve added more
than 2 in., you need a larger size
pattern.
3. Evaluate the hang of the skirt.
The center seams should be
straight, centered on the body,
and perpendicular to the floor.

On a figure with a large
abdomen, the skirt will swing
toward the front, cupping under
the hips, while the crossgrain at
the hipline arcs upward at the
center front. To hang properly,
the skirt needs more length at the
center front. To accomplish this,
raise the front waistline, lower the
back waistline, or do both until
the crossgrain hangs straight and
perpendicular to the floor below
the hips. Move the side seams
toward the front to divide the
figure more attractively.

When fitting a swayback, the
crossgrain will dip at center back,
pin out a tuck until the grain is
parallel to the floor.
5. Mark and pin any adjustments
to the skirt while its on the figure.
6. After the fitting, remove the
bastings and mark the corrections
with a colored pencil on the toile.
7. Rebaste the toile and repeat
until the fit is correct.
8. Transfer all changes to the
original pattern for future
reference.
The side seams should not only
appear straight and perpendicular
to the floor, they should also
divide the body into pleasing
proportions. The hemline should
be level and appear parallel to
the floor. The crossgrain at the
hip should be parallel to the
floor. On flared skirts, the marked
crossgrain will be parallel to the
floor at the center front and back.
As it approaches the side seams,
the marked grain will begin to
drop on any skirt with a flare, but
not on the basic straight skirt. If
the skirt is correctly balanced,
the crossgrain will drop an equal
amount on both sides.
4. Examine the grainlines.
The fitting problems on skirts
(and other garments) are as
varied as peoples bodies. Even
so, you can use the grainlines as a
guide when correcting the fit.

If one hip is higher than the
other, the grain at center front
will swing toward the higher hip,
raising the crossgrain at hip level
on that side. To hang properly,
the skirt needs more length at the
waist on the side with the higher
hip. This can be corrected by
either raising the skirt seamline
at the waist on the low side or
lowering it on the high sideor by
doing bothuntil the crossgrain
is level.
3. After the skirt is marked, stay the pleat foldlines
to prevent stretching during construction and
pressing. Cut the stay in. wide and 1 in. longer
than the pleat. Wrong side up, center the stay over
the foldline; use running stitches to sew it in place,
keeping the stitches shallow so they dont show on
the right side (see Stays, p. 54).
4. Right sides together, match and baste the seam
between the waist and pleat, stopping at the top of
the pleat.
5. To baste the pleat, work with the skirt right side
up; fold one side of the pleat on the foldline, wrong
sides together. Baste about
1
4 in. from the folded
edge. Repeat to sew the other side of the pleat.
6. Align the basted edges with the center line of the
underlay; pin. Top-baste through all three layers
along its entire length.
claires hint I use a single unknotted thread
here so it will be easy to remove if necessary at the
ftting. When basting fabrics that mar easily, I use silk
basting thread.
7. Repeat to top-baste the other half of the pleat.
8. Turn the skirt wrong side up and baste the top
of the underlay to the waistline seam allowance.
9. Repeat for the remaining pleats on the skirt.
10. After basting all the pleats, baste the skirt
together for the ftting. Te pleats dont afect the
designs ft so they should lie smoothlyif they
pull or want to spring open, the garment is too
tight. If the garment is too small or too large, you
can reduce or increase the size of the pleats or taper
them. If you change the pleat size, rebaste the skirt
afterward and ft it again.
11. At the ftting, release the top bastings that hold
the pleats in place to be sure the two edges hang
straight and parallel to each other. If the hems lap,
the stay is too short. If they gap at the hem, the stay
needs to be shortened.
12. After the ftting, remove the waistband or yoke
and any remaining top and edge bastings so you
can reposition the pleats right sides together. Baste
and stitch the seam from the waist to the top of the
pleat; and knot the thread ends.
13. Right side up, rebaste the pleat edges and top-
baste each pleat fat, as you did for the frst ftting,
aligning the foldlines and placement lines. Examine
the pleats one last time before you press.
claires hint I always test-press on fabric
scraps, using a clapper and varying the amounts of heat
and moisture before pressing the garment (see p. 61).
14. Wrong side up, press just the folds of the pleat
underlay with the tip of the iron. Dont press the
pleats fat against the garment; this might leave an
impression on the right side.
15. Right side up, pin the top and bottom of each
pleat to the pressing board to hold the folds taut.
Using a press cloth, press just the foldline of each
pleat to avoid pressing an imprint of the underlay.
Allow the section to dry completely before moving
it. When you remove the bastings and thread
tracings, clip the basting threads every 3 in. or 4 in.
and pull them out gently. Press again to remove any
thread imprints.
reducing bulk and
supporting pleats
Te bulk and weight of the skirt can be reduced
by trimming part or all of the underlay. When the
entire underlay is trimmed away, a lining stay is
used to support the pleats.
trimming part of the underlay
1. Machine stitch the underlay horizontally across
the top of each pleat.
2. Trim away the underlay section that lies next to
the body, beginning about
1
2 in. above the machine
stitching.
3. To further reduce the underlay while still
supporting the pleat, stitch a vertical dart in the
remaining underlay. Trim away the excess in the
dart, press the dart open, and fnish all raw edges
with hand overcasting.
lining stay. Another way to reduce bulk on
loosely woven, bulky fabrics is to trim the
underlays above the pleats, leaving only
1
2 in. to
1 in. above the top of the pleat. Use a lining stay to
support the pleats and cover the trimmed edges. If
the skirt has a backing, trim the skirt fabric but not
the backing.
pleated skirt hems
On a pleated skirt, seamlines are often located at
the inside fold of a pleat; this can add considerable
bulk in the hem area. In dressmaking workrooms
of most couture houses, the skirt is hemmed after
the seams are stitched, which is appropriate for
lightweight pleated skirts. In tailoring workrooms,
the skirt is generally hemmed before the seams
are stitched in the hem area, a technique that is
suitable for a variety of fabrics.
dressmaking technique. Tis technique was
used on the Dior dress shown on p. 131.
1. Stitch and press the seams on the skirt.
2. Press open the seams in the hem area; trim
to
1
4 in.
3. Fold and baste the hem in place. Before
completing the hem, place the skirt on the dress
form or fgure to be sure the underlay doesnt show
at the hemline; if it does, shorten the hem on the
underlay.
4. Fold the seam at the inside fold with right sides
together; baste through all layers
1
4 in. from the
fold. Press and fatten the edge as much as possible.
claires hint I clip the seam at the top of the
hem allowance to release the seam above the hemline
before I press.
5. Complete the hem, and press lightly.
6. At the underlay seam, use short running stitches
to sew the underlay edges together about
1
4 in.
from the fold to hold the seam in the desired
position; press.
tailoring technique. Tis tailoring technique
produces a crisper, sharper pleat than the
dressmaking method above and is particularly
successful when used on a hem stifened with
horsehair braid or on a ballgown. For example,
American couturier Arnold Scaasi frequently used
this technique on his evening gowns; then the raw
edges were bound to keep the horsehair braid from
scratching the wearer.
triMMing and darting Pleat underlay to reduce bulk
Skirt backing
Dart
Seamline
at top of
pleat
Pleat stay
Running
stitch
Machine
stitch at top
of pleat
Dart and
underlay
trim to
reduce bulk
Overcast
this Chanel skirt in wool double cloth from the mid-
1960s features inverted pleats. to reduce bulk at the
top of the skirt, the pleat underlays were trimmed and
their seam allowances covered with a lining stay, which
prevents the pleats from sagging. (Photo by Author.)
1. Check the hemline on a dress form or the fgure
to be sure it is marked accurately and the underlay
does not show.
2. Machine stitch the vertical seams, stopping
about 6 in. above the hemline. Remove the
bastings, and press the seams fat.
3. Hem each section of the skirt separately.
4. Baste the seams together again, carefully
matching the hemlines. Stitch and press the seams.
5. In the hem area, trim the seam to
1
4 in., tapering
to nothing at the hemline. Overcast the edges
together and press lightly.

dior kick pleat
Te Dior kick pleat is a useful design. According to
Madame Marguerite, whom Dior called his premire
of premires, this pleat was created because the
fabrics Dior used from the late 1940s to late 1950s
were too heavy to make a traditional kick pleat. Te
separate underlay was sometimes applied to the lining
or to the inside of the skirt if the skirt was unlined.
1. Cut the center back seam allowances on the skirt
3 in. wide. Cut a separate pleat underlay 6 in. wide
and 10 in. long.
2. Finish the skirt hem.
3. Before fnishing the pleat extension, place a small
weight, as needed, on the skirt hem at each side of
the opening so the pleat will hang attractively.
claires hint To avoid ridges, I use lead drapery
weights that Ive pounded fat and covered with silk
organza before sewing them in place.
4. To fnish the opening, fold under the extension.
Use catchstitches or blindstitches to secure the
extension permanently.
5. Set the skirt lining if there is one.
6. Finish the hem on the underlay.
7. Wrong sides together, apply the lining to the
underlay; overcast the edges together.
8. Lining side up, place the underlay on the skirt;
align the hems and pin the top of the underlay
to the skirt lining or kick pleat seam allowances.
Using catchstitches, sew across the top and down
each side for 1
1
2 in., taking care to sew only on
the extension.
heMMing a Pleated Skirt
Hem
Skirt
Clip
Trim to
1
4
and overcast
Hem
Skirt
Taper to
hemline
Trim to
1
4
and overcast
dressmaking technique tailoring technique
dior kick Pleat
applying underlay to lined skirt
Center-back
seam
Skirt
lining
Underlay
lining
Underlay hem
Skirt hem
6
1
1
2
5. At the ftting, check the crossgrains. Te
crossgrains at the crotch and knee should be
parallel to the foor; the crossgrain at the knee
should be at mid-knee. Vertical seamlines and
creaselines should be perpendicular to the
crossgrain, appear straight, and divide the fgure
attractively.
6. After the ftting, make any needed corrections.
7. Cut out the fabric and thread-trace all stitching
lines, grainlines, and creaselines.
8. Shape the back sections as described above.
9. Wrong sides together, fold the front at the
crease; baste
1
8 in. from the fold. Lay the folded
front on the pressing table, curving it slightly so
you can shrink the crease edge about
1
2 in. at the
knee to avoid bagging. Do not press.
10. Baste the pants together; baste the hems. Using
a grosgrain ftting band at the waist, ft the pants.
11. After the ftting, make any corrections necessary.
Remove the waistband and crotch bastings.
12. Stitch the inseams and outseams.
Pants
No longer considered avant garde, pants are
a staple of the modern womans wardrobe, an
alternative for unpopular skirt hem lengths and an
option for comfort and variety.
fit and shape the pants
When working with a new pants design, I always
make a muslin toile at the outset to perfect the ft.
Sometimes this requires several toiles and a great
deal of time and patience.
1. On the toile, mark the seamlines and crossgrain
at the crotch, and at the knee midway between the
hemline and the crotch.
2. Mark creases on each section from the hem to
the waist. If the creases are not marked on the
pattern, use the center of the crossgrain at the knee.
3. Use an iron and damp sponge to stretch and
shape the back sections so they will ft the hips
smoothly (see p. 65) by stretching the curved
section of the back crotch seam
1
2 in. to 1 in.
Ten stretch the inseam
1
2 in. to
3
4 in., beginning
about 4 in. above the knee. Te amount of stretch
will depend on the roundness of the hips and the
fabric type.
4. Baste the toile together.
claires hint On many patterns, the creaseline
forms a continuous line with the closest pleat. If it
doesnt, I often move the pleat.
Weighting a heM
Skirt
Pleat stay
Running
stitches
Hem
Weight
End of seam
Foldline
yves saint Laurent
revolutionized
womens wardrobes
in 1967 when he
introduced his
classic trouser suit.
this design is his
famous smoking,
the tuxedo look for a
woman. usually worn
with a soft, feminine
blouse, it was an
instant success.
(Photo by Steven Bluttal,
courtesy of Te Museum of
the City of New York, 96,
136.)
13. Turn the legs
wrong side out
and press the
seams open.
14. Turn the legs
right side out,
lay one pants
leg fat on a
lightly padded
pressing board
with the inseam
uppermost.
Smooth the
leg from the
creaselines toward
the crotch so the excess fullness is near the inseam.
Press the front crease from waist to hemline.
On tailored pants, press the back crease on the
grain, stopping at the crotch or about 3 in. below
the crotch. On dressy pants, dont press a back
crease. Leave the pants leg on the pressing board
until it dries completely. Repeat to press the
remaining leg.
claires hint When pressing hard-to-crease
fabrics, I rub the wrong side of the crease with a bar
of Ivory soap and press again; the soap works as a
temporary adhesive and sets the crease more frmly.
15. Baste and sew the crotch seam. Te crotch seam
is stressed more than most seams on a garment. To
prevent ripping on English bespoke trousers, the
back crotch seam is handsewn with backstitches to
build stretch into the seam so it lasts for the life of
the garment. Use a waxed, double thread.
16. Press the crotch seam fat, then press the upper
part of the seam open. Te curved section can be
pressed fat or open.
claires hint When pressing the seam open, I
trim the curved section to in. Using the iron, I stretch
the raw edges as much as possible. With one leg stufed
into the other, fold the seam allowances back against the
inside of the pants. Press the crotch seam again.
hems and cuffs
Straight pants are usually considered more
attractive when they are about
3
4 in. shorter in
front than in back. If the front is long enough
to cover part of the instep at the side, the front
crease will probably have a break. Although this
is acceptable, you may prefer to avoid a break by
adjusting the hem length so the fronts just skim
the instep. A break at the back crease is far less
acceptable than one at the front and should be
eliminated.
1. For a shaped hem, thread-trace the hemline so
the front is straight and the back curves down over
the heel. Measure and mark the hem allowance
1
1
2 in. to 2 in. wide; trim away any excess.
claires hint Since the hem allowance is
sometimes shorter than the edge it fnishes, I stretch
the raw edge at center front so it can be turned back
smoothly. If it wont stretch enough, I clip the hem
allowance and overcast the clipped edges. At center
back, I shrink out the excess hem allowance and,
when this isnt possible, I make a small dart and sew
it fat.
2. Fold the hem in place, and baste
1
4 in. from the
edge; press and overcast the edge (see p. 70.)
3. Baste again at the top of the hem allowance; and
blindstitch permanently.
hems on lightweight fabrics. Pants made of
lightweight fabrics frequently dont have enough
weight to hang smoothly. Tis can be corrected
by adding cufs, placing weights in the hems; and
if the hem has been fnished, adding a hem or
heel stay.
Bespoke tailors leave a 5-in. hem allowance just
in case the client wants cufs. When adding cufs,
make the hem allowance
1
4 in. narrower than the
fnished cuf width so the hem can be fnished with
a catchstitch and the edge will not need overcasting.
Anchor the fnished cufs inconspicuously at each
seamline with a
1
8-in. thread chain between the
cuf and pants (see p. 37).
fitting and
ShaPing PantS
Stretch
Stretch
belt loops are frequently
used in couture on sport skirts
and tailored trousers. They are
used less often on dressy skirts.
Most belt loops are finished
1
4 in. to
3
8 in. wide and
3
8 in.
to
1
2 in. longer than the band
width. Generally, skirts have a
loop at the top of each vertical
seamline; and pants have loops
at the center back, side seams,
and tops of the front and
back creases.
light- and medium-
weight fabrics
1. Cut a fabric strip 1
1
2 in. wide
and 3 in. long.
2. Right sides together, fold
the strip lengthwise; stitch a
generous
1
Press the seam open and trim it
to
1
8 in.
3. Use a tube turner or a
tapestry needle and buttonhole
twist to turn the loop right side
out. Center the seam on the
underside; press.
4. Topstitch the loop if desired.
5. Repeat for additional loops.
Belt and Hanger Loops
heavy or
bulky fabrics
1. Cut the fabric strip
5
8 in. wide
and 3 in. long.
2. Wrong side up, fold the long
edges to meet at the center;
baste and press.
3. Using catchstitches, sew
the raw edges together
permanently.
4. Topstitch the loop; press.
hanger loops
Hanger loops are used on better
ready-to-wear, as well as haute
couture garmentsusually at
the waistlines of dresses with
heavy skirts; and on strapless,
halters, and one-shoulder
designs; skirts, and pants.
Designed to reduce wrinkling
and damage when the garment
is hung for storage, the loops
vary in location depending upon
the garment style, but many are
located at the side seams.
1. Cut a piece of lightweight
lining 1
1
2 in. wide and 8 in. long.
For special-occasion dresses,
cut the fabric strip as long as
needed so the loops can be
attached at the waist and
support the hung garment
without wrinkling the bodice.
2. Using the directions for
lightweight belt loops, stitch and
turn the loops.
3. Position the seamline at one
edge; press.
4. Turn under the ends and hand
sew them to the inside of the
garment about
1
2 in. from the
seamline. On strapless gowns,
attach the ends at the waist.
Make a thread bar about
1
2 in.
from the upper edge to hold
the strap. To hang, thread the
hanger loop through the thread
bar; then place it on the hanger.
Unfortunately, the need for extra weight at the
hems may not be apparent until the pants are
fnished. To correct this problem, a heel stay can
be sewn to the hem allowance. Most are sewn to
the back of the pants, but they can be sewn on the
front as well. In addition to adding weight to the
cuf, the heel stay will protect the hem from wear.
To make the stay, cut a self-fabric strip 6 in.
long and 2 in. wide. Wrong side up, fold the long
edges to the center; press. Overcast the ends. Place
the stay on the back hem allowance just above
the hemline. Fell stitch the stay in place without
stitching into the pants.
belt looP
3
8
Trim
seam to
1
8
125
7
Dresses, and before them, robes and gowns, have been worn
by women since the mid-14th century. Blouses (or, more accurately, shirts)
became part of womens wardrobes in the 17th century, when women adapted
mens fashions for riding. In the frst half of the 20th century, blouses were
worn primarily for sports and leisure or as an integral part of an ensemble.
Ten in the late 1940s, Givenchy created a collection of
mix-and-match separates for Schiaparellis Paris boutique.
As costume historian Robert Riley noted in his catalog
for the 1982 exhibition Givenchy, 30 Years at the
Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, the
designers notion that a lady could travel for extended
periods without transporting a lot of clothing changed
the wardrobes of women of all classes.
At frst glance, couture dresses and blouses may be
difcult to distinguish from luxury ready-to-wear. Yet
on closer inspection, youll fnd diferences, among them,
hand-worked or bound buttonholes (never machine-
stitched), hand-sewn zippers, and matched fabric patterns
at seamlines, darts and pockets, sometimes even when the
fabric is a single-color jacquard weave on couture.
This dress from the 1960s skims
the body attractively. Attributed to
Emanuel Ungaro, it was worn with a
matching jacket, shown on p. 186.
The dress has a square armscye
and funnel neck. The neck area has
been interfaced with hair canvas to
maintain its unusual shape.
Blouses
& Dresses
126 A p p ly i ng c oU T U r E T E c hni qU E s
And you will notice that couture dresses are
unlineda common practice in couture since
linings add bulk and may adversely afect the drape
of the garment. You will also immediately see all
the handwork on a couture garment, including
hand-stitched seams, hems and facings, and raw
edges beautifully fnished.
You might also fnd that the couture garment
is backed (usually in silk) and a variety of details
have been employed, such as stays, lingerie straps,
French tacks, silk-covered shoulder pads, hip pads,
and bust enhancers.
Dressmaking Basics
Today the vast majority of couture blouses and
dresses are made in the dressmaking workroom of
the couture houses, where the staf specializes in
sewing silks and other soft fabrics. More tailored
dresses, such as the Dior trapeze dress, shown on
the facing page, are made in the couture houses
tailoring workroom.
Blouses and dresses are more difcult to sew
than most skirts for several reasons. Teir design
is usually more complex, and ftting the upper
torso is much more demanding than ftting the
lower torsounless, you are ftting pants.
Blouses and dresses are usually made from
lighter-weight fabrics than skirts. Tey require
more skill to sew and rarely drape like the muslin
toile. Unlike wool, which is often used for skirts,
many dress and blouse fabrics cannot be shaped
with heat and moisture because they are more
frmly woven, less elastic, and less able to shrink
or stretch.
Blouses and dresses frequently rely on backings
or underpinnings to establish and preserve their
silhouette. Backings add body and stability to
lightweight and fragile fabrics, which consequently
hold their shape better and are less stressed at
seamlines. Backings also serve as a bufer between
the shell fabric and seam, hem, and facing edges;
they keep these edges from showing on the right
side of the garment. Cut to duplicate each of
the main sections of the garment, the backings
are immediately basted to the wrong side of the
corresponding garment sections. When the garment
is assembled, the two fabrics are handled as one.
Underpinnings like slips, petticoats, pantaloons,
corselettes, and waist cinchers provide support
for the design and control the fgure. Te small
sampling in this chapter of couture dressmaking
techniques for underpinnings is intended to
supplement, not replace, standard pattern guides.
Fitting Blouses and Dresses
Fitting the toile is one of the frst tasks because many
changes are difcult, and sometimes impossible, to
make after the garment fabric is cut. You can slash,
lap, dart, and otherwise adjust a toile as much as
needed before you cut into the garment fabric.
When ftting a dress with a seam at the waist,
ft the bodice and skirt separately, using the ftting
principles found on p. 116. If the design has
shoulder pads, make and baste them in before
you begin ftting. At the ftting, remember that
blouses and dresses have more ease than the basic
sloper bodice.
When ftting a blouse or dress without a seam
at the waist, ft the toile using the basic principles
described on p. 128 for ftting a bodice. Avoid
overftting the toile, which may destroy the lines of
the design.
Backing the Garment
Backings lend support to a blouse or dress. Te
backing fabric can be soft and its efect subtle, as in
the silk Dior dress on p. 131. Te silk charmeuse
backing gently supports the garment design. Or the
backing fabric can be crisp and add body, as it does
in the trapeze dress designed by Yves Saint Laurent
for Dior in 1958 (see the facing page). In this dress,
several layers of crisp backing are combined with
an interfacing.
When backing a blouse or dress, select the
backing fabric carefully. It shouldnt be heavier
127 b loU s E s & d r E s s E s
than the shell fabric, but it can be crisper if your
design calls for a more exaggerated silhouette. Its
drape should be similar to that of the shell fabric
so it doesnt restrict the hang of the design, and
it should be frmly woven to avoid seam slippage
when the seams are stressed. Since the backing
often lies next to the skin, it should be a fabric
that absorbs perspiration, feels luxurious, and is
comfortable to wear.
Fine fabrics and couture construction deserve
high-quality backings. Natural-fber fabrics like
silk muslin, chifon, China silk, silk crepe,
charmeuse, silk gauze, fne cotton batiste, and voile
are good choices for soft, draped designs. To add
crispness to the silhouette without adding bulk,
select organza, marquisette, shantung, tafeta,
handkerchief linen, traditional interfacings, or hair
canvas. Self-fabric, if its neither bulky nor heavy,
can also be a good choice. Experiment by matching
your garment fabric with various backings until
you are happy with how it drapes. Although the
backing wont show, dont be tempted to choose an
inexpensive material.
1. Preshrink all backing and shell fabrics before
cutting; most can be preshrunk by pressing
them wrong side up with a steam iron. For
backing fabrics such as silk organza, China silk,
handkerchief linen, or cotton batiste, soak the
fabric in a basin of warm water and hang it to air
dry to prevent later shrinkage.
2. Cut the backing and shell fabrics. If the shell
fabric is crisp, or if the shell and backing fabrics are
similar in elasticity, such as silk jacquard and silk
charmeuse, cut the backing and shell the same. If
the shell fabric is elastic, like wool, cut the backing
a little wider than the garment and ease in the
excess fullness. Tis prevents the backing from
restricting the elasticity of the shell fabric.
3. To cut the backing, use either the toile or
garment sections as a pattern. Mark the garment
centers, stitching lines, hemline, and matchpoints
on the backing with a tracing wheel and
dressmakers carbon.
claires hint I use a large piece of white
dressmakers carbon and a stiletto tracing wheel. Tape
the tracing carbon to a large piece of cardboard so the
fabric is clearly marked.
4. Wrong side up, place the garment on the table;
place the backing on top; match and pin the centers
together.
5. If you dont plan to full the backing, match the
seamlines precisely.
6. When fulling in backing, adjust and pin it so its
vertical seamlines are about
1
8 in. inside the thread
traced corresponding seamlines on the garment.
Tis is the measurement to begin with if you are
unsure of how much to full in the backing.
The Trapeze design was introduced by yves saint
laurent in 1958 in his first collection for the house of
dior. The clean, crisp lines of this afternoon dress are
supported by silk organza backings and a specially
designed slip.
(Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum.)

I f you ve already perfected
the fit of a skirt by using a toile,
you understand basic fitting
principles (see Fitting the Skirt
Toile, p. 116). Although the
bodice is more complex in design
than a skirt and the upper body
is slightly more difficult to fit
than the lower body, the basic
principles still apply. Garment
centers are centered on the body
and are perpendicular to the
floor, designated crossgrains are
parallel to the floor, and the side
seams should divide the figure
attractively. When all these fitting
points are correct, the garment
Fitting the Bodice Toile
is said to be balanced. If you are
sewing a dress, you must deal
with balancing two areas of the
garment: the skirt, whose balance
is determined by the way it sets
at the waistline; and the bodice,
whose balance is established by
the way it sets at the shoulders.
These directions focus on a
simple, close-fitting bodice;
they can be modified for more
complex designs.
1. Add 1-in. seam allowances at
garment centers, then cut the
toile bodice front and back.
2. Mark all matchpoints,
seamlines, and darts with a
pencil or tracing wheel. Mark the
crossgrain at the cross-chest and
cross-back lines, and the bustline.
The cross-chest and cross-back
lines are located at the narrowest
part of the chest where the arm
joins the body. The bustline
is located at the base of the
underarm and may not actually
be at the bust point. I mark both
sides of the fabric.
3. Baste the darts and assemble
the bodice; dont baste the
sleeves into the armscyes.
4. Wrong side up, baste a narrow
piece of selvage at the waistline,
distributing the fullness as needed.
5. Put the bodice on, matching
the center fronts, pin. Adjust the
garment so the garment centers
are centered on the figure.
6. Check the size. Is it too large or
small? Too long or short?
7. Check the width at the front
bust and waist, the back bust
and waist, across the chest, and
across the back. When fitting a
basic bodice for a master pattern,
there should be at least 2 in. of
ease at the bustline and
1
2 in. at
the waist.
8. Check the center front and
center back length. A large
bust and rounded shoulders
will require extra length on the
bodice. If either front or back is
too long, you will have horizontal
wrinkles above the waist.
When fitting a
strapless bodice,
the center front
is on grain and
perpendicular to the
floor; the crossgrain
between the bust
points is parallel to
the floor.
(Photo by Taylor Sherrill,

Depending on the figure, it can be
too long above or below the bust.
9. Check the shoulder seam
length.
10. Check the front and back
neckline width and depth, and
look for diagonal wrinkles. For
example, if the back neck is too
narrow, the bodice front will have
diagonal wrinkles pointing toward
the shoulder point.
11. Evaluate the fit. The bodice
should fit smoothly.

The underarm seam should
be straight and divide the body
pleasingly. For a large bust, the
underarm seam will be too far
forward. For a large back, the
seam will be too far back. In both
instances, diagonal wrinkles will
point toward the problem.

The shoulder seam should be
straight and inconspicuous from
the front and back. On most
figures, it will begin behind the ear
shoulder. The shoulder slope can
generally be corrected by taking
up or letting out the shoulder
seams until the crossgrain line is
again horizontal.
15. Another common fitting
problem is rounded shoulders,
but the same principles apply.
If the crossgrain at the bustline
curves upward at the center back,
your shoulders are rounded, and
you need to add extra length at
the center back. After adding
length to the center back, youll
need to shape the fabric to fit the
shoulder roundness. To do this,
increase the fullness on the back
shoulder by adding a shoulder
dart, or increasing its size, or
increasing the ease, or both until
the crossgrain at the upper back
is straight. For a very rounded
back, add a yoke seam that can
be fitted more closely at the
armscyes.
16. Analyze the relationship of
the front to the back. Look at
the marked crossgrains and the
lengths of the front and back
bodice. When the garment fits
the shoulders properly, it will
not shift when the body moves,
even when the garment is worn
unbuttoned.
17. Once the bodice is balanced,
check the armscye again.
18. Fit the sleeve (see p. 147).
and end at the armscye on the
center of the shoulder.

The armscye seam should be in
line with the front and back arm
creases and extend in. to in.
at the shoulder. It should fit the
body smoothly without gaping
or binding, with the underarm
about in. below the armpit.
Beginning at the cross-chest line,
there should be a small fold of
fabric extending downward from
the armscye on the front, with a
similar fold at the cross-back line.

The darts should appear
straight and shape the fabric to fit
the body smoothly. On the front,
they should be an appropriate
length for the bust and point to
the crown of the bust.
12. Begin making corrections
by eliminating looseness in the
bodice or by letting out any
seams or darts that are too tight.
13. Correct the length if necessary.
14. Use the balance lines as a
guide to correct the bodice.
Begin with the crossgrains at
the cross-chest and cross-back
to determine the slope of the
shoulders. If the crossgrain
droops as it nears the armscyes,
you have sloping shoulders. If it
curves up instead, your shoulders
are square. If only one end of the
crossgrain line droops and the
center front seam swings toward
the other side, you have one low
Making Toile
Bodice
claires hint Te amount of fulling required
depends not only on the weave and elasticity of the
shell and backing fabrics but also on the width of the
garment sections. Wide garment sections need more
backing than narrow sections. To check, after Ive
pinned the backing, I hold the sides of the sections
frmly and stretch; the added fullness should disappear.
If it doesnt, I repin with less fullness; if it is too tight, I
repin with more fullness.
7. Once the fullness is adjusted, use the thread
traced seamlines on the bodice as a guide to baste
the sections together on the vertical seamlines.
8. If youre using a very crisp backing material,
such as hair canvas, hold it short. To do this,
cut the backing slightly narrower than the
garment sections so it will not buckle under the
shell fabric. With the centers basted together, hold
the shell and backing in the round with the
backing on the inside to duplicate the way the layers
will ft the body. Holding the layers this way, baste
the vertical edges together with diagonal basting,
then baste the vertical thread-traced seamlines.
9. Right sides together, pin and then baste the
backing and garment sections on horizontal
seamlines, matching them exactly.
10. Repeat for all sections.
11. Baste the garment together and put it on the
dress form or fgure. Evaluate the way the shell and
backing drape together, making certain there is no
tightness or buckling in either layer.
12. Assemble the garment, treating the two layers
as one. When fnishing hems and facings, sew
the stitches into the backing, but not into the
shell fabric.
Underpinnings
A distinguishing characteristic of many couture
dresses is an underpinning especially designed to
maintain the garments silhouette. For example,
the underpinnings for each of the YSL for Dior
trapeze dresses is slightly diferent. Some have
a separate slip while others have the slip built
into the dress. Each is designed specifcally for a
particular dress; but all have similar elements that
can be adapted for other designs.
PreParing The Backing
Align
shoulder
seams
fullIng a BackIng
Shell
fabric
Align hemlines
designed by pierre
cardin in 1987,
this silk dress had
deep armholes.
To conceal
the wearers
undergarments,
an underdress was
made from the
same fabric and
cut much higher.
(Photo by Author.)
HoldIng SHort a very crISp BackIng
Shell
Backing
Backing
Te base slip for the dress on p. 127 is made
of plain-weave silk and closely ftted. It has several
additional skirts of crinoline, net, and organza
sewn to it. Each of the slips extra skirts is hand
sewn to the base slip with a running stitch, and
the raw edges are fattened with catchstitches. Te
organza top skirt is applied about 2 in. below the
waist. Pleats control the fullness at the top
of the skirt to create an A-line efect. Te machine-
stitched 4-in.-wide hem encases horsehair braid.
Te frst underskirt is made of net, gathered
at the top and sewn to the slip 1 in. below the
organza skirt. Te second underskirt is made of
silk organza and sewn about 2 in. below the top of
the net underskirt. Te fullness in the top of this
skirt is controlled by long darts, with the balance
gathered in between.
Tis slip also has two organza panels applied to
the upper back to maintain the trapeze silhouette.
Te panels were frst gathered, and then fnished
with a binding at the edge before being handsewn
to the slip.
Sleeveless dresses and blouses tend to expose
undergarments or the braless body underneath,
especially when the armholes are deep. To solve
this problem, some designers accompany these
fashions with a camisole or slip that has side panels
made from the dress or blouse fabric. One such
design by Cardin is shown on the facing page.
Tese underpinnings ofer some useful ideas, but
youll have to create your own solutions. Before
deciding on the construction specifcs, decide the
kind of underpinning needed. To do this, examine
the design itself. What needs support? Te
bodiceall or just part of it? Te skirt? Te waist?
Does the body itself need control to wear the
design? Whatever the answers, there are probably
several ways to create that support. To determine
the best solution, experiment with a variety of ideas.
For a simple underpinning like the slip
mentioned above, begin with a pattern for a slip,
camisole, or even a simple dress. For more complex,
body-hugging support, look to bra, bathing suit,
and evening dress patterns as well as to your own
wardrobe for ideas or solutions.
For complex underpinnings, begin with a muslin
to develop the silhouette. As you work with various
support fabrics and underpinning designs, youll
soon learn which combinations are most efective.
Dresses with Waistlines
Dresses with waistlines range from understated,
tailored garments to exuberant creations for
summer afternoon parties. Whatever their
design, theyre all sewn by separately assembling
the bodice and skirt, then joining the two at
the waistline.
designed by Marc bohan for the dior 1985 spring/
summer collection, this elegant silk jacquard dress
is completely backed with silk charmeuse. The edges
of the surplice neckline are stabilized with a bias-cut
organza stay.
1. Wrong side up, center a
1
2-in.-wide organza stay
on the thread tracing at the bodice waist. Baste,
distributing the ease.
2. Baste a grosgrain ftting band to the skirt waist.
3. Before joining the sections, ft and mark them
separately (preferably on a dress form), make any
necessary corrections, and remove the grosgrain
ftting band from the skirt.
4. Baste the bodice and skirt together with the
garment centers and side seams aligned.
5. Baste the grosgrain ftting band in once more
and ft the basted dress on the fgure.
6. After the ftting, mark the bodice stay and ftting
band with the fnished length, seams, beginning
and end of any fullness on the bodice or skirt, and
perhaps even the dart locations so the fullness will
not have to be adjusted again.
7. Remove the stay and ftting band so you can
complete all vertical seams and darts on both the
bodice and skirt.
8. Baste the stay into the bodice again; baste the
skirt to the bodice. Right sides together, stitch the
waistline seam; press lightly.
9. For a fat, inconspicuous waistline seam, turn the
seam toward the bodice. To accentuate a full skirt
with a buttressed seam, press the waistline seam
toward the hem so the skirt will stand away from
the bodice at the waist.
10. Trim the raw edges of an inconspicuous
waistline seam to 1 in. Finish the waistline seams
by overcasting the raw edges of the bodice and skirt
separately.
11. Sew in the waist stay with running stitches.
Te Blouse/Skirt Dress
Many designers use the blouse/skirt dress because it
controls the fullness, distributes the fullness at the
waist, and keeps the shirt-tail tucked-in. Te bodice
and skirt can be the same fabric like the Yves Saint
Laurent design shown above, or the dress can be
fabricated with diferent fabrics to simulate the look
of separates. Te disadvantage of diferent
fabrications is the blouse fabrics soil and deteriorate
more quickly than the skirt materials. Te dresses
can be assembled using several methods, but the
most practical and easiest is to complete the blouse
and skirt separately, and then sew them together
by hand.
In these directions the blouse and skirt are joined
at the waist like the YSL dress; then the seam
allowances are interfaced with a grosgrain ribbon
and covered with a binding.
1. Complete the blouse and put it on a dress form
or the fgure. Place a narrow linen ftting tape
around the waist, pin the ends together.
2. Arrange the blouse fullness as desired; pin the
tape to the blouse so the pins are parallel to the tape.
3. Remove the blouse from the dress form, mark
the garment centers and seamlines on the tape.
4. Turn the blouse wrong side out; using the pins as
a guide, thread-trace the waistline and unpin the tape.
5. Cut the waistband 3 in. wide and the desired
length plus two seam allowances. Tread-trace the
seamlines in. from the edges. Cut a 1-in.-wide
grosgrain interfacing the desired length.
The bodice and skirt of this yves saint laurent dress
were assembled separately, then joined at the waist
with a waistband. The bodice opens at center front, but
to reduce bulk; the skirt front opens at the side. snaps
on the waist of the bodice and the waistband are used
to connect the two.
6. Right sides together, pin and baste the skirt to the
blouse, aligning the waistlines, garment centers, and
side seams. Press lightly. Trim the seams to
1
2 in.
7. With the bodice on top, place the waistband on
the seam; baste and stitch. Remove the bastings.
8. Align the edge of the grosgrain and the seam;
use running stitches to secure the grosgrain.
9. Finish the ends of the band.
10. Wrap the band around the grosgrain; turn
under the seam allowance, baste. Use fell stitches to
fnish the band.
claires hint On many blouse/skirt dresses the
blouse and skirt are completely fnished before they are
joined. If the skirt has a band, the sections are sewn
together at the bottom of the band with running stitches.
If it has a facing, it is sewn together
1
4 in. to
1
2 in.
below the top of the facing.
Bias-cut Dresses
Only a few designers have been truly successful
with bias creations, among them the legendary
French couturier Madeleine Vionnet, who
introduced the bias-cut garment at the turn of the
century (see one of her designs on p. 14). Her frst
designs, shown in 1907 over uncorseted fgures
with sandals or bare feet, shocked and infuriated
many clients. A few appreciated the new freedom
of these styles, which did not restrict movement
even though they clung to the fgure. It wasnt
until after World War I, however, that Vionnets
innovative bias cut became high fashion. Two
American couturiers, Valentina and Charles
Kleibacker, were known for their classic bias dresses
for day and evening. Both created designs to be worn
without elaborate underpinnings.
aTTaching skirT To Blouse
securing The grosgrain
on this stunning bias-cut dress designed by charles
Kleibacker, the bodice is fitted with darts that are
released at the waist to create the full flared skirt. The
neck edge is finished with a narrow self-fabric binding.
The fabric is a pebbly wool crepe.
(Photo by Gordon Munro, courtesy of estate of Charles Kleibacker.)
Running stitches
Waistband
Grosgrain
Bodice
Waistband
Skirt Fell
stitches
Grosgrain
Bodice
1
2
Skirt
Bodice
Bias-cut garments are constructed with the bias
hanging vertically, which makes these fashions
more challenging to sew than traditional designs
cut on the straight grain because the bias cut
stretches more and is easily distorted.
Here are some useful tips I learned from
Kleibacker for working with the bias:
When making a muslin toile for a bias-cut

garment, be sure the muslin for each garment
section has a selvage edge. Tat edge will make it
easy to align the grainlines when you lay out the
toile on the garment fabric for cutting.
Instead of folding the fabric lengthwise as you

normally would to cut out two layers on the
lengthwise grain, cut the unfolded fabric in two
lengths long enough to accommodate your pattern.
Mark the face side of each length with a cross-stitch

in the upper right corner. Stack the two lengths with
right sides together and the cross-stitches at one end.
Smooth the stacked layers of fabric; and to prevent
shifting, pin the layers together on all sides, setting
the pins perpendicular to the edges.
Corner the fabric so one end and long edge are

aligned with one corner and long edge of the table;
this ensures that the grainlines are at right angles.
Slip large sheets of dressmakers carbon under

the fabric layers, and check to be sure the fabric is
still cornered. Spread the muslin pattern on top of
the fabric and pin the selvages on the muslin to the
selvages on the garment fabric, allowing several
inches between pattern pieces for seam allowances.
Using weights or pins in the seam allowances,
anchor the pattern.
Transfer all stitching lines and matchpoints to

the wrong side of the lower layer with a stiletto
tracing wheel. As you wheel with one hand, hold
the fabric layers fat with just the fngertips of the
other hand (as if you are playing the piano).
Roll the wheel in only one direction, and move
your fngers frequently so you are holding the
fabric next to where you are wheeling, as its called
in couture.
After youve wheeled the entire pattern, remove

the muslin pattern, turn the two layers of fabric
frequently uSed By
Mainbocher to introduce
enough fullness below the
waist to accommodate the
hips, this blouse has four
godetstwo in front and two
in back.
1. On the blouse pattern, draw a
new side seam on grain.
2. To determine the finished
width of the godets at the hem,
measure the distance between
the new and old side seams at
the hem.
Blouse Godets
3. Beginning at the waist, draw
the location lines for the godets
midway between the garment
centers and new side seam.
Measure the godet line from the
waist to the hem.
4. To make the godet pattern,
draw a triangle using the length
of the godet line for the sides
and the distance between the
side lines for the base. If you
need extra width at the hips,
its easy to make the triangle
wider at the base.
5. Add seam and hem
allowances to the godet.
6. Sew the godet.
(Photo by Author.)
over so you can smooth and mark the second layer
as you did the frst.
Lap-baste the garment centers and any other

seamlines positioned with right sides together, so
they are ready for stitching.
Tread-trace the remaining stitching lines and

matchpoints. To avoid catching the underlayer, slip
a ruler in between the layers to separate them. Cut
out the garment sections, leaving at least 1
1
2-in.-wide
seam allowances. When working with bias cut
designs, some fabrics stretch much more than
others; and the fabric lengthens, causing the
garment to narrow. Te extra wide seam allowances
can be used to make it large enough.
Machine stitch the dress only after it has been

ftted, stretching the bias seams as much as possible
as you sew so the garment will drape properly.
Try to locate any zippers on the lengthwise grain

rather than on the bias so theyll hang correctly
without buckling. If this isnt possible, make a
slashed opening for the zipper and bind the edges
of the opening with bias binding (see p. 80).
Blouse Designs
Blouses are usually designed to tuck in or be worn
over the waistband of a skirt or pants. Many tuck-
in couture blouses, like the Valentino design at
right, have a seam at the waist and a separately cut
section below the waist called a yoke. Te yoke
reduces bulk, controls the waistline fullness, and
ensures a better ft. Te yoke is generally made
of fabric that is both lighter in weight and less
expensive than the blouse fabric, for example,
organza, China silk, or lightweight silk shantung.
Most yokes are simple rectangles, darted to ft the
waist and the upper hip. Teyre usually 4 in. to 7 in.
wide and sometimes cut on the crossgrain so the
selvage can be used at the bottom instead of a hem
to further reduce bulk.
1. To make a blouse yoke, begin with a pattern for
a close-ftting skirt. To use the yoke fabric selvage
for a hem, place the top of the skirt front and back
pattern sections on the fabric the same distance
from the selvage.
2. Using a tracing wheel and dressmakers carbon,
transfer the stitching lines at the top of the front
and back pattern sections to the fabric. Remove the
pattern and baste the yoke together.
3. Baste the yoke to the blouse for a ftting, make
any necessary corrections, then permanently stitch
and press the yoke and blouse. If you didnt use the
selvage at the hem, fnish the lower edge.
4. When a tuck-in blouse has a zipper, it usually
extends 10 in. to 12 in. below the waist and several
inches below the blouse hem so the wearer can step
into the garment easily. Sometimes the zippers
designed by Valentino garavani in the mid-1980s,
this blouse has a seam at the waist with a fitted yoke.
The yoke reduces bulk under the top of the skirt and
prevents it from pulling out. For this design, it sets and
preserves the drape of the bodice.
are sewn in upside-down in place of a separating
zipper since the latter are heavy and available in
only limited lengths and colors (see p. 103).
overBlouSeS
Frequently used with her classic suits, Coco
Chanels overblouses and tunics are always
comfortable, even when they arent high fashion.
Te blouse should hang smoothly without shifting
toward the back or front of the body, and the
hemline should appear parallel to the foor, except,
of course, when the designs hemline is intentionally
uneven. In couture, the drape of the overblouse is
controlled with weights. Chanel used a variety of
weights, including brass chains and circle weights.
Other couturiers have weighted the blouse with
wide hem allowances, bands, bindings, embroidery,
ribbon or braid trims, and even pockets and buttons.
Noted in the 1920s for his Grecian-inspired, long,
pleated silk, column-like dresses, Italian designer
Mariano Fortuny always used small glass beads as
weights along the hemline of the blouse on his two-
piece designs. More recent, Norell preferred silk-
covered drapery weights, even though they had to
be removed when the blouse was dry-cleaned. Many
designs have a bias binding at the hem to weight it.
SleeveleSS BlouSeS
and dreSSeS
Sleeveless designs were traditionally associated
with casual dress and sportswear until American
designer Mainbocher introduced haute couture to
the bare armed suit blouse in the 1930s. Although
Chanel liked this innovation for the comfort it
ofered, she wanted her suits to look as if they had
long sleeves. She achieved this efect by creating
separate blouse cufs that were sewn or snapped
into the insides of the jacket sleeves.
Sleeveless flange. On both sleeveless blouses and
dresses, Norell and Balenciaga favored an unusual
front armhole shape, called a sleeveless fange. Te
shallow front armhole hugs the body at the top
of the arm, while a fold of fabric extending from
the shoulder at the
armscye covers the
crease where the
arm joins the body,
one of the bodys less
attractive parts. On
the Balenciaga, the
sleeveless fange was
used on both the front
and back armholes.
1. To reshape the
armscye, extend the
shoulder seam on the
pattern front 1
1
4 in.
2. Connect the end of
the new shoulder seam with the armscye notch to
create a shallow sleeve cap; add seam allowances to
all edges as needed.
3. Repeat on the pattern back if you want a rounder,
softer edge on the back armhole as well.
4. Finish the armscye with a facing or lining,
then fold the extension under 1
1
4 in. and use
catchstitches to sew it to the shoulder seam. Te
purpose is to create a fange with a small pleat at
the armscye that covers the crease where the arm
joins the body.
Used to flatter the wearer and cover the unattractive
crease where the arm joins the body, flanges at the
armscye were a favorite balenciaga technique for
sleeveless designs. The inside view of the flange shows
its simplicity. The shoulder seam is simply extended,
the armscye finished, and then the extension is folded
to the inside.
(Photos by Taylor Sherrill. Authors collection.)
reshaPing
arMhole
inTo
sleeveless
Flange
New
seamline
Original
seamline
Bodice
front
Interfaced armscye. Any sleeveless design will
be enhanced by interfacing the armscye with a bias
strip to soften the edge without causing any breaks
and to make the edge
drape better. Using the
same technique as for
interfacing hems (see
p. 72) you can create a
softly rolled edge thats
usually more attractive
than a sharp, hard-
pressed fnish.
1. Depending on the
amount of roll you want,
choose an interfacing
fabric like muslin,
traditional interfacing fabrics, hair canvas, cotton
fannel, or lambswool (listed here in order of the
amount of roll they produce, from the least to the
greatest), and cut a strip of interfacing 1
1
2 in. wide.
2. After the facings are stitched and the seam is
pressed and clipped, hand sew the strip to the seam-
line so it laps the facing
1
2 in. and the bodice 1 in.
3. Clip the strip as necessary so the edge will lie fat.
4. Fold the interfacing in place and secure it at the
seams.
Invisible Details
Te construction details on the inside of a couture
garment are among its most important secrets.
Tese details represent the fnishing touches
that imperceptibly keep necklines from shifting
or gaping, help pleats hang as designed, make
waistlines ft smoothly, and generally hold the
garment in place on the body.
perfect necklIneS
A well-made neckline that lies precisely as the
designer intended is a hallmark of couture
construction. Tere are many ways to achieve this
end, from small weights to elaborate harnesses, and
the design of the neckline determines the approach
needed to tame it.
Weights and Boning. A draped cowl neckline can
be held in place with small weights covered with
plain-weave silk or organza and sewn with a small
French tack to the inside fold of the drape. A deep
V-shaped neckline will lie smoothly if anchored at
the deepest point of the V with a boning stay.
1. Stabilize the neckline early in its construction to
eliminate any gaping (see p. 54).
2. Sew a narrow silk tube about 4 in. long.
3. Insert a 3-in. piece of polyester boning or a mans
shirt stay into the tube.
4. After the neckline is fnished, sew one end of the
tube to the facing about
1
4 in. below the neckline.
5. When the garment is worn, the bottom of the
anchor slips into the bra and the neckline clings to
the body.
elastic Stays. An elastic stay can also be used to
tighten necklines, such as the sweetheart neckline
on the evening gown on p. 138, or hold an of-the-
shoulder neckline in position. Tis stay is a piece of
elastic held in a thread casing of catchstitches.
Tese directions are for applying the elastic stay
at a neckline.
1. Facing side up, pin a piece of braided elasticthe
kind that narrows when stretchedto the neckline
facing without stretching it.
2. Use catchstitches to make a casing over the
elastic.
short polyester
stays like those
used on mens
shirts, here on a
dress by designer
James galanos,
were inserted
into self-fabric
tubes, which could
be tucked into
the wearers bra
when worn.
(Photo by Author.)
Catchstitch
Front Lining
inTerFacing
The arMscye
3. Baste one end of the elastic to the facing so it
wont pull out.
4. Pull up the other end of the elastic so it is about
1 in. shorter than the length of the neckline. Baste
the end of the elastic to the neckline facing and
cut the elastic, leaving an extra 2-in. tail. Since it
is basted, the elastic length can be adjusted at the
next ftting and the fullness adjusted.
5. After the ftting, trim the elastic ends. Use
catchstitches or whipstitches to sew them securely
to the facing.
claires hint If the elastic needs to be replaced
at a later date, remove the old elastic and sew a short
length of buttonhole twist thread to the end of the new
elastic to thread it through the casing.
Square neckline control. Use an elastic stay to
control a square neckline and keep it from gaping.
One of the advantages of this stay is that the
neckline will be held smooth at the front and the
back can be loose.
1. Cut the elastic long enough to extend from one
front corner of the neckline around the back to the
other front corner.
2. Sew one end of the elastic to the facing at one
corner; sew a snap socket to the other corner. Sew
the snap ball to the free end of the elastic.
3. If the neckline sags a little despite the elastic, use a
piece of polyester boning to keep it smooth. Cut the
boning 1 in. longer than the neckline width, insert
it into a narrow silk tube and catchstitch the tube to
the neckline facing
1
4 in. to
1
2 in. below the neckline.
Harnesses. Designs with deep dcollets, low-cut
necklines, or wrapped surplice designs are more
difcult to control, particularly when they are not
close-ftting. To solve the problem, low-cut
couture blouses and dresses have harnesses that
designed by
castillo, the
sweetheart
neckline on
this beautiful
ball gown will
never gap. At
the neck edge,
an elastic stay
is inserted
into a thread
casing, then
tightened
so the edge
will cling to
the body
and still be
comfortable.
(Photo by Taylor
Sherrill. Authors
collection.)
conTrolling an
oFF-The-shoulder neckline
Dress
Facing
Dress
conTrolling a
square neckline
Facing
Boning covered with silk tube
Snap
Snap
Elastic
Overcast
edges
attach to a narrow waistband. Te specifc design
of the harness varies with each neckline, but they
usually have a band that snugly fts the waist or
under the bust. Te shoulder straps extending
from the waistband are either sewn to the garment
shoulder seams or held in place with lingerie
guards to keep the garment from shifting when
its worn.
I frst saw a harness on a YSL evening blouse
with deep dcollet at center front and back. To
control the neckline, silk straps were sewn to a
waist stay. On the front, two straps were
placed to form a triangle from the waist to
the shoulder, bypassing the bust. On the
back, one of the front straps continued to
the back waist. At the shoulder, they were
held in place by a lingerie guard.
Another much simpler harness was on a dress
by American designer Valentina. Te harness
consisted of two long straps attached at the
shoulders. Made of seam binding, the straps crossed
in front at the bust and tied in the back at the waist.
Te harness on the Oscar de la Renta dress, below,
is similar to one I saw on a Balenciaga. Te dress
surplice back wraps loosely; without the harness, it
would fall open and shift of the shoulders.
1. To determine the amount of grosgrain needed,
youll need two straps and one waist stay. For
the straps, measure the
length from your back
waist to the shoulder;
multiply by two; add this
measurement to your
waist measurement. Add
1
4 yd. for seam allowances
and fnishing the ends of
the waist stay.
2. Make the waist stay
using
1
2-in.- or 1-in.-wide
grosgrain. To fnish the
ends, see p. 140.
3. Pin and baste the straps
on the back of the stay
about 3 in. from center
back, letting the ends
extend about
1
2 in. below
the stay.
4. Wrong side up, place
the harness on the bodice.
Pin the straps to the
shoulder seams. Dont cut
the straps too short at the
shoulders so they can be lengthened if needed.
5. At the ftting, check the strap length. Adjust
as needed.
6. Turn under the ends of the straps at the
shoulder seams and waist stay. Use fell stitches to
sew them at the shoulder seams. Use whipstitches
at the bottom of the waist stay and catchstitches at
the top.
designed by oscar de la renta, this two-piece silk
matelass dress was inspired by a 1961 balenciaga
design. it has a graceful surplice wrap in the back and a
soft blouson in the front.
The harnessalso
inspired by the
balenciaga design
which prevents the
bodice from falling off
the shoulders, is easy
to see when the back
is opened.
collection.)
More Stays
In addition to elastic stays and harnesses, other
types of stays used in couture garments include
waist stays, underbust stays, and pleat stays. While
elastic stays stretch, waist and underbust stays
anchor the garment in the desired position on the
body. Pleat stays allow you to reduce the bulk of
the garment while stabilizing this decorative detail.
WaISt Stay
Sometimes called an inside waistband or
Petersham, a waist stay generally ensures a better
ftting and more comfortable dress. It eases the
strain at the zipper on close-ftting garments,
supports the weight of a dresss full or heavy skirt,
and controls the fullness on a blouson bodice. It
also controls the hang of dresses without waistline
seams to create a smoother line on the fgure.
For most daytime dresses, a
1
2-in.- to 1-in.-wide
grosgrain stay is suitable. On evening gowns, the
waist stay can be 1-in.-wide grosgrain or several
inches wide and made of faille with stays (see p. 222).
1. Begin by cutting the grosgrain about 7 in. longer
than the waistline measurement of the garment.
With the garment wrong side up, align the bottom
of the grosgrain with the seamline and pin it to the
seam allowances.
2. Beginning and ending 1
1
2 in. from the garment
opening, baste the center of the grosgrain to
the seam.
3. After the ftting, fnish the stay ends neatly, as
described in the sidebar, above.
Finishing Ends on the Waist Stay
1. Mark the stay 2 in. from the
end for the hooks and 4
1
2 in.
for the eyes.
2. To finish the hook end, fold
under the stay at the marked
point.
3. On a 1-in.-wide stay, sew two
hooks, placing them about
1
8 in.
from the folded end.
4. Fold under the end; slide the
folded end under the hooks
to cover the eyelets. Fell the
end and whipstitch the edges
together.
5. To finish the eye end, fold
under the stay at the marked
point; sew the edges together
for
1
2 in.
6. Align the eyes with the hooks
and sew them to the stay so
they extend
1
8 in. beyond the
folded edge.
7. Fold the end back on itself for
1 in. with right sides together to
make a 1-in. underlap beyond
the marked foldline.
8. At the end of the underlap,
fold the stay with wrong sides
together. To finish, fold the raw
edge under
1
2 in., fell it in place
and whipstitch the folded edges
together.
9. To finish a waistline or
underbust stay on a garment
with a side closure, place the
hooks on the left front of the
stay. For a garment with a
center closure, place them
on the right back.
10. Use running stitches or short
French tacks to sew the stay
into the garment.
Finishing sTay ends
Ribbon
2 mark
1
1 1
Whipstitches
only
1
2
4
1
2
4. Sew the grosgrain permanently with short
running stitches. If the dress doesnt have a
waistline seam, sew the stay to the vertical seams
using short French tacks.

underBuSt Stay
An underbust stay is often made of elastic instead
of grosgrain ribbon. Te elastic allows it to move
with the body while holding the bodice securely in
place. Sometimes encased in a silk tube, the stay
is held in place by a series of thread chains placed
on the inside of the bodice at the center front, side
seams, and darts.
1. Begin with
1
4-in.- to
3
8-in.-wide elastic. Cut
the ends the same length as the underbust
measurement of the wearer.
2. Finish the ends with a hook and eye.
3. On the inside of the bodice, make the thread
chains for the stay at the side seams (see p. 37)
just long enough for the elastic to slip through.
For a closer ft at the bustline, sew the elastic to
the garment midway between the bust points and
locate the thread guides as needed to guide the
elastic under the bust.
pleat Stay
A pleat or fullness stay ensures that the pleat
or fullness hangs softly in its intended position
without being held by any stitching. Such a stay
was used to secure the pleat at the armscye on the
Balenciaga gown at right, a treatment that would
work equally well for a daytime design. Te inside
designed in 1965 by balenciaga, the silk gazar gown
has a graceful pleat at each shoulder held in place on
the inside of the garment by a pleat stay (inset). This
design relied on the cut, the fabrics characteristics,
and the wearers movements for the intended effect:
When the wearer walked, the raised front hem allowed
the skirt, lined with self-fabric, to fill with air and billow
out to form a cone.
(Photo by Irving Solero, courtesy of the National Museum of Fashion at the Fashion
Institute of Technology, New York, gift of Mrs. Ephraim London.)
A look inside the balenciaga dress reveals a simple silk
tube anchored at the neckpoint and on the armscye.
notice that the stay is shorter than the garment
section to create the pleat at the
armscye. At the top of the sleeve
cap, the edge is finished with a wide
extended facing; at the underarm, a
separate facing is used.
(Photo by Irving Solero, courtesy of the National
Museum of Fashion at the Fashion Institute of
Technology, New York, gift of Mrs. Ephraim London.)
underBusT sTay
Dress
Sew stay at
center front
Facing
Stay Thread bar
Bust point
view of the bodice shows the simplicity of the stay.
Ive used this stay on several designs that had pleats
or shirring in the shoulder area to keep the fullness
from falling of the arm.
On other designs, a small triangular stay was used
instead of the tape.
1. To make the stay for each pleat, sew a
1
4-in. tube
2 in. longer than its fnished length (see Stitching
Tube, p. 98).
2. Wrong side up, pin one end of the strap at the
shoulder point and the other at the armscye.
claires hint Experiment with the length and
placement until the pleat drapes as you want.
3. Trim the ends of the strap, leaving
1
4 in. at each
end. Turn under the ends and sew them securely.
crotcH Stay
A crotch stay is a simple, functional means of
anchoring a tuck-in blouse to prevent it from riding
up. Similar to a body suit, a crotch stay keeps the
blouse hem from pulling out.
1. To sew a crotch stay, begin with the blouse on
the fgure and determine the needed length of the
stay by measuring from the back hem of the blouse
through the legs to the front hem.
2. Cut two strips of elastic this length. Insert the
elastic strips into narrow silk tubes about 2 in.
longer than the elastic.
3. Stretch the elastic and sew the ends to the
tube ends.
4. Sew one end of one strap to the inside hem of
the blouse, about 1 in. to the right of the center
back, and the end of the other strap about 1 in. to
the left of center.
5. Sew the ball half of a snap to the other end of
each strap and the corresponding snap socket to the
inside hem of the blouse, positioning the sockets
similarly to the right and left of center front.
Shoulder Pads
Te shoulder pads used in dressmaking are
generally softer and thinner than those used in
tailoring. Teyre sometimes shaped irregularly to
ft an unusual neckline, and theyre always covered
shoulder pads can be
any shape you want.
To create a strong
shoulder for a blouse
like the one shown on
the facing page, left,
small shoulder pads
have been fashioned
with a cut-out to fit
around the blouses
bateau neckline.
with fabric when not concealed by a lining. Te
pads themselves are made and shaped on a dress
form in the same way as tailored shoulder pads.
1. For each shoulder pad, cut a piece of lining about
12 in. square; mark the true bias at the center.
2. Before removing the pads from the dress form,
align the bias with the armscye edge of the pad;
smooth and pin the lining fabric over the pad.
3. Remove the pads from the dress form; wrap
the lining around the pad. Pin a dart in the center
of the underside to remove the excess fullness;
smooth and pin the fabric on the underside.
4. At the edge of the pad, use running stitches to
sew the layers together. Trim away the excess, fell
croTch sTay
Snap ball
Snapped
stay
Blouse
front
Snap
socket
stitch the dart fat, and overcast the edges of the
silk by hand.
5. Mark the front of the shoulder pad with a cross
stitch, and baste it into the garment for ftting.
6. To secure it permanently, use blindstitches to
sew it to the shoulder seam and the armscye for
about 1 in. on each side of the shoulder point.
7. Use short French tacks to sew the corners to the
armscye seam.
claires hint Valentino used elastic stays on
the shoulder pads to control necklines. Te elastic is
inserted into a narrow silk tube, and the ends are sewn
to the front and back of the shoulder pad to form a loop
that fts snugly, but not tightly, under the arm. Te
exact placement of the elastic depends on the design,
but its usually in line with the armscye. Surprisingly,
these stays are neither uncomfortable nor unattractive,
and Ive used them on several loose-ftting designs with
excellent results.
Dress Shields
Dress shields ft inside the garment at the
underarm and protect the garment from
perspiration. Made from the lining or backing
fabric, theyre about 5 in. wide and 5 in. long, with
an inward curve at the top. For greater protection,
they can be made double, with mirror-image sides
so one side extends into the sleeve; or they can be
interfaced with cotton fannel for extra absorbency;
and they can be covered with self-fabric.
1. Draw the shape of the shield you want and add
-in. seam allowances to all the edges.
2. For a pair of shields, cut four sections from the
blouse or lining fabric.
3. Right sides together, stitch all edges, leaving a
1-in. opening on one side.
4. Trim the seams to
1
8 in.; turn the shield right
side out.
5. Close the opening with slipstitches; press.
6. Use running stitches to sew the shields into the
garment so they can be removed for laundering.
claires hint For sleeveless designs, I make
the shields from self-fabric and position the shield
so it extends
1
8 in. above the armhole to catch the
perspiration before the garment does.
7. For double shields, cut eight sections; join each
of the two pairs at the armscye. Line and fnish the
shields as above.
Fabricated in silk
charmeuse, this
beautiful yves
saint laurent
blouse from
the 1980s has a
bateau neckline.
The bodice of the
blouse is lined,
but the sleeves
are not. The band
at the waist is
interfaced with
hair canvas.
in a couture atelier, dress shields are often sewn from
silk lining or backing fabric. For sleeveless designs,
theyre often made from self-fabric so they will be
inconspicuous at the underarm. here, the dress shields
were added later and made from flesh-colored silk to
make them inconspicuous.
145
8
Although there s an endless variety of sleeve
styles and silhouettes to choose from, there are only two basic categories
of sleeves: set-in sleeves, made separately and sewn to the bodice at the
armscye; and sleeves cut as an integral part of the bodice. Tis latter group
includes kimono, dolman, batwing, and raglan sleeves. While both sleeve
types are used in haute couture, this chapter focuses on
the separately cut, set-in sleeve because its more difcult
to ft and sew successfully. Designer methods for sewing
cut-on sleeves are quite similar to traditional home-
sewing techniques.
Set-in sleeves are known by a variety of names that
describe their silhouettebell, bishop, cap, lantern, leg-
of-mutton, puf, shirt, and tulip. Te sleeve cap, or top,
can be set smoothly into the armscye (armhole) of the
bodice, or it can be gathered, pleated, tucked, or draped.
Te bottom of the sleeve can be fnished with a self-hem,
separate facing, binding, cuf, or casing. But whatever the
style and cut, the general method for hanging, or ftting,
and sewing all set-in sleeves is fundamentally the same.
Designed by the English couturier
Lachasse in the late 1940s, this
garment is a testament to the
influence of Diors New Look. Like
Diors Bar design, the hips are
padded to make the waist look
smaller. Lapped seams are used
on the front and the sleeves are
finished with an intricate double-
cuff design.
(Photo by Ken Howie. Author's collection.)
Sleeves
146 a p p Ly i Ng c ou t u r E t E c hNi qu E s
Basic One-piece Fitted Sleeve
Before exploring how to ft and sew a set-in sleeve,
lets look at the anatomy of a ftted sleeve. When
the sleeve is laid fat, the grainline runs the length
of the arm from the shoulder point, or highest
point on the sleeve cap, to the back of the wrist.
Above the elbow, the grainline is located at the
sleeve center. Below the elbow, the grainline and
sleeve center move apart.
Te vertical grainline is used as a guide for marking
the horizontal lines of the biceps, cap, and elbow.
Te biceps line connects the top of the underarm
seam and marks the crossgrain. It defnes the base
of the sleeve cap and the top of the sleeve body.
Te capline is located on the crossgrain midway
between the biceps and the shoulder point.
Te cap is wider and higher in front than in back
to accommodate the shoulder joint, which juts
forward. Te cap is scooped out more on the front
than the back to allow the arm to move forward
without binding at the front of the armscye. Te cap
back underarm curve is just deep enough to allow
the arm to swing forward without ripping the seam.
Te cap height is afected by the length of the
shoulder seam and height of the shoulder pads
two details infuenced by changing fashions.
Whatever the fashion, the shorter the shoulder
seam then the higher the sleeve cap; and the longer
the seam, the lower the cap. To accommodate a
shoulder pad, for example, the sleeve cap has extra
height.
Te sleeve cap seamline outlines the top of the
cap. Designed to ft the outward curve of the
shoulder, the length of this seamline is 1 in. to
2 in. longer than the armscye of the bodice and
must be eased in when the bodice and sleeve are
joined. Generally located on the sleeve cap seamline
about in. below the capline, the balance marks or
matchpoints (notches on commercial patterns), are
used to indicate the beginning and end of the ease
on the upper part of the sleeve cap. Te balance
marks are only guides, and are frequently changed
when the sleeve is ftted.
Te elbow line is marked on the crossgrain level
with the elbow. Te elbow dart shapes the ftted
sleeve to follow the curve of the arm and provides
fullness to allow for bending the elbow. Sometimes
the elbow dart is converted to ease.
Te other vertical lines on the sleeve are the front
and back underarm seamlines, the forearm line and
the back line. Te forearm line marks the center
of the sleeve front and extends from the front end
of the capline to the wrist. Te back line marks
the center of the sleeve back and extends from the
other end of the capline through the point of the
Basic Parts
this adrian jacket
has a one-piece
sleeve, which was
used more often on
tailored designs in the
1940s and 50s than
it is today. the sleeve
is shaped with two
darts at the elbow.
on many designs, the
darts are converted to
ease so they are less
conspicuous.
collection.)
Shoulder point
Sleeve cap
(shaded area)
Sleeve cap seamline
Back notches
Wristline Grainline Sleeve center
Forearm line
Capline (on crossgrain)
Front underarm
seamline
Cap height
Sleeve body
(unshaded area)
Back underarm
seamline
Elbow dart
Back line
Sleeve center/
grainline
Elbow line/
crossgrain
Front notch
147 s L E E v E s
elbow dart to the wrist. Te back line is frequently
used to locate sleeve vents, cuf openings, darts, and
extra length for full sleeves.
PrePare, Hang,
and Fit tHe Sleeve
Tese directions are for hanging a basic, full-
length sleeve on a toile or garment. Te advantage
of hanging sleeves on the toile is that, unlike the
garment fabric, the muslin can be marked quickly
and easily with a pencil.
1. Cut out the sleeve with 1-in. seam allowances,
except at the top of the cap seamline; cut it with a
1
1
2-in. allowance.
2. Tread-trace all seamlines, elbow darts, and
matchpoints. Mark the grainline and sleeve center,
beginning at the shoulder point and continuing
the length of the sleeve. Mark the crossgrain at the
capline, bicep, and elbow.
3. Baste the elbow dart closed. Baste the underarm
seam. Turn under the hem and baste.
4. Fit and machine stitch the bodice. Baste
shoulder pads in place. Its important to have a
variety of pads on hand to experiment with when
ftting and never ft a garment without them.
5. Try on the garment and slip the sleeve over
your arm. Anchor the shoulder point of the sleeve
temporarily to the bodice so the grain at the sleeve
center hangs perpendicular to the foor. Set a pin at
a right angle to the seamline without folding under
the sleeves seam allowance. Dont be concerned
if the shoulder point isnt pinned exactly to the
shoulder seam on the garment.
6. Extend the arm; fold the sleeve seam allowance
under at the underarm. Match the underarm
seamlines of the sleeve and bodice; pin them
together. With the arm down and relaxed, adjust
the cap so the capline is horizontal and the sleeve
falls in a gentle vertical column. Pin the ends of
the capline to the bodice without folding the seam
allowance under. Since youre hanging the sleeve
for a particular fgure, the matchpoints that were
transferred from the pattern may not match. If
the capline bows upward at the sleeve center, the
cap is too short. In that case, release the pin at the
shoulder point and repin so the capline is level and
the sleeve is balanced.
7. Beginning at the underarm, fold the sleeve seam
allowance under and pin the sleeve front to the
armscye seamline. Stop at the marked capline and
repeat on back of the sleeve.
this dressmaker suit by Mainbocher has a close-fitting
two-piece sleeve. it was worn with the skirt shown on
p. 108. (Photo by Ken Howie. Authors collection.)
sleeve to shoulder Point
Capline
Biceps
line
Grainline
appropriate pattern is basted onto the muslin toile
so the patterns can be easily matched.
11. Once the ft is checked, remove the toile or
garment and mark the bodice and sleeve carefully
before unpinning. Mark any changes made on
the seamlines of the sleeve or bodice. Indicate
new matchpoints as needed at the shoulder point
and capline, and again midway between the two.
If the underarm bodice and sleeve seams dont
match those on the bodice, decide which should be
repositioned and mark the new location.
12. Unpin the sleeve, remove bastings, and press
the sleeve. Using a ruler and French curve, correct
any irregular lines to true them.
Cut and Shape the Sleeve
Te success of the sleeves begins with the cutting
and shaping before it is assembled.
1. Using the corrected toile sleeve as a guide, cut
and mark the fabric sleeve. Cut the backing.
2. Baste the backing to the wrong side of the sleeve.
Baste frst with diagonal stitches at the center on
the lengthwise grain. Fold the sleeve vertically and
pin the thread traced seamlines to the backing.
Baste the layers together on the seamlines.
3. Baste and stitch the elbow dart. Remove the
bastings, slash the dart open and press. If the dart
was converted to ease (see p. 60), shrink and shape
the elbow area.
8. Before pinning the top of the cap, check the
grainlines again to be sure the sleeve is balanced.
Remove the pin at the shoulder point and fold
under the sleeve seam allowance at the top of the
cap. Ease and repin the top of the cap to the bodice,
setting the pins perpendicular to the folded edge.
Te cap probably will not lie fat between the
pins because you havent shaped the sleeve cap to
control the fullness.
9. Check the sleeve length. It should end just
below the wrist bone when the arm is held down
at the side. Bend the arm; the sleeve should be
long enough so it doesnt pull away from the wrist.
Check that the elbow dart points toward the elbow.
Next check the underarm seam. It should end
at the wrist at the center of the palm. Swing your
arms forward and, bending them at the elbows,
place each hand on the opposite shoulder. Te
bodice back and sleeve cap should be wide enough
to allow mobility. Correct and repin any of the
above sleeve points as needed.
10. When hanging a fabric sleeve, examine the
sleeve to determine whether the fabric has enough
body to support the sleeve shape. If the sleeve
seems limp, it can be completely backed after youve
ftted it, or backed just above the elbow, or in part
or all of the sleeve cap. When working with plaid,
striped, or patterned fabrics that require matching,
draw the fabric pattern at the bodice shoulder
onto the sleeve cap so you can accurately match
the patterns when cutting the garment fabric. At
the House of Valentino, a fabric scrap with the
the muslin sleeve
was fitted into the
jacket; a scrap
of the plaid was
matched to the
plaid on the jacket
front and basted
to the muslin cap.
it isnt unusual to
need a separate
muslin for each
sleeve.
(Photo by Author.)
sleeve into armscye
Set pins
perpendicular
to seamline
Set pins parallel
to seamline
Fold under seam
allowance on cap
149 s L E E v E s
4. Baste and stitch the underarm seam; press
it open. Finish the lower edge of the sleeve
appropriately for the design.
5. To shape the sleeve cap, place a row of ease
basting on the seamline between the matchpoints.
Place a second row
1
8 in. above the seamline and
another
1
8 in. below it. Measure the armscye and
pull up the ease basting on the cap so the sleeve
seamline is the same as the corresponding length of
the armscye.
6. Right side up, arrange the cap on a tailors ham.
Cover the section with a damp press cloth and
shrink out the excess fullness. When shrinking,
work from the seam allowance inward, moving
the iron no more than 1 in. over the seamline to
keep from shrinking out too much fullness and
distorting the hang of the sleeve. After shrinking,
cover the sleeve with a dry press cloth and press
until the cap is dry.
7. To preserve the shape and support of the sleeve
cap, pin the sleeves to a pair of shoulder pads that
have been sewn to the ends of a coat hanger or
stuf the caps with tissue paper.
8. Set the sleeves aside until youre ready to sew
them into the garment.
Set tHe Sleeve
Te process of setting the sleeve in haute couture
varies from the one used in home sewing.
1. Complete the bodice and tighten the back
armscye (see the facing page).
2. Right sides together, pin the sleeve into the
armscye using the matchpoints as a guide.
If youre right-handed, begin with the left sleeve,
which will be easier to baste; if youre left-handed,
begin with the right sleeve.
claires hint Many home-sewing instructions
advise against putting ease at the top of the sleeve
because its difcult to ease smoothly on the crossgrain.
In haute couture, a small amount of ease is added at
the top of the sleeve so the cap will not ft too tightly
over the seam allowances.
3. Starting at the front matchpoint, baste along
the seamline with short, even basting stitches
across the top of the cap to the back matchpoints,
under the arm, and back to the starting point.
Distribute the ease with your thumb between the
matchpoints as you baste. When matching plaids,
stripes or other fabric patterns, begin with the
garment on a dress form so that you can baste with
fell stitches or slip basting from the right side. Be
sure to keep the fabric patterns aligned. Remove the
garment from the dress form and, working from the
wrong side, even-baste the armscye seam a second
time to make sure the layers are securely positioned.
4. Examine the sleeve to be sure it hangs correctly
and to evaluate the ease and smoothness of the
cap. Te garment can be reftted on the fgure,
put on a dress form, or simply held over your arm
by putting your fst into the sleeve cap with the
garment shoulder over your forearm. Hold your
arm forward so the garment hangs naturally. Te
sleeve should hang straight without wrinkling.
5. Baste the remaining sleeve into the garment so
the bodice can be ftted on the fgure; baste any
shoulder pads in place. Check the ft of the sleeves
and fne-tune as needed.
6. Examine the sleeve cap. It shouldnt have pleats
or gathers at the seamline, and the cap should
look smooth and free of dimples. If the basted
sleeve has dimples, try to determine the reason.
Dimples frequently occur simply because the sleeve
head (see p. 156) hasnt yet been set. If the fabric
is tightly woven and difcult to shrink, you can
place the sleeve
cap on a tailors
ham to shrink out
the excess fullness.
cover the fabric with
a damp cloth (not
shown since it would
obscure the sleeve)
and press, allowing
the tip of the iron to
cross the seamline
no more than 1 in.
use a thicker sleeve head, redistribute the ease so
theres a small amount of easebetween in. and
3
8 in.in the underarm area, or make the sleeve
narrower by sewing a wider seam at the underarm.
To do either of the last two, remove the sleeve and
rebaste. None of these solutions will signifcantly
afect the hang of the sleeve.
If all else fails, you can increase the seam
allowance at the top of the sleeve cap to make the
cap ft smoothly. Tis lowers the sleeve cap and
is a particularly efective way to reduce unwanted
fullness in a short sleeve, which requires less
ease. Although the shortened cap will cause the
sleeve to hang at an angle from the shoulder
instead of falling vertically, and the crossgrain will
not be parallel to the foor, these imperfections
will not be noticeable in a short sleeve. If your
sleeve is long, however, these problems will be
more obvious.
7. Stitch the sleeve permanently. Most sleeves
are set in by machine because the method is
less expensive than hand sewing. However, at
Huntsman, the most expensive bespoke tailor
on Londons Saville Row, the tailors set sleeves
by hand since it is easier to control than machine
stitching. To set the sleeve by machine, double-
baste at the top of the cap to prevent the ease from
shifting when you stitch. Machine stitch. To set
the sleeve by hand, use full backstitches, which are
more elastic than the machine lockstitch. Since the
sleeve is securely basted, I prefer to stitch with the
garment uppermost.
8. Remove the bastings and press the armscye seam
fat, allowing the tip of the iron to lap the seamline
only
1
8 in.
9. At the bottom of the armscye, press the seam
fatdont press it open. It should stand straight
up to allow the sleeves to hang in an attractive
vertical line. At the top of the cap, the seam can
be turned toward the sleeve, pressed open, or
balanced, depending on the desired result. When
turned toward the sleeve, the seam creates a small
ridge at the top of the sleeve. When pressed open,
the cap is fat at the top; clip the bodice seam
allowance to the seamline on both the front and
back at the capline, to free the underarm seam.
When working with a bulky fabric, balance the seam
with a small piece of fabric at the top of the cap;
press the fabric toward the garment and the seam
toward the sleeve (see Balanced Darts, on p. 60).
10. On unlined garments, fnish the raw edges with
overcasting or a narrow binding (see p. 44).
11. Sew in the sleeve heads and shoulder pads.
Blouse Sleeve
Unlike the basic one-piece sleeve, the blouse sleeve
with a cuf doesnt have an elbow dart. Instead, the
lower edge of the sleeve is cut longer at the back to
provide enough length for the elbow to bend. Te
length on the sleeve front remains shorter than in
back so the sleeve doesnt droop over the hand. At
the wrist, the sleeve is pleated, gathered or tapered
to ft into the cuf, and a small placket is added so
the cuf can be pulled over the hand.
on couture blouses,
the sleeves are often
cut so the cuff faces
toward the front,
instead of toward the
floor, because this is
the way the arm hangs.
this blouse sleeve is
from an yves saint
Laurent blouse.
(Photo by Author.)
lowering a sleeve caP
New sleevecap
seamline
Grainline
Shoulder point
Biceps line
Capline
151 s L E E v E s
BlouSe Sleeve Pattern
SHaPing
On most commercial patterns, the sleeve wrist edge
has a shallow S-curve. Te sleeve will hang more
attractively when this curve is exaggerated.
1. Pin the underarm seam together on the paper
pattern.
2. Fold the sleeve pattern so the sleeve center and
seam are aligned.
3. Square a line (that is, draw a right-angle line)
from the forearm line to the back line. Extend the
back line; mark point A 2 in. below the original wrist
seamline. Mark point B on forearm line at the wrist.
4. Establish a new wrist seamline, beginning at the
point A. Draw a gentle S-curve to point B.
5. Use the new pattern to cut the sleeves.
tailored Placket
Te opening of the tailored placket is fnished with
a wide bandthe gauntleton the overlap and
a narrow binding or a hem on the underlap. Te
gauntlet duplicates the grain of the sleeve and is
generally fnished about 1 in. wide and 3
1
2 in. to
4
1
2 in. long. Te underlap binding is cut on the
straight grain and fnished
1
4 in. wide and 1 in.
shorter than the gauntlet upper edge. Te upper
end of the placket can be fnished with a point or
squared of; it usually extends about 1 in. beyond
the end of the opening. Unlike similar plackets
on expensive ready-to-wear, the couture tailored
placket is fnished by hand without topstitching.
1. Tread-trace the opening. For a placket 1 in.
wide by 4 in. long, mark the end 3
1
4 in. from the
wrist seamline.
2. Cut the gauntlet 2
3
4 in. wide by 6 in. long. Cut
the underlap binding 1
1
4 in. wide by 5 in. long.
3. Right sides together, align the edge of the
underlap with the thread traced opening on the
side nearer the underarm seam; baste
1
4 in. from
the thread-traced opening, stopping at the end of
the placket.
4. Right sides together, align the edge of the gauntlet
to the other side of the opening; baste
1
4 in. from
the opening, stopping at the end of the placket.
5. Machine stitch; tie the threads at the ends. Cut
the slit open and clip straight or diagonally to the
ends of the stitched lines.
6. Press both strips toward the opening; then wrap
the underlap strip around the edge of the opening.
Turn under the edge and fell stitch to the end (see
Fell Stitch, p.33).
reshaPe wrist edge
of Blouse sleeve
Shoulder point
Sleeve center
Back line
Original wrist
seamline
Forearm line
Draw a new wrist
seamline so back
is 1
1
2" to 2" longer
than front
New wrist seamline
Extend back line about 2"
2
A
B
making the Placket slit
End of
placket
Clip
Stitch
5
6
1
1
4 2
3
4
fell stitching the Placket
Clip
Stitch Basting
1
3
1
4
7. To fnish the overlap, baste a guide on the
gauntlet 1 in. from the seamline. Fold the gauntlet
with wrong sides together at the basted line so the
gauntlet wraps around the edge of the opening; press
lightly. Wrong side up, turn under the edge; pin. Fell
stitch the gauntlet to the end of the placket.
8. To fnish the point, begin with the sleeve right
side up. Pull the gauntlet to the right side. Check to
be sure the end of the underlap binding is on top of
the sleeve and enclosed between the gauntlet and
sleeve. Trim the underlap end to
1
4 in.
9. Mark the gauntlet on both sides 4 in. from the
wrist seamline; thread trace the sides of the point
so they intersect at a right angle.
10. Fold and baste the end of the gauntlet to make
the point, trimming as needed so the raw edges are
hidden; baste. Using fell stitches, sew around the
point and about
1
4 in. down the sides.
11. Right sides together, stitch the underarm sleeve
seam; press. Set the sleeve aside until youre ready
to set the cuf.
Make and Set tHe cuFF
Cuf styles range from very narrow straight bands
to wide shaped cufs, but simple barrel and French
cufs (with and without turn-backs) are the usual
choice for classic shirts and blouses. Handworked
and bound buttonholes, as well as button loops,
are used to fasten barrel cufs, while handworked
buttonholes are generally preferred for French
cufs. Te pattern for the barrel cuf included with
most commercial patterns can be adapted easily
to make a French cuf without a turn-back by
replacing the button with a second buttonhole.
1. Cut out the cufs; thread-trace the seamlines
and foldline. Mark the button and buttonhole
locations. Choose a lightweight interfacing such
as silk organza, fne cotton batiste, or silk-weight
interfacing. Cut the interfacing so it extends into
the seam allowances and laps the folded cuf edge
at the wrist by
1
2 in.
2. Wrong side up, baste the interfacing to the
upper-cuf section, which will join the sleeve.
3. Divide the cuf wrist edge (excluding the seam
allowances) into quarters so you can distribute the
fullness evenly.
4. Divide the sleeve wrist edge into quarters.
claires hint I mark the sleeve center and align
it with the underarm seam to mark the wrist seamline
at the front and back folds. Tis distributes a little more
fullness in the back of the sleeve than the front.
5. Stitch two or three rows of gathers along the
sleeve wrist seamline.
6. Right sides together, align the matchpoints and
pin the cuf to the sleeve. Pull up and adjust the
gathers on the cuf; baste.
7. Machine stitch the seam and trim to
1
2 in.
8. Remove the bastings and press the seam toward
the cuf.
9. Right sides together, fold the cuf on the foldline,
baste the ends without catching the blouse sleeve.
Stitch.
claires hint Before stitching, I baste both
cufs, and turn them right-side out to be sure their
shapes and ends are identical.
making the gauntlet
fell stitching the gauntlet
End felling
here
4
Fell stitch
Fell stitch
End of
thread
153 s L E E v E s
10. Remove the bastings, press the seams open, and
trim to
1
4 in.
11. Sew the corners of the seam allowance to the
interfacing with a catchstitch. Turn the cufs right
side out; press lightly.
12. Fold under the remaining raw edge; pin and
baste. Fell stitch or slipstitch it permanently.
13. Remove the bastings and press.
Tailored Sleeve
Te principles for hanging and setting the basic
one-piece sleeve can also be applied to the tailored
sleeve. Generally used for coats, suits, and tailored
dresses, the tailored sleeve difers in several ways
from a one-piece sleeve. First, its cut with two or
three pieces rather than one. It may also have a
higher cap; the fullness for the elbow is built into
the back seam. It may have a vent at the wrist, and
its usually lined. Te sleeves on both the Yves Saint
Laurent jacket on p. 172 and the Mainbocher jacket
on p. 147 are excellent examples of tailored sleeves
Te tailored sleeve is most often composed of two
sectionsan upper sleeve and a narrower under
sleeve. Te elbow, or back seam is located on the
back of the sleeve, approximately midway between
the sleeve center and underarm; and the inseam, or
front seam, is located on the underside of the sleeve
front about
3
4 in. from the center of the underarm.
Te tailored sleeve is basted and hung in the
same way as the one-piece sleeve. If you make a
toile, use the muslin as a pattern for cutting out
the fabric and the lining. Te sleeve lining should
have a 1
1
2-in. seam allowance at the cap and a
1
1
4-in. hem allowance at the bottom.
Baste a cuff
Underlap binding
Cuff
Edge of sleeve
underlap
Baste ends
Band
Basted cuff end
Interfacing
1
2
finish a cuff
Cuff facing
Fell seamline
Underlap
binding
thread-traced
two-Piece sleeve
Front matchpoint
(notch)
Sleeve center
Inseam, or front seam
Inseam, or front seam
Vent
Vent
Grainline
Grainline
Stretch here
Elbow, or
back seam
Elbow, or
back seam
Elbow line
Grainline and
sleeve center
Underarm
Biceps line
Capline
Shoulder point Back matchpoints
(notches)
Seam allowance
Sleeve
SHaPe tHe uPPer Sleeve
Before assembling the sleeves, shape the upper
sleeve so it will curve to the shape of the arm
instead of wrinkling unattractively. To do this,
stretch the shorter edge of the upper sleeve to ft
the under sleeve.
1. Stack the right and left sleeves right sides
together. Place the sleeves on the pressing table
with the front seam away from you.
2. Dampen the curved edge of the sections at the elbow.
claires hint When working on wool, I use
a damp sponge; on silks or other fabrics, I use a damp
press cloth.
3. Place the iron on the front seam at the wrist,
press and stretch the edge. Turn the sections over
and repeat. To determine when youve stretched
the edge enough, make a vertical fold about
3
4 in.
from the seamline. Te folded edge should curve
nicely from top to bottom without wrinkling at the
center (see the bottom left photo).
aSSeMBle tHe Sleeve
In couture, the tailored sleeve is lined before its
sewn into the garment. In dressmaking, the lining
is not sewn in until the garment is almost complete.
1. Baste the sleeves together, then baste them to the
garment for the ftting.
After the ftting, take out the bastings, lay the
sleeve fat and make any corrections.
2. Machine stitch the front seam. Stretch the seam
allowances as you press the seam fat; press the
seams open. Fold the sleeve in half vertically and
mark the foldline with basting.
3. With the sleeve wrong side up, smooth it fat on
one side of the basted line; press to the basted line.
Repeat on the other half of the sleeve.
4. Machine stitch and press the elbow seam, fnish
the vent if there is one, interface the sleeve hem,
and hem the sleeve. Remove the bastings. If the
sleeve has a vent, baste it closed.
5. Machine stitch the back seam; press.
line tHe Sleeve
1. Right sides together, stitch the vertical seams on
the lining; press.
claires hint I stitch them slightly narrower
than the sleeve seams so the lining is a little larger than
the sleeve since the lining material is often more frmly
woven than the shell fabric, which is usually wool on a
tailored jacket.
2. To sew the lining in, begin with both the sleeve
and lining wrong side out. Lay the sleeve on the
table with the under sleeve down. Place the lining
on top of the sleeve (under sleeve up) so the elbow
seams are aligned. Align the matchpoints on the
elbow and inseam seamlines. Pin the seams together.
Most tailored sleeves have two piecesan upper sleeve
(the one with buttons) and a smaller under sleeve.
the vent, if any, is located at the end of the back vent.
these sleeves are on an yves saint Laurent jacket
which you can see on p. 172.
the tailored sleeve drapes more
attractively when the front seam
of the upper sleeve is shaped
before it is joined to the under
sleeve. on the sample, you can
see the difference. the sleeve
on the right was folded vertically.
the fold is straight; the amount
folded under is wider at the top
and bottom than at the center.
the upper sleeve on the left was
stretched at the center before
it was folded under. the fold is
curved; the amount folded under
is the same width at the top,
bottom, and center, mimicking
the shape of the arm itself.
155 s L E E v E s
Using running stitches, sew the lining and sleeve
seams together, sewing close to the seamline and
beginning and ending about 4 in. from each end of
the seam. Keep the stitches loose so the lining will
not distort the sleeve when the garment is worn.
3. Turn the sleeve and lining right side out, and
arrange the lining inside the sleeve.
4. Using large diagonal basting stitches, baste the
sleeve and lining together about 5 in. from the
wrist and just below the cap.
5. At the wrist, trim the lining hem so its
1
2 in.
longer than the fnished length of the sleeve.
6. Turn the sleeve wrong side out. Fold the lining
under so the sleeve hem shows
1
2 in. to
3
4 in. Baste
3
7. Hold the fold of the lining out of the way with
your thumb. Sew the lining to the hem using a
blindstitch.
8. Fold the top of the lining out of the way so you
can set the sleeve.
FiniSH tHe Sleeve lining
After setting the sleeve, add the shoulder pads and
sleeve heads (see p. 157) and line the body of the
garment.
1. To fnish the lining, hold the garment right side
out; baste around the armscye of the garment on
the seamline.
2. Bring the sleeve cap lining up into the sleeve cap.
Smooth the lining and pin it to the sleeve about
4 in. from the top.
3. At the underarm, smooth the lining over the
armscye seam without fattening the seam. Turn
under the raw edge; pin the folded edge to the
seamline. Trim as needed to remove excess lining.
4. At the top of the cap, smooth the lining in place.
Trim away the excess lining, adjust the fullness, and
pin. Baste the lining around the armscye about
in. from the folded edge. Using fell stitches, sew the
lining permanently. Remove the bastings. Te lining
should be neat, but it will not be as smooth as a
machine-stitched lining on ready-to-wear designs.
set lining to sleeve
Lining
Running
stitches
join lining
and sleeve
Machine-
stitched
seamline
End of elbow
seamline
4
4
in haute couture, the
sleeve lining is always
sewn by hand, as on this
christian Dior coat from
1970. hand-stitched linings
often have excess fullness
at the armscye and are
not eased as smoothly as
with machine stitching,
a true sign of a hand-
made garment.
Baste lining to sleeve
Baste about 5
above sleeve hem
Baste
just
below
armscye
Lining
Lining
hem sleeve lining
1
2 to
3
4
sleeve hem;
blindstitch at
hem
Baste
3
8 from fold
Lining

MoSt SleeveS need SoMe
support to maintain their shape.
Couturiers often use sleeve
heads, sleeve boosters, and
interfacings for this purpose. A
sleeve head or header is used to
support a classic, eased sleeve
cap, while a sleeve booster
supports a full or exaggerated
cap. Compared to a sleeve head,
a booster is usually wider and
fuller and extends farther into the
sleeve cap. A sleeve interfacing
duplicates the sleeve cap and
can be used on a variety of sleeve
types. All are used with or without
shoulder pads but are sewn into
the sleeve cap rather than the
shoulder area of the garment.
Sleeve heads, boosters, and
interfacings are made from
a variety of fabrics from silk
organza to hair canvas, depending
on how light or crisp of a support
is needed. They can be made with
a single or double roll of fabric
and can be wide or narrow. A
single roll usually just fills out any
dimples in a sleeve cap, while a
double roll produces the effect of
a full, well-defined cap. To decide
which fabric to use and whether
to make a single-layer or double-
layer roll, first determine the
effect you want to achieve.
Sleeve Heads, Boosters,
and Interfacings
interFacing
tHe Sleeve caP
Although sleeves are rarely
interfaced completely like
the jacket front, a sleeve cap
interfacing can provide minimal
support to enhance the
appearance, prevent the sleeve
cap from collapsing, and fill out
any dimples near the armscye
seam. Interfacings, unlike sleeve
heads and boosters are sewn into
the sleeve before the sleeve is
assembled.
1. Make a pattern for the
interfacing using the sleeve
pattern. Depending on the amount
of support required and the shell
fabric, the interfacing can extend
just to the notches or as much
as 2 in. below the armhole. Draw
the grainline at a 45 angle to the
sleeve center so the interfacing
will be cut on the bias.
2. Wrong side up, place the
interfacing on the sleeve cap; use
diagonal basting stitches to baste
the layers together at the center.
3. At the top of the cap, place
a row of ease basting on the
seamline between the notches.
Place a second row
1
8 in. above
the first.
4. Assemble the sleeve.
Making a Sleeve Head
To make a sleeve head to preserve
the shape of a flat, smooth cap,
choose a lightweight material like
silk organza, blouse-weight silk, or
muslin, and sew a sleeve head with
a single roll. For a subtle increase in
the size of the sleeve head, use
here is an inside view of an yves
saint Laurent jacket showing a
hair canvas interfacing for the cap
and a shaped lambswool sleeve
header. the interfacing can be
shorter and extend only to the
middle of the cap. i usually cut it
longer and trim it if needed later.
also, i cut the interfacing on the
bias because it is easier to shape
than the straight grain seen here.
(Photo by Greg Rothschild, courtesy of Treads
magazine.)
157 s L E E v E s

muslin, soft wool, lambswool, or
hair canvas or wrap the sleeve head
fabric around a piece of wadding.
1. Cut two bias strips about 8
1
2 in.
long and 1
1
2 in. wide. For medium-
weight wools, I use hair canvas,
soft wool, or lambswool. For
lighter weight materials, I use silk
organza, China silk, or muslin.
2. Fold the strip lengthwise so
one long edge is
1
8 in. wider than
the other; using loose diagonal
stitches, sew the layers together.
Round the corners, so they dont
curl or show on the right side.
3. Place the folded edge of the
sleeve head on the armscye
seamline so the wider side of
the sleeve head lies against the
sleeve. Adjust the sleeve head so
it extends 5 in. into the back of
the sleeve. Using blindstitches,
sew the folded edge to the
seamline stitches.
4. To support a high sleeve cap
with a well-defined sleeve cap,
choose materials like wadding,
cotton batting, hair canvas, soft
wool, or lambswool. Cut the bias
strip 2
1
2 in. wide and 8
1
2 in. long.
Make the sleeve head using the
directions above. When using
wadding or cotton batting, fold
it with the fuzzy side out. Tear
the cut edges with your fingers
to feather them so they will not
make a ridge.
5. Place the sleeve head at
the top of the cap, but lap the
folded edge
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. over
the seamline instead of aligning
the fold with the seamline. Sew
through all layers at the seamline
with a running stitch, just catching
the seamline. When the sleeve
head is turned toward the sleeve,
it will have a double roll.
Making a Sleeve
BooSter
This booster will support the cap
on most sleeves. For the cap on
a more extended shoulder, make
the booster wider and shape it
like a football.
1. For each booster, cut a strip of
lightweight silk on the crossgrain,
3 in. by 13
1
2 in. Cut a bias strip of
woven interfacing 1
1
2 in. by 14 in.
2. Wrong side up, align one long
raw edge of the interfacing to the
silk; baste.
3. Right sides together, fold
the silk strip in half lengthwise.
Stitch a
1
4-in. seam at the ends,
rounding the corners. Trim away
the excess at the ends.
4. Turn the booster right side out.
5. Gather the unfinished edge
1
4 in. from the edge. Pull up the
gathers to 7
1
2 in.
6. Bind the gathered edges with
chiffon or organza.
7. Using running stitches or
blindstitches, sew the bound
edge to the armscye seam.
douBle-roll
sleeve head
Sew
1
8 from
folded edge
Shoulder
seam
Double-roll
sleeve head
Back Front
Sleeve
Armscye
seamline
making a sleeve
Booster
Silk
(RS)
Interfacing Fold
1
1
2
14 Round
corners
sew Booster
to armscye
making a
sleeve head
Feather
edges
3
4
5
8
8
1
2
Baste Round
corner
Sew to
seamline
Shoulder seam
Bound edge
Sleeve
Garment Armscye
seamline
159
9
Pockets can be decorative as well as functional. During
her comeback years, when Chanel was one of the reigning influences
in the couture industry, she applied pockets lavishly to all types of
garments from sportswear to formal wear. She designed pockets to
be used, rather than just to decorate a garment. Many photographs of
la grande Mademoiselle, as Chanel was called, show her
with her hands hidden inside her jacket pockets. Tis is
not to say that all of her pockets were functionalsome
were merely artfully executed faps.
Chanels pocket designs, even when elaborately
trimmed, were simple. By comparison, those of her
contemporary, Elsa Schiaparelli, featured unusual shapes,
with fanciful embellishments of beads, embroidery, and
even metal springs. Designer Christian Dior sometimes
used pockets to add roundness to the hips, which in turn
made the waistline look smaller.
Whatever their shape or design, pockets fall into two
basic categories: patch pockets and set-in pockets. Te
patch pocket is a pocket bag sewn to the outside of the
garment, while the set-in pocket is a pocket bag sewn
If you look carefully, you can see
the pockets on this suit designed
by Chanel in 1967. The top of the
pocket, collar, and back belt are
trimmed with self-fabric, which has
been cut apart and resewn. On the
pocket trim, the navy color bars
were resewn to create a design at
the ends.
Pockets
160 a p p ly I ng C Ou T u r e T e C hnI qu e s
into a seam opening or slash, which rests unseen
inside the garment.
Couturiers have much to teach us about pockets.
In many instances, their techniques difer from
those used in home sewing and in ready-to-wear
construction, and are easy to apply to other design
elements. For example, the directions for patch
pockets and faps can be applied to belts and tabs,
and bound pocket directions can be adapted for
zipper openings and bound plackets.
Patch Pockets
Unlike pockets on ready-to-wear garments,
patch pockets on couture designs are applied by
hand. In fact, a hand-applied patch pocket is one
of the identifying characteristics of a couture
garment, even though many such pockets are frst
topstitched to look as if theyve been applied by
machine.
Patch pockets usually consist of three layers: the
pocket itself, interfacing, and lining, which usually
match the garment lining. When the pocket is
made of transparent or open-weave fabrics, it may
also be backed to hide the construction details or
to match other sections of the garment, or it may
be cut with a self-fabric lining and an interfacing.
Tis type of pocket can be made before or after
the frst ftting. If the pocket shape and size is
established before the ftting, the pockets are
usually fnished and basted in place for the ftting.
If the pocket shape, size, or location is in question
and to be determined at the ftting, or if the pocket
and garment are patterned and require matching,
cut a temporary pocket shape from a fabric scrap
and baste it onto the garment for the ftting.
Pocket cutting and Marking
Tese directions are for an interfaced patch pocket
with a separate lining. Tey can be adapted for a
fap or for an applied-welt pocket.
1. Cut a muslin pattern the size and shape of the
fnished pocket; dont add seam or hem allowances.
claire s hint When the fabric has a design
that must be matched, I cut a pattern for each pocket
so the fabric design can be marked on each pattern.
2. Complete any seams on the garment that will
be under the pocket. Tread-trace the pocket
locations on the garment sections.
3. Right side up, place the pocket pattern on the
thread tracing that marks the pockets location.
Draw the continuation of the grain or the color
bars of the fabric pattern onto the muslin pocket.
When the pocket stands away from the garment,
match the pattern at the edge toward center front.
Instead of drawing the fabric design on the pocket,
pin a fabric scrap on it to use as a guide when
cutting out.
4. Right side up, place the muslin pocket pattern
on a large scrap of the garment fabric. Match the
This paul poiret simple coat from 1923 features
two stunning patch pockets embellished with wool
embroidery. Designed to flatter the figure, the pocket
straps are embroidered on the coat and give the
illusion of separate hanging pockets.
(Photo courtesy of the Chicago History Museum.)
161 p OC k e T s
design and grain on the pattern to those on the
scrap; pin. Chalk-mark around the pattern, then
thread trace. If there is a pair of pockets, repeat the
procedure for the other pocket.
5. Add seam and hem allowances. Cut out the
pocket.
claire s hint When cutting out, I dont
measure the width of the seam and hem allowances
because I thread-traced the fnished size, and the
allowances dont have to be exact. I leave at least
1
2-in.
seam allowances and a 1
1
4-in. hem allowance at the
pocket opening.
interface the Pocket
Interfacing the pocket will help it hold its shape.
Te interfacing material for a pocket is often
crisper than interfacings used in other parts of the
garment, and its weight should be appropriate for
the weight and drape of the garment fabric. Muslin,
linen, hair canvas, and crisp lining fabrics are all
suitable for interfacing, as are knit and weft fusibles
when an especially crisp fnish is preferred. Te
interfacing can be cut on the lengthwise grain or
crossgrain, or on the bias.
Te interfacing size is determined by the type
and the desired look. Generally, the interfacing is
cut to the fnished pocket size. Fusible interfacings
can be cut to the fnished pocket size or extend into
the seam or hem allowance. When the interfacing
extends into the seam or hem allowances, the
pocket edges will be slightly rounded instead of
sharply creased.
1. Cut a piece of pocket interfacing. I use hair
canvas. It can be cut on the lengthwise grain or
crossgrain, or on the bias. Since the crossgrain will
have the least stretch at the pocket opening, the
opening doesnt have to be stabilized. Te bias is
more supple and shapes to the body better.
2. Wrong side up, place the interfacing on the
pocket with the top of the interfacing just below
the pocket hemline. Using large diagonal basting
stitches, baste the centers together.
To check the interfacing size, fold and pin the
pocket hem and seam allowances over the edges of
the interfacing, to be sure the thread-tracings are on
the very edges of the pocket and invisible from the
pocket right side. If the thread-tracings are visible
from the right side, release the pins and trim the
interfacing edges very slightly; repin and check again.
3. Release the pins so the pocket is fat. Tis is the
frst of three opportunities to topstitch the pocket.
When topstitching, thread-trace a guide the
desired distance from the fnished edges; use a soft
basting thread which breaks easily. It takes time
to remove it but it isnt difcult. Or you can stitch
next to the basted line.
4. Use catchstitches to sew the edges of the
interfacing to the pocket wrong side. If the pocket
is topstitched, skip this step.
5. Stabilize the pocket opening with a silk
organza stay or seam binding. Steam-press the
stay to shrink it. Center it over the thread traced
foldline at the opening. Use running stitches to
sew it permanently. Measure the pocket opening,
including seam allowances, on the tissue pattern;
and cut the stay this length
finish Pocket edges
1. When the pocket has curved edges, ease-baste the
seam allowance at the curves about in. from the
interfacing and again in. away. Pull up the ease
basting so the seam allowance fts smoothly against
the pocket, and shrink out the excess fullness (see
p. 65). To avoid shrinking the pocket itself, place a
InterfacIng the Pocket
Make seam
allowance
slightly
wider here
Catchstitch
as needed
Hemline
Thread
tracing
Fold and pin seam allowance
Diagonal
basting
Hem
Square-corner Pocket
Hem
Fell stitch ends
Catchstitch
Miter corners
to reduce bulk
Baste
1
4 from edge
Seam
allowance
Diagonal
fold
piece of brown paper between the seam allowance
and the interfacing. Baste
1
4 in. from the edges.
2. When the pocket has square corners, fold under
the seam allowance at the bottom. Baste
1
4 in. from
the seamline and press. Fold and baste the side
seam allowances.
claires hint To prevent the hem allowance
from showing at the sides when its folded back, I make
a diagonal fold at the ends so the seam allowances in
the hem are slightly wider than at the sides.
3. Trim away the excess bulk at the corners and
press the edges. When working with bulky fabrics,
spank the corners with a clapper to fatten them.
4. Fold the hem at the top to the wrong side.
Baste all edges of the pocket about
1
4 in. from the
edges. To reduce the bulk in the hem, clip the seam
allowances on the foldline almost to the corners
and remove a small triangle so the sides of the
pocket hem can be tapered.
5. Wrong side up, press the edges and shrink out
any excess fullness. Trim the seam allowances close
to the basting to reduce the bulk.
6. Use catchstitches to sew the raw edges of the
pocket to the interfacing if the pocket will not be
topstitched.
7. Tis is the second opportunity to topstitch.
8. Press the pocket. Right side up, place the pocket
on a tailors ham or pressing pad that simulates the
bodys curve in the pocket area. Cover the pocket
with a press cloth, and press to shape the pocket to
conform to the shape of the body.
9. When making a pair of pockets, compare them
to be sure theyre identical. If the person for whom
the garment is intended has an asymmetrical fgure
and one hip is larger than the other, the pocket for
the larger side can be made slightly larger (up to
1
4 in.); but when worn, the diference between the
two pockets should be imperceptible.
Line the Pocket
Tis lining technique with the wrong sides
together can be applied for faps, facings, and
waistbands.
1. To line the pocket, cut a lining fabric rectangle
on the same grain as the pocket and at least
1
4 in.
larger on all sides.
2. Fold under about 1 in. at the top of the
lining; press.
3. Wrong sides together, place the lining on the
pocket so the folded edge is about
3
4 in. below
the pocket top. Match the centers and baste them
together with diagonal basting stitches. Fold under
the remaining raw edges of the lining so theyre
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. from the edges, trimming the lining
as needed to remove excess bulk; pin. Baste the
lining to the pocket. Press the edges lightly.
4. Fell stitch the lining in place. Remove all
bastings and press thoroughly, using a damp press
cloth. Tis is the last opportunity to press the
pocket before its applied.
5. If topstitching the pocket, this is the last
opportunity before its applied.
fInISh Pocket edgeS
Hemline
curved corners
Baste
1
8
from edge
Seam
allowance
Thread-traced
seamline
Ease-baste
corner
Shrink out
fullness
163 p OC k e T s
set the Pocket
Before setting the pocket to the garment, decide
whether the garment should be stabilized with
interfacing under the pocket or just under the
opening. If the pocket is simply decorative or if
the entire front is backed with interfacing, an
interfacing stay may not be needed. But if the
pocket is designed for occasional use and the front
is not entirely interfaced, stay the opening.
1. Cut an interfacing stay on the straight grain
about 2 in. wide and long enough so the ends of
the stay can be sewn to the interfacing at the front
opening and to a dart or seam at the side.
2. Wrong side up, baste the stay over the thread-
traced opening. When you sew the pocket, youll
sew through the stay to secure it.
3. Right sides up, align the edges of the pocket with
the thread-traced outline on the garment. Baste with
a large X at the center; then use uneven basting
stitches to baste an even
1
4. Examine the pocket. It can ft smoothly or stand
away from the garment slightly but it should not be
tight. If it looks tight, rebaste.
5. Wrong side up, use short running stitches or
diagonal stitches to sew the pocket permanently.
Use the basting as a guide to sew
1
8 in. from the
pocket edge working carefully so the stitches dont
show on the pocket face. If the pocket will be
used frequently, sew two rows of diagonal stitches
around the pocket.
6. At the top of the pocket, wrong side up, sew
several cross stitches at each side for reinforcement.
7. Remove the bastings; press lightly using a
press cloth.
Set-in Pockets
Tere are two types of set-in pockets: the in-seam
pocket sewn into a seam, and the slash pocket set into
a slash. Unlike the single-layer pocket bag of a patch
pocket, the pocket bag of a set-in pocket has two
sections sewn togetheran under pocket, which sets
nearest the lining, and an upper pocket. On both
couture and ready-to-wear skirts, an in-seam pocket
often hides the skirt opening. However, couture skirts
usually have zippers inside the pocket, while even very
expensive ready-to-wear garments often do not.
ZiPPered in-seaM Pocket
Tese directions are for a lined skirt with an in-
seam pocket in a side seam and a 7-in. zipper inside
the pocket.
Mark the Pocket
1. Cut out the skirt with a 1
1
2-in. seam allowance
on the side seams. Measure and mark the pocket
opening 8 in. below the waistline thread tracing.
2. Tread-trace the seamlines and baste the skirt
together.
3. Cut a rectangle 10 in. by 12 in. from lining fabric
for the pocket bag.
4. Right sides together, stitch the seam below the
pocket opening; knot the thread ends. Remove
the basting.
5. With the skirt right side up, chalk a line on the
front seam allowance 1
3
8 in. from the side seam.
On the skirt back, chalk and thread trace the
zipper opening 1 in. from the seamline. Mark the
bottom of the pocket opening 7
1
4 in. below the
thread traced waistline.
6. On the skirt back, clip the seam allowance at
the bottom of the opening to the seamline so you
can press the seam open below the clip.
7. With the skirt front wrong side up, stabilize the
pocket opening with a narrow strip of organza
(see p. 101) Turn under the seam allowance at the
opening and baste
1
BaSte Pocket
Basting
Thread-traced
placement
RS garment
RS pocket
5. Mark the waistline on the pocket bag, using the
thread tracing at the skirt waistline as a guide. Mark
the bottom of the zipper opening on the folded edge
of the under pocket 7
1
4 in. below the thread-traced
waistline.
Join skirt Back to Pocket Bag
1. Right sides up, align the seamlines of the skirt
front and back at the pocket opening; top-baste
them together so the right sides are together.
Pin the pocket bag in place wrong side up. Align
the thread-tracings at the waist and bottom of
the zipper opening on the pocket bag and
skirt back.
InSeam Pocket wIth ZIPPer
PrePare ZiPPer oPening attach skirt Lining
Baste skirt front to Pocket Bag
1. Right sides together, match and pin one side of
the pocket bag to the chalk-marked line on the
skirt front seam allowance. Baste the pocket (this
is the upper pocket) and skirt front together with a
3
8-in. seam. Stitch and knot the thread ends.
2. Remove the bastings. Press the seam fat, and
then press it toward the pocket bag.
3. Turn under the opposite side of the pocket bag
(the under pocket)
3
8 in.; baste.
4. Turn the skirt wrong side up, fold the bag in half
vertically, with right sides together. Smooth the
pocket bag toward the center front; pin and baste
the top of the bag to the skirt.
Mark Pocket
Back seam
allowance
Skirt back
8 pocket
opening
Bottom of
zipper opening
Thread-traced
line 1
3
8 from
seamline
Skirt front
Seam
allowance
Chalked
line
1
1
1
2
Baste skirt front to Pocket Bag
8
3
8
Stabilized opening
Bastings
Skirt back
Clip at bottom
opening.
Pocket
seam
Front seam allowance
12
Pin pocket bag
to skirt front
Skirt front
Fold pocket
vertically
Mark waistline
Pocket bag
(under pocket
showing)
Seam
allowance
Seamline
Seamline
joining skirt
and pocket bag
Upper pocket
Fold back seam
allowance under
and baste
1
4
from edge
Basted edge of
pocket bag
Seamline
Bottom of
pocket opening
Zipper opening
Under
pocket
Skirt front
Bottom of
zipper opening
Skirt back
Side
seam
Zipper
Baste lining
to back of
zipper
Clip to end
of zipper
Back lining
Fell stitch here
Thread-traced waistline
Use needle
point to turn
raw edge
under
Side seam
Front lining
Thread-traced
line 1 from
seamline
165 p OC k e T s
2. To complete the seam below the zipper opening,
slipstitch the pocket to the skirt back seam
allowance beginning at the mark at the bottom of
the zipper to the clipped seam allowance (about
3
4 in.). Remove the bastings and press the seam
open. Knot the thread ends.
3. Spread the skirt wrong side up with the pocket
on top. Smooth the pocket toward the front; pin
the pocket bag together at the bottom.
4. Chalk-mark the pocket stitching line,
beginning on the skirt front at the bottom of the
opening, continuing to the front of the pocket.
To chalk-mark the front edge, begin at the top
about 1 in. from the fold and end on the fold about
5 in. from the bottom. Baste. When basting, hold
the skirt seam allowances out of the way to avoid
sewing through them.
5. Stitch, knot the thread ends, remove the
bastings, and press fat.
6. Trim the pocket seams to
1
4 in. Overcast the
raw edges of the pocket together.
Prepare Zipper opening. On the skirt back,
stabilize the zipper opening, with a narrow strip
of organza. Fold the seam allowances to the wrong
side and baste
1
4 in. from the edge; press. Baste and
sew the zipper in by hand (see p. 101).
skirt Lining. To fnish the zipper, add the skirt
lining and sew to the zipper by hand.
1. When lining the skirt, cut the lining seam
allowances 1
1
2 in. wideat least on the left side,
where the zipper will be locatedsince the placket
is 1 in. from the side seam.
2. Right sides together, pin the lining seam; mark
the bottom of the opening 7
1
4 in. below the
waistline. Stitch and press the seam below the
zipper, but not in the placket area.
3. Wrong sides together, pin the skirt and lining
together with the seamlines aligned at the waist
and sides.
4. Place the skirt, lining side up, on a large pressing
stand. Adjust the back lining so the lining covers
the skirt back and zipper tape; pin.
5. On the lining front, mark the end of the zipper;
clip to the marked point. Using the point of the
needle, tuck the seam allowances under at the
bottom of the zipper; pin. Repeat at the sides;
baste. Press the lining lightly and fell stitch it
in place.
always a smart touch for a tailored jacket, a double-
welt pocket can be made with or without a flap. On
this linen yves saint laurent jacket from the 1970s, the
pocket flap was inserted between the welts; it has been
tucked inside the pocket to show the opening. Wider
flaps are sometimes used and applied by hand to the
fabric above the pocket.
Join skirt Back to Pocket Bag
Match thread-
tracing at
waistline
Skirt back
Bottom of
pocket opening
Back seam allowance
Zipper placement
line 1 from seamline
Bottom of zipper opening
Chalk stitching
line on pocket
bag
Skirt front
Slipstich
Thread-traced
seamline
Seam allowance
6. Remove the skirt from the pressing stand. Trim
the lining seam allowances as needed in the zipper
area. Trim the seam allowances below the zipper to
1 in., remove all bastings and overcast the edges.
Bound sLash Pocket
Many styles of slashed pockets are found on
couture garments. Ive included directions for
two, a bound or jetted pocket and an applied-welt
pocket, because these styles are the most popular
and the most difcult to sew.
Te bound pocket is a type of double-welt pocket,
which has two narrow welts visible on the garment
right side and a pocket bag hidden between the
lining and garment. A bound pocket can be plain, it
can have a fap covering one or both of the welts, or
it can have an applied welt covering both welts.
Tere are many couture methods for making
bound pockets, but I particularly like one that
uses two fabric strips to bind the edges of the
pocket opening. Tis method can also be adapted
for making a bound buttonhole (see p. 91) and
is suitable for many fabrics, including those with
an obvious grain or pattern to be matched. Te
fnished pocket is fat, and the two welts are exactly
the same depth. Each welt is interfaced with its
own seam allowance and can be cut on the bias and
shaped as needed for a curved opening.
Te pocket size will vary with the style and
pocket location. Te pocket bag should not extend
below the jackets fnished edge or overlap the
hem allowance (although I have seen pockets that
extended into the hem).
Prepare the opening and Welts
1. Tread-trace the pocket opening and the stitching
lines on the garment for the frst ftting so you can
check the pocket placement and size of the opening.
After the ftting, remove the bastings and lay the
garment fat.
2. Stabilize the opening on the wrong side to
support the weight of the pocket. Cut the stay
2 in. wide and several inches longer than the pocket
opening. Baste it in place and thread-trace the
pocket opening precisely.
3. From the shell or garment fabric, cut two welts
1
1
2 in. wide and at least 1 in. longer than the
pocket.
claires hint I cut the welts with the
lengthwise grain parallel to the opening, but they can
also be cut on the crosswise grain to match an obvious
pattern, or on the bias.
4. Interface the welts with a very lightweight
interfacing if they are cut on the crossgrain or bias,
or if sewn from stretchy or soft materials.
claires hint Tis is one of the few times I use
a fusible interfacing.
stitch Welts
1. Right sides together, align the edge of one welt
to the thread traced pocket opening; pin. Repeat
for the other welt, butting the edges together. Baste
on the stitching lines. If this is one of a pair, baste
the welts on the second pocket as well. When
matching a fabric pattern, match the pattern at the
stitching line, not the pocket opening. Also, double
baste to be sure the welts wont slip when stitching.
2. Machine stitch on the basted lines. Examine
the wrong side to be sure the distance between the
stitched lines is even, the lines are straight and the
proper length, and that paired pockets match.
Remove the bastings. Pull the thread ends sharply to
remove any slack in the thread; knot them securely.
slash Pocket
1. Slash the pocket opening, beginning and ending
1
2 in. from the ends and taking care not to cut
Bound Pocket
Baste
Thread-tracing
to mark ends
stitch WeLts
167 p OC k e T s
the welt strips. Clip diagonally to the ends of the
stitched lines, being careful to avoid cutting the
welt and pocket seam allowances.
2. Wrong side up, press the welt seams open,
pressing the interfacing and garment seam
allowances away from the opening. Press the
triangles at the end away from the opening. If
the fabric is very lightweight, press the seams fat
instead of open.
finish Welts
1. Turn the garment right side up, push the welts
through the slash and wrap them around the welt
seam allowances. Straighten the welts so theyre
even and fll the opening without overlapping.
Tuck under the fabric triangles at each end of the
opening so they are between the garment and
welts. Te welts should be fat and barely touch at
the center. When the fabric is thick or bulky, trim
the edges of the welt seams so the welts lie fat.
2. Right side up, pin each welt in the well of the
seam. Check to be sure the widths between the
seamlines are even, they fll the opening without
overlapping, and that both welts on both pockets
are identical. Using diagonal stitches, baste the
welts together at the opening.
3. Using tiny backstitches, sew the welts
permanently in the well of the seam.
4. Right side up, fold the garment back to expose
the triangles at the ends. Give them a sharp tug
to keep them from showing at the corners. Use
felling stitches at the ends of the welts to sew
permanently.
5. Place the garment section facedown on a softly
padded surface and press lightly. Remove the
bastings and press again.
set Pocket Bags
1. Turn under the top of the upper pocket (lining)
about
1
2 in.
claires hint In couture, small sections like the
under pocket and upper pocket are not cut out using a
pattern; instead, a fabric scrap at least 1 in. wider than
the pocket opening is used. If the fabric has a prominent
pattern, align the under pocket with the fabric design on
the garment section; then trim as needed.
2. Wrong side up, pin the upper pocket to the
lower welt so the folded edge just covers the
stitching on the welt.
3. Use slipstitches to sew the upper pocket
permanently.
4. Wrong side up, center the under pocket over the
opening. Pin the under pocket to the upper welt
seam allowance, and baste on the original seamline.
5. To stitch the under pocket permanently, turn the
garment right side up and fold back the garment
Bound Pocket
sLash Pocket
Garment
Welt
seamlines
Stay
Seam
allowance Welt
finish WeLts
Fell stitch
ends
Secure welts
with tiny
backstitches.
Tuck under triangles
at ends
Baste
Garment
Join under Pocket
to uPPer WeLt
Garment
Baste
on welt
seamline
Under
pocket
Pin under
pocket to
upper welt
Welts
section to expose the basted seam. Stitch on the
basting.
claires hint When the pocket is decorative or
will receive only light use, I use running stitches to sew
it permanently.
6. Wrong side up, smooth the under pocket over
the upper pocket. Pin the sides of the pocket bag
together, keeping the bag fat. Hold the under
pocket taut to prevent the pocket from curling
toward the outer shell, and baste the bag together.
Stitch, rounding the corners to prevent them from
catching lint. Remove all bastings and press. Trim
away any excess. Dont worry if the pocket edges do
not match. Its more important for the pocket bag
to lie smooth.
7. Before lining the garment, fasten the ends of the
pocket stay to the interfacing, or when possible to
a dart or seam allowance. Trim any excess fabric. If
the bottom of the pocket overlaps the interfacing at
the hem, sew them together with a running stitch.
aPPLied-WeLt Pockets
Te applied-welt, or stand, pocket is a slash pocket
with a single welt attached at the lower edge of the
opening. Te welt is sewn from self-fabric, usually
interfaced and always lined. Te lining can be made
from lining fabric and cut separately, or it can be
self-fabric and cut in one with the welt itself.
Te applied-welt pocket can be set straight or
at an angle. Breast pockets in traditional tailored
jackets are set at a slight angle, even though they
may appear at frst glance to be straight. Hip
pockets on dresses and coats are often set at a
fattering 45 angle.
the Welt Pattern. Tese directions are for a
single-piece breast pocket set at a slight angle,
with a folded edge at the top and self-fabric lining.
When making a two-piece welt with a separate
lining, you can adapt the directions for a patch
pocket on p. 160.
1. When using a commercial pattern, begin by
trimming the seam allowances from the welt
pattern so you can mark the seamlines accurately
on the fabric.
2. To make your own pattern for the welt, fold a
rectangle of pattern paper horizontally; outline the
fnished shape of the welt on the paper, with the top
of the welt positioned on the fold. Place the pattern
on the jacket front on the location line. Mark the
grainline on the pattern so it is the same as the front.
When the welt is set at an angle, the ends are
parallel to the center front and the pattern will
have angles at the ends. When the welt is placed
This traditional man-tailored jacket from yves saint
laurents 1978 Collection has an applied-welt breast
pocket and two patch pockets at the hips (see the full
view of the jacket on p. 172). The topstitching on the
welt is decorative, and the ends are sewn together by
hand, then sewn to the jacket with catchstitches. Both
the pocket and the jacket are lined with silk charmeuse.
169 p OC k e T s
Join under Pocket to Pocket oPening
finish WeLt
Join WeLt to Pocket oPening
seW uPPer Pocket to LoWer edge of oPening
foLd WeLt into PLace
Garment
Stitch
Interfacing
Bottom
of pocket
opening
Top of
pocket
opening
Raw
edge
Welt stitched
to lower edge
Under
pocket
Interfacing
Tuck
triangle
in and fell
stitch
Seam
joining welt
to lower
edge
Clip to
corners
Seam joining
under
pocket to
top edge
Under
pocket
Foldline
RS Garment
Welt lining
RS Garment
Running stitches
Stay
Baste,
welt
Under pocket
Top of
opening
Upper
pocket
Welt below
under pocket
WS Garment
Running
stitches
aPPlIed-welt Pocket
cut WeLt
Welt lining
1
Grainline
Welt
3
8
Foldline
horizontally, the pattern will be a simple rectangle.
Dont add seam allowances to the pattern. You will
add them when you cut out the welt.
Mark and cut the Welt. Use these directions to
mark and cut the welt so it matches the fabric
pattern of the jacket.
1. Right side up, pin the welt pattern to the
garment section. Chalk-mark around it; then
thread-trace.
claires hint To hide the pocket opening
under the welt, I mark the stitching line at the top
about
3
8 in. shorter than the bottom. To determine
whether I need to shorten the top line, I pin the paper
pattern on the garment; if the top line extends beyond
the pattern, I shorten it.
2. When the fabric has a matchable design, such as
a stripe or plaid, dont remove the pattern from the
garment section until you mark the design on the
pattern.
claires hint I place a small scrap of the fabric
on the pattern and move it around until it matches the
garment section; then I pin it in place securely.
3. Right side up, place the welt pattern on a larger
fabric scrap, matching the grain. Chalk-mark
around welt; then thread-trace. If the fabric has
a design, move the welt pattern around until the
designs on the welt and garment match.
4. Chalk-mark
3
8-in. seam allowances at the
bottom of the welt and at each end. At the top,
chalk-mark a 1-in. seam allowance; this is the edge
that will join the pocket bag. Tread-trace the fold
and seamlines on the welt.
5. Cut out the welt.
6. Cut the interfacing the size of the fnished welt.
Make the WeLt
Tese directions are quite diferent from
home sewing methods; but the technique used
here, wrapping the seam allowances around
the interfacing and sewing the welt by hand,
guarantees a successful outcome. Tis is a basic
couture technique that can be used for many
applications such as patch pockets, waistbands,
even necklines.
1. Wrong side up, place the interfacing on the welt.
Using catchstitches, secure the edges.
2. Fold and press the seam allowances at each end
of the welt to the wrong side. Clip as needed so the
seam allowances lie fat; baste about
1
4 in. from
the ends. Check the size of the welt against the
pattern and rework the welt if it needs to be larger
or smaller.
3. Wrong side up, press. Spank with a clapper, if
needed, to fatten the seam allowances.
4. Trim close to the bastings; then use catchstitches
to sew the seam allowances to the interfacing.
Remove all bastings except at the foldline.
5. For a topstitched welt, topstitch the top of the
welt and the ends
1
4 in. from the edges. When
the fabric is a pile or napped fabric, camels hair,
satin, brocade, or other special occasion fabrics, I
skip this.
6. Fold the welt on the foldline; the top of the
weltthe welt liningshould be slightly narrower
than the welt itself. Press.

asseMBLe the Pocket
Te pocket opening is just a slash in the fabric. Te
welt is stitched to the bottom and the under pocket
is sewn to the top.
1. Stabilize the opening. I baste a 2-in. by 6-in.
piece of organza to the wrong side of the garment.
2. Cut out the under pocket so it is at least 1 in.
wider than the pocket opening and about 5 in.
long. If the fabric has a design, match the design on
the under pocket to the garment section above it.
3. Right sides together, align the lower seamline
on the welt with the lower stitching line on the
garment with the welt ends positioned precisely
at the ends of the stitching line; pin. Baste on the
seamline next to the welt interfacing.
claires hint Before stitching, I fold the welt
into its fnished position to be sure the fabric pattern
on the welt matches the garment and the ends of the
topstitching line are under the welt. Matching patterns
171 p OC k e T s
and carefully positioning the ends of the stitching lines
are particularly important when the pocket is on a slant.
4. Right sides together, place the under pocket on
the garment, aligning the raw edge with the
stitching line at the top of the opening; pin. Baste.
Machine stitch the basted lines, knotting the thread
ends securely. For added control when stitching the
welt, I begin and end the machine stitching one
stitch short of the needed length, leave long thread
tails, and hand-sew the fnal stitches.
5. Wrong side up, press the marked opening fat.
Slash the opening, stopping
1
2 in. from the ends;
then clip to the ends of the stitched lines without
cutting into the welt, under pocket, or stitches.
Push the under pocket through to the wrong side
and press both seams open.
Before cutting, I always fold the welt in place to
be sure it will cover the ends of the topstitching
line. If you can see the top line, remove the
stitching and restitch.
6. Right side up, fold the welt up into position.
Wrong side up, press the welt seam open.
7. Fold the welt at the foldline with wrong sides
together. Baste the ends together
1
4 in. from the
edge. Use blindstitches between the layers to sew
the ends invisibly.
8. Right side up, push the unfnished edge of the
welt and the triangles at the ends to the wrong side.
Turn the section over and lightly press the seamline
at the bottom of the welt.
9. Right side up, use diagonal stitches to baste the
welt in its fnished position, being careful not to
catch the under pocket.
10. Fold back the garment to expose the seam
allowances at the bottom of the opening. Using
running stitches, sew the unfnished edge of the
welt to the seam allowances at the bottom of
the pocket.
finish the Pocket Bag
Te last step is to fnish the pocket bag. In couture,
a pattern for the pocket sacks is rarely used.
Instead, the two scraps of fabric are sewn to the
back of the welt; and after the pocket is stitched,
the excess is trimmed away.
1. Cut the upper pocket from lining fabric, making
it 1 in. wider than the pocket opening.
2. Wrong side up, fold under and pin the top of the
upper pocket to the bottom of the welt so it covers
the raw edge about
1
4 in. If the pocket has a slant,
adjust the fold at the top so the pocket will hang
perpendicular to the foor, not perpendicular to
the opening.
3. Using fell stitches, sew the upper pocket to the
bottom of the welt.
4. Smooth, pin, and baste the edges of the pocket
sections together. Machine stitch around the
pocket bag catching the triangular ends and being
careful not to stitch into the welts or the garment.
Remove all bastings and trim away the excess
fabric. Press.
5. Wrong side up, use two rows of running stitches
at each end, one near the edge and the other about
1
4 in. away to sew the ends of the welt permanently.
Te welt should foat on the jacket without
any evidence of stitching. Place the stitches close
enough to the welt ends to conceal the underside of
the welt.
173
10
Initially made just for gentlemen, tailored jackets were
frst worn by women to ride or join the hunt in the 17th century. By the 1850s,
several tailors in London and Paris had ladies departments. Most credit English
tailor John Redfern with creating the tailor-madea ladys jacket and skirt.
Located in Cowes, a seaport on the Isle of Wight, Redferns shop specialized in
mourning suits. When Cowes became the center of
yachting in the 1870s, the enterprising Redfern adapted
his designs for sailing outfts. After actress Lillie Langtry
wore one of his trainless tailor-mades to the Cowes
Regatta in 1879, his success was assured.
Te tailor-made quickly became a staple for leisure-
class women and continued for several decades. At
couture houses today, most jackets are made in the
tailoring workroom and require sometimes hundreds of
hours of labor, which comes at a price. Haute couture
suits begin at $5,000 in London and cost several times
that in Paris. A suit from a well-known house can cost
$50,000. Te time invested in an average suit is from
100 to 130 hours for the jacket and an additional 25 to
50 hours for the skirt.
The body of this traditional man-
tailored jacket from Yves Saint
Laurents 1978 collection is
backed with bias-cut interfacing;
and even though it was made
several decades ago, it has
maintained its shape. The jacket
is lined with silk charmeuse.
Jackets & Coats
174 A P P LY I NG C OU T U R E T E C HNI QU E S
Tailoring Basics
Te jacket is the most common garment produced
in couture tailoring workrooms. Te techniques
for jackets can also be applied to coats and
tailored dresses. Tese techniques are intended to
supplement, not replace, standard guides provided
with commercial patterns.
A few patterns such as Vogue Patterns
Custom
Couture Collection, which features my designs,
provide directions for couture construction. When
buying your garment fabric, purchase an additional
yd. to allow for the wide seam allowances needed
in couture construction; purchase more when
matching a fabric pattern. Check to be sure the
fabric is needle-ready, or preshrunk.
Many couture jackets are interfaced and almost
completely backed so they will be smooth and
wrinkle-free. Interfacings and backings are, in fact,
the skeletal framework of the jacket that controls
its shape (see below).
InterfacIngs
When choosing an interfacing, consider the shell
fabrics weight, fber content, color, and hand
(whether it is soft or crisp) in relation to the
garments design and the desired efect, such as an
exaggerated silhouette or one that softly skims the
body. Fabrics like hair canvas, Hymo, collar linen,
Utica linen, French canvas, handkerchief, and dress
linen; organdy, muslin, and fne cotton are all good
choices for interfacing and backing a tailored jacket.
(By contrast, fusible materials are rarely used
because theyre not as supple as sewn-in backings
and interfacings.)
For the collar on a wool jacket to be crisp and
have a sharp roll, collar linen is a good choice.
For a collar with a soft roll, use hair canvas. For a
linen or silk collar, Utica and handkerchief linens,
cotton, and even self-fabric are good choices.
For interfacing the body of the garment, hair
canvas or Hymo, with a high wool and goat hair
content, is always the tailors frst choice when
sewing wool, because it is more malleable than
other interfacings. When sewing linen or cotton,
consider either self-fabric or plain-weave linen to
interface the body.
Tailors often use a variety of interfacings cut on
diferent grains within the same garment because
each elementcollar, pocket, lapel, and hemhas
diferent requirements. For example, the interfacing
for a collar is generally cut on the bias to produce a
nice roll, while the interfacing for a patch pocket is
cut on the same grain as the pocket itself (generally
the straight grain) or the crosswise grain to create a
frm pocket that holds its shape.
Backings and interfacings are applied to the
wrong side of each garment section before
assembly. Ten the two layers are handled as one
when most of the seamlines are stitched.
claire s hint I preshrink all interfacing and
support fabrics by soaking them in cold water for two
hours, hanging them to air-dry, then pressing with a
steam iron.
Make the toIle
Constructing a tailored jacket involves a number of
fttingsone for the muslin toile (in couture this
ftting is done on the dress form rather than on the
fgure); then two or three fttings for the garment
itself. Begin by making a muslin toile, which can be
ripped and rebasted until it fts well.
1. Purchase muslin that is on grain. If the fabric or
the sections are not cut on grain, the jacket cannot
be accurately ftted.
2. Cut all sections from muslin except the top
collar, front facings, and pockets with 1-in. seam
allowances.
3. Use a tracing wheel and tracing carbon, mark
all stitching lines, garment centers, waistline,
grainlines, and cross-chest and cross-back lines.
4. Draw the pockets and buttons on the muslin
and baste the toile together. I prefer hand basting.
If you are machine basting, use a long stitch and
set the tension so the basting will be easy to
pull out.
5. Baste the sleeve seams; dont baste the sleeves into
the armscyes until the body of the jacket is ftted.
175 J AC K E T S & C OAT S
creatI ng a couture jacket
requires skill that comes
with practice, but above all it
requires attention to detail.
All edges should be

interfaced to maintain their
shape. They should be thin and
curl slightly toward the body.
Even seamlines on edges, like
those on the lapel, roll slightly
inward so they do not show on
The garment centers are

perpendicular to the floor even
when the jacket is unbuttoned.
Seams and edges are straight

and well pressed.
All hand sewing is even

and inconspicuous, and any
topstitching is straight and
even.
Fullness at the back shoulder,

back armscye, back neckline,
sleeve cap, and elbow has been
shrunk out so the garment
conforms to the body.
The armscye seams are

reinforced, and the sleeves,
which are usually two-piece,
hang in vertical cylinders
without diagonal ripples.
Sleeve heads are inserted

into sleeve caps to keep them
from breaking (collapsing) or
dimpling.
Lapels and collars are

interfaced and hand padded so
the points dont curl up. Lapels
lie against the chest, and the
lapel roll lines hug the body.
Characteristics of a Couture Jacket
The collar fits the neck

smoothly without standing
away from it. The collars
outside edge covers the
neckline seam and fits the
shoulders without rippling. The
gorge line is finished by hand.
Darts are balanced with an

extra layer of fabric or by slashing
and pressing them open.
Buttons are attached with

hand-sewn stems and stitches
that dont show on the facing.
Buttonholes are handworked

on tailored jackets with a
keyhole opening, and bound
on more feminine dressmaker
jackets.
Linings, usually silk, dont

interfere with the drape of the
jacket. Sewn in by hand, they
are loose but fit smoothly with
a pleat at center back. The
lining often takes the place of
a back neck facing for a softer,
more comfortable garment.
Stand
Collar
CB pleat
Collar fall
Gorge line
Notch
Roll line
hugs body
Break
point
Balanced
dart
Interfaced and
padstitched
Sleeve head
Upper
sleeve
Under
sleeve
Vent
Hem
interfacing
Sleeve
hangs
vertically
without
wrinkles
This Valentino jacket is underlined with silk organza with
bias-cut cotton interfacings at the upper back, below
the waist, and at the hem. The wide interfacing on the
jacket skirt helps to reduce wrinkling and preserves the
shape. Only silk organza is used at the waist; this allows
the jacket to move with the body when worn.
(Photo by Author.)
Here you can see
the canvas used to
shape this jacket by
Yves Saint Laurent
shown at left. Bias-
cut hair cloth has
been machine-
quilted to the hair
canvas to provide
shaping. The dart
is balanced to
prevent a ridge on
the outside of the
jacket. The lapel
and collar are hand-
padded.
(Photo by Susan Kahn.
6. Turn under and baste all hems and seam
allowances on the sleeves and jacket; press lightly.
7. Baste the undercollar in place.
8. Baste the shoulder pads in place. Te shoulder
pads are so important to the drape and ft of the
jacket that the toile, and later the jacket, cannot be
ftted accurately without them. Keep a variety of
sizes and shapes on hand so you can experiment.
Later, you will make shoulder pads specifcally for
the jacket.
fIt the toIle
Te toile will help you to fne tune the ft before cut-
ting the fabric. If your fabric has a pattern or design,
the toile can be used to position the fabric design
attractively. It also provides an opportunity to perfect
your sewing skills which help to preserve the pristine
quality of the fabric; and it reduces the temptation
to try on the jacket during the construction.
1. Try on the toile.
2. Pin the center fronts together as they would be
when buttoned. Begin by analyzing the relationship
of the design to your fgure. It should look the
same on the right and left sides, even though your
body may be asymmetrical. Check the line and
proportions of the silhouette. If its not becoming,
correct it or start again with a new design.
3. To check the ft, look for the following:

Te grain is parallel to the foor at the bustline,
across the chest, and across the back.

Te grain is perpendicular to the foor at the
garment centers.

When unbuttoned, the front edges hang
perpendicular to the foor.

Seamlines are straight.

Tere are no vertical or horizontal wrinkles.

It fts smoothly with no draglines.

Its neither too tight, nor too loose at the bust,
waist, and hips.

Te shoulders are smooth in the front and back.

Darts are appropriately placed and sized.

Te neckline fts smoothly.

Te armhole is neither too tight nor too loose.

Te armscye seam is appropriate for the design,
shoulder width, and current fashion.

Te hem appears parallel to the foor.
4. You may need to ft the toile several times,
and perhaps make additional toiles, before youre
satisfed. Tis is not uncommon.
5. After the toile body has been ftted, pin the sleeves
in; make any necessary adjustments (see p. 147).
6. After the ftting, mark all new seamlines and
matchpoints carefully before removing any bastings
and pins.
7. Remove all bastings; press the sections fat with
a dry iron to check the corrections. Remark the
corrections if necessary, using a ruler or curve
to true any uneven lines. If Ive made a lot of
corrections on the toile, Ill trace the corrected toile
to make a clean muslin pattern.
8. Later you may want to convert small darts on
the toile to ease (see p. 60).
cut and Mark the jacket
Once the toile is ftted and the pattern corrected,
youre ready to cut out the jacket.
1. Using the corrected toile as a pattern, cut
the fronts, backs, any side sections, sleeves,
and undercollar from the shell fabric. Cut the
undercollar and its interfacing on the bias with a
seam at center back. Dont cut the sleeves, lapel
facings, top collar, pockets, or linings at this time.
When the fabric has a pattern to be matched, wait
until after the frst ftting to cut the fabric for the
sleeves, lapel facings, top collar, or pockets.
2. Tread-trace all stitching lines, garment centers,
matchpoints, and grainlines as well as locations
for buttons, buttonholes, roll lines, pockets, and
decorative details.
the entoIlage
Te tailoring term canvas or entoilage refers to all
the interfacings and backings after theyve been cut.
Te backings and interfacings can be combined
in numerous ways, but the methods used by
Valentino for dressmaker jackets and by Yves Saint
Laurent for tailored jackets are good models for
home sewers.
At Valentino, a silk organza or silk muslin
backing is cut for the entire jacket, and hair canvas
interfacings are cut to support the front edge, front
and back shoulder areas, underarm, sleeve cap, and
hemline, leaving the waist area without interfacing
so its very supple. Te backing is applied to the
garment fabric at the outset, and the two layers
are handled as one throughout the garments
construction.
At Yves Saint Laurent, a hair-canvas backing,
which also serves as the interfacing, is cut on the
bias with seam and hem allowances for the fronts,
backs (full or partial), underarm panels, and two-
thirds of the sleeve cap. Ten a second, smaller
layer of hair canvas is cut on the bias for the front
chest piece, which flls in the area above the bust
but doesnt extend into the lapels. A back shoulder
piece is also cut for the upper back. Since the hair
canvas is very crisp and resilient, darts are cut out
and lapped before the canvas is applied or simply
cut out and hand sewn to the garment or backing
dart or seam.
1. Cut out the hair canvas for the fronts, back,
underarm panels, and sleeve cap. It can be cut on
the lengthwise grain, or, for a more supple look,
like those on the Yves Saint Laurent jackets (p. 173
and p. 181), cut on the bias, leaving -in. seam and
hem allowances. At YSL, the true bias was marked
front InterfacIng front
chest PIece
PreParing Jacket Body interfacing
Mark
bias
sIde Panel
InterfacIng
Back InterfacIng Back
shoulder PIece
at the center of each section so it could be aligned
with the lengthwise grain on the wrong side of
the garment.
2. Cut a second layer of hair canvas for the front
chest piece and the back shoulder. Place the chest
piece on top of the front interfacing; pin. Ten
quilt the interfacing and chest piece together by
stitching 1-in. squares parallel to the grainlines;
press. As you press, stretch the shoulder seam
slightly.
3. To shape the canvas and eliminate bulk, cut out
the darts so theyre slightly wider and longer than
the darts on the jacket itself. Baste the darts for the
fttings; after the ftting, remove the bastings so the
interfacing darts can be slipped over the jacket darts.
Interface the jacket front
In these directions, the jacket front is completely
interfaced with a piece of bias-cut interfacing and a
second, smaller piece is used above the bust to create
a smooth line from the shoulder to the bust point.
1. Baste the darts on the jacket fronts and backs.
2. Baste a strip of interfacing or self-fabric to each
dart to balance the dart (see p. 60). Stitch and press
the darts. If you didnt make a toile, dont stitch the
darts until the jacket has been ftted.
3. Wrong side up, place the front canvas on the
jacket so the chest piece is uppermost. Arrange
and pin the interfacing around the darts. Use loose
catchstitches to sew the jacket and canvas together
on the dartline. Tis allows the interfacing to serve
as a bufer for darts in the garment fabric and
reduces shadows and ridges on the right side of
the garment.
4. Turn the front over and smooth the fabric
over the canvas, checking to be sure the darts
are aligned.
5. Baste on the roll line. Baste a vertical row
beginning about 2 in. below the midpoint of the
shoulder seam and ending at the hemline. Baste
another row close to the roll line and down the
front of the jacket about 1 in. from the edge. Baste
a third row around the armscye about 1 in. from
the armscye seam and continuing to the hem.
claire s hint In some workrooms, they shape
the lapels next; in others, they set the pockets. I prefer
to shape the lapels frst, before the fronts are joined to
any side sections, only possible when Ive ftted a toile.
shaPe the laPel
Tese directions assume you have ftted the toile.
If you havent and plan to ft as you sew, then baste
the jacket together before you padstitch the lapels
and tape the front edges.
1. Measure the roll line on the pattern, excluding
the seam allowances. To make the bridle, measure
and mark the roll line on a piece of stay tape
this length. Te bridle prevents the roll line or
creaseline from stretching and shapes the roll line
to the ft the body. Its made from a narrow cotton
or linen tape, rayon seam binding, or a lightweight
selvage that has been preshrunk. It can have a plain
or twill weave. I prefer a -in. plain-weave cotton
tape, but you can use a -in. tape.
2. On the jacket roll line, mark a point 3 in. below
the neck seamline and another point 4 in. above
the breakpoint. Place the outer edge of the bridle
on the roll line; pin one end to the seamline at the
neck. Hold the bridle taut and pin the other end at
the breakpoint, the beginning of the roll line.
claire s hint I make the bridle in. shorter
than the roll line, but it can be in. to in. shorter.
For a softer roll at the breakpoint, end the bridle about
1 in. above the breakpoint. Distribute and pin the ease
evenly under the bridle, setting the pins at right angles
to the tape. Using short basting stitches, baste through
the center of the bridle after the ftting, the bridle
permanently with fell stitches.
3. To padstitch the lapel, place the jacket face up;
fold the lapel back on the roll line. Pin the sections
together on the seamline. At the corner, use chalk
to draw a triangle about 1 in. long on each side.
When you fold the lapel into position, the jacket
fabric will show at the lapel edge.
4. Hold the lapel over your hand; begin the
padstitching next to the roll line. Make the stitches
about in. long. Work the rows parallel to the roll
line and about in. apart, staggering the stitches
to avoid creating ridges on the interfacing. Release
the pins on the seamlines as needed to ease the
interfacing to the fabric. Dont padstitch into the
triangle or seam allowances at the neck or front
edges. Te length of the stitches and distance
between the rows will afect the frmness of the
lapel. For a softer lapel, make longer stitches and
space them farther apart.
5. To padstitch the corner, reposition the lapel to
hold the triangle base over your hand. Work the
rows parallel to the marked line, making the
stitches shorter ( in.) and closer together ( in.).
Te change of direction at the corner shapes the
lapel corner, so it will curl toward the body
attractively.
6. Padstitch the second lapel, checking periodically
to be sure the two lapels look the same.
7. Interfacing side up, place the roll line over the
edge of the pressing board, and press the lapel.
Rearrange the section so you can press the front
with the roll line rolled over the edge of the
pressing board. Cover the pressing board with a
large piece of wool when sewing a wool jacket. To
press the lapel, frst moisten it with a damp sponge;
press until dry. Turn the front faceup, and cover
with a wool press cloth. Ten cover with a cotton
press cloth, dampen, and press again. Dont move
the section until its completely dry.
taPe the front edges
Taping the edges is one of the secrets of couture.
It reduces bulk in the seamline so you can stitch
through two layers only, making the seam very fat
and thin. When taping a jacket with a fold at the
front edge, I frequently use a softer material such as
silk organza or chifon and center the stay over the
foldline.
1. Mark the seamlines on the interfacing at
the front edge, lapel, and gorge line clearly and
accurately with a sharp pencil.
2. Carefully trim away the interfacing seam
allowances plus an additional
3
16 in., beginning at
the notch or end of the collar.
3. Wrong side up, begin taping about 1 in. from
the shoulder seam. Place the preshrunk tape on the
jacket with the
outer edge on the
seamline. Ease
the tape slightly
over the ends of
the roll line, and
pin to the corner
of the lapel. At
the corner, clip
the tape, leaving
only a thread.
Lap the cut edges,
and reposition
the tape. Pin it to
SHaPing tHe LaPeL
Breakpoint
Pin 4 above
break point
Base of
triangle
Padstitch
corner
trimming
interfacing at
front edge
Begin
trimming
here
Trim
interfacing
Interfacing
Roll line
Baste
3 below
neckline
BaSting
interfacing into
Jacket front
the edge of the lapel
so its smooth, but
not taut.
claire s hint
Te term lay fair is
used when the tape is
laid fat against the
fabric without any
easing or tautness.
When the tape is
held taut, it is called
hold short.
4. Ease the tape
slightly at the
breakpointthe
bottom of the roll
line. Below the breakpoint, pin the tape to the edge
to the bottom button so the tape is smooth, but
not taut. Below the bottom button, hold the tape
taut as you pin to the hemline. Baste the tape in
place, remove the pins, and press lightly. When
pinning around a hemline curve, continue to hold
the tape taut. Te curved edge should curl very
slightly toward the body. If necessary, clip the tape
so the tape lies fat around the curve.
5. Compare the two front edges to be sure theyve
been taped identically and they hang straight
without curling at curves and corners. Press
lightly.
6. Fell stitch
the inner edge
of the tape to
the interfacing,
working carefully
so the stitches
dont show on the
face side of the
jacket. Fell stitch
the outer edge to
the seamline.
Interfacing side up, press the bust area, beginning
at the roll line. At the bust point, shape the front to
ft the bust by using just the point of the iron at the
bust point (see photo at left, below). Fold the lapel
in place and steam the roll line; fnger-press frmly
as you steam.
7. If the design has bound buttonholes, make the
buttonholes before setting the facings.
the facIng
Unlike in luxury ready-to-wear and home
sewing, in haute couture and bespoke tailoring,
the lengthwise grain of the lapel facing is usually
parallel to the lapel edge, even though the jacket
edge is shaped. Tis is particularly attractive
for fabrics with stripes or plaids, and it reduces
stretching and rippling on plain fabrics.
taPing tHe
front edge
Tape
edge
Ease
here
Fell
stitches
Press with the
canvas uppermost;
hold the edge of
the front section
and use the iron to
stretch the fabric
slightly around the
bust point. Notice
that the edges are
taped and the dart
is balanced.
This evening suit was designed by John Galliano for
Dior. The buttonholes have been carefully applied to
match the stripes on the jacket. To do this, double
baste the buttonhole welts before machine stitching.
(Photo by Author.)
feLL taPe edgeS
facing a straight edge. When the edge is straight
or almost straight, its not difcult to change the
grain and cut the facing with the grain parallel or
perpendicular to the front edge. In the photograph
below of a YSL ensemble from 198283, the lapel
fabric has been cut with grainline parallel to the
lapel edge so that checks are parallel to the edge.
1. Right sides together, begin at the end of the collar
and pin the facing on the seamline next to the stay
tape; baste. When pinning the facing, hold the front
taut above the breakpoint so the facing is slightly
eased. At the breakpoint, ease the facing so it wont
restrict the roll line. Below the breakpoint, hold the
facing taut so the edge will curl toward the body.
2. Stitch on the basted line. Before stitching, turn
the section right side out to be sure you like the
way it looks. Ten press the basted line so it will be
easier to stitch.
3. Knot the thread ends, and clip to the stitching.
Press the seam open.
4. Grade the seam allowances so the front is a little
wider than the facing below the breakpoint and the
facing is a little wider above the breakpoint.
Turn the section right side out. Baste about in.
from the edge so the seam is toward the jacket front
above the breakpoint and toward the facing below
the breakpoint. At the breakpoint, it should be right
on the edge. Baste again in. from the edge.
5. Right side up, press to the roll line. Turn the
front wrong side up, press the jacket and facing to
the roll line. Dont press over the roll line. Use a
press cloth.
facing a shaped edge. In a couture workroom, a
facing pattern is rarely used. Instead, a rectangle of
fabric is pinned and shaped to ft the garment section
This classic ensemble from Yves Saint Laurents
198283 Fall/Winter Collection features a plaid jacket in
the Prince of Wales pattern and a houndstooth-check
skirt. The skirt fabric (used on the lapels of the jacket)
employs the straight grain parallel to the edge of the
surplice cut front even though the jacket edge is cut on
the bias.
(Photo by Anthony Hall, courtesy of Australian Stitches. Authors collection.)
facing a Jacket
witH StraigHt LaPeLS
Clip
Seamline toward
jacket front
Center front
Seamline at edge
Seamline
toward facing
Notch
Ease
Grain
Ease
Hold facing taut
Continued on p. 185

Te Shaped Facing Pattern
Mark the straight grain on a piece
of muslin or nonwoven pattern
paper 1 in. from the edge.
Position the facing pattern so
the widest sections touch the
marked grainline. Trace the facing
pattern and mark the straight
grain. Cut out the pattern. This
can be a rectangle with the facing
outlined on it or it can be cut out,
leaving a seam allowance only at
the front edge.
cuttIng and
shaPIng the facIngs
In couture tailoring, the leading
edge is straight regardless of the
shape at the jacket edge.
1. Place the new facing pattern
on the fabric to determine
which section of the pattern or
which color bar will be at the
front edge before cutting out
the facing. A dominant color will
generally be the most attractive.
When working with a plaid, dont
overlook the neck edge of the
lapel when planning the facing.
2. Pin-mark the seamline on the
facing about
1
8 in. from the stripe
you want at the edge. When
working with a heavier fabric,
place it
1
4 in. away.
When the facing is stitched and
turned right side out, part of the
color bar will be lost at the edge.
I pin a fabric scrap to the jacket
and turn it right side out to check
the stripe placement.
3. Thread-trace the seamlines,
leaving 1-in. or more seam
allowances.
4. Beginning about 1 in. above the
breakpoint, put in a row of ease
basting for 2 in. to 3 in. Pull up the
ease basting, and shrink out
1
4 in.
to
3
8 in. at the breakpoint.
claires hint I stack the
two facings right sides together so
they will be shaped the same. Ten
I put the ease basting in by hand-
sewing through both layers. After
shaping, I remove the ease basting
and separate the facings.
5. Align the thread-traced
seamlines on the facings to the
curved line on the muslin pattern
you traced at the outset.
6. Press the lapel edge into a
convex curve, continuing until you
have shrunk away as much of the
rippling as possible at the inside
edge of the facing.
When working with some
worsted wools, linens, and
cottons, the fabric may not
shrink enough to fit the shape of
the edge. To resolve this, some
designers shape the lapel and
ignore the grain direction below
the breakpoint, while others cut
the facing into two sections and
place the seam between the
The facings on this tailored jacket
designed by Yves Saint Laurent
have been cut so the dominant
color bars frame the top of the
lapels. When this is done, it doesnt
matter that the color bars on the
lapel and jacket front do not match
at the seamline where they join.
(Photo by Author.)
make tHe facing
Pattern
Muslin
Original
facing
pattern
1

first and second buttonholes. If
you make a seamline, position
the top of the lower section on
the crossgrain. On a jacket with
bound buttonholes, locate the
seam behind the top buttonhole,
leaving an opening in the seam to
finish the back of the buttonhole.
apply the facing
If the jacket has a pronounced
curve on the lapels, the lapels will
require additional shaping when
they are basted to the jacket.
1. Right sides together, begin at
the breakpoint and work toward
the neck edge. Hold the front
lapel edge taut and ease the
facing very slightly to the front,
leaving a little additional ease just
above the breakpoint and at the
lapel corner.
2. Pin the facing to the lapel.
This is called fulling in the
facing. If you full in too much,
the facing will bubble at the edge.
If you dont full in enough, the
seamline will show on the right
side and the lapel point may curl
up. I set the pins parallel to and
on the seamline so I can turn
the facing right side out after
its pinned to check the edge
and corner, as well as how the
patterns match.
3. Use short basting stitches to
baste the layers togetherthe
basting should be at the outer
edge of the stay tape beginning
at the notch and ending at
the breakpoint.
In couture, folded edges are preferred to seams because they are flatter. On
this Dior design, the front edge is finished with an extended facing while the
collar is cut separately so the stripes attractively frame the face. The two
facings are seamed at the first buttonhole. On similar designs, the seam was
located between the first and second buttonholes.
Shrink
Stretch
Stretch
SHaPing tHe facing
Breakpoint
Ease
basting
1
1

6. Beginning at the end of the
collar, stitch on the seamline next
to the tape. Continue to the end
of the facing.
Before stitching, I double baste
to prevent the layers from shifting
and press the basted seam. The
pressing will flatten the seam
allowances and make them easier
to stitch smoothly. Since the
facings are basted securely, you
can stitch both fronts from the
collar to the hem.
7. Turn the sections right side out
and check the stitching.
8. Reposition the sections right
sides together. Secure the thread
ends with a knot at the beginning
of the stitching; then clip to the
end of the stitching.
9. Remove the bastings, and press
the seams first flat, then with a
point presser, press them open.
Below the breakpoint, trim the
seam on the front to
3
8 in.; trim
the facing seam to
1
4 in. Above
the breakpoint, trim the seam on
the facing to
3
8 in. Trim the front
seam to
1
4 in.
10. For added control and a
flatter edge, tame the corners by
sewing the front seam allowance
to the stay tape; then sew the
facing seam allowance to the
front seam allowance. Steam-
press the point, then spank it
briskly with the clapper.
11. Turn the fronts right side out
and gently straighten the corners
with a point turner. For difficult
corners, I use a small needle and
unknotted thread to work the
corner out without distorting
it. Take a short stitch in the
seamline and, holding the needle
and the unknotted end, tug gently
to pull the seamline to the edge.
Repeat until the corner is turned.
12. Before pressing the front,
baste through all layers
1
4 in. from
the edge, shaping the edge as
you baste so that the seamline
rolls to the underside when the
jacket is worn and is therefore
invisible. Above the breakpoint,
Carefully turn the lapel right side
out, but dont trim it. Before turning
the lapel, fold the seams at the
lapel point so they are flat; then,
using a point turner, turn the facing
right side out to be sure the corner
looks sharp. Theres a lot of bulk
here, but youll be surprised how
flat the corner looks at this stage.
The facing should be smooth with
the basted seamline sitting just to
the underside of the lapel so its
not visible on the jacket right side.
4. Reposition the sections right
sides together; baste the facing
to the jacket front from the
breakpoint to the hem. Ease the
facing for
1
2 in. just below the
breakpoint.
If the design has bound
buttonholes, ease the right facing
slightly in the buttonhole area
so there will be enough fabric
to finish the facing side of the
buttonholes smoothly. Below the
buttonholes, hold the facing taut
to the hemline. Turn the facing
right side out again to be sure the
edges do not curl.
5. After youve tailored a few
jackets, you may prefer to baste
the entire edge before turning it
right side out to check it.
When youre satisfied the lapel
is perfect, repeat for the other
lapel, then check to be sure they
look the same. Some prefer to
begin basting at the breakpoint;
if part of the facing needs to be
repositioned, theres less stitching
to be ripped.
Stitch
Baste
BaSting Jacket
and facing
StitcH Jacket
and facing
before its cut. To shape the facings for a design with
a pronounced curve at the edge (like the YSL
herringbone jacket on p. 172), the facing will
require easing and shrinking to ft the jacket edges.
Te Shaped Facing Pattern on p. 182 will help
you learn the technique.
Baste the jacket
To prepare the jacket for ftting, interface the
remaining sections; then baste the body of the
garment.
1. Apply the interfacing to the remaining garment
sections. Baste the canvas and garment sections
together at the center on the aligned grainlines.
Baste the backing and fabric together on the
vertical seamlines. When using a crisp interfacing
like hair canvas, hold the garment fabric and
backing layers in the round with the backing on
the inside to duplicate the way the layers will ft
the body. When using a soft backing fabric, full it
in (see p. 130) and baste the vertical seams like any
other seam.
2. If the design has pockets, set the pockets (see
chapter 9, p. 159) before basting the front sections
to the back.
3. Right sides
together, baste the
center back seam,
stopping at the
neckline seam; baste
the side seams,
stopping at the
armscye seam. Fold
under and baste
the hems. Baste the
shoulder seams,
easing the back to the front. On most fgures, the
shoulder seam will ft better if it is slightly scooped,
rather than straight. When interfacing with hair
canvas, lap the canvas over the shoulder seams
instead of sewing it into the seams.
4. Assemble the sleeves (see p. 154)

the seamline should roll toward
the jacket front, while below the
breakpoint it should roll toward
the facing so it doesnt show on
the garment right side.
For about
1
2 in. both above
and below the breakpoint, the
seamline should be right on the
edge. Baste a second row of
stitches about
3
4 in. from the
edge. Next, fold the lapel into its
finished position and smooth the
facing over the lapel line. Baste
on the roll line with long diagonal
stitches. Then baste through all
layers from the shoulder point to
the hem, and chalk a line on the
facing about 1 in. away. Trim on
the chalked line, baste around the
buttonhole markings, and press.
13. Right side up, press the edges
of the lapel and the jacket front. I
cover the edges with a wool press
cloth and use a damp sponge. In
the lapel area, I press from the
underside of the lapel. Below
the breakpoint, I press from the
facing side.
Seam aLLowanceS
Clip
Trim
to
3
8
BaSting
Jacket SeamS
Baste
Baste
Trim
to
3
8
I n couture, seParate
facings at the opening are
avoided whenever possible;
instead, extended facings are
used so there will be no seams at
the edges. Obviously, this is much
flatter than a seamed edge.
This is pretty straightforward
when the design has no collar
like the Ungaro jacket pictured
at right. At the top of the
opening, the facing was folded
into a miter so it could be
shaped to fit the front neck. The
miter was sewn permanently
with fell stitches.
The front neck and opening
were stabilized with a 2-in.-wide
bias silk organza strip, which
had been wet and pressed to
remove all the stretch. Then
the stay was centered over the
foldline and sewn permanently
with long running stitches.
The folded edges
are stabilized with a
bias stay to prevent
stretching.
(Photo by Ken Howie. Authors
collection.)
Extended Facings
This attractive jacket and dress from the
1960s is attributed to Ungaro. The v-neck
jacket frames the set-in details on the dress.
Extended facings are used at the neck edge
of the jacket as well as the front edges. A peek
inside this jacket reveals a small hand-sewn
miter on the facing where the neckline meets
the front edge.
PrePare the undercollar
You can ft the jacket before the collar is applied;
however, its better to wait to avoid stretching the
neckline.
1. To prepare the undercollar for ftting, thread
trace the seamlines on the undercollar. Right sides
together, stitch the undercollar at center back.
Press the seam open and trim to in. Lap the
edges of the undercollar interfacing at center back;
align the seamlines, and stitch. Stitch again on each
side of the seamline; and trim away the excess.
2. Wrong side up, pin the interfacing to the
undercollar. Use diagonal stitches to sew the layers
together at the roll line.
claire s hint I tighten the stitches to hold the
roll line in slightly.
3. Fold on the roll line right sides together. Press
and shrink the roll line, shaping it into a concave
curve and stretching the outer edge at the center
back. Te depth of the curve is deter mined by the
slope of your shoulders. If you have square
shoulders, make the arc deeper and stretch the edge
more so the roll line will hug the neck and the
outside edge will ft the shoulders smoothly.
4. Using the undercollar thread tracings as a
guide, pin the interfacing and fabric together on
the seamlines. Mark the seamlines on the interfacing
with a sharp pencil and baste the seamlines together.
For the frst ftting, fold the seam allowances toward
the interfacing and baste fat.
5. Before attaching the undercollar to the jacket
body, measure the necklines on boththe
undercollar should be about in. larger. Pin the
undercollar to the neckline at the center back and
shoulder seams, and ease it slightly for 1 in. on each
side of the shoulder seams. Beginning at center
back, baste the undercollar to the jacket.
6. After basting the undercollar, baste the shoulder
pads in place. Tey extend about in. beyond the
armscye seam.
the fIrst fIttIng
1. Examine the roll lines. Te ease on the lapel roll
line should be distributed evenly and smoothly, and
the collar roll line should hug the neck closely. Te
roll lines on the lapel and collar should be aligned.
2. Te outer edge of the undercollar should cover
the neckline seam and lie smoothly without
rippling. If the neckline seam shows below the
outer edge of the undercollar, the outer edge is
too tight or the wearers shoulders are very square,
and youll need to stretch the edge more so it will
cover the neckline seam or cut a new collar. After
stretching the undercollar to ft the body, mark it
with matchpoints at the shoulder seams.
3. Check the front armscye. Tere should be
enough room to insert your index fnger between
undercoLLar
PreSSing undercoLLar
Stretch
Fold
Press and shrink roll line
firSt fitting of Jacket
(witHout SLeeveS)
Seam
allowance
basted over
interfacing
Match
center
fronts
Top-
basted
seam
allowance
Shoulder pad
basted in
Crossgrain
check:
Roll line
on lapels
Undercollar
Back
armscye
Button
and pocket
placement
Hem line
Diagonal stitches
the fabric and body. If the armscye is just a little
tight, it can be stretched by pressing. If it really
binds, the shoulder seam needs to be let out.
4. Check the back armscye; it should hug the body
without gaping. If it gapes, ease and shrink the
excess before setting in the sleeve.
5. Check the shoulder pad size and placement, and
the pocket and button locations.
6. Pin in the sleeves and adjust their hang.
7. Correct the hemline for the jacket and sleeves as
needed.
stItch the jacket
Before stitching the jacket permanently, make all
marked corrections and baste it together for stitching.
1. After the frst ftting, remove the bastings, lay
the sections fat to make corrections. Indicate the
corrections on the toile for future reference.
2. On the jacket backs complete the darts. Mold
the backs to ft the shoulder blades by shrinking
away the excess fullness at the shoulder seams and
armscye and stretching the fabric in the shoulder
blade area (see p. 64 for instructions on shrinking
and stretching).
Stitch and press any seams and trim the
interfacing to
1
8 in. At the waistline, stretch the
side and back seam allowance edges so they will lie
fat against the jacket when the seams are pressed
open. Shrink away any excess on the jacket body.
3. On the jacket fronts, complete any seams. If the
design has underarm panels, join the panels to the
fronts.
4. Set the pockets permanently.
5. Stitch the side seams.
6. Baste the shoulder seams and hem.
7. Baste in the sleeves.
8. Hang the jacket for the second ftting.
fInIsh the undercollar
1. Before padstitching the undercollar, remove the
bastings on the seamlines that join the interfacing
and undercollar at the edges. Made by sewing small
diagonal stitches (see p. 30), padstitching is used to
shape and add frmness to the undercollar so it will
maintain its shape.
2. To padstitch the collar stand, hold the stand over
one hand, interfacing side up. Start at the roll line,
work the padded rows horizontally down to the
penciled seamline at the neck edge. Te stitches
should be short and closely spaced, approximately
1
4 in. long and
1
4 in. apart for a crisp, sturdy stand.
3. To padstitch the collar fall, continue with
the undercollar in the rolled position and the
interfacing side up. Begin at center back. Use
slightly longer stitches from
3
8 in. to
1
2 in. long
and space the rows about
3
8 in. apart. To make the
collar points frm and keep them from curling up,
I mark them with a small triangle about 1 in. from
each point and padstitch using stitches about
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. long, spaced
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. apart.
Tis is done like the lapel corners, beginning at the
penciled base of the triangle and working toward
the collar points.
4. Examine the collar carefully to be sure both
sides look the same.
5. Remark the penciled seamlines on the
interfacing so they are aligned with the thread-
tracing on the undercollar; trim away the
interfacing seam allowances. Before trimming,
Gorge liner
PadStitcHing tHe
coLLar Stand
PadStitcHing tHe
undercoLLar faLL
Trim interfacing
I examine the marked line carefully to be sure the
line is smooth and accurate and both sides of the
collar are identical. If Ive padstitched too far, I
unpick the extra stitches; if I havent padstitched
enough, I add a few more stitches.
6. At the neck edge, fold the seam allowance over
the interfacing; baste and press the edge. Trim
the seam allowance close to the basting; use
catchstitches to sew the edges to the interfacing.
7. Interfacing side up, press the undercollar, using
a moderately hot, dry iron. Moisten the fall of the
collar with a damp dauber or sponge and press the
ends fat. Press up to the roll line but not over it.
Continue pressing until the interfacing is dry and
frm; repeat for the collar stand.
the toP collar
Te top collar, like the front facings, is often shaped
at the outer edge and will be more attractive if the
edge follows a grainline.
1. To make the top collar, cut a rectangular piece
of garment fabric 2 in. longer and wider than
the undercollar. Since the grain of the top collar
should match the grain of the jacket at the center
back both vertically and horizontally, the top collar
rarely matches the lapels at the gorgeline.
claire s hint When sewing stripes or plaids,
I plan the fabric placement so both ends of the collar
are the same or look attractive as a pair. I also try to
shape the collar at the outer edge so its on grain, using
the same technique I use for shaping the lapel facings.
Sometimes this is very challenging.
2. Use a steam iron to shape the top collar. Wrong
side up, press the two long sides separately, using
a circular motion to stretch the edges and shrink
the center so the top collar will ft the undercollar
smoothly and the crossgrain will follow the collars
edge. If you cant follow the grain at the edge easily,
thread-trace the seamline. To see if the top collar
is shaped enough, check occasionally as youre
working by laying it on top of the undercollar.
3. To join the top collar and undercollar, begin
with right sides together. Match and pin the roll
lines. Ten pin the seamlines together at the outer
edge, beginning at center back, stopping at the
notch and easing the top collar to the undercollar
along the outer edges. To check the collar, set the
pins parallel to the seamline, unpin the roll line,
and turn the collar right sides out. Te top collar
should have enough ease so the seamline will roll
under, but not so much ease that it ripples. Te
ends should appear identical.
4. Adjust the collar as needed, reset the pins, and
baste the collar securely with short stitches. Check
the collar again, and double-baste.
5. Press and stitch the edges permanently, stopping
at the notch at each end of the collar without
stitching into the seam allowance.
6. Remove the bastings, press and grade the seams.
For sharp collar edges, press the seam fat, then
open. Trim the seam allowance on the top collar to
3
8 in. Trim the seam allowances on the undercollar
to
1
4 in.; sew them fat against the interfacing with
catchstitches.
7. Turn the collar right side out. With the under-
collar toward you, baste about
1
Hold the collar in the fnished position and smooth
out the top collar; baste the roll line. At the gorge
Joining toP coLLar
and undercoLLar
Match roll lines
Pin to notch
Ease outer edges
Clip to notch Catchstitch
finiSH tHe neck edge
line, trim the seam allowances to
3
8 in.; turn them
under and baste. Press. To avoid a pressing
imprint when pressing over bastings, baste with
soft cotton or silk thread or hand embroidery foss.
When pressing the collar, dont press the roll
line fat.
8. Before basting the collar to the jacket, trim the
neckline seam on the jacket to
1
2 in.
9. Baste the collar to the jacket for the second
ftting; baste the gorge line.
10. Baste the sleeves into the jacket.
the second fIttIng
1. Check the hang and length of the jacket and the
sleeves.
2. Check the ft of the collar. Te roll line should
hug the neck closely and the outer edge of the
collar should cover the neckline seam and lie
smooth without rippling. If the neckline seam
shows, its generally because the outer collar edge is
too tight or the shoulders are square.
3. After the ftting, remove the collar. Pin it to a
tailors ham and set it aside.
4. Remove the sleeves.
claire s hint I stuf the sleeve caps with tissue
so they wont lose their shape.
5. Release the bastings at the shoulder seams so
you can spread the jacket on the table.
6. Stitch and press any remaining seamlines.
the lInIng
Even though it lies inside the jacket, the lining
should be slightly larger in length and width than
the garment because the lining material is generally
more frmly woven and less elastic than the shell
fabric. As discussed in Chapter 8, the sleeves are
lined before theyre set, and the lining for the jacket
body can be put in before or after the shoulder
seams are fnished. In these directions, the lining is
put in before the shoulder seams are stitched.
1. Make the lining pattern using the toile or jacket
sections as patterns. Tis works well when the
lining sections more or less duplicate the garment
sections. If there are extensive alterations or design
changes, however, the lining can be cut or torn into
rectangles then ftted to the inside of the garment.
Making a lining this way is not nearly as difcult
as it seems, especially if the lining is ftted before
the shoulder seams are machine-stitched so the
garment can be spread fat.
2. Spread the jacket wrong side up. Interface the
hem (see p. 72).
3. Chalk-mark the lining seam on the facing. Cut
the lining with 1-in.-wide minimum seam and hem
allowances.
Cut the front lining so the front edge is on the
selvage and laps the front facing by about 1
1
2 in.
Cut the back lining, allowing for a 1-in. center back
pleat. Dont cut out the neckline on either the back
or front lining.
4. Mark the vertical seamlines and matchpoints
with chalk or tracing carbon, but dont mark the
hem or any darts or seamlines on the front edges,
back neckline, shoulders, or armscyes.
5. Before stitching the lining vertical seams, pin
them as marked and baste a scant
1
8 in. away from
the seamline toward the raw edge so the lining will
be slightly larger than the jacket. Stitch; remove the
bastings, and press, clipping the seams as needed so
they will like fat.
6. To control the hang of the garment at the
opening, side vents, seamlines, and back, place
weights inside the jacket hem. Lead drapery
Second fitting of Jacket
Sleeves
basted
Collar basted
Darts and vertical
seams completed
Pockets set
weights are suitable and readily available in most
notions departments.
claire s hint If the weight is too heavy or too
large, use an old pair of scissors to cut it into smaller
pieces and pound it fat with a hammer so it wont
show when the garment is worn. To eliminate sharp
edges, cover each weight with a square of organza.
Place the weight in the center of the square and wrap
frst the sides, then the top and bottom around the
weight. Secure the covered weights with a few stitches
and sew them to the interfacing on the hem.
7. Hem the jacket.
8. Spread the jacket wrong side up; chalk-mark
the facing/lining seamline on the front facing so it
begins 1 in. or less away from the neckpoint. If
the facings have not been sewn to the interfacing,
use loose catchstitches or blindstitches to sew
them permanently.
9. Wrong sides together, place the lining on the
jacket so the center backs and vertical seamlines are
aligned; pin. Full in the lining so its a little larger than
the jacket itself and fts with some ease. If the lining
is too tight, the jacket will be uncomfortable and the
lining will pull at the seams. If its too loose, the lining
will wrinkle and may show when the jacket is worn.
10. Beginning at the side back seam, smooth and
pin the lining toward the center back and pin the
pleat in place so the underlay is toward the left.
Smooth and pin the back around the armscyes.
11. If there are any darts, pin small pleats to control
the fullness.
12. Fold the side panel linings out of the way so you
can sew the side back seams of the lining and jacket
together. Using loose running stitches, begin and
end about 3 in. from the beginning and end of the
seamline. Repeat to join the side front seams of the
lining and jacket.
13. Smooth and pin the front lining around the
armscye, then toward the facing.
Lining tHe Jacket
Blindstitch
Edge of
facing
Cutting line
(selvage)
lining
1 hem
allowance
1
1
2
1 seam
allowance
Chalk-mark
seamline
Balanced
dart
Sew lining
seams to jacket
Fold pleat
to left
Fold back lining
Turn under lining
and align with
chalked line
Pin small pleat to
control fullness
Pin dart
Hold lining back
Basting
14. At the front edge, fold the lining under on the
lengthwise grain and align the folded edge with the
chalked seamline on the facing.
As you pin toward the shoulder, youll have excess
lining. You can fold under more of the lining, put
a pleat in at the shoulder, or do both. If there is
still some excess fabric, pin out a small pleat at the
armscye. Trim only as needed.
15. Baste the lining to the jacket beginning about
3 in. below the shoulder seams and armholes.
16. To tame the fullness at the waist, make vertical
pleats on the front and back linings. To sew pleats
permanently, make a small thread bar (see p. 36)
across the folded edge. I pin the lining and jacket
together about 5 in. above the jacket hem; this
makes it easier to control the lower edge of the
lining when its trimmed and hemmed.
17. Trim the lining hem so its even with the jacket.
Turn under the lining hem so
3
4 in. of the jacket
hem shows; baste about
1
2 in. above the folded
edge of the lining.
18. Hold the folded edge of the hem back with
your thumb. Using blindstitches, hem a single layer
of lining to the jacket hem; press lightly. When you
remove the basting, the lining will have a soft fold
at the bottom to provide ease in the length.
19. Hold the lining sections out of the way to baste
and sew the shoulder seams. Press.
20. At this stage, the lining is only partially fnished
and youre ready to set the sleeves.
set the sleeves
1. Before permanently setting the sleeves, tighten
the back armscye between
1
4 in. and
1
2 in. by
shrinking out the excess. Beginning with a doubled
thread, place a row of backstitches on the back
armscye just inside the seamline, beginning about
1
1
2 in. below the shoulder seam and ending about
2 in. from the underarm. Pull the stitches taut to
hold in the excess fabric.
2. Wrong side up, place the garment on a fat
pressing surface; use the point of the iron to shrink
out the ease on the back itself near the armscye for
1 in. to 1
1
2 in.
claire s hint If the fabric is tightly woven or
you have pulled the stitches too tight and cant shrink
away all of the ripples, remove the stitches and try
again. Otherwise, the ripples will be permanent and
will look unattractive on the fnished garment.
3. Hold the lining out of the way. Baste in the
sleeves, which have already been lined; stitch. Te
sleeves can be sewn permanently by machine or
with hand backstitches.
4. Sew in the sleeve heads and shoulder pads
(see p. 156).
set the shoulder Pads
When you turn the jacket wrong side out to set the
pads, the shoulder curve is reversed.
1. Fold back the lining to insert the pads. Adjust as
needed to ft the shoulders; pin.
2. To sew permanently, use long running stitches at
the armscye and shoulder.
set the collar
1. On the jacket, smooth and pin the front facing
toward the neckline; trim the seam allowance at
the neck edge to
3
8 in. Turn the edge under, align
the folded edge with the seamline; and baste about
1
8 in. from the seamline. Ease the facing slightly at
the roll line to avoid fattening the roll.
2. Pin the under collar to the neckline, beginning at
center back; match the notches; baste.
3. Beginning at center back, smooth the neck edge
of the top collar over the jacket seam allowance.
Use short running stitches to secure it at the
neckline. When the lining is applied, the raw edge
will be covered by the back lining.
4. Fell stitch the undercollar in place.
5. Smooth the top collar toward the gorge line and
front neckline. Trim the seam allowance to
1
4 in.
Turn under the edge and align the folded edge with
the seamline; baste.
6. To fnish the gorge line, use a draw stitch to join
the top collar and lapel facing.
claire s hint Te draw stitch is a variation of
a fell stitch. Make the stitches short and perpendicular
to the seamline like a ladder so theyll be invisible and
look like a machine-stitched seam. If the stitches slant,
they will show and the gorge line will be unattractive.
7. Remove the bastings; press the gorge line and
collar lightly. Press all edges frmly.
fInIsh the lInIng
Te lining is shaped to ft the jacket; in home sewing
and ready-to-wear, it is cut to ft. Te advantage is
its easy to adjust the lining size if the garment was
been altered during construction. It provides more
ease in the lining since tucks replace darts. Te
disadvantage is that it requires more time.
1. To fnish the lining, smooth the front lining
over the shoulder seam, baste to the back seam
allowance; trim away the excess lining.
2. Smooth the back lining to the neckline, clipping
as needed so you can turn it under and pin the
edge. Continue pinning the back lining over the
shoulders, easing it slightly at the shoulder seam.
Trim the seam allowance at the shoulder to 1 in.,
turn it under, and baste.
3. At the top of the armscye, trim the lining so its
even with the garment seam allowances; baste the
lining around the armscye.
4. Pin the sleeve linings at the armscye. Trim as
needed, turn the raw edge under; baste (see p. 149).
Te seam at the underarm should stand up; and
the lining should come up and over it without
fattening the seam. Otherwise, the sleeve wont
hang properly.
the fInal fIttIng
At this ftting, check to be sure your jacket exhibits
all the points listed in Characteristics of a Couture
Jacket on p. 175. Check the lining to be sure its
not too tight.
fInIsh the jacket
To fnish the jacket, fell stitch the basted seams,
complete the buttonholes, and attach the buttons.
1. To fnish the lining, fell stitch the lining in place
at the shoulders, neck, front edges, and armscyes.
Pinning front facing
Interfacing
Pinning undercoLLar
Ease collar Hold collar smooth Pin collar
to neck
edge
feLLing coLLar
Fell stitch collar to neck edge
gorge Line
Running
stitches
Use draw stitch
at gorge line
2. Complete the buttonholes. If the design has
bound buttonholes, fnish the facings. If it has
handworked thread buttonholes, make them now.
3. Sew on the buttons.
Lining Stays
Te technique described here was used on a Dior
jacket made in the 1950s. Te lining stay consists
of a narrow silk strap sewn to the right front lining
which hooks to an eye at the edge of the underlap.
Less bulky than traditional ties, it can be used on
jackets, coats, and coat dresses, and it can be added
to a fnished garment. Te length of the stay and its
placement will depend on the garment design, but
on many jackets its located the same distance from
the hemline of the garment as the top button.
1. Make a stay
1
4 in. wide and 8 in. to 10 in. long
from the lining fabric (see Belt and Hanger
Loops, p. 123).
2. Place the jacket on a dress form or try it on. Pin
the center fronts together. On the right front, mark
the edge of the underlap with a pin even with the
top button. You can feel the pin through the overlap.
3. Remove the jacket. Measure the distance on
the right front between the pin and the side seam.
Mark that length plus
1
4 in. on the stay.
4. Beginning at the side seam, baste the stay to
the lining, leaving an extra
1
2 in. at the side seam
for fnishing and stopping 2 in. to 3 in. from the
pin mark.
5. Try on the jacket and pin the stay to the
underlap. Check the stay position when moving
and sitting; correct as needed.
6. Remove the stay to fnish the ends. Turn under
one end
1
4 in. and catchstitch neatly. Place the hook
over the raw edges of the end; sew it permanently.
7. Trim the other end of the stay, leaving
1
4 in. for
fnishing. Fold this end up instead of under and
catchstitch it. Fell stitch the end to the lining side
seam with the raw edge enclosed.
8. With several backstitches, fasten the stay to the
lining 2 in. to 3 in. from the hook end.
9. Make a permanent thread eye in a corresponding
position on the edge of the underlap.
Chanelisms
Te details and construction techniques on
Chanels legendary suits were described by Vogue
magazine editors in the 1960s as Chanelisms (at
Elle, they were called Chaneleries). Most of these
techniques are traditional couture details but Chanel
used them so extensively and consistently that she
is often credited with having invented them.
Te classic Chanel suit appears to be a loosely
ftted cardigan and skirt with a well-coordinated
blouse or a cardigan jacket with a matching dress.
Casual in appearance, the ensemble is assembled
with meticulous attention to detail. Linings for
jackets and skirts are cut from the same fragile
fabric as the blousea technique used earlier by
the designer Mainbocher. Tis makes it almost
impossible to wear the suit with a diferent blouse.
finiSHing tHe Lining
Baste and fell stitch
shoulder seams
Fell stitch
lining
Sew front
lining to seam
allowance.
making a Lining Stay
Sew stay
at seam
Hook
Stay
Lightweight and comfortable to wear, the suits
have just two fabric layersthe shell fabric and
the lining. Many of the shell fabrics are textured
Scottish wools or Linton tweeds and boucl
materialsfabrics that most designers would
consider too loosely woven and too fragile for
skirts and jackets. Others are made from guipure
lace, chenille, brocade, and cotton or sequin
embroideries.
Te linings are often delicate materials such as
silk gauze, plain-weave silks, and silk charmeuse
that feel wonderful next to the skin but arent
suitable for heavy wear.
On many suits, the shell fabric and lining are
machine-quilted together so the loosely structured
shell fabric will not sag and the garment will
maintain its shape. On traditional suits, this
support is provided by backings and interfacings.
Te quilting on Chanels suits is often invisible,
since the stitching thread often matches one of
the colors in the shell fabric. When the thread
shows, it is a status symbol, and an element of the
construction that easily sets any real Chanel apart
from the innumerable copies.
Other fnishing touches on Chanel suits include
signature buttons and buttonholes, functional
sleeve vents, and chains, which act as weights on
the inside of jacket hems. Many of the jackets are
also trimmed imaginatively at the edges, pockets
and sleeve vents with self- or contrast fabric,
braids, ribbons, yarns, bias bindings, topstitching,
decorative selvages, or pipings.
the QuIlted lInIng
In the directions below, the individual sections
are quilted to the corresponding lining sections
before the seams are stitched. Since quilting, like
embroidery, tends to reduce the size of the garment
section, I do the quilting on a fabric rectangle
before cutting out the sections.
1. Cut a rectangular piece of shell fabric and lining
for each section that is 3 in. to 4 in. larger all
around than the fnished section.
2. Tread-trace the seamlines on the shell fabric
rectangle. Tis is a temporary guide, and it doesnt
have to be exact.
3. Plan the quilting pattern. Te quilting can be
vertical, horizontal or rectangular, depending on the
shell fabric. Generally, the quilting rows should be
inconspicuous and parallel to grainlines and stripes.
Quilt tweeds and fabrics without prominent fabric
patterns vertically. If the design has princess seams,
horizontally quilted rows placed perpendicular to
the seamline may be less conspicuous than vertical
quilting. On plaid fabrics, quilted rectangles are
sometimes most unobtrusive; and when quilting lace
or large prints, hand quilting is sometimes best.
4. Wrong sides together, pin the shell and lining
fabrics together, easing the lining some so it will
give with the shell fabric. Using large diagonal
stitches, baste.
claire s hint I place the basting where I
plan to stitch and use soft, cotton basting thread so
the threads will break and be easy to remove without
disturbing the stitches after quilting.
This beautiful Chanel suit from 1967 appears to be
made from a single piece of fabric on the front. Instead,
it has a princess seam to the shoulder. The front
sections were cut as rectangles and shaped into a
princess seam design.
Baste,
then fell
stitch
edges
fInIshIng seaMs When jacket Is Backed
Trim seam
allowances
to
3
4
making a QuiLted Lining
1-in. seam
allowance
seaMIng jacket and lInIng
Stitch
Trim
to
3
4
Pin lining away from shell
5. Right side up, machine quilt; beginning and
ending 2 in. to 3 in. from the seamlines and hem
so you can complete the seams and hem without
ripping the quilting. Leave long thread ends. Silk
machine thread, fne cotton machine-embroidery
thread, and mercerized cotton are all suitable for
machine quilting.
6. Pull the thread tails between the shell and
lininga calyx-eyed needle works well for this; knot
and trim. Remove the bastings, and press lightly.
7. Right side up, place the pattern on the quilted
section. Mark the seamlines and hems with pins.
Remove the pattern. Tread-trace the shell fabric
without catching the lining. I use a diferent thread
color for the second thread tracing.
8. Trim away the excess fabric, leaving 1-in. seam
allowances and a 2-in. hem.
9. For the frst ftting, baste all the seams and darts,
then top-baste the seams. Fold and baste the hems.
10. After the ftting, remove the bastings, and make
any corrections.
11. Fold and pin the lining out of the way; baste
and stitch the vertical seams. Press the seams open
and trim evenly to
3
4 in. or less.
12. To fnish the lining seams, trim the seam
allowances so they are slightly narrower than those
on the jacket. Fold under one raw edge, aligning
the folded edge with the seamline; baste about
1
8 in. from the edge. Repeat for the corresponding
garment section. Slipstitch the lining. Remove the
bastings; press lightly.
13. On some Chanel suits, particularly on the skirts,
the lining and shell fabric are seamed together like a
backing; then the seams are covered with a strip of
lining fabric. If you prefer this method of attaching
the linings, turn under the long edges of the lining
strip; baste, fell stitch the strips in place.
WeIghts
On Chanel jackets and sometimes blouses and
coats, chain weights are used on the inside at the
hemline to make them hang smoothly and remain
level without catching at the top of the skirt.
On jackets, the chain is usually sewn around
the entire hem, starting and ending at the center
front or at the facing edges. On jackets with heavy
buttons or multiple pockets, which provide extra
weight for the front, the chain is only used on
the back.
Te chain is located just above the hemline when
the jacket is lined to the edge. When lined to the
top of the hem allowance, the chain is located just
below the lining. On one Chanel jacket I examined,
the chain was positioned at the top of the hem
allowance under a silk chifon lining. On blouses,
the chain is usually a lighter weight.
Hand-Sew tHe cHain LinkS
Sew next to adjacent link
This collection of Chanel
cuffs from the 1960s
shows the diversity
of the trims used to
enhance the Chanel
suits. From the top, a
piping using the wrong
side of the blouse fabric;
wool yarn wrapped
around the edge; two
rows of corded piping
made from self-fabric
with a flat piping made
from silk blouse fabric;
and silver crochet trim
with self-fabric insertion.
(Photo by Author.)
Sew the chain weight after the jacket has had
its fnal press. Hand-sew both sides of the chain
links very close to the next link so the stitches dont
show. To prevent unsightly press marks when the
suit is dry-cleaned, remove the chain for cleaning.
trIMs
Chanel fashioned striking, imaginative trims from
unusual materials; this custom continues today at
the House of Chanel. Many trims incorporate yarns
braided, crocheted, or embroidered onto the fabric.
Some are made from decorative selvages enhanced
with matching yarn or transformed into pipings.
Others feature grosgrain ribbons, bias strips, or
ordinary topstitching. Most trims are applied after
the jacket is quilted but before the lining is sewn to
the jacket edge and the buttonholes are made. Some
trims are sewn on the right side of the jacket while
others are joined to the edge itself.
ribbon. Grosgrain ribbon is used frequently as
a base for custom-made or purchased braid. On
some Chanel suits theres a single piece of grosgrain
under the braid, while others have two narrow
pieces on either side of the trim because they are
easier to shape at corners and curves. Te braid can
be ready-made, or you can make it yourself from
purchased yarns.
1. Shape the grosgrain with a steam iron so it will
ft around any curved edges. Small hand-sewn
darts work well on sharp curves.
2. Starting at a side seam, sew the grosgrain to
the garment by hand with small running stitches
placed in the center of the ribbon. Miter the ribbon
with a fold at each corner. When making a miter at
a corner, fold the miter with the fold down.
3. Center a braid such as gimp or plaited yarns on the
ribbon; use running stitches to sew it on permanently.
4. To make a plaited braid, cut six to twelve strands
of yarn at least three times the fnished length of
the trim. Knot the strands together at one end; pin
the end to the pressing stand. Hold the strands
taut while you plait them. To fnish the ends,
secure the yarns with machine stitching.
selvages. Another favorite, selvages can be used
alone or embellished with topstitching, embroidery
or another trim. Sometimes at the front edges, the
selvages are used as woven at the fabric edges; but
in most instances the selvages are frst cut from the
fabric, then joined to the edge or used as pipings.
1. Cut the selvages at least
1
2 in. wider than the
fnished width. Tread-trace the fnished width on
the selvage.
2. Turn under the seam allowance at the jacket
edge; baste. Use catchstitches to secure it
permanently.
3. Right sides up, tuck the raw edge of the selvage
under the fnished edge. Align the thread tracing
with the edge; baste.
4. Use running stitches to sew the selvage
permanently.
topstitching. Another simple but elegant and
versatile trim, topstitching can be sewn with
regular cotton thread or silk buttonhole twist, with
a single row, double row, or multiple rows, or with a
regular stitch length or a longer stitch. Dont worry
if the topstitching is not perfectly regular; Chanels
is not always perfect either.
199
11
Many haute couture designs utilize fabrics in unusual,
but not necessarily difcult, ways. Some are labor intensive and require time
and patience, while others are simple ideas easily implemented. Most utilize
techniques you already know. In this chapter, well focus on a variety of design
ideas and specific techniques to inspire you to use fabrics more creatively.
Lace, for example, is one of the most fascinating and
versatile fabrics. It can be used for complete garments,
trims, or small details. Other books, including my own,
have included only the most basic lace sewing techniques.
Even though space does not allow a truly in-depth study
of lace, its an opportunity to add a variety of design ideas
and a few construction techniques.
Most machine made laces are manufactured with a
scallop design on one edge. Some laces, called galloons,
have scallops on both sides, while a few allover laces have
two straight edges. Both scalloped and straight edges can
be used to fnish garment edges.
Lace fabrics can be cut lengthwise or crosswise, and
its not uncommon to fnd both on the same garment.
Technically, lace does not have grain since it is not woven;
Designed in the 1950s, this
beautiful lace blouse is just
as wearable today as it was
then. The blouse front is cut on
the lengthwise grain with the
back on the crossgrain. The
blouse is assembled with
appliqu seams and appliqus
are used on the shoulders and
edges to fill any voids.
Designing
with Fabric
200 a p p ly i ng c ou T u r e T e c hni qu e s
however, it generally has more stretch in the width,
as well as fnished edges that can be called selvages.
A variety of diferent laces are frequently used
together and edges from one or more can be used
for fnishing on the same garment.
Te design and use of lace on the blouse shown
on p. 198 is extraordinary. Te only label in
the bodice identifes it as a garment from Rizik
Brothers, a very high-end retailer in Washington,
D.C. Te construction and quality of the lace are
more consistent with couture than ready-to-wear
so its quite possible that it was a required purchase
when the buyer attended the couture collection
presentation; this mandatory purchase is then
called the caution.
Fabricated in a guipure lace, the bodice front is
cut lengthwise and the sleeves and back are cut
crosswise. Te fnished edges of the lace are used at
the neckline, center front, sleeve, and lower edges.
Tis is possible only when you cut the lace apart
and sew it back together because, even though this
particular lace was 12 in. wide and had scallops on
both sides, it had no fnished shapes at the cut edges.
Lace appliqu seams were used extensively on the
blouse. You can see a small amount of overlapping
in the bust area to transition from the lengthwise
to the crosswise direction and provide shaping. Te
scallops at the lower opening are only 1 in. wide
and at the sides, the same scallops are 4
1
4 in. wide.
Te shoulders are trimmed with lace leaves cut
and applied to the tafeta backing.
Seaming Lace to Lace
Most lace garments are sewn by hand with
appliqu seams or narrow plain seams overcast or
bound. Te appliqu seam is a good choice when
you want to conceal the seamlines; the plain lace
seam is a good choice for seams in areas with stress,
like armscye seams. Tese seams are described in
Chapter 3. Other lace seam choices include lapped,
buttressed, and ribbon seams.
Lapped Seam. A lapped seam is normally used for
joining interfacing sections, and underlayers to avoid
bulk, but this seam can be used on the garment face
side because its inconspicuous as well as fat.
On a Jean Louis lace skirt in my collection, the
lace was not wide enough to accommodate the
height of the client so a 5
1
2-in.-wide yoke of
matching lace was inserted between the waistband
and the skirt. Te skirt has three layers: the lace
overskirt, an organza underskirt with a lace rufe
at the hem, and a silk crepe slip. Te overlapthe
wider piece of lacehas a scalloped edge sewn
with running stitches which are not especially
strong. On seams where strength is important,
catchstitches can be added to cover the lace edges.
To make a lapped lace seam like the one shown:
1. Tread-trace the seamline on the lace with the
cut edge. Tread-trace a seamline on the lace skirt
on the baselinea line at the base of the scallops.
Mark the matchpoints.
2. Right sides up with the skirt on top, align and
pin the seamlines together.
3. Using short running stitches, join the yoke and
skirt on the baseline. Sew a second row of running
stitches
1
8 in. below the frst.
4. If the scallops extend more than
1
2 in. above the
baseline, use running stitches to outline the edges
of the scallops.
5. Remove all bastings.
on this sample, the seamlines were first thread-traced,
then basted together. To sew permanently, use two
rows of short running stitches. (Photo by Author.)
201 D e s i gni ng wi T h fa b r i c
6. Wrong side up, press the seam lightly on a
padded pressing pad.
Buttressed Seam. Te buttressed seam takes
advantage of the seam allowance bulk by using it to
support the top of a rufe so it will stand away
from the garment body. Te lace buttressed seam is
slightly diferent from a regular buttressed seam
(see p. 221). It rarely has an extra-wide seam
allowance; its usually gathered and often applied as
a trim to a skirt or bodice base.
To make a lace buttressed seam:
1. Tread-trace the seam location on the skirt or
garment section.
2. Mark matchpoints on the seam and rufe tiers.
3. Use matching thread to gather the rufe on the
seamline. Place a second row of gathering stitches
in the seam allowance
1
8 in. away.
4. Pull up the gathering stitches and distribute the
gathers evenly.
5. Right sides together, match the seamlines and
matchpoints; pin the rufes to the skirt. Baste.
Machine stitch. You may fnd that hand sewing the
rufes in place at this point makes the fabric bulk
easier to handle.
6. Remove the bastings and steam the rufes.
Ribbon Seam. Te ribbon seam is stitched wrong
sides together and then ribbon covers the seam
allowances. Te seam is often used to join a rufe or
even two rufes one on top of the other to a skirt.
To make a ribbon seam:
1. Tread-trace the seamlines and matchpoints.
2. Wrong sides together, match and pin the
seamlines together; baste. Stitch.
3. Fold the seam away from the gathered edge.
4. Right sides up, cover the seam with the ribbon
and pin. Baste.
5. Sew the ribbon at the top and bottom with short
running stitches or by machine.
6. Remove the bastings and press lightly. Steam the
ribbon to avoid making an impression of the lace
on the ribbon.
Seaming Lace to FaBRic
Lace can be joined to fabric in myriad ways,
ranging from narrow plain seams and French
seams to appliqu seams. Frequently used in
haute couture, the lace-on-fabric appliqu seam is
suitable for fabrics that dont ravel easily and for
curved seamlines. In couture, this seam is usually
hand stitched or machine sewn with a straight
stitch. On ready-to-wear of any quality, lace is
generally applied with a zigzag stitch.
Lace-on-fabric appliqu Seam. Tese lace seams
can be planned on the muslin toile or directly on the
garment sections. Te latter allows more fexibility
when positioning the lace and more control when
sewing the seam. Tis is more important on some
designs than others. Its more economical to plan
the lace sections on the muslin toile.
Tese directions can be adapted for appliqus and
other designs as well.
1. Plan the lace design and placement before
cutting out the fabric to determine where it will
be seamed to the fabric and if it requires seaming
within the lace portion(s). For a simple design like
the dress on p. 202, plan the design on muslin frst.
2. Tread-trace the seamlines, neckline, and
armscyes on the lace. Tread-trace the seamlines
and hems on the skirt. To mark a seamline on a
scalloped edge, I thread-trace the baseline.
3. Finish the shoulder and side seams on the lace
yoke, and fnish the neckline and armscyes with
narrow bindings. Te seams can be narrow plain
seams with overcasting a fesh-colored binding, or
French seams.
4. Finish the side seams on the dress.
5. Right sides up, align the thread traced seamlines
on the yoke and dress. Baste the lace to the fabric
in. from the appliqu seamline.
claire s hint I baste with matching thread
and short stitches so it doesnt have to be removed.
6. Right side up, use very small running stitches,
backstitches, or whipstitches, and fne silk or
cotton thread in a color that matches the lace to
appliqu the seam permanently.
7. Wrong side up, press the seam on a softly padded
surface.
8. Remove the bastings, if needed.
9. Trim away the fabric under the lace, leaving a
1
8-in. to
1
4-in. seam allowance. If the fabric ravels,
hand overcast the edges.
applied appliqu. Frequently used on many
designs and especially lingerie, the irregular edge
of the lace on the appliqu seamline is opposite
the fnished edge of the lace. On this design, the
fnished edge of the lace is used at the hem.
Unlike the previous application, the lace is
applied directly to the garment instead of working
with a muslin toile. Tis allows more fexibility to
place the lace attractively and more control when
sewing the seam, but it requires more fabric.
1. Examine the lace to select the appliqu motifs;
thread-trace around the motifs.
2. Plan the design and placement of the lace before
cutting the fabric to determine where the lace will
be seamed to the fabric and whether it will require
any internal seaming.
3. Tread-trace the seamlines on the lace and on
the fabric.
4. Wrong side up, baste any backing in place.
5. Baste the lace to the fabric on the appliqu
seamline.
6. After the ftting, reposition the lace as needed if
its not smooth on the fabric.
7. Trim away the excess lace below the appliqu
seamline.
claires hint Before trimming, I examine the
lace one last time to be sure I like the overall efect.
When in doubt, I leave more lace than I think I want
because its easier to trim again than to sew it back.
8. Baste the lace to the fabric following the outline
of the appliqu motifs.
9. Right side up, use very small running stitches,
backstitches, or whipstitches and fne silk or cotton
This sample shows a lace motif applied to fabric.
place the lace on the silk and baste it in place. on
the right side, the lace edges were sewn permanently
with whipstitches, then the fabric under the lace was
trimmed away.
(Photo by Author.)
The yoke seam here is relatively simple to duplicate
when working with the muslin toile. Thread-trace the
seamlines on the lace and fabric and baste them
together. sew the seam permanently with running
stitches or whipstitches, depending on the seams
location and the amount of stress it will have.
thread in a color that matches the lace to appliqu
the seam permanently.
10. Wrong side up, press the seam on a softly
padded surface.
12. Trim away the fabric under the lace, leaving a
1
8-in. to
1
4-in. seam allowance. Trim the lace close
to the appliqu seam.
FiniShing edgeS
Although lace garments can be fnished with
traditional hems, facings, and narrow bias facings,
many are fnished with lace edgings, bias and
ribbon bindings, and horsehair braid. Te focus in
this section is on lace edgings; directions for bias
bindings, bias facings, and hems are included in
Chapter 4.
Lace edgings can be used on garments in several
ways. One is to cut the garment section so the
lace scallops are positioned along a horizontal or
vertical edge such as the hem, zipper placket, or
front opening. Tis limits the design options to
straight edges; and since this technique utilizes the
shaped edge of the lace, scallops cannot be used on
adjacent edges such as at a front opening and a hem
or the ends and visible edge of a collar.
Most frequent, a scalloped trim is applied. Te
scalloped edges are cut from lace yardage, then
sewn to the garment to trick the eye into thinking
the edge originally had a shaped confguration.
Te cut trim piece can be a scalloped or straight
edge, from the same or a diferent lace, or it can
be a separate narrow lace edging applied to the
garment edge. Both can be applied to any shaped
edge as well as to adjacent edges. For example, on
the Givenchy dress on p. 204, a scalloped edge is
applied to the shaped neckline and sleeves.
neckline edges. Tese directions are for fnishing
neckline and armscye edges with the scalloped edge
cut from lace fabric. Tey can also be adapted to
use with a narrow lace trim.
1. Assemble the garment.
a master with lace, antonio canovas del castillo
designed this evening gown in the mid 1960s. The dress
is cut on the straight grain with a faux opening and
appliqu seams on the left side. notice that the lace
pattern is off center. at the hem of the long overdress,
a scalloped edging has been applied to cover the cut
edge. (Photo by Taylor Sherrill. Authors collection.)
The front zipper facilitates dressing on this lace
blouse and it is completely concealed under the lace
appliqus. notice the fabric-covered snaps.
2. At the ftting, check the thread traced neckline,
and correct as needed.
3. Tread-trace the scallop baseline on the trim lace.
4. Examine the trim and the neckline to determine
how the scallops will be placed. Will the baseline
of the trim be aligned with the thread tracing at the
neckline, with the top of the scallops on the thread
tracing, or somewhere in between? On a neck edge, I
generally align the scallop baseline with the neckline
unless its a jewel neck and fts the neck closely.
5. Tread-trace a new seamline on the lace if youre
not using the baseline.
6. Right sides up with the trim uppermost, align
and pin the thread traced seamlines on the lace
trim and the garment; baste.
7. Use short running stitches or whipstitches and
matching thread to sew the trim to the garment.
claires hint Even though I match the thread
traced seamlines, I frequently follow the design of the
trim when sewing it at the bottom of the scallops; and,
on some, I sew both the seamline and edge. On some
hems, the edging is machine-stitched with a straight
stitch or narrow zigzag.
8. Trim away excess lace.
9. Wrong side up, press on a soft pressing pad.
hems. Lace hems can be fnished with the
scalloped edge of the fabric, scallops purchased or
cut from other lace fabric; bands, bias and ribbon
bindings; applied motifs to simulate the look of
scallops, and of course, with narrow machine
stitched hems.
On the Castillo design (on the facing page), the
rufed tiers are cut crosswise so the fnished edge
can be used at the hems. To provide some additional
crispness,
1
2-in.-wide strips of horsehair braid
were sewn to the wrong side of the rufes about
1
4 in. above the baseline. Two additional strips of
horsehair braid spaced about 5 in. apart were sewn
to the wrong side of the two lower rufes.
Another fnishing technique that I saw recently
is most unusual. Te garment was fnished frst
This sample shows a lace edging applied to the lace
fabric at the hem. both the edging and fabric are
thread-traced, then basted together on the traced lines
and again at the top of the edging. The edging is sewn
permanently at the top with whipstitches; then the
excess lace under the edging is trimmed away.
(Photo by Author.)
Designed by hubert de givenchy
in the 1960s, this beautiful dress
is finished at the neckline and
sleeves with a lace trim, which
was cut from the dress fabric.
The trim has been stretched to
create a shallow scalloped edging.
The skirt tiers are cut on the
crossgrain so the lace scallops
at the edge are used at the hem.
The dress is worn over a black
silk slip.
on this castillo dress, horsehair braid was used like
a facing to cover the raw edges of the lace that were
turned to the underside. The hem allowance was
turned to the wrong side and catchstitched to the
back of the lace fabric. when the horsehair braid was
applied over it, the outer edge was basted, then the
thread on the remaining edge was pulled up to shape
the horsehair to the edge. after it was basted in place,
both edges were secured with short running stitches.
with a narrow hem. Ten motifs cut from the lace
fabric were applied at regular intervals to the hem
edge. To select a lace for this technique, look for
one which has design motifs which are simple,
repeating, and no larger than 4 in. in diameter
the larger they are, the more difcult they are to
work with. In this way, you are creating a unique
scalloped-edge fnish.
deSigning with aLLoveR
Lace PatteRnS
Allover laces and point desprit are frequently
overlooked when purchasing lace because they have
no scalloped edges. Ive selected several dresses
This trapeze design by castillo is fabricated in an
allover lace pattern; appliqu seams are used at the
front and sides. The underdress is satin-back crepe.
This dress was imported through the custom salon
at bergdorf goodman in new york; it is dated and
was allegedly worn to the inaugural events for John
f. Kennedy.

fabricated in allover lace to show a variety of
interesting techniques.
Te Castillo dress shown on p. 205 features
an A-line lace cage over a slim satin-back crepe
underdress. All edges of the laceneckline, sleeves,
front opening, and hemare fnished with a hand-
sewn
1
4-in. ribbon binding.
Te lace yoke is backed with fesh-colored cotton
net. Tere are no seams at the shoulders; lace
appliqu seams are used to join the lace yoke at the
front and on the lace overdress at the side seams.
Te silk underdress has a wide hem to encase a
4-in.-wide strip of horsehair braid. At the hemline,
rectangular drapery weights were encased in plain-
weave cotton tape. Unlike most dresses, this one
has a zipper at center front; its concealed by the
lace overdress, which fastens with hooks and eyes
under the decorative bow. Te dress has bust pads
to enhance the fgure.
When I purchased this dress at a thrift shop,
I did not know that it would ft almost perfectly.
Te horsehair braid had deteriorated and the lace
was badly damaged at the shoulders, which was
probably the result of hanging on a wire hanger.
Te horsehair braid was easy to replace, but the
lace repair took some time.
Designing with Stripes
Many striped fabrics can be reconfgured to
improve the aesthetics of the design. Tis can be
done in a variety of ways: cutting them apart and
sewing them back together to change the repeat
or stripe arrangement, by tucking and pleating, or
shrinking and stretching.
Often couturiers will cut the fabric apart and
rearrange it to create more interesting designs or to
simply trick the eye. Tese techniques are just a few
for you to consider.
ReaRRanging StRiPeS
I have seen several garments with stripes that have
been rearranged. On some, the new seams are
so inconspicuous that I didnt realize the stripe
pattern had been changed until I found the seams
on the wrong sides.
Te dress shown on the facing page is cut on
the straight grain so the original stripes were
woven horizontally on the fabric. Tere is a seam
on a cream-colored stripe midway between the
narrow green stripes. I can only guess how the
original striped pattern looked since the stripes
have been rearranged on the entire garment.
When I examined the wrong side, I found a 2-in.-
wide cream stripe on the hem and adjacent to the
narrow green stripes. My guess is the fabric had
a wide cream-colored stripe between the narrow
green stripes.
On the blouse shown on p. 208, you can see the
original repeat of the stripes: white, aqua, gray. If this
pattern had continued, the white stripe at the hem
would have been aqua. To create a more pleasing
design, a seam was added between the two gray
stripes.
ShRinking and StRetching
Wools and loosely woven fabrics arent difcult to
shape by shrinking and stretching. Tis technique
for shaping a collar is just an extension of the
technique youve used in the past to shrink out the
fullness at the top of a sleeve.
interface the shaped collar
Interfacing
Ease basting
Basting
Catchstitch edges
apply the collar lining

RS collar
WS lining
On the jacket shown on p. 64, the collar was cut
as a rectangle so the color bars would be parallel to
the neckline and end attractively at center front. To
create a shaped collar:
1. Mark the seamlines on the collar pattern.
2. Trace the seamlines onto a full muslin pattern.
(I sometimes trace the pattern onto the collar
interfacing.)
3. Tread-trace the fnished width of the collar on
the fabric. Te collar can be cut on the straight or
crossgrain depending on the fabric design.
4. Place two rows of ease basting on the upper
edgeone on the seamline and the other about
1
8 in. into the seam allowance.
5. Pull up the ease basting; steam the basted edge.
Repeat several times until the rectangle has a nice curve.
claires hint When steaming, I use my hand
to pat and fatten the fabric; then I pull up the ease
basting and shrink out the fullness. On many fabrics,
you have to shrink a small amount, then shrink again
until you get the shape you want. Te most important
consideration is to avoid pressing an unwanted crease.
attributed to chanel,
this silk taffetastriped
dress is made of seven
strips that have been
seamed together
horizontally to change
the sequence of the
stripes on the fabric.
with the exception of
a seam at the bottom,
all seams are located
in the center of the
cream/green stripes.
The bottom seam is in
the middle of the pink
stripes.
6. Cover the collar with a press cloth and gently
stretch the lower edge.
7. Pin the upper edge of the collar to the muslin
pattern and continue shrinking until the collar fts
the muslin pattern smoothly.
8. Tread-trace the collar ends, using the pattern as
a guide.
9. Wrong side up, place the interfacing on the
collar. Baste with large diagonal stitches. Use
catchstitches to secure the edges.
10. Turn under the collar seam allowances on all
edges. Baste
1
11. Wrong side up, press lightly. Trim the seam
allowances to
1
4 in. and catchstitch the edges to the
interfacing.
12. Wrong sides together, using diagonal stitches,
baste a rectangle of lining fabric to the collar.
13. Trim the lining so it extends
1
4 in. to
3
8 in.
beyond the fnished collar edges. Baste and press.
14. Turn under the edges of the lining and fell
stitch permanently.
15. Set the collar to the garment.
PLeatS and tuckS
With the use of pleats and tucks, a striped fabric
can be transformed into a solid or a smaller scaled
motif. If the garment section has no darts or
shaping, the easiest procedure is to pleat or tuck
the fabric, then cut out the garment section. When
it has shaping, its easy to hide the darts in the
tucks or pleats.
Any garment section can be tucked to change the
appearance of a striped fabric. Te specifc amount
will depend on the garment size and the stripe
patterning.
1. Note the fnished garment pattern piece size
needed (including ease). To determine the number
of stripes used, divide that measurement by the
width of each stripe, and round up to a whole
number.
2. If youre creating a shaped piece, i.e., a skirt with
a smaller waist than hip measurement, taper the
stripe tucks to accommodate the diference.
Made of a wool and mohair knit this striped blouse
was worn with the chanel suit shown on p. 195. There
are several seams to rearrange the stripes. The most
obvious is the seam between the two gray stripes.
without this seam, the hem of the blouse would have
been in the midst of a turquoise stripe, which would
not have been as pleasing aesthetically.
Very subtle and easy to overlook,
a band has been added to the
wrist of this chanel jacket
from the 1970s.
without the band,
the plaid would be
uneven at the wrist.
The band joins the
wrist with a plain seam;
there is no mitered
seam at the corner.
(Photo by Author.)
3. Tread-trace the stitching lines for the tucks,
tapering as needed to accommodate the garment
shaping. Not all stripes need to be stitched exactly
the same widthadjust them slightly as needed to
ft. No one will be the wiser visually.
4. Rights sides together, baste the tucks.
5. After the ftting, stitch and remove the bastings.
6. Wrong sides up, press all tucks in one direction.

cutting and Seaming
One of the most fascinating elements in couture
is the many designs which are created by cutting
the fabric apart and sewing it back together.
Generally, even though you can see the seam and
the diferences in the grain on the sections, you
dont notice it.
Straight Bands. Many Chanel trims feature self-
fabric that has been cut of and sewn back together.
On most sleeves, the wrist edge is of-grain and
when the fabric is a plaid or stripe, this may not be
aesthetically pleasing. Tis disturbing line is easily
corrected by adding a band at the bottom of the
sleeve.
On the cuf shown on the facing page, your mind
and eye assume that the stripe at the edge is simply
a continuation of the fabric pattern. Creating a
similar trim is not difcult. Te stripe at the vent
opening extends to the shoulder point ends at the
top of the stripe that encircles the wrist.
Points. Like the band trim described previously,
you might not notice that the fabric stripes have
been cut of and rearranged on the ends of the
pocket fap (see p. 158). You might think its a
binding or an applied trim.
More challenging than applying a band to a
straight edge, these directions are for applying a
band to a pointed pocket fap. Tese same bands can
be adapted for collars or belts, and for squared ends.
Choose a fat, frmly woven fabric. For each point,
cut a square of china silk or silk organza to use for
a facing.
finishing all edges
Interfacing
Catchstitch
finishing the ends
Miter
and
draw
stitch
Draw
stitch
Clip if needed
applying the facing
Trim
Clip
Catchstitch
Facing
Interfacing
Stitch
5. Pivot at the point, and continue to stitch the
other side. Tie the threads at the corners. At the
corners, give the thread ends a sharp tug before
tying them to be sure there is no slack in the last
few stitches.
6. Clip to the faced corners. Trim the seams in the
faced section to
1
4 in.
7. Press the seams open. Turn the end right side
out. At the point, trim the seam close and sew the
seam allowances fat.
8. On the unfaced sections, use catchstitches to sew
the seam allowances fat.
9. Right side up, abut the fnished edges at the
end; sew permanently with a draw stitch, stopping
about
1
4 in. from the point.
10. At the point, fold one end into a miter, baste.
Place it on top of the other end. Slipstitch the ends
together. Remove the bastings. Press the seam open
and trim.
11. To fnish the pocket, turn under the edges
on the thread tracings; baste. Trim the seam
allowances as needed and catchstitch the edges fat.
Remove the bastings, and press.
12. Wrong sides together, baste the lining to the
fap using diagonal stitches. Trim the lining so it
extends
1
4 in. beyond the fap edges. Turn under
the edges; and baste. Fell stitch the lining in place.
13. Wrong side up, press lightly.
Designing with
Other Fabrics
When designing, dont overlook fabrics that have
an attractive wrong side or selvage. Te House
of Worth used both of these to create interesting
design elements even with plain selvages.
wRong SideS and SeLvageS
One of the most obvious design ideas is to use
either the fabric wrong side or the selvage. Both
are used extensively on Chanel suits, and on the
designs by Charles Frederick Worth, the selvage is
rarely cut of. Although this isnt unusual for seams,
its initially surprising to see it retained on the
The house of worth used the selvage edge of the
fabric turned wrongside up to create the neckline of
this 19th century dress.
(Photo by David Arky, courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York, gift of
Mrs. Winthrop W. Aldrich.)
1. Tread-trace the seamlines on the pocket at the
outside edges and also the inside corners and point.
Te accuracy of the thread tracing will determine
the success of the pocket.
2. Wrong side up, baste the interfacing in
place if there is one; use catchstitches to sew it
permanently.
3. Right sides together, baste the silk square to the
end of the fap on the thread traced lines.
4. Begin stitching on one long edge
1
2 in. from the
corner. Stitch to the corner; break the threads, and
begin again to stitch to the point.
edges of chifon rufes. At frst glance, the chifon
appears to be hemmed because the selvage is darker
than the rest of the fabric.
deSigning with
PRintS and PatteRnS
matching Fabric Patterns. Patterned fabrics
provide many opportunities for creating interesting
designs. One of the simplest is to match them
attractively. Tese directions focus on matching
a print at center front so the fabric design is not
interrupted even though there is an opening. Tese
directions can also be used for stripes and plaids.
Tis base fabric has two patterns to be matched:
the weavealternating chifon and satin weave
stripeand the foral pattern. Te colors are
brighter on the satin than on the chifon; the satin
stripe also has a little more body. Although the
fabric has even repeats in both the vertical and
horizontal directions, the crossgrain has diferent
fowers on the satin stripes. On a single width
of the fabric, the fowers can be matched only by
disregarding the stripe design.
1. Examine the fabric to identify the stripe you
want to use for center front. On the vertical stripes,
the fowers are always exactly the same.
2. Mark the center front with thread-tracing so its
at least twice as long as the cut garment front. On
this design the center front is in the middle of a
satin stripe.
claires hint Before marking, I measure the
width of the front section. Te thread-tracing must be
at least this distance from the fabric edge.
3. Cut two front patterns. Mark the center front
on each.
4. Align each center front with the marked line,
being sure to cut a left and right half.
5. Tread-trace the seamlines and matchpoints on
the fabric.
6. Add seam and hem allowances, cut out the
sections, and assemble the garment.

This little silk coat has two patterns to be matched
the print and the fabric weave with alternating satin
and chiffon stripes. at the armscye seams, the floral
pattern is matched so there is no abrupt change at the
seamline. since the pattern was different on the right
and left sides, the cap of a muslin sleeve was marked
with a fabric scrap for each sleeve.
The sample shows
the layout for the
coat fronts. The two
fronts were arranged
in a vertical layout
since both the print
pattern and the fabric
weave could not be
matched horizontally.
(our photo is not to
scale, for emphasis).
(Photo by Author.)
The i. Magnin dress
was fabricated in a
border print on a black
background. To hide
the background color
on the back of the
bodice, several floral
motifs were appliqud
to the garment.
These motifs are not
noticeable when the
blouse is worn.
(Photo by Ken Howie. Authors
collection.)
deSigning with aPPLiquS
Woven fabrics can be appliqud in several
diferent ways. An extravagant ballgown I
particularly like was designed by Pierre Balmain.
Te original fabric was cream silk tafeta with a
scattered design of large pink fowerssome light,
some dark. Te dark pink fowers were cut out and
appliqud to the bodice to change the color of the
entire section between the pleated bust and full
skirt. It didnt matter that several meters of fabric
were left with big holes when the fowers were
removed; the dress was stunning.
On the Balenciaga dress shown at left, appliqu
seams (see p. 47) were used on seams and darts
to avoid cutting through the embroidered bows.
On the same dress, several of the bow motifs were
faced and sewn on one side of the back. After the
zipper was closed, the bows were snapped to the
other back.
Generally used as a decorative element, appliqus
are also a good tool for redesigning the fabric. Te
fabric for the ensemble shown below was a border
print. Te large amount of black was aesthetically
unattractive for the blouse design. To eliminate
this problem, several foral motifs were cut from
the fabric; then appliqud to the blouse fabric.
Although you can see them in the photo, they are
not noticeable when the blouse is worn.
This stunning hanae Mori evening gown from the 1970s
is fabricated with two printsone chiffon, one silk satin.
The dress has an empire waist; the pop-art motif on
the bodice is beaded in a concentric circle on the left
breast, ending with a large -in. rhinestone. for the
modest wearer a 10-ft. chiffon stole was provided.
Designed by english couturier Victor edelstein in the
1970s, the bodice on this dress is white pique with
embroidered flowers and the skirt is navy four-ply silk.
To make the bodice, approximated 50 flowers were
cut from the embroidered fabric and appliqud to
the bodice base and on top of each other. There is a
small amount of cotton padded between some of the
flowers. The zipper in the back is hidden under a wide
flower overlap.
fabricated in silk gazar with embroidered bows, this
balenciaga evening gown from the 1960s skims the
body attractively. fabric appliqu seams are used at
seams and darts to avoid cutting through the motifs.
at the back zipper, a bow motif has been lined with
chiffon and sewn to right side. when the dress is
fastened the bow is snapped to the left side.
(Photo courtesy of Te Ohio State University, Historic Costume and Textiles
Collection.)
Te Victor Edelstein design, below at right,
began with an embroidered cotton fabric. Like the
Balmain, the fowers were cut from the original
fabric, but since they were embroidered at the
edges, they didnt have to be turned under when
they were appliqud. Te frst layer was appliqud
fat on the bodice, then additional fowers were
applied over it with only a few stitches so they were
three-dimensional.
SheeR FaBRicS
Im fascinated with sheers and how they can be
combined creatively with other materials.
Te evening gown shown on p. 214 is made of
three-dimensional Mylar. Even though the fabric
has been air-brushed to dull the glitziness, its still
a bit gaudy if worn without the organza cape.
On other designs, Mori used two diferent
prints: one on the underdress and another on the
overdress to create a third design when the two
prints were combined.
215
12
Special occasion designs run the gamut from unadorned,
body-clinging dresses of bias-cut silk charmeuse to richly ornamented
ball gowns, and wedding dresses with multiple skirts and extravagantly
shaped garments that are almost impossible to sit down in. When
planning a special occasion design, there are numerous detail s to
consider and questions to ask. Perhaps the most crucial
questions concern the garments construction: What
kind of shape or silhouette will the garment have?
What special support is needed inside the garment to
maintain this shape? What kind of support will the
body itself need to look attractive in the garment and
minimize stress on the fabric and construction? And if
the garment is to be embellished, how and when will that
embellishment be applied?
Many answers to these complex questions are found
in this chapter. Although sometimes used on daytime
clothing, most of these techniques are characteristic of
eveningwear, and many are used on bridal gowns.
Te structural support for the silhouette of a special
occasion design can simply be the lining, interfacing,
Fabricated with strips of Mylar on
an organza base, this stunning
Chanel design is finished at the
hem with a ruffle cut that utilizes
the selvage edge. The silk organza
cape and dress have been air-
brushed to create a more subtle
design. The dress opens on the
left with snaps at the shoulder and
around the armscye to the zipper
at the underarm.
Special
Occasions
216 a p p ly i ng C ou T u r e T e C hni qu e s
and backing that lend body to the fashion
fabric. Various materials are used for backing
and interfacing special occasion designs. Some,
including organza, silk muslin, chifon, China
silk, and hair canvas, are also used on day dresses
and suits. Others, such as horsehair braid, nylon
crinoline, and tulle, are generally reserved for
eveningwear and wedding gowns because they are
stifer and produce more dramatic silhouettes.
Deciding which backing material to use,
whether to combine it with an interfacing and
whether additional underskirts or underpinnings
are needed involves some trial and error. For
information on choosing and working with backing
and interfacing materials, see p. 62.
Create Shape with the Lining
Backings and interfacings are generally used to give
a garment shape. Rarely do linings serve to shape a
garment, but there are notable exceptions. Dresses
with balloon, pouf, or bubble skirtsalso dubbed
harem dressesrely on a shorter lining to help
give them shape. Te fullness of these skirts can
be controlled from the right or wrong side of
the garment.
When a skirts fullness is controlled on the right
side, the skirt is generally narrow at the bottom
and full above it, with the fullness gathered into a
band at the hem. Te lining, which supports the
skirt, is a simple tube that fts the body smoothly,
and the fuller outer skirt is at least several inches
longer than the lining. When the skirt and lining
are joined at the upper and lower edges, the outer
skirt is forced to pouf out.
1. To create a dress or gown with a pouf skirt
controlled from the right side, begin by assembling
the skirt and lining. You may want to leave one
of the lining seams open 9 in. to 12 in. so you can
insert pufs of tulle or netting to support the
outer skirt.
2. If the skirt has more fullness than the lining, add
gathering stitches as needed at the top and bottom
of the skirt.
3. Baste the skirt and lining together at the waist
and put them on a dress form. You can use a hanger
if you dont have a dress form, but its a little
more difcult.
4. Make a separate band of garment fabric; pin
the bottom of the skirt to the lining. Adjust the
fullness to create the desired pouf and baste the
band to the skirt lower edge.
5. Baste the skirt to the bodice for the ftting.
6. After the ftting and any corrections, baste
and stitch the skirt and band together right sides
together. When working with some fabrics, this
seam may be too bulky to machine stitch. If so, use
backstitches to join the sections instead.
ready-to-wear
manufacturers
frequently adapt high
fashion designs for
their customers. an
early 1960s design
from adele simpson,
this dress is a knock-off
of the popular bubble
skirt that yves saint
laurent designed for
Dior in 1959. Fabricated
in silk taffeta, the pouf
is controlled by the
length of a shorter
underskirt; both are
sewn to a band at
the hem.
(Photo by Taylor Sherril. Author's
collection.)
217 s p e C i a l oC C a s i ons
7. Press the seamline, wrap the band to the wrong
side, and pin the band fat. Secure it permanently
with a running stitch.
8. Cover the band with the lining, turn under the
edge, and slipstitch it permanently. If the skirt
needs to be shortened after the band is sewn
permanently, you can hand-sew a horizontal tuck
in the lining; this will both shorten the lining and
increase the size of the pouf.
9. If desired, insert poufs of net or tulle between the
layers to support the outer skirt. Close the lining
seam with slipstitches. According to legend, Valentino
once stufed a dress with beautiful organza fowers. It
was to be a secret between him and the client.
Te fullness of a pouf skirt can also be created
and controlled entirely on the wrong side of the
garment. In this case, the skirt hem wraps to the
under side and is gathered to the lining, as in this
design by Yves Saint Laurent for Dior, shown above.
On this dress, the skirt is much longer than the
liningfrom 4 in. in the front to 22 in. in the back.
Te skirt is folded under at the hemline, then
gathered at the edge to join the self-fabric lining.
Tis is particularly attractive on skirts like this
which are shorter in front, exposing the inside of
the skirt back when the dress is worn.
Tis unusually deep hem can be extended to the
waist to self-line the skirt. Te extravagant use of
self-fabric as a lining has several advantages. It adds
volume without adding excess weight to the skirt,
provides a soft roll at the hemline, and eliminates the
shadow of a hem or any stitching that might show.
scherazade was designed by yves saint laurent
for Christian Diors Fall 1959 collection. The pouffed
hemline of the silk shantung coat-dress was created
by gathering the fullness at the hem into a shorter
lining. The skirt was sewn to knickers so it would move
attractively when worn.
(Photo by Susan Kahn, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gift of Baron
Philippe de Rothschild, 1983.)
This detail of this gown shows one leg of the pantaloons,
which were sewn into the dress and attached to the
hem of the dress so the dress moved with the wearer
when she walked. notice the self-fabric lining on the
back above the gathered hem.
(Photo by Susan Kahn, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gift of Baron
Philippe de Rothschild, 1983.)
eveni ngwear deSi gnS
sometimes need special hems.
Weighted hems make the skirt
on a long gown hang close to
the feet or they prevent the
back hem on evening pants or a
long skirt from catching on the
wearers shoes. A small arc built
into the center-front hem of a
floor-length ball gown will
prevent the wearer from
tripping.
weighted hemS
Weights can be enclosed
between the garment and hem
allowance before a garment is
hemmed or sewn to the outside
of the completed hem.
There are several different
types of weights: lightweight
self-fabric and twill tape,
separate round or square lead
weights, chains, or cotton
weighted tapes with small lead
rectangles or pellets.
Self-fabric or twill tape is a
good choice for the back hems
of pants or long skirts. When the
weights can be concealed
inside the hem, use individual
lead weights. Chains are an
attractive means of keeping
blouses and jackets from
riding up, and weighted tapes
are generally used when large
sections of the hemline are to
be weighted.
Special Hem Finishes
When the weights are applied
to a finished hem, chains or
decorative weights are most
attractive. Since decorative
weights are almost impossible
to find, heavy, flat buttons can
be substituted or lead weights
can be sprayed with gilt paint or
covered with fabric.
To add weights before
hemming a design, first
interface the hem with cotton
flannel, hair canvas, or muslin
(see p. 72). Then, if youre
adding a chain, baste it loosely
to the interfacing at the hemline
before completing the hem.
If you are fastening individual
weights, baste them just above
the hemline at the garment
openings, the ends of the
seamlines, and between seams
as needed.
arCed hemLineS
Most women look beautiful
in floor-length ball gowns
until they start walking. An
arc at the center-front hem
easily eliminates clumsy
entanglements with billowing
skirts and allows the wearer
to move, and even dance,
gracefully. The arc can be
created by making the hemline
shorter in front or by doubling
the hem at center front.
Doubling the hem is frequently
preferable to making the hem
shorter in front because its
easier to control and shape the
curved edge.
When doubling the hem, you
can raise it half the hemline
depth. That is, if you start with
a 4-in. hem allowance, you can
raise the hem 2 in. A hem can
be raised in front by as much as
5 in. without distortion, but that,
of course, requires a 10-in. hem
allowance. A more practical
solution to raise a hem by 5 in.
is to begin with a hemline thats
already 2 in. to 3 in. shorter
in front than in the back and
double it.
To create an arc by doubling
the hem, first finish the hem in
the usual manner (see p. 69).
Then fold the hem under at
center front and pin it, tapering
each end to the finished
hemline. Baste the hem and put
the garment on a dress form or
hanger to make sure the effect
of the arc is pleasing. Then
secure the hem permanently,
remove the bastings, and press
the hem lightly.
Double Hem
Hem
Underskirts
One method of supporting a skirts fullness is
with one or more attached underskirts or separate
petticoats. Tese undergarments range in shape
from simple tubes that might be found below a
slim or knife-pleated skirt to billowing, multi-
layered and multitiered skirts beneath yards of
satin on a wedding dress or ball gown. Te design
of the underskirt and the fabric its sewn from are
determined both by the garments silhouette and by
the drape, hand, and weight of the fashion fabric.
Often sewn into the garment, underskirts can
also be mounted on a separate corselette, slip base,
or waist cincher, and can be made from various
fabrics such as cotton or nylon tulle, silk tafeta,
nylon crinoline, and soft plain-weave silks. To
reduce bulk at the hip on a multi-tiered underskirt,
each of its several layers is longer and sewn to
the base foundation a little higher than the layer
immediately beneath it. Te shortest, bottom layer
is sewn by hand to the foundation or slip base frst;
and the longest, uppermost layer, the one closest
to the waist, is sewn last. Te seam allowances
joining these tiers to the foundation slip can be a
narrow
1
2 in. and turned toward the bodice, with
the raw edges fattened against the foundation
with catchstitches. Or the allowances can be wide,
turned under, and sewn with buttressed seams.
Te underskirt on the Dior dress (shown at right)
is a relatively simple design with six tulle skirts
applied to a corselette base. Only the top skirt is
cut in the usual manner with the straight grain
perpendicular to the foor, all of the underskirts are
cut on the crosswise grain so there is only one seam
on each. Te corselette was extended 11 in. below
the waist to accommodate the underskirts. Here
are the directions for the underskirt:
1. Make the corselette long enough to extend 11 in.
below the waist, or you can use a long-line bra.
2. Cut out 6 to 8 top skirt sections on the
lengthwise grain 36 in. wide and 4 in. longer than
the desired length. Reduce the bulk at the waist on
the top skirt by tapering the sides 3 in. to 5 in. at
the waist.
3. Cut out the tulle underskirts on the crossgrain
so they measure 6 to 8 yd. at the hem. Its easier
to cut them all the same length at the outset; then
trim as needed after they are attached.
4. Assemble the underskirts and gather them at
the waist.
5. Place the corselette on a dress form. Adjust the
gathers; and pin the frst underskirt 1 in. from the
The slip or, more correctly,
the understructure for the
dress above was built on
a corselette with six tulle
skirts. only the top skirt
was cut on the straight
grain in the usual manner.
The others were cut on
the crossgrain with a single
seam. each skirt was sewn
to the corselette by hand
with catchstitches.
(Photo courtesy of the Chicago History
Museum, 1969.)
bottom of the corselette. Use running stitches to
sew it permanently. Catchstitch the upper edge to
the foundation.
6. Mark the location of the second skirt 3
1
2 in.
above the frst skirt.
7. Apply it to the foundation as you did for the frst
underskirt.
8. Apply the third underskirt 1 in. away; the fourth
1
1
2 in. away; the ffth 1 in. away; and the top skirt
at the waist 3 in. above the last underskirt.
9. Measure and mark the length on all skirts; trim
away the excess. Do not be surprised if the skirts
stand away from the form and there is less to trim
than you expected.
By comparison, Mexico, also by Dior (shown
at right) is quite diferent. Mexico is made of a
lightweight, silk muslin similar to silk organza, but
more opaque and softer. Its top skirt, cut on the
crossgrain with the selvage at the hem, measures
7
2
3 yd., not including the front drape. Its second
circular skirt is pleated to a yoke and measures
5
1
4 yd. at the hem.
Te horsehair braid on the underskirts is fexible
and lightweight. Since the fashion fabric is light
weight, the underskirts have been designed to accen-
tuate the gossamer quality of this two-piece dress.
Te skirt consists of two overskirts cut from the
design fabric, supported by two underskirts attached
to a slim, silk crepe slip. Made of silk muslin, the frst
underskirt has six tiers, each one about twice the
fullness of the one above it. To give the underskirt
some body, a strip of narrow, soft horse-hair braid
was applied to the hem edge and to the seamlines
at the tops of the three lowest tiers. Te second
underskirt is made of cotton tulle. Its gathered into
the seam at the top of the third tier. Two bands of
horsehair braid are enclosed inside the hem.
Te underskirt for the I. Magnin
dress on p. 5
provides another method for supporting a
diaphanous design. Te dress is made of a light-
weight, silk muslin. Te skirt is circular, and
measures 11
1
8 yd. at the hem.
To accentuate the flmy quality of this two-piece
dress, the skirt consists of two overskirtsone
from the design fabric and one from fesh-colored
silk chifon. Its supported by an underskirt made of
silk crepe. Te skirt is gathered to a yoke below the
waist. Both the chifon overskirt and the underskirt
are semi-circles and measure 2
3
4 yd. at the hem.
Te silk crepe underskirt is underlined frst
with cotton net. Te net backing begins 4
1
2 in.
below the waist and is sewn into the seams. Te
net is attached at the top to the underskirt with
catchstitches. Te bias-cut silk-organza hem
interfacing is 14 in. wide. Its attached at the top to
the net with catchstitches; but it is not sewn into
the seams. Hidden inside the hem is 2-in.-wide
horsehair braid.
To support a heavier garment fabricated in heavy
silk, faille, tafeta, embroidered fabric, and cotton
pique, build an underskirt with two or more
layers sewn to a corselette. Stifen each underskirt
Made from delicate silk muslin printed with scallops,
Christian Diors Mexico was created for his spring/
summer 1953 collection. The dress has two overskirts,
one with the selvage at the hemline, and one a
complete circle, finished with a hand-rolled hem. The
underskirts are shown on the right on p. 217.
(Courtesy of Christian Dior.)
with several horizontal rows of horsehair braid
in various widths. At the bottom of the top skirt,
cover the horsehair braid with a binding. If the
underskirt is straight, the binding can be cut on
grain. It should be about 12 in. wide on the right
side and about 6 in. wide on the underside.
Horsehair braid can be sewn to the underskirts by
hand or machine, or with several rows on each skirt,
one above the next. It is available in widths up to
6 in. and in soft and heavy weights. Te heavyweight
horsehair braid is available in wider widths than
the softer braid. Te wider horsehair has a thread
on one edge that can be gathered to shape it to ft a
curve. Since its stifer than the lightweight version,
it can support heavier garments, but it will, in turn,
make the garment heavier.
ButtreSSed Seam
A variation of the gathered seam, the buttressed
seam can be used to support the silhouette. Te
gathered section is cut with an extra-wide seam
allowance, which forms a foundation under
gathered rufes, founces, and skirts and forces the
fullness to stand away from the seamline. Tese
directions for a skirt can be adapted for rufes and
founces.
1. Cut out the skirt with a wide seam allowance.
Te width will vary with the design, but its
generally from 1 in. to 5 in.; and its rarely the same
width as the seam on the section it joins.
2. Tread-trace the seamline and matchpoints. If
the seam allowance is 3 in. wide, mark the seamline
3 in. from the raw edge.
To increase the buttressed efect when the design
fabric is unusually heavy, or when you wish to
create an exaggerated efect, add a piece of crisp,
lightweight interfacing at the top of the gathered
skirt edge. Cut the interfacing on the bias at least
twice as wide as the gathered seam allowance. Baste
the interfacing to the wrong side.
3. Place two rows of gathering stitches on the
seamline and
1
8 in. into the seam allowance. In
couture, the gathering stitches are put in by hand.
I usually put them in by machine.
4. Pull up the gathers so they ft the corresponding
section.
5. Right sides up, turn under the gathered seam
allowance. Align the seamlines and matchpoints;
pin. Slipstitch or fell stitch the sections together. If
you prefer a smoother line, reposition the sections
right sides together, and stitch.
6. Remove the bastings and press. Dont press
over the seamline, but instead press each section
separately, stopping at the seamline.
7. Fold the seam toward the skirt.
Skewed Rufes
Skewed rufes can also be use to provide support.
Te rufes can be any width from 1 in. to 12 in.
When used to provide support, however, they
are generally 3 to 6 in. wide. Experiment with
various widths and placements on underskirts.
Wider rufes can be skewed more than narrow
ones; and the skewing causes all to narrow. On
underskirts, skewed rufes are generally placed
near the hem; and can be located on the top side or
underside of the petticoat. Te skewed rufe can
also be used as a decorative trim on the outside of
the garment.
1. Cut the rufe 2
1
2 times the desired fnished
width, plus two seam allowances. It can be cut on
the straight grain or crossgrain. Teres no reason
to cut it on bias. Tis is only an estimated width.
2. Tread-trace the seamlines.
3. Wrong sides together, fold the fabric lengthwise;
shift the top layer in one direction and the bottom
layer in the opposite direction. Match the thread-
traced seamlines at the top; pin. Experiment by
shifting one layer more or less. Te wider the rufe
the more you can shift the top and the narrower
the rufe will become.
4. Before removing the pins, mark both layers with
matchpoints about 3 in. from the ends. Remove
the pins.
5. Right sides together, stitch the ends together
to make a circle; press. If the ends are not joined,
stitch each end separately with right sides together.
6. Reposition the rufe with wrong sides together;
shift the layers to align the thread-traced seamlines
and matchpoints. Baste, then gather the rufe. Te
skewed rufe appears to be cut on the bias, even
though it may actually be cut on the straight grain
or crossgrain.
7. Baste the rufe to the garment with a buttressed
seam (see p. 221); use short running stitches to sew
it permanently.
8. For a frmer rufe, tack the folded edge of
the rufe to the seamline every 5 or 6 in. so its
scalloped at the folded edge.
Body-shaping Underpinnings
Some eveningwear designs are sewn with one or
more custom-made underpinnings to support the
garments silhouette and hold the body in a smooth
line underneath. Such underpinnings include a
shaped waist stay, which hugs the waist and reduces
stress on the fabric and fasteners at the waist; a
corselette, or long-lined, boned brassiere that extends
to the waist or below and gives the body a frm,
smooth line; and bust enhancers, which add fullness
to a small bust or roundness to a sagging bust.
Shaped waiSt Stay
Most eveningwear fts more closely than daywear
so the waist stays on evening gowns are generally
wider and stifer and control the body more than
on day dresses. Usually made of stifer support
fabrics such as Petersham, faille, tafeta, girdle
elastic, or cotton coutil, waist stays on eveningwear
are darted or seamed to ft the body and generally
boned so they dont roll. You can add a waist stay to
most gowns with little difculty. (See p. 133 and
p. 223 for more information on stays.)
1. To make a waist stay for eveningwear, cut the
stay fabric 2 in. to 6 in. wide and 12 in. longer than
the actual waist measurement. If the fabric isnt
crisp enough to hold the body frmly, use two layers
and machine-quilt them together.
2. Pin the stay around the waistline of the dress
form. Pin out as many small darts in the stay as
needed to make it ft the waist smoothly. Mark the
waistline, garment centers, side seams, and opening.
3. Remove the stay from the dress form; repin the
darts so theyre on the inside of the stay, next to the
body. Double-baste the darts and baste the stay to
the vertical seamlines on the inside of the garment
for the ftting.
4. Fit the garment, pinning the stay together at the
opening so it fts snugly. Carefully mark the ends of
the stay.
5. After the ftting, remove the stay from the
garment; stitch, press, and trim the darts. If the
stay needs boning to keep it from wrinkling and
rolling, sew boning pockets over the darts (see the
facing page).
SKeWeD ruffle
finiSHing WaiSt Stay enDS
Facing
Catchstitches
at waist
Fell stitch
edges
Trim
Tape or
selvage
Machine
stitch
1
2
Shaping
dart
Waist
stay
the Boni ng Sewn i nto
corselettes and shaped waist
stays prevents horizontal
wrinkles and supports the
garment. Boning can also be
used on skirts and underskirts
to create unusual effects, like
that in the Charles Jamess
design shown on p. 10.
The whalebone and feather-
bone quills once used as boning
in couture corselettes have
been replaced by spiral steel
boning, while Rigilene
and poly
boning are used for petticoats
and hoop skirts.
Spiral steel boning is best for
corselettes and waist stays
because it bends sideways as
well as back and forth. Generally
used in the
1
4-in. width, its
available in finished lengths
from 2 in. to 17 in., and the
ends are finished with metal
tips (see Resources on p. 247).
When the pre-cut lengths are
not practical, use heavy-duty
wire cutters to cut the boning
to the length you desire. Then
use a metal file to smooth
away any roughness. Finish the
ends with metal tips which can
be purchased separately or a
rubberized dipping liquid like
Plasti Dip
.
Rigilene is a thin, flexible boning
that provides good support
for hoop skirts and petticoats.
Boning
Woven with fine polyester rods
in the warp, its pliable enough to
sew through or it can be inserted
into a casing. It can be cut easily
with shears and is available by
the yard in two widths and two
colors
1
4 in. and
1
2 in., black
or white. It resembles the old
feather boning which was made
with feather-bone quills.
Poly-boning is best for hoop
skirts and petticoats. It is made
of a firm, but flexible, polyester,
which bends forwards and
backwards, but not sideways.
When used in corselettes, it
warms up from the body heat,
bends more and often sticks
into the body. It can be cut
easily with shears, is
1
4 in. wide,
and available by the yard.
The amount of boning used in
a corselette or waist stay varies
with the weight of the dress or
gown. Most corselettes have
14 to 18 bones.
When positioning the boning
on a corselette or waist stay,
begin with a piece of boning
on every seam or dart line.
On corselettes, place another
midway between the bust and
underarm and at center front.
Add additional boning to create
and maintain the desired shape
and fit of the garment. Many
couture workrooms extend the
boning over the bust, and some
never do because the support is
more rigid.
Spiral boning can be sewn
directly to the corselette with
a catchstitch casing, but it is
usually inserted into a casing
1
4 in. to
1
2 in. longer than the
boning, and made of narrow
plain-weave tape or, less
frequently, ribbon, rayon seam
binding, or lightweight silk.
1. Center and pin a strip of plain-
weave tape,
3
8 in. to
1
2 in. wide,
over the seam or dart.
2. Stitch the sides and bottom
so the boning will fit snugly
inside the casing.
3. Slip the boning into the casing
and close the end securely with
hand stitches.
4. If the ends of the boning
irritate the body, sew 1-in.
squares of velvet or cotton
flannel to the corselette over
the casing ends.
boning a
WaiSt Stay
Boning
Waist
stay
dart
Casing
3
8
1
2
Binding
Add additional boning if needed between the darts
and the opening.
6. To fnish the ends of the stay, mark the ends.
7. Wrong side up, place a piece of plain-weave tape
or selvage over each marked line. Use running
stitches to sew it in place.
8. Fold the raw edge to the wrong side. Edgestitch
each end close to the fold; stitch again
1
2 in. away.
For additional frmness, stitch several rows
between the two rows of stitches you just sewed or
insert a piece of boning.
9. Trim close to the stitching.
10. Wrong side up, sew the hooks to the end of the
right back if the garment has a back opening. For a
side opening, sew them to the front section. Sew
the eyes to the other end of the stay.
11. To cover the hooks and eyes, cut a 1-in. facing
for each end from lightweight silk or cotton
tulle. Fold under the facing sides and edges so the
hooks and eyes barely show. Baste and fell stitch
the edges in place.
claire s hint Charles Frederick Worth
used silk seam binding for the facings. Sometimes I
substitute rayon seam binding or ribbon.
12. Bind the long edges at the top and bottom of the
stay with a lightweight bias or narrow cotton tape.
13. Mark the stay waistline with catchstitches to use
as a guide. When you sew the stay into the dress,
match the waistline markings on the stay and dress.
I generally add an underlap extension so the hooks
wont be uncomfortable (see the facing page).
14. With the garment wrong side out, pin the stay
at the waistline, matching the catchstitches on the
stay and waistline markings. Beginning and ending
about 1 in. from the ends, use running stitches to
sew the stay to the waistline seam. On a design
with no waistline seam, secure the stay with short
French tacks (see p. 37) at the seamlines and
darts instead.

ConStruCting a CorSeLette
Te corselette can extend to the waist or continue
for several inches below it, depending on the
gowns design and the fgure of the woman wearing
it. Traditionally a corselette was made of two
layers of cotton tulle; in more recent years, fabrics
such as silk, linen, and power net (a girdle fabric
with spandex) are used more frequently. Te
cotton tulle, sometimes called English net or
bobbinet, is lightweight, soft, cool to wear, and does
not ravel; it is also expensive and difcult to fnd
(see Resources on p. 247).
Many corselettes are simple, strapless designs,
suitable for a variety of garments, but for backless
designs and those with a dcollet or plunging
V-neckline, the corselette will follow the lines
of the bodice more closely. When made for
such designs, the corselette is sometimes wired
or stifened with boning at the edges, and the
bodice fabric is generally applied directly to the
top of the corselette so its difcult to determine
The corselette in this Dior dress is made of cotton net
and boned with spiral boning. The bodice is backed
with hair canvas. The casings for the boning are made
of plain-weave cotton tape. The boning extends to
the waist on the back and over the bust on the front.
hanger loops are located at the side seams. The top
is bound with a strip of bias-cut silk faille to match the
dress bodice.
(Photo by Taylor Sherrill. Author's collection.)
where the corselette ends and the bodice begins.
Hand sewing the corselette into the garment and
fnishing the edges are a time-consuming tasks, but
not particularly difcult.
Te length of the corselette is determined by the
designs silhouette. Although the corselette some-
times ends at the waist, it usually extends several
inches below. For boufant skirts, the corselette
often extends 10 in. to 12 in. below the waist and
serves as a base for attaching underskirts, which
reduces waistline bulk. For close-ftting silhouettes
and dropped waistlines, the corselette should be
long enough to control the fgure and maintain a
smooth silhouette. Before the invention of panty-
hose, the corselette was long enough to provide a
base for the garters to fasten to hose.
Tese directions for a tulle corselette can be
adapted for other fabrics and foundation designs. In
couture sewing, the corselette pattern is draped on
the clients dress form. If you dont have a dress form,
youll need someone to ft the corselette on you.
the Corselette toile. Usually it is easier to begin
with a pattern that is too large and take it in as
needed until it fts like a second skin.
1. Begin with a dress pattern for a simple princess-
line sheath or shift. On the front and back sections,
measure and mark the bottom of the corselette
about 7 in. below the waist and use the full pattern
up to the shoulder. Once you have ftted a corselette
toile, you will shape the top for the design.
2. Cut and baste the muslin corselette. I add seams
at the center front and back and cut with 1-in.
seam allowances at all edges.
3. Fit the muslin corselette and mark the upper
edge so it will be hidden under the dress. If you are
ftting yourself, put a zipper in so you dont have to
pin it together.
4. Carefully mark the seamlines. Remove the
bastings; press.
5. Using a stiletto tracing wheel, transfer the
seamlines to a paper pattern.
claire s hint When making a single garment,
use this shortcut I saw in the atelier at Christian
on a Couture garment, an underLap
extension is often attached to prevent hook
closures from rubbing against the body. Fabrics
such as velvet, faille, grosgrain ribbon, cotton
flannel, or cotton tulle are generally used for the
underlap extension.
1. Cut the underlap fabric 2 in. to 4 in. wide and
the length of the placket opening.
2. Wrong sides together, fold the extension in
half lengthwise, machine stitch
1
4 in. from the
raw edges, then overcast the edges together.
3. Place the underlap under the eyes so it
covers the facing; pin. Wrong side up, use two
row of running stitchesone near the edge of
the underlap and another at the edge of the
stay to secure it permanently.
Underlap
Extension
Lacroix: Cut out the muslin on the stitching lines and
use the muslin as a pattern.
Cut and assemble the Corselette. Cotton coutil,
plain-weave silk, and silk tafeta can be used for
the corselette, but my favorite is cotton net. It is
fexible, lightweight, and cool to wear.
unDerlap extenSion
Facing
Bind edges
of stay
Fell-
stitched
edge
Overcast raw edge
Running stitches
1. Cut the corselette from cotton net. It can be cut
with one layer on the straight grain and one on the
crossgrain for strength and fexibility. For more
control, cut the corselette with the straight grain
going around the body and a fold at the bottom.
claire s hint If the muslin was ftted accurately,
I cut the corselette with
1
2-in. seam allowances so it
will be easy to assemble. If Im concerned that it wont be
large enough, I cut with 1-in. seam allowances.
2. Assemble the corselette, using short basting
stitches.
Fitting on a dress Form. Sometimes when it isnt
possible to ft the corselette on the body, use a dress
form and fne-tune the ft later.
1. Put the corselette on the dress form. Pin it
together at the opening.
2. Pin out any excess fullness at the seams. At
center front, pin small darts from the center front
seam to the bust points so the corselette will ft like
a second skin. Tis is easier if you rip the center
front seam several inches from the top so you can
pin the each dart separately.
3. Examine the ft; the corselette should be very
smooth without any wrinkles or excess. Pin out
additional darts at the waist, under the bust, or
between the seams if needed. Its better to have
several small darts instead of one large one.
4. Before removing the corselette, use the garment
or the pattern as a guide to mark the style line
at the top of the corselette; mark the hemline at
the bottom. Pin a narrow plain-weave stay tape
to the style line at the top to keep the edge from
stretching; do not trim away the excess tulle above
the style line until after its ftted on the body.
5. Chalk-mark any seams you may have ripped
while ftting.
6. Remove the corselette from the dress form;
double-baste all seams and darts as well as the
taped stay at the style line.
7. Finish the opening (see Corselette Opening on
the facing page). Since a corselette fts the body so
closely, the placket should be fnished before its
ftted on the body. Or baste a 20-in. zipper in
temporarily so any excess zipper hangs below the
corselette hem.
8. If bust enhancers are needed, baste them in place
for the ftting (see p. 228).
Fitting the Figure. Fitting a strapless corselette is
easier when you add ribbon straps for the ftting
process. Also, I try to avoid ripping seams when the
corselette is on the body because it is difcult to
repin them.
1. Fit the corselette on the fgure without a bra. If
you used a dress form to build the corselette, the
corselette may be too loose since the body is softer
than a dress form. Pin out any excess until the
corselette fts snugly.
2. Remove the corselette, make any necessary adjust-
ments. Check the ft and establish the locations for
the boning as well (see Boning on p. 223).
3. When youve perfected the ft, machine stitch the
seams permanently and press them open.
Boning the Corselette. Seam binding, narrow
ribbon, plain-weave tape, and silk tubes can be
used to make the casings for the boning. Today
the casings for boning are machine-sewn, but the
House of Worth continued to sew them by hand
until the 20th century.
1. Make the casings for the boning (see p. 223),
and insert the boning. If necessary, trim the boning
so its
1
8 in. to
1
4 in. shorter than the casing and
doesnt extend into the upper seam allowance.
2. Sew the top of the stay permanently; trim away
the excess net above it.
3. Finish the top of the corselette. Tis can be a
binding made from the garment fabric or a narrow
silk facing.
4. Secure the stay with short French tacks, thread
guides, or a casing made from catchstitches.
5. If the corselette does not have a fold at the
bottom, machine stitch in. above the marked
hemline; use hand overcasting to fnish the edge.
If the corselette ends at the waist, fnish the edge
with a grosgrain stay or a silk binding.
i n moSt i nStanCeS, the
corselette placket, or opening,
is directly beneath the dress
placket. For a hook-and-eye
closure at a side opening, the
ends lap front over back. For a
center-back opening, the ends
usually lap right over left. The
corselette placket is sometimes
offset about 1 in. to reduce bulk.
The placket for a corselette
differs slightly from the placket
on a shaped waist stay. The
facings are generally made of
cotton tulle, seam binding, or
ribbon; and theyre slightly wider
so the facing can be machine
stitched into the placket to
reinforce the edge and be used
as an underlap. The facings can
vary in width, but the underlap
facing is a little wider than for
the overlap.
These directions are for
finishing the ends with hooks
and eyes. They can be adapted
for a zipper placket.
1. Begin by cutting two stays
from plain-weave tape or
selvage the same length as the
corselette opening.
2. Cut the overlap facing 4 in.
wide and the underlap facing
5 in. wide.
3. Pin the stay to one long edge
of the overlap facing. Fold the
facing in half lengthwise with the
stay tape in between. Align the
Corselette Opening
raw edges, and baste the three
layers together. Repeat for the
underlap facing.
4. Mark both sides of the
opening with thread tracing.
Wrong side up, align the raw
edges of the overlap facing with
the thread tracing on the overlap
side of the opening. Baste.
5. Fold and baste the seam
allowance of the corselette over
the raw edges of the facing.
Stitch six to eight rows through
all of the layers, spacing the
rows
1
16 to
1
8 in. apart. Since
the stitching both stiffens
and reinforces the edge, the
closer the rows are, the stiffer
the edge will be. Repeat for
the underlapping side of the
opening.
6. Sew the hooks and eyes to
the wrong side of the overlap,
spacing them approximately
1
7. Fold the facing over the
eyelets so that only the hooks
are exposed; fell stitch the
folded edge flat against the tulle.
8. Sew the eyes to the underlap
edge so they extend almost
in. beyond it. Refold the facing
strip so it extends in. beyond
the eyes.
9. Fell stitch the layers together
securely between the eyes and
finish the top of the extension
with overcasting stitches.
Thread tracing
Seam
allowance
Corselette
Facing
Machine
stitching
Hooks
Fold
Facing
finiSHing
enDS of a
CorSelette
Overlap
facing
Baste,
then
machine
stitch
Stay
tape
Fold
Finish the Style Line. Te style line at the top of
the corselette can be fnished with a binding or
a facing. Te type of edge fnish depends upon
the fabric and style of both the corselette and the
garment. For example, the corselette on the Dior
dress on p. 224 is fnished separately with bias
binding. Since its cut from the dress fabric, its less
noticeable if the top of the corselette shows when
the wearer moves. Applied by hand, the binding is
1 in. wide on both the outside and inside of
the corselette.
On garments where the top edge of the corselette
wont show, the edge is generally fnished with a silk
bias facing or tulle strip
1
2 in. to 1 in. wide and
sometimes a piece of seam binding. In these
directions, the style line is fnished with a bias facing.
1. Wrong side up, turn under the seam allowance at
the style line. Baste, and trim it to
1
2 in. or less; use
catchstitches to secure the edge.
2. Cover the raw edge with the bias strip; fell stitch
the strip in place (p. 33).
3. To anchor the corselette and better defne the
bustline (see p. 141), add a stay under the bust
made from grosgrain or elastic.
4. Add a second stay at the waist, if needed.
5. Finish the corselette placket with hooks and eyes
or a zipper.
BuSt enhanCerS
Used for both large-busted and small-busted
fgures to create a smoother, more attractive
bustline, bust enhancers can be sewn into the
garment or the corselette. Tese bust pads are
made either as full or partial circles. Full-circle
pads are placed at the crest of the bust to create a
smooth look. Partial-circle pads are placed under
the bust to lift it into a more fattering position,
above the bust to fll in a hollow, or near the side
seams to add width.
Sewn from lambswool or cotton batting, bust
enhancers are constructed like shoulder pads. Te
following directions for circular bust enhancers can
be adapted for partial circles or other shapes
as needed.
1. Begin with fve or six circles of padding in
graduated sizes from 1 in. to 3 in. in diameter.
Slash each circle to the center on one side and cut
out a small triangle.
To make larger pads, cut more circles; the bottom
layers can be larger than 3 in. or the pads can
be more graduated. When working with cotton
batting, use your fngers to feather the edges to
prevent ridges. If you are working with lambswool,
cut the edges.
2. Begin with the smallest circle; close the edges of
the triangle and sew them together to make a small
cone. Place the next size circle on top and shape
it over the frst one. Use loose stabstitches to sew
them together. Repeat until all circles are sewn
together. When stacking the circles, I ofset the
next slash about
1
4 in. from the one below it.
3. When making crescent-shape pads, experiment
with the arrangement of the stack until you get the
shape you want. Center the smaller sections as you
would for a full pad or align one or more edges.
4. After youve made the pads, cover both sides with
cotton tulle or lightweight silk before sewing them
into the garment. Or sew them in uncovered and
cover them with a single layer of cotton tulle or silk.
Embellishments
Many types of embellishments used on couture
garments, like embroidery, beading, and appliqu,
are sent outside to small frms specializing in a
particular ornamentation instead of executed in the
couture house workrooms. Te most important
of these frms today is the Parisian frm of Lesage,
Master Embroiderer, which specializes in beading
and embroidery.
Founded circa 1870 by the well-known
embroiderer Michonet, who did work for both
the House of Worth and Vionnet, the frm has
a reputation for its creative use of materials and
creative designs.
All garments are precisely ftted before any
embellishment begins. Te corrected muslin toile
is used to make a paper pattern for designing the
embellishment, which, like the garment itself,
is proportioned for a particular garment and
fgure. For the home sewer, the easiest approach
to embellishment is to use the corrected toile as
a pattern, thread-trace each garment section on
a rectangle of garment fabric, and embellish the
sections before cutting them out.
preparing For emBeLLiShment
Te ultimate success of the embellishment depends
in part on the care with which you approach
initial preparations like dressing the frame and
transferring the embellishment design to the fabric.
A frame is recommended for appliqu, beading,
embroidery, quilting, and some passementerie
because it holds the work taut and prevents the
fabric from shifting and puckering.
1. Use the corrected toile to cut out the fabric for
each section to be embellished. For each section,
cut a fabric rectangle several in. wider and longer
than the section itself.
If youre ftting the garment itself instead of a
toile, trace the sections with at least 1
1
2-in.-wide
seam and hem allowances.
2. Using the toile, cut a duplicate paper pattern
for each section. Use a crisp paper such as brown
wrapping paper. If you ftted the garment, take it
apart after the ftting to make the paper patterns.
3. Use the corrected toile to transfer all stitching
and grainlines to the paper pattern.
Place the pattern paper on a resilient surface like
a cork table, felt table pad, or piece of cardboard.
Place the toile on top of the paper, smoothing it
and pinning it to the pattern with pushpins,
working from the center out to the edges. Use a
stiletto tracing wheel or a fne needle to transfer the
lines to the paper pattern. Ten draw or trace the
embellishment design on the paper pattern,
modifying the design as needed so that it flls the
space attractively and doesnt extend into the seam
allowances, hem, or darts.
4. Tread-trace all stitching lines and grainlines on
each fabric section.
5. Te design for the embellishment is usually
transferred onto the fabric before the fabric is
mounted on the frame, but large designs may be
easier to transfer with the fabric in place on a frame.
6. Once youve transferred your design to the fabric,
the next step is to mount the fabric on the frame. If
youre working with the ftted garment rather than
the corrected toile, baste the center of each garment
fabric section being embellished to a large rectangle
of muslin, anchoring the section with long stitches
and a four-pointed to eight-pointed star.
7. Using a short stitch, baste the seam allowances
to the muslin. Turn the section over, remove the
basted star at the center and carefully trim away
the muslin in the area to be embellished.
8. To check the alignment of the framed section,
compare the grainlines and stitching lines to the
toile or pattern and make any necessary corrections
before beginning the embellishment.
9. After youve fnished the embellishment, check
the garment section again against the toile or
pattern. Embellishments usually cause the design
area to shrink, and you will probably have to
relocate and thread-trace new seamlines.
10. Once the embellishment is fnished, remove the
garment section from the frame.
11. Remove any bastings on the design, leaving
thread-tracings on the grainlines and stitching
lines, and press the garment section. To avoid
fattening the design, cover the pressing table with a
thick towel and press lightly from the wrong side.
appLiqu
One of the simplest and most versatile
embellishments, appliqu is created by applying
one layer of fabricthe appliquto the surface
of anotherthe background, or ground, which is
usually the garment section. Both the appliqu and
ground can be made from a variety of fabrics. Te
appliqus on couture garments are usually bold and
decorative, but they can also enhance the design
more subtly, especially on printed fabrics.
Tere are several ways to sew an appliqu, but the
hemmed and embroidered methods are used most
often in haute couture. For hemmed appliqus like
that on the Adrian design shown at right, narrow
seam allowances are left at all edges and turned
under, then secured by tiny fell stitches. Some
embroidered appliqus are fnished by covering the
raw edges with a decorative cord secured with
couching threads on the right side or running
stitches from the wrong side.
Embroidered appliqus and large hemmed
appliqus are always worked on a frame. Smaller
hemmed appliqus, however, are sometimes
worked in the hand on a fat surface.
1. Transfer the design to the right side of the
ground fabric.
2. Transfer the design motifs to the appliqu material.
Te traced line should be the fnished edge of the
motif, not the cutting line. Generally, the garment
will drape better if the appliqus are cut on the same
grain as the ground, particularly if theyre large.
3. Cut out the motifs with
1
4-in. to
1
2 -in. seam
allowances. Its usually easier to handle and less
likely to distort the appliqu if you baste it to the
garment section before cutting around the motifs.
I usually cut with the
1
2 -in. seam allowance and
trim just before turning the edges under.
4. Working from the center toward the side seams,
use fne needles to pin the appliqu to the ground,
aligning the grainlines. Evaluate the design, and
when necessary, rearrange the motifs.
5. Baste the motif centers to the background with
a four-pointed to eight-pointed star, depending on
how large and complex the appliqu is.
6. Beginning with a small section, turn under
the edge of the appliqu so both the markings on
the ground and appliqu are invisible, cutting the
basting threads if necessary.
7. Trim the seam allowances to
1
8 in. as needed
around curves and points; fnger-press the edge.
Turn under the edges and pin. Secure the thread
with a waste knot or backstitch and trim away the
tail to avoid an unwanted shadow in the appliqu.
Use short appliqu pins at the edges of the appliqu.
8. Using fne cotton or silk thread in a color that
matches the appliqu, use fell stitches to sew the
appliqu permanently. On straight edges, make
eight stitches per inch.
On curves and angles, clip or notch as needed so
the edges can be turned under neatly and space the
stitches more closely. Te sharper the curve, the
closer the stitches and clips should be.
claire s hint I use the needle point to coax
the seam allowances in place. When the edge of the
appliqu comes to a point, I taper the seam allowance
to the point and use the needle to work any stray
threads neatly under the point.
Bias appliqu. Decorative bias strips can be
used to create elaborate appliqus or simple trims
on suits and day dresses as well as special
occasion designs.
Made of wool gabardine, this attractive adrian suit from
1947 is embellished with large appliqus and silk-thread
embroidery. The front is finished with a fly placket, and
the lapel is turned back to create a soft collar effect.
1. Cut the bias strip
1
2 in. wider than the fnished
appliqu and add
1
4-in. seam allowances to the
long edges. Cut a cardboard template the fnished
width of the trim.
2. Press the strip, stretching it slightly. Dont remove
all the stretch or it will be difcult to shape curves.
3. Wrong side up, place a strip of cardboard on the
bias strip. Press the seam allowances over it.
4. To apply the bias to the garment, begin with an
outside edge; shape and pin a few inches of the bias
strip to ft the traced design. Baste.
5. To sew permanently to the garment, work with
two needles, one on each side of the strip. First fell
stitch 2 in. to 4 in. on the outside edge of the strip
with one needle, then fell stitch the same distance
on the inside edge with the second needle. Continue
the length of the strip. When you sew both sides of
the strip at once, it prevents the inevitable rippling
that often occurs when sewing bias.
6. When the bias strip design has a corner, anchor
the tip of the corner on the outside edge frst; then
sew the inside edge, using the needle point on both
sides to shape the corner neatly.
7. On unlined designs, space the stitches evenly so
that the wrong side will be attractive.
paSSementerie
Passementerie is a form of embroidery using
various trims and edgings such as braid, cord,
fringe, and ribbon to produce decorative patterns on
a ground fabric. Te trims can be sewn directly to
the ground fabric, or they can be applied to a fabric
band that is in turn appliqud to the garment.
Passementerie is worked with some of the basic
techniques used in appliqu and can be applied to
the garment with a variety of stitches (hand or
machine), depending on the trim and desired fnish.
For inconspicuous applications, use fne cotton or
silk thread in a color to match the trim.
1. Transfer the design to the ground fabric right side.
2. On ribbons and wide trims, fold the end under,
lay it fat against the fabric, and fell stitch it
inconspicuously. For narrow trims, use an awl to
make a small hole in the fabric; push the end of
the trim through to the wrong side. Cut the trim
end, leaving a tail about
1
2 in. long. Flatten the tail
against the fabric so its aligned with the stitching
along the trim; trim the tail to
1
4 in. Use several
This simple bias appliqu on a Chanel day dress would
be equally appropriate for a special occasion design.
The trim is corded, then handsewn with slipstitches.
When working with bias trim, press the strip to remove
a little stretch so it will be easier to handle; if you press
too much, the bias will be difficult to shape.
(Photo by Ken Howie. Author's collection.)
maKing a HemmeD appliqu
Appliqu
Thread-traced seamline
Basted
star
Fell
stitches
whipstitches to fasten the end. When couching,
sew through the trim inconspicuously.
claire s hint When the end is frayed or soft,
I insert a thread loop from the wrong side, thread the
end of the trim into the loop, and pull the loop and
trim to the wrong side.
3. Pin the trim to the garment, working carefully
to avoid twisting it. Corners should be sharp and
curves smooth.
4. To sew fexible braids or cords, use running
stitches with an occasional backstitch. For stif
braids and cords, use slipstitches, fell stitches or
couching stitches (see the drawing below). For a
decorative fnish, use couching stitches with one
or more contrasting threads. For wide trims, keep
them fat, miter the corners, and secure both sides
with fell stitches. For narrow trims, sew them fat
with running stitches at the center or with fell
stitches on both sides; or sew them on one edge
with whipstitches so they stand up.
5. When sewing by machine, use a cording or
braiding foot and a straight or zigzag stitch.
6. To avoid fattening the trim when pressing, cover
the pressing surface with a thick, soft pad, or towel;
place the garment section on it wrong side up.
Press frst with a damp cloth; then press with a dry
iron until the fabric is smooth and dry.
Beading
Beading is a form of embroidery that can
sumptuously cover every thread of a garment or be
limited to just a few motifs. Apart from the expense
of the beads themselves, the process is time-
consuming and adds appreciably to the cost of
a design.
In the beading workrooms in Paris and London,
beading is worked on a frame with a needle or
tambour hook. Both methods have advantages
and drawbacks. Beading with a needle attaches the
individual beads securely but it cannot be as fne
as beading with a tambour hook because the beads
must be large enough for a fne needle and thread
to pass through the holes.
For tambour beading, the hook does not pass
through the beads; instead, its used to make
chainstitches with the thread holding the beads
and allows the use of very small beads. However,
if the thread holding the beads breaks, the
chainstitches may unravel quickly and the beads
will fall of. For both methods, a large frame is used
to hold the fabric taut.
The detail of this walking suit from 1913 is decorated
with elaborate passementerie. The corded design is
sewn with couching stitches.
(Photo by David Arky, courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York. Gift of
Miss Matilda Frelinghuysen.))
CouCHing StitCH
Couching
thread
Couched
cord
Beading can be applied directly to the garment
section or to a tulle or silk organza backing for
an appliqu. Tere are at least two advantages to
beading separate appliqus. First, the garment or
toile doesnt have to be ftted before its beaded,
and, second, the appliqu can be worked on a fabric
that is better suited for beadingfor example,
tulle, organza, or the crisp tricot sew-in interfacing.
Almost any sewing thread in cotton, silk, polyester,
or nylon can be used. For most designs, the thread
color should match the beads or the fabric, but for a
special efect, you can use a contrasting color.
Beading with a needle. To bead with a needle
youll need beading or embroidery needles in a size
appropriate for the beads or sequins.
1. Transfer the design to the right side of the fabric.
2. Mount the fabric on the frame right side up so
its taut.
3. Begin with a medium-short length of thread and
sew a waste knot and then two backstitches at the
location for the frst bead.
4. Use running stitches to sew the beads quickly;
but for more security, use a backstitch to go through
each bead a second time before sewing the next one.
claire s hint If the bead is too small for
the needle to accommodate a second stitch, I sew a
backstitch in the fabric beneath the bead.
5. To sew several beads at a time use a lazy stitch or
couch the strand of beads.
6. At the end, make a fgure-8 knot after the last
sequin and pull the knot through to the wrong side.
attaching Sequins
1. To sew sequins fat, use matching or contrast
thread. Insert the needle from the back into the
center hole, then into the fabric at the edge. Repeat
to make a stitch on the other side. If desired make a
total of 4 stitches or 5 to make a star design on
the sequin.
2. To sew a row of sequins, use backstitches and
lap the last sequin over the previous one, hiding the
thread on the last sequin.
3. For a sequin and a bead, insert the needle from
the wrong side of the sequin into the center hole;
pick up a bead, then insert the needle into the
sequin hole again.
4. Use stabstitches to sew sequins that stand on an
edge. Bring the needle to the right side of the fabric.
Insert the needle into the back of the sequin, back
into the fabric at the edge of the sequin.
5. At the end, make a fgure-8 knot after the last
sequin and pull the knot through to the wrong side.
tambour. For tambour work, youll need a frame
and tambour hook. Similar to a crochet hook, the
tambour hook has a sharp point with a latch above
it (see Resources on p. 247). Te beading is worked
with the wrong side of the fabric uppermost on the
frame with beads held in your hand underneath.
Beads can be purchased prestrung on lengths of
thread or loose.
1. Transfer the design to the wrong side of the fabric.
2. Mount the fabric wrong side up on the frame.
Check to be sure the fabric is taut on the frame.
3. Restring the beads when working with prestrung
beads. Te original string is too weak and probably
too short. Since you dont know how much thread
youll need, restring the beads onto a spool of
thread rather than a cut length.
To restring, pierce the end of the spooled thread
with the tambour hook or a needle. Pull the thread
attributed to
oscar de la
renta, this simple
jacket design
is elaborately
embroidered
with chenille and
silk threads; the
beads include
sequins, bugle
beads, and
pearls.
Author's collection.)
on which the beads are strung through this slit
for several inches then slide the beads from the
old string to the new one. Pull out and discard the
original string.
1. Begin with one hand holding the tambour hook
above the fabric and the other holding the restrung
beads below the fabric.
2. At the beginning, pierce the fabric with the
tambour hook, catch the spooled thread about
2 in. from the end and pull a thread loop through
the fabric to the wrong side, without disturbing any
of the beads.
3. With the hook still in the loop, secure the thread
end by re-inserting the hook into the fabric behind
where it frst exited and pick up another loop.
4. Pull the new loop through the fabric and
through the frst loop, and then pull the frst loop
fat against the fabric.
claire s hint Always keeping the hook in the
last loop, insert it into the fabric again ahead of or to the
side of where you just exited, as called for by your pattern.
5. Pick up the thread between the frst two beads,
turn the hook 180. Pull it through the fabric and
the previous stitch so the frst bead is held tightly
against the fabric right side. After you turn the
needle so the thread wraps around it; push the
unnotched side of the needle to make the hole in
the fabric slightly larger. Some embroiderers call
this opening the door.
6. Continue in this fashion, making the stitches
the same length as the beads, until all the beads are
applied to the fabric.
claire s hint When youre beading sequins
with a tambour hook, the sequins will stand on edge.
7. At the end, insert the hook behind the last stitch,
pick up the thread before the next bead, and pull it
through the fabric and the loop on the hook. Break
the thread, leaving a short tail.

tuCkS
Used singly, clustered or sewn over an entire
garment, tucks can range in size from tiny pintucks
to wide, fat tucks. Tey can all be the same size or
graduated, and they can be fat or stand up. Teyre
running StitCh BaCkStitCh
VariouS WayS of beaDing WitH a neeDle
CouChing BeadS SequinS in a row
Sequin with Bead
Lazy StitCh
beaDing WitH
a tambour HooK
there are SeveraL wayS to
transfer a decorative design to
the fabric: dressmakers carbon,
thread-tracing, and prick and
pounce.
The prick and pounce method is
the most versatile and used most
often by couture houses. Its also
the most time-consuming. Thread-
tracing is a good choice for net or
lace, or for transferring the design
to both sides of the fabric when
youre incorporating different
types of embellishment on the
same piece. Using a tracing wheel
and white dressmakers tracing
carbon on the fabric wrong side
is the easiest method and a good
choice for medium or dark fabrics.
priCk and pounCe
method
Used by most professional
embroiderers, the prick and
pounce method begins with
a perforated pattern. The
pattern is laid on the fabric and
a pouncer is used to force the
dusting powder into the holes of
the design.
1. Youll need a needle to prick
the design into the paper; a
pouncer, which you can either
buy or make; and white or gray
pouncing powder or cornstarch
to mark the design through
the pricked holes in the paper.
Embroiderers use a special
machine to prick out the outline
of the design, but you can do
Transferring the Design
this with a sewing machine set
for 12 stitches per in. with a large
sewing needle or with a stiletto
tracing wheel.
2. To make a pouncer, place the
powder or cornstarch in the
center of a 6-in. muslin square.
Gather the muslin tightly around
the powder and fasten it with a
rubber band.
3. Perforate the paper pattern
along the design lines as well as
the stitching and grainlines. If
the design is symmetrical and
is to be applied to two garment
sections, stack and pin two paper
patterns together and perforate
them as one.
4. Remove the pins and separate
the embellishment patterns
without tearing them.
5. Smooth the holes by rubbing
them lightly with fine-grade
sandpaper, or place the
patterns on the fabric with
the rough side up.
6. Transfer the design to the
fabric. When working with a
needle, transfer the design to the
right side; when beading with a
tambour hook, transfer it to the
wrong side (see page 234).
7. To transfer the design,
place the perforated pattern
on the garment section,
aligning the grainlines and any
marked stitching lines; pin the
edges together.
8. Dip the pouncer in pouncing
powder or cornstarch. Pat the
holes with the pouncer. Work
carefully to avoid shifting the
pattern, checking as you go to
be sure the design is completely
transferred, because, once you
have removed the pattern, its
almost impossible to reposition it
precisely.
9. After youve transferred the
design, remove the pattern and
connect the dots with white
dressmakers pencil or a sharp
lead pencil. The embellishment
will cover your marks.
10. Shake the fabric to remove
the excess powder.
11. Spray lightly with a fixative.
thread-traCing
Thread-tracing is a good choice
when embellishing nets and
laces. It also has the advantage of
marking both sides when youre
working with other fabrics.
1. Right sides up, place the
design pattern on the fabric, and
smooth and baste the layers
together.
2. Working from the center out,
use short basting stitches to
trace the motifs, sewing through
the paper pattern.
claires hint When
making the stitches, I leave a
small amount of thread on the
pattern so it will be easy to tear
away afterwards.
3. Carefully tear away the pattern.
usually sewn on the lengthwise grain, but they can
be sewn on the crosswise grain or bias, as well as on
curves. When sewn on the crossgrain or bias, they
wont lie as fat or press as well as when sewn on
the lengthwise grain. Usually made by hand, tucks
can be stitched completely from top to bottom or
stitched partially and released.
Some designs require considerable planning.
Simple parallel rows of tucks are less complicated
in design and planning.
Tucks require extra fabric; the minimum amount
needed is twice the width of each tuck. As with
most embellishments, there will also be additional
shrinkage in the tucked section. Te amount of
shrinkage depends on the number of tucks and the
fabric. As a general guideline, add about
1
16-in. to
1
8-in. extra for every tuck.
1. For
1
16-in. to
1
8-in. pintucks, mark the foldline
with thread tracing. For larger tucks, thread-trace
the two stitching lines for each tuck.
2. Wrong sides together, fold narrow tucks on the
thread tracing and baste. For wider tucks, pin the
tucks so the thread tracings match; baste.
3. With a long, fne needle and very fne thread
matching the fabric, use a short running stitch
to sew the tuck permanently. Keep the stitches
short and even, beginning and ending with two
backstitches.
4. On curved tucks, pull up the thread tracing on
the longer side before basting so the fullness will be
distributed evenly. Baste from the right side up so
you can adjust the fullness.
Te Bridal Gown
Traditionally, the fnale of a couture collection is
the bridal gown. From breathtakingly beautiful
designs with yards of satin and lace to outlandish
creations, bridal gowns are important to most
couture houses and custom clothiers because
they are often the frst, and sometimes the only,
design a client will order. Bridal gowns are also
very important to home sewers, who may want
to lavish more time and money than usual on
labor-intensive couture techniques for this special
garment.
Bridal gowns are an excellent source for inspiration
when it comes to construction as well as design
techniques. Many elements can be adapted for
evening wear and sometimes day dresses.
A wedding is one of the most signifcant events in
a womans life. For hundreds of years and in many
societies, brides have worn elaborate ceremonial
robes that range from richly colored and brightly
embroidered native costumes to royal robes woven
with threads of gold and silver embellished with
precious metals and jewels.
Many of todays most popular wedding customs
began during the reign of Queen Victoria. For
her marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg in
1840, the young monarch chose a simple white
dress. Fabricated from heavy silk satin woven in
Spitalfelds, England, and trimmed with handmade
Honitan lace, it was austere when compared to the
elaborate, ostentatious gowns of silver tissue worn
by her predecessors.
Te young monarch deliberately selected English
fabrics and laces that would promote the countrys
textile industries, which had sufered as a result of
the industrial revolution. Te Queens choices were
an enormous success. Stylish and elegant, the dress
created a demand, which continues even today, for
beautiful white wedding gowns with an abundance
of lace trims.
Another signifcant development around this
time was the invention of the sewing machine in
1846. It had a profound and unexpected efect on
dressmaking. Instead of shortening and simplifying
the dressmaking process, the arrival of the sewing
machine encouraged the use of more elaborate
trims. By the end of the century when the passion
for decoration reached its peak, wedding gowns
were elaborately trimmed with a variety of ornate
embellishments such as fringe, braid, pleating,
shirring, and laces.
Among notable bridal gowns of the past century
was that of Princess Elizabeth for her 1947
wedding. Te gown took 350 workers at the House
of Hartnell in London seven weeks to make. Even
though Great Britain was still experiencing major
shortages and rationing because of the war, the dress
was a show of extravagance. Te satin dress and
15-yd. tulle train were richly embroidered with
10,000 imported pearls and crystals (the princess
and her bridesmaids were allowed extra rationing
coupons). Te train was attached at the shoulders
with buttons and loopsa nice detail for
modern brides.
By contrast, Princess Margarets 1960 bridal
gown, also designed by Hartnell, was a simple,
V-neck princess-line design trimmed only
with a narrow bias binding. Made of 30 yds. of
diaphanous silk, its 12-gore skirt fared into an
attractive bell shape supported by numerous layers
of silk tulle and stif nylon net. An inverted pleat
at center back allowed the skirt to open for sitting
and fall back into place when the princess stood,
covering the wrinklesanother interesting design
idea for home sewers.
Princess Dianas 1981 bridal gown was
unforgettable and, like Queen Victorias dress,
designed to bolster English textiles. Te dress
featured two ruf esone silk and one lace
around a gently curved neckline, very full sleeves
trimmed with embroidered ruf es and lace, and
sequin- and pearl-studded lace panels on the front
and back. It was fabricated in ivory silk tafeta,
which was woven especially for the occasion and
trimmed with Carrickmacross lace. Te boufant
skirt was supported by a petticoat with numerous
layers of tulle over very crisp nylon net. Te
gown created an immediate demand for the look,
described as dressed-up peasant.
In the weeks before the wedding, the princess
lost weight, so several toiles and partial toiles were
made during this period. Te actual cutting and
making of the dress was delayed until a couple
weeks before the wedding to ensure the most
accurate ft, since there was a limited amount of the
specially woven silk available.
wedding dreSS deSignS
Wedding dresses have several elements which difer
from traditional special occasion dresses. Te two
most outstanding are the train and how it is attached
and the design of the back as well as the front of the
dress. Secondary considerations include trims, the
designclassic or avant garde, the image the bride
wants to have, the incorporation of fabrics, laces, or
beading from an older dress, and lastly, whether the
dress will be incorporated into the brides wardrobe
or preserved for a daughter or granddaughter.
the train. Te train can be cut as part of the skirt
or as a separate section which can be removed
easily for dancing. When it is cut on the skirt,
X
X
embroidered with pearls,
glass beads, and silver
thread, this dress was
made by lanvin in 1925.
on the skirt, godets are
outlined with beading; on
the bodice, the double-
oval motif leads to a larger
design just below the waist.
This large motif would
have been covered by the
brides bouquet during
the ceremony.
(Photo courtesy of the Chicago
History Museum.)
various methods such as buttons and loops, hooks
and eyes, and internal ties can be used to raise the
train to create a bustle efect. Many cut-on trains
will wrinkle less and drape better when a dust
rufe is sewn to the underside. Te skewed rufe
makes a nice frm rufe.
A practical solution is to design a detachable
train which can extend from the shoulders, the
waist, or anywhere in between. Te dress at left
has a detachable train, which provides interesting
contrast. Te train is a simple rectangle that
attaches inconspicuously at the waist. Once
the train is removed, the dress can be added
to the brides wardrobe and worn for other
special occasions.
Back designs. During the wedding ceremony, the
back of the dress is much more visible than the
front. Many dresses are embellished with elaborate
trains, as on the Lanvin dress on p. 237; and even
simple designs might have a vertical row of buttons
and loops at the back.
trims. Trims for wedding dresses can run the
gamut from small lace inserts or beaded trims to
lavishly embellished dresses. Te richly embellished
dress from the 1920s shown at left, facing page,
provides an interesting contrast in styles. Te
turquoise silk crepe features Egyptian-inspired
embroideries, which were very popular in the
mid-1920s after the discovery of King Tuts tomb
in 1922. Te simple silhouette, also typical of the
twenties, would have allowed the bride to include
the dress in her wardrobe for special occasions.
For professionals and home-sewers, the success
of the bridal gown depends as much on advance
planning as on the amount of money spent. Te
design can be traditional or high-tech, but whatever
its style, it should ft and fatter the fgure, hang
perfectly without wrinkling and make the bride look
as special as she feels. Making a toile for a wedding
gown is crucial for a perfect ft and a fattering
design. It also provides an opportunity to practice
Designed to showcase two beautifully beaded motifs,
this elegant wedding gown is fabricated in silk velvet;
it has a softly shirred panel at the hips with the
decorative beading at each side. Beaded with pearl
and crystals, the embellishment was done on a light
backing, then applied to the dress.
Made of lightweight silk crepe, this exquisite dress
from 1927 is designed with four panels separated
by shorter pleats. The panels are embellished
with heavy bead and thread embroidery, which is
not only decorative but also serves as a weight.
This 1900 evening gown by
Charles Frederick Worth,
is one of my favorite
dresses. With exquisite
fabric and impeccable
craftsmanship, this dress
is the essence of haute
couture and an inspiration
for all who enjoy the art and
craft of sewing.
(Photo by David Arky, courtesy of the
Museum of the City of New York, gift of
Mrs. Donald P. Spence.)
new techniques and prevents overhandling
the gown during its construction. Choosing
the right backing and interfacing materials
as well as making a corselette or appropriate
underpinning are also important for the
gowns success (see pp. 62, 126, and 222 for
information on backings and interfacings, and
p. 229 for information on making a corselette).
I could never aford to purchase a couture
garment; but I can create my own, and so
can you. A beautiful, tailored jacket, blouse,
or designer wedding gown is a series of
basic couture techniques. Yes, couture
requires time and patience, but very few
of the techniques in this book are difcult
and many utilize skills that you already
have. If you can sew, you can sew couture.
240
Applied-welt pocket: See Set-in pocket.
Armscye: Armhole.
Atelier flou: Dressmaking workroom.
Atelier tailleur: Tailoring workroom
Backing: Layer of support fabric applied to the
wrong side of a garment section before the seam is
sewn; called the underlining in home sewing.
Balance lines: Horizontal and vertical lines marked
on the garment or muslin pattern to aid in ftting the
garment.
Basting(s): Sewing temporary stitches into the
garment for marking or holding fabric layers together
until theyre permanently stitched; also, the threads
that are basted and generally removed before pressing.
Bespoke: English term describing a garment cut
from a pattern custom-made for an individual client.
Bias: True bias refers to a hypothetical line at a
45 angle to the lengthwise grain of the fabric.
Generally the term bias refers to any line thats of-
grain but, in this book, it is used to mean true bias.
Blind buttonhole: Decorative, nonfunctional
buttonhole that can be either handworked (in which
case the opening is not cut) or bound (in which case,
the facing is not cut).
Bobbinet: Cotton tulle used for corselettes and
sometimes called English net.
Bound buttonhole: Buttonhole made with fabric
strips.
Bound pocket: See Set-in pocket.
Breakpoint: Beginning of the roll line on the front
edge of the jacket.
Bridle: Roll line on a tailored jacket or coat; also the
tape applied to roll line.
Canvas: Hair canvas interfacing; also, the inner
structure of interfacings and backing of a tailored
garment.
Catchstitch: Hand-sewn stitch that looks like an X
and is used for sewing one edge or layer fat against
another.
CB: Center back.
CF: Center front.
Chambre syndicale de la couture parisienne:
Parisian High Fashion Syndicate, the organization
governing the French haute couture industry.
Collar fall: Section of collar between the roll line and
outer edge.
Collar linen: Crisp interfacing used in tailoring,
sometimes called collar or French canvas.
Collar stand: Section of collar between the roll line
and neckline.
Cording a buttonhole: Supporting and enhancing
the appearance of a bound or handworked buttonhole
with cord or several strands of thread inserted into
the welts of a bound buttonhole or laid around the
opening of a handworked buttonhole and covered
with buttonhole stitches.
Couching: Embroidery technique for securing
cords, threads or braids laid in decorative patterns
on a fabrics surface by sewing over them with fne,
inconspicuous, or decorative thread.
Couturier: French term for a male or female designer
at a couture house.
Couturire: A French seamstress or dressmaker,
occasionally used to describe a female couturier.
Creaseline: Synonym for roll line.
Crossgrain: Te weft yarns in fabric, which cross
the vertical warp yarns and are at a right angle to the
selvage.
Dart take-up: Te fabric between the stitching lines
of a dart, which is stitched out on fnished garment.
Dauber: Small roll of muslin or wool, dipped in
water and used to apply moisture to sections of a
garment for pressing.
Domette: Synonym for lambswool.
Ease: To join two garment sections unequal in length,
smoothly without gathers or pleats; also, a small
amount of fabric fullness on one garment section,
making it longer than the section it joins. Ease is used
Selected Glossary of Terms
241 s e l e c t e d gl os s a r y of t e r ms
to provide shaping on the sleeve cap, back shoulder,
bust, and skirt waist.
Edgestitch: Row of stitching positioned about
1
16 in.
from an edge or seamline.
Embroidered buttonhole: Same as Handworked
buttonhole.
Face: Right side of the fabric or outside of the garment.
Fell: Inconspicuous stitch used for hemming,
seaming, and basting; also, to sew with a fell stitch,
generally from the right side of the fabric.
Finger-press: Light pressing of the fabric with the
fngertips after it has been steamed.
Fitting: In couture, the term refers to the several
sessions in which the client tries on the garment,
whose ft is checked and adjusted as needed.
Flange: Pleat extending from the shoulder at the
armscye.
Fulling: Adding fullness to the garment lining
or backing so that the frmly woven lining or
backing fabrics will not pull at the seams or restrict
movement; also, the process of easing lapel facings
to the jacket fronts or the collar to the undercollar to
build shape into the garment.
Garment body: Garment front and back, excluding
the sleeves.
Gorge line: Seamline that joins the collar and lapel.
Grainline: Direction of the yarns in the fabrics
weave; the lengthwise, straight, or vertical grain is
that of the lengthwise warp threads; the crossgrain,
crosswise grain, or horizontal grain is that of the
crossing weft threads. Unless otherwise specifed,
grainline in this book refers to the lengthwise grain.
Grosgrain: A frmly woven ribbon with crossgrain ribs.
Ground: Background material for appliqu,
embroidery, and beading.
Handworked or hand buttonhole: Buttonhole
worked with thread and a buttonhole stitch.
Holding short: Shaping the garment to ft the contours
of the body by holding one edge taut while basting.
Hong Kong finish: Home-sewing term to describe a
bias-binding seam fnish.
Hymo: Type of hair canvas, available in several weights.
Inseam pocket: See Set-in pocket.
Interfacing: Layer of support fabric between the
garment and facing, generally applied at the garment
to add body and stabilize the edge.
Lambswool: Soft, knitted fabric with feece on one or
both sides, used for interfacing and backing.
Matchpoints: Marked points on seamlines that are
aligned when the garment is assembled. In home
sewing, matchpoints are marked by notches on cutting
edges and with circles or squares on seamlines.
Miter: Diagonal seamline at a corner; also, to join two
edges at an angle.
Muslin: Inexpensive, plain-weave cotton fabric
available in several weights and used for making
toiles; also, the muslin toile itself.
Neckpoint: Point on the body at the base of the neck
where the shoulder begins.
Notch: Angle formed where the collar joins the lapel.
Padstitch: Small diagonal stitches used in tailoring
to sew two layers together to shape or add body to a
garment section.
Petersham: Belting material similar to grosgrain
but slightly heavier and crisper, used for interfacing,
facings, and stays.
Plain-weave silk: Silk such as China silk, silk
muslin, and silk organza with a plain weave, which is
generally used for linings, backings, underpinnings,
blouses, and some dresses.
Premire datelier : Head of a couture workroom,
usually a woman (premier refers to a male head of a
workroom, usually a tailoring atelier).
Press: To apply heat and sometimes moisture to
fatten or permanently set a seam, hem, or other part
of a garment or garment section. In this book, the
instruction press the seam generally means frst to
press it fat as sewn then to press it open.
242 s e l e c t e d glos s a r y of t e r ms
Rever: Lapel.
Roll line: Creaseline that separates a jacket front from
the lapel.
Round corners: To trim and transform a square
corner into one with a gentle curve.
RS: Right side of the fabric, garment, or garment
section.
Rucks: Valleys between ridges of gathers.
Running stitch: Permanent stitch used for seams,
tucks, gathers, and quilting, which can be even or
uneven and long or short; sometimes called a forward
stitch.
Seam slippage: Undesirable separation of fabric
yarns at seamlines when stressed.
Set: Term used in ftting to describe how a garment
sits on the body; also, a pressing a pressing term
meaning to establish the permanent position of an
edge or other part of a garment; also, to sew or apply
one section to another.
Set-in pocket: Bound, inseam, or applied-welt
pocket, which is set into a seam or slash in the
garment body.
Shape: To shrink or stretch a garment section with
heat and moisture.
Shell: Outside part of garment, not the lining.
Shell fabric: Garment fabric.
Shoulder point: Point on the body at the end of the
shoulder seam.
Sleeve cap: Section of the sleeve above the under-
arm seam.
Sleeve head: Strip of wadding or interfacing used to
support the sleeve cap; sometimes called a leadder.
Slipstitch: Stitch made from the right side of the
fabric and used both for basting (and then called
slipbasting) and for permanently sewing seams
that are intricately shaped or need to have patterns
matched or be eased.
Sloper: Very ftted, basic muslin garment, used as
a guide for adjusting the ft of other garments, for
developing other designs and for padding a dress
form; in French, referred to as a toile de corps.
Stay: Tape sewn to an edge or seam to prevent it
from stretching; also, a small piece of interfacing
used to reinforce an area like a pocket opening; also,
a device like lingerie straps used to anchor a garment
and prevent it from shifting unattractively when the
body moves.
Styleline: Te outside edge of a collar, cuf or lapel;
the upper edge of a strapless garment; also, an
unusual pocket opening, hemline, or sleeve edge.
Tailors tacks: Small thread tacks used in tailoring
for marking seamlines and construction matchpoints
on the fabric.
Thread-tracing: A basting stitch used for marking
seamlines and construction matchpoints on the fabric.
Toile: A ftting garment made of muslin for an
individual client or a new design; also, the pattern this
ftting garment produces.
Toile de corps: See Sloper.
Top-baste: To baste on the right side of the garment
through all layers in order to hold a seam, dart, or
edge fat for sewing, pressing, or ftting.
Topstitch: Row of stitching that show on outside of
garment.
Underlining: See Backing.
Underpinnings: Undergarments such as foundations,
petticoats, and corselettes that are necessary to
support a design.
Utica linen: Closely woven linen used for interfacing.
Vent: Finished opening at one end of seam, used at
the wrist edge of sleeves and at the hemline of some
jackets and skirts.
Wadding: Cotton batting with a slick fnish on one or
both sides, used for making padding, shoulder pads,
and sleeve heads.
Wheel: To trace markings on cut or uncut fabric, the
muslin toile or paper patterns with a dressmakers
tracing wheel.
Wigan: Cotton interfacing used in tailoring.
WS: Wrong side of the fabric, garment, or garment
section.
243
in. = 3 mm 9 in. = 23 cm
in. = 6 mm 10 in. = 25.5 cm
in. = 1 cm 12 in. = 30.5 cm
in. = 1.3 cm 14 in. = 35.5 cm
in. = 1.5 cm 15 in. = 38 cm
in. = 2 cm 16 in. = 40.5 cm
in. = 2.2 cm 18 in. = 45.5 cm
1 in. = 2.5 cm 20 in. = 51 cm
2 in. = 5 cm 21 in. = 53.5 cm
3 in. = 7.5 cm 22 in. = 56 cm
4 in. = 10 cm 24 in. = 61 cm
5 in. = 12.5 cm 25 in. = 63.5 cm
6 in. = 15 cm 36 in. = 92 cm
7 in. = 18 cm 45 in. = 114.5 cm
8 in. = 20.5 cm 60 in. = 152 cm
Metric Equivalency Chart
One inch equals approximately 2.54 centimeters. To convert inches to centi-
meters, multiply the figure in inches by 2.54 and round off to the nearest
half centimeter, or use the chart below, whose figures are rounded off (one
centimeter equals ten millimeters).
244
EMBELLISHMENTS
Bryant, Jan. Tambour Beading. Treads 44
(December 1992): 5053.
Caulfeild, S.F.A. and Blanche C. Saward. Encyclopedia
of Victorian Needlework. New York: Dover
Publications, 1972. (Good section on embroidery.)
de Dillmont, Trse. Te Complete Encyclopedia
of Needlework. Philadelphia: Running Press, 1978.
(Good embroidery information; available from
Lacissee Sources of Supply.)
Jarratt, Maisie. How to Bead: French Embroidery
Beading. Kenthurst, Australia: Kangaroo Press, 1991.
(Available from Lacissee Sources of Supply.)
Lefngwell, Jeanne. A Tousand Points of Light.
Treads 30 (August 1990): 3841.
Morgan, Mary, and Dee Mosteller. Trapunto and
Other Forms of Raised Quilting. New York: Charles
Scribners Sons, 1977.
Tompson, Angela. Embroidery with Beads. London:
B.T. Batsford Ltd., 1987.
FASHIoN HISToRy
AND HAUTE CoUTURE
Arch, Nigel, and Joanna Marschner. Te Royal
Wedding Dresses. London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1990.
Batterberry, Michael and Ariane. Mirror, Mirror. New
York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1977.
Bertin, Clia. Paris la Mode. London: Victor
Gollancz Ltd., 1956.
Boucher, Franois. 20,000 Years of Fashion. New
York: Harry N. Abrams, nd.
Charles, Regan. La Creme de la Hem. Avenue 13, 6
( January 1989): 94107.
Coleman, Elizabeth Ann. Te Genius of Charles James.
Brooklyn: Te Brooklyn Museum, 1982.
Contini, Mila. Fashion from Ancient Egypt to the
Present Day. New York: Odyssey Press, 1965.
Cumming, Valerie. Royal Dress. New York: Holmes &
Meier, 1989.
de Marly, Diana. Te History of Haute Couture 1850
1950. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd., 1980.
de Pietri, Stephen, and Melissa Leventon. New
Look to Now: French Haute Couture 194787. San
Francisco: Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, 1989.
Deslandres, Yvonne, and Florence Mller. Histoire de
la mode au XXe sicle. Paris: Somogy, 1986.
Dior, Christian. Christian Dior and I. New York: E. P.
Dutton & Co., 1954.
Garfnkel, Stanley. Completely Dior. Cleveland: Telos
Video Communications, 1987. Videotape.
. Unpublished interview with Henriette Moon
and Mrs. William Randolph Hearst.
Givenchy: 30 Years. New York: Fashion Institute of
Technology, 1982.
Jones, Kevin and Christina Johnson. High Style
Catalogue. Los Angeles: Fashion Institute of Design
and Merchandising, 2009.
Lambert, Eleanor. World of Fashion: People, Places,
Resources. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1976.
Laver, James. Costume. New York: Hawthorn Books,
1963. Reprint. New York: Dover Publications.
Long, Timothy. Dior: Te New Look. Chicago, IL:
Chicago History Museum, 2006.
. I Do: Chicago Ties the Knot. Chicago, IL:
Chicago History Museum, 2010.
Bibliography
245 b i b l i ogr a p hy
. Chic Chicago. Chicago, IL: Chicago History
Museum, 2008
Lynam, Ruth, ed. Couture. New York: Doubleday and
Company, 1972.
Man and the Horse. New York: Metropolitan
Museum of Art, 1984.
Martin, Richard, and Harold Koda. Flair: Fashion
Collected by Tina Chow. New York: Rizzoli
International Publications, 1992.
Milbank, Caroline R. Couture: Te Great Designers.
New York: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1985.
Mulvagh, Jane. Te Vogue History of 20th-Century
Fashion. London: Viking, 1988.
OHara, Georgina. Te Encyclopaedia of Fashion.
London: Tames and Hudson, 1986.
Penn, Irving, and Diana Vreeland. Inventive Paris
Clothes, 19091939. New York: Viking Press, 1977.
Picken, Mary Brooks, and Dora Loues Miller.
Dressmakers of France. New York: Harper & Brothers,
Publishers, 1956.
Steele, Valerie. Paris Fashion: A Cultural History. New
York: Oxford University Press, 1988.
. Women of Fashion: Twentieth Century Designers.
New York: Rizzoli International Publications, 1991.
Steele, Valerie, Patricia Mears, and Clare Sauro.
Ralph Rucci: Te Art of Weightlessness. New York: Yale
University Press, 2007.
White, Palmer. Te Master Touch of Lesage. Rungis,
France: Chene, 1987.
Wilcox, Claire, and Valerie Mendes. Modern Fashion
in Detail. London: Victoria & Albert Museum, 1991.
Yohannan, Kohle. Valentina: American Couture and
the Cult of Celebrity. New York: Rizzoli, 2009.
Yves Saint Laurent. New York: Metropolitan Museum
of Art, 1983.
FITTING
Amaden-Crawford, Connie. Te Art of Fashion
Draping. New York: Fairchild Publications, 1989.
Bray, Natalie. Dress Fitting. London: Granada,
1978. (Distributed by Sheridan House, 145 Palisade
St., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522.)
Hilhouse, Marion S., and Evelyn A. Mansfeld. Dress
Design: Draping and Flat Pattern Making. Boston:
Houghton Mifin, 1948.
Joseph-Armstrong, Helen. Draping for Apparel
Design. New York: Fairchild Publications, 2000.
King, Judith E. Te Custom Dress Form. Dayton,
Ohio: Designing Lady Studio (325 Maysfeld Rd.),
1989.
Kopp, Ernestine, et al. How to Draft Basic Patterns.
New York: Fairchild Publications, 1991.
Liechty, Elizabeth L., et al. Fitting & Pattern
Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach. New York:
Fairchild Publications, 1986.
Stern, Suzanne Pierrette. Padding a Dress Form.
Treads 44 (December 1992): 3537.
246 b i b l i ogr a p hy
SEWING AND
PRESSING TECHNIqUES
Cabrera, Roberto, and Patricia Flaherty Meyers.
Classic Tailoring Techniques: A Construction Guide for
Womens Wear. New York: Fairchild Publications,
1984.
Cofn, David. Irons, Boards and Presses. Treads 10
(April 1987): 4043.
di Bello, Angelina. Haute Couture Techniques.
Montreal: Angelina di Bello, 1990.
Hopkins, J. C. Edwardian Ladies Tailoring: Te
Twentieth-Century System of Ladies Garment Cutting.
4th ed. Reprint, edited by R. L. Shep. Mendocino,
Calif.: R. L. Shep, 1990. (Available from Lacissee
Sources of Supply.)
Kennett, Frances. Secrets of the Couturiers.
London: Orbis, 1982.
Liberty, J. E. Practical Tailoring. New York:
Pitman Publishing Corporation, 1955.
Mansfeld, Evelyn A. Clothing Construction.
Boston: Houghton Mifin Co., 1953.
Mauck, Frances F. Modern Tailoring for Women. New
York: Macmillan Company, 1947.
Picken, Mary Brooks. Te Language of Fashion.
New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1939.
Poulin, Clarence. Tailoring Suits the Professional Way.
Peoria, Ill.: Chas. A. Bennett Co., 1953.
Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing.
Pleasantville, N.Y.: Te Readers Digest Association,
1976.
Rhodes, Elizabeth A. Charles Kleibacker.
Unpublished manuscript.
Shaefer, Claire B. Claire Shaefers Custom Couture
Patterns. New York: Vogue Patterns, a division the
McCall Pattern Co.
. Claire Shaefers Fabric Sewing Guide. 2nd ed.
Cincinnatti, OH: Krause Publications, 2008.
. Te Complete Book of Sewing Short Cuts.
New York: Sterling Publishing Co., 1981.
. Couture Techniques Workshop: Basics with Claire
Shaefer (DVD). Newtown, CT: Te Taunton Press,
Inc., 2010.
. Sew Any Patch Pocket. Radnor, Pa.:
Chilton Book Co., 1989.
. Sew Any Set-In Pocket. Radnor, Pa.:
Chilton Book Co., 1989.
Treads Magazine Archive 19852009 (DVD).
Newtown, CT: Te Taunton Press, Inc., 2009.
Vogue Sewing. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers,
1980.
Wilson, J. King. Te Art of Cutting and Fitting.
London: Crosby Lockwood & Son, Ltd., 1950.
Yanagi, Amy, ed. Fit and Fabric. Newtown, CT:
Te Taunton Press, Inc., 1991.
. Great Sewn Clothes. Newtown, CT:
. Jackets, Coats and Suits. Newtown, CT:
247
Resources
TAILoRING SUPPLIES,
INTERFACINGS, INDUSTRIAL
IRoNS & PRESSING TooLS,
DRESS FoRMS, THREADS
Atlanta Thread
& Supply Co.
695 Red Oak Rd.
Stockbridge, GA 30281
(800) 847-1001
www.atlantathread.com
Banaschs
3380 Red Bank Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45227
(800) 543-0355
www.banaschs.com
B. Black & Sons
548 S. Los Angeles St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(800) 433-1546
www.bblackandsons.com
All supplies except dress forms.
Greenberg & Hammer
535 8th Ave., Rm 6N
New York, NY 10018
(800) 955-5135
www.gianuzzi.com
Boning, weights and chain,
horsehair braid and
tracing paper.
G Street Fabrics
5520 Randolph Rd.
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 231-8998
www.gstreetfabrics.com
Lacis
2982 Adeline St.
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 843-7178
Lacismuseum.org
Books, needles, tambour hooks,
threads, cotton tulle.
Michaels Fabrics
www.michaelsfabrics.com
Sawyer Brook
Distinctive Fabrics
P.O. Box 700
Clinton, MA 01510
(800) 290-2739
www.sawyerbrook.com
Things Japanese
9805 NE 116th St.
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 821-2287
www.silkthings.com
Silk threads.
Wawak
P.O. Box 8589
Endwell, NY 13762
(800) 654-2235
www.wawak.com
United Kingdom
MacCulloch & Wallis
2526 Dering St.
London W1S 1AT
England
(44) 20-7629 0311
www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk
FABRICS AND
MISCELLANEoUS
SUPPLIES
Apple Annie
Designer Fabrics
566 Wilbur Ave.
Swansea, MA 02777
(866) 675-9844
www.appleanniefabrics.com
Britex
146 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-2910
www.britexfabrics.com
Cotton tulle, interfacings,
lambswool, cotton batting.

248
Index
A
Abutted seam, 40, 51
Accessories, 19
Adrian, Gilbert, 14, 146, 230
Amies, Hardy, 9, 76
Andr, Adeline, 8
Applied-welt pockets, 16871
Appliqu
darts, 59
lace-on-fabric, 2013
redesign, 21213
seam, 41, 47, 4951
sewing, 22931
Armani, Giorgio, 8, 17
Armscye bias facing, 79
Assembling garment, 4243
Atelier, 11, 1718
B
Backing
darts, 59
dresses, 62, 12627, 130
jackets, 17778
shaping, 62
Backstitch, 29, 3233
Balenciaga, Cristobal
coat, 10
dresses, 15, 77, 141, 213
fabric, 910, 18
Balmain, Pierre, 8, 14
Basting seams, 4142, 185
Basting stitches, 2831
Beading, 23, 23234
Belle poque, 12, 14
Belt loops, 123
Bias
appliqu, 23031
binding, 4445, 80, 82
dresses, 58, 71, 13335
facing, 7879
neckline sagging, 55
stays, 186
See also specific type
Binding, 4445, 80, 8285
Blanket stitch, 36
Blindstitch, 35
Blouse hem, 75
Blouses
appliqu seam, 49
Chanel, Coco, 24
design, 13537
godets, 134
lace, 199
skirt, attaching to, 13233
Coats
Balenciaga, Cristobal, 10
Poiret, Paul, 15, 160
Collars, 18790, 206
Concealed placket, 8990
Conversion chart, 243
Corded facing, 79
Corners, 5657, 8081
Correspondent Members, 8
Corsets, 13, 22428
Couching stitch, 232
Couture, haute. See Haute couture
Craftsmanship, 11, 17
Cross-stitch, 31, 33
Cuffs
blouses, 15253
jackets, 197, 208
pants, 12223
Curves, reverse, 5758
Cutting garment, 42, 20910
D
Darts
backed, 59
balanced, 60
converting to ease, 6061
double-pointed, 59
fell stitch, 59
interfacing, 59
stitching over, 53
De la Renta, Oscar, 8, 17, 140
Del Castillo, Antonio Canovas, 203
Design
croquis, 1718
ordering, 19, 22
transferring, 235
Diagonal stitch, 3031, 34
Dior, Christian
coat lining, 155
fabrication number, 23
influence, 5
kick pleat, 120
Mexico (1953), 17, 220
New Look, 14
overcasting, 44
silk taffeta dress, 11
Double placket, 91
Doucet, Jacques, 13
Draping pattern, 42
Draw stitch, 33
Dresses
Amies, Hardy, 76
backing, 12627, 130
beaded, 238, 239
bias-cut, 13335
blouse/skirt dress, 13233
Bohan, Marc, 86, 103
sleeves, 15053
wool, 208
Bobergh, Gustof, 12
Bocher, Main, 9
See also Mainbocher
Bodice, fitting, 12829, 226
Bohan, Marc, 86, 103, 113, 131
Bolduc, 23
Boning, 137, 22324, 226
Booster, sleeve, 157
Bound slit, 8889
Boyish look, 1314
Braced seam, 58
Bridal gowns, 23639
Bust enhancers, 228
Buttons
buttonholes, 36, 9197, 180
Chanel-inspired, 99100
closures, 91100
fabric-covered, 11
finishing buttonhole, 94
loops, 9799
patch method, 9293
sewing, 100
Buttressed seam, 201, 221
C
Callot Surs, 13
Cap, sleeve, 156
Cappucci, Roberto, 62
Cardin, Pierre, 15, 16, 16, 130
Carnegie, Hattie, 14
Castillo, 49, 205
Catchstick, 35
Chambre syndicale de la couture
parisienne, 8, 12
Chanel, Coco
appliqu, 231
blouse, 24
buttons, ornate, 11, 99100
Chanelisms, 19497
cuffs, 197, 208
dresses, 14, 107, 207, 214
garment number, 23
inverted pleats, 119
jacket, 64
Linton Tweeds, 10
pockets, 158
suit, 195
Closures
buttons, 91100
hooks and eyes, 1045
snaps, 105
zippers, 100104
Note: Bold page numbers indicate a photo, and italicized page numbers indicate an
illustration. (Only one bold or italicized number of a page range indicates at least one
photo or illustration.)
249 i Nd e X
brocade, 6
Cappucci, Roberto, 62
Cardin, Pierre, 16
Chanel, Coco, 107, 214
Dior, Christian, 5, 11, 220
fitting, 126, 226
gown, afternoon, 12
hem, 71
history, 12526
invisible seam, 45
lace, 203
overcasting, 44
prt--porter, 216
sack dress, 15
shields, 143
silk taffeta, 11
special occasion, 21439
strapless, 9, 10
trapeze, 15, 127, 205
underpinnings, 13031
Ungaro, Emanuel, 58, 124
Vionnet, Madeleine, 15
waistlines, 13132, 22224
See also Evening gowns; Wedding
gowns
E
Eased seam, 5354, 6061
Edelstein, Victor, 213
Edges
finishes, 6785
necklines, 2034
shrinking, 65
taping, 17980
Embellishment, 23, 22831
See also Trim; specific type
Embroidery, 23132, 235
Enclosed seam, 53
English seam. See French seam
Evening gowns
brocade, 6
Callot Surs, 13
James, Charles, 10
Mori, Hanae, 212
Pacquin, Jeanne, 1213
pantaloons, 217
Petal ballgown, 15
Rucci, Ralph, 16
strapless, 9
Swan ball gown, 10
Valentina, 19
F
Fabric, 2, 9, 10, 2013, 21011, 213
Facing, 7579, 11113, 18086
False French seam, 45
Fashion trends, 13, 17, 19
Fath, Jacques, 1415
Felled hem, 7475
Fell stitch, 3334, 59
Figure-8 knot, 28, 29
Finish
binding ends, 85, 209
buttonholes, 94
hems, 218
invisible, 45
silk binding, 45
stay ends, 141, 222
See also Edges
jackets, 173
skirts, 10910
tops, 12526
Hooks and eyes, 1045
Horsehair braid hem, 73
House of Chanel. See Chanel, Coco
House of Worth. See Worth, Charles
Frederick
I
I. Magnin Custom Salon, 5, 212
Interfacing
collars, 206
dress, 62
hem, 7273
jacket, 172, 17478
sewing darts, 59
shaping, 62
Intersecting seams, 5253
Inverted pleats, 115, 117
J
Jackets
Chanel, Coco, 64, 195
diagram, 175
finishing, 18894
fitting, 18788, 190, 193
Greenburgh, Gilbert Adrian, 38
history, 173
lining, 19094
Saint Laurent, Yves, 95, 176
stretching, 64
tailoring, 17494
Ungaro, Emanuel, 187
Valentino, 176
James, Charles, 10, 14, 15
K
Kick pleat, 120
Kleibacker, Charles, 55, 133
Knots
backstitches, 29
beginnings, 28
figure-8, 29
simple, 29
tailors, 28, 29
waste, 29
L
Lace, 47, 4950, 199206
Lachasse, 145
Lacroix, Christian, 8, 16
Lagerfeld, Karl, 16
Lapels, 17879, 181, 185
Lapped seam, 4041, 4647, 200
Laroche, Guy, 6
La Schiap, 14
Lauren, Ralph, 17
Left-hand sewers, 29
Lining
jackets, 19094
quilted, 19596
shaping, 21617, 22224
stays, 194, 22224
Linton Tweeds, 10
Louis, Jean, 14
M
Machine sewing, 17, 40
Mainbocher
Fit, 11
Fitting, 23, 4243, 11617
See also specific garment
Fly placket, 90
Folds. See Darts
French seam, 40, 5152
See also False French seam
G
Gagelin-Opigez et Cie., 12
Galanos, James, 45
Galante, Maurizio, 8
Galliano, John, 180
Garavani, Valentino. See Valentino
Garonne look, 1314
Garment, marking, 4849
Gathered seam, 54, 56
Gaultier, Jean Paul, 8
Gimbel, Sophie, 14
Givenchy, Hubert de, 810, 1516
Godets, 134
Greenburgh, Gilbert Adrian, 3839,
39
Guest Members, 8
H
Hand-rolled hem, 7374
Hand sewing
advantages, 25
beading, 234
binding, 4445
buttonholes, 9397
ergonomics, 28
facing, 79
hemming, 70
overcasting, 44
prt--porter vs., 17
Hanger loops, 123
Hash, Anne Valrie, 8
Haute couture
Chambre syndicale, 8
collections presented, 17
construction, 23, 3941
definition, 7, 910
history, 8, 1216
laying out flat, 23
members, 8
mis plat, 23
ordering design, 19, 22
prt--porter vs., 2021
prices, 9
sale of garment, 23
Head, sleeve, 15657
Hemmed slit, 88
Hems
bias faced, 75
corners, 8081
eveningwear, 218
hemming stitch, 35
lace, 2045
pants, 12223
poufed, 217
process, 6875
seams, 69
skirts, 11920
special, 218
History
dresses, 12526
haute couture, 8, 1216
250
American style, 14
bias facing, 84
blouse godets, 134
skirt, 108
strapless gown, 9
zipper, 103
Marking garment, 4849
Martin, Maison, 8
Master of the Bias, 55
Matching seams, 5253
Materials, 2628, 61, 247
McCardell, Claire, 14
Measurements, 2, 2223
Metric conversions, 243
Mis plat, 23
Modernizing design, 13
Mori, Hanae, 212
N
Narrow hem, 7375
Narrow plain seam, 43, 45
Necklines
bias, 55
boning, 137
edges, 2034, 210
harnesses, 13940
square, 139
stays, 13739
Needles, 26, 28
New Look collection, 5
New York workroom, 18
Norell, Norman, 14, 96
o
Ordering design, 19, 22, 23
Overblouses, 136
Overcasting, 44
Overcasting stitch, 3536
Overskirts, 21921
P
Pacquin, Jeanne, 1213
Pants, 15, 12123
Paris, 8, 12, 17
Parisian High Fashion Syndicate, 8
Passage, 23
Passementerie, 23132
Patch pockets, 15962
Patou, Jean, 1314, 16
Patterns, 42, 50, 2056, 21112
Permanent stitches, 3137
Pin hem, 74
Plackets, 8891, 1034, 15152
Plain hem, 68, 7072
Plain seam, 4046
Pleats, 14142, 2089
Pockets
patch, 15962
set-in, 159, 16371
Poiret, Paul, 13, 15, 160
Pressing, 61, 6364
Prt--porter, 15, 17, 2021, 216
Prices, 9
Prick and pounce method, 235
Prints, 14, 21112
Production book, 19
Prototypes, 18, 22
q
Quilting, 19596
shaping, 14850, 154
tailored, 15355
types, 14548
Slip basting, 31
Slipstitch, 33
Slits, 8889
Snaps, 105
Snow, Carmel, 14
Sorbier, Franck, 8
Stabstitch, 34
Stays, 5455, 13742, 140, 194, 222
Stitches
fell, 3334, 59
permanent, 3137
tailors tacks, 4849
temporary, 2831
thread tracing, 4849
Stretching, 64, 65
Stripes, 20610
Suits, 121, 230, 232
Supplies, 2628, 61, 247
T
Taping edges, 17980
Thread, 2729, 235
Tools, 26, 61, 247
Topstitching, 1034, 197
Trapeze dresses, 15, 127, 205
Trim, 11, 23, 197, 23839
Tucks, 234, 236
U
Underlap extension, 225
Underskirts, 21921
Ungaro, Emanuel, 16, 58, 124, 187
V
Valentina
evening gown, 19
Valentino
blouse, 135
double placket, 91
jacket, 176
Vionnet, Madeleine, 10, 13, 15
W
Waistbands, 11013, 14041
Wedding gowns, 23639
Weights, 19798
Whipped seam, 46
Whipstitch, 34
Worth, Charles Frederick
buttons, 11
corded facing, 79
gown, 239
history of haute couture, 8, 12
House of Worth, 12, 210
label, 23
neckline, 210
y
YSL. See Saint Laurent, Yves
Z
Zippers, 100104, 16366
R
Ready-to-wear, 15, 17, 2021, 216
Reverse corners, 5657, 58
Reverse curve, 5758
Ribbon seam, 201
Rolland, Stphane, 8
Rucci, Ralph, 8, 16
Ruffles, skewed, 22122
Running stitch, 32
S
Saab, Elie, 8
Saint Laurent, Yves
bias facing, 85
buttonhole, 95
dresses, 15, 127, 132
expensive fabric, 910
hemline, 217
jackets, 172, 176, 181
pants, 15, 121
placket, 90
pocket, 165, 168, 172
waistband, 111
Scaasi, Arnold, 18
Schiaparelli, Elsa, 14
Seams
bias, 85
eased, 5354, 6061
finish, 4445, 209
intricate, 5258
lace, 200203
lapped, 4652
plain, 4146
staying, 5455
yoke, 202
Selvage, 21011
Shaping
backing, 62
darts, 5861
interfacing, 62
lining, 21617, 22224
pressing, 61, 64
seams, 3958
shrinking, 6465
stretching, 65
Shields, dress, 143
Shoulder pads, 14243
Shrinking, 6465
Simpson, Adele, 216
Sirop, Dominique, 8
Sizing, 22, 23, 226
Skirts
Bohan, Marc, 113
Chanel, Coco, 119
fitting, 11617
history, 10910
joining, 11314
Mainbocher, 108
pleated, 11415, 11820
underskirts, 21921
Slash pockets, 16668
Sleeveless garments, 13637
Sleeves
blouses, 15053
booster, 157
cap, 156
fit, 14748
head, 15657
lining, 155
Taunton Product #077865
Visit www.threadsmagazine.com for more sewing
information and to learn about other Taunton Press books.
Look for other Taunton Press books
wherever books are sold or visit our
website at www.taunton.com.
THE TAUNTON PRESS
63 South Main Street, P.O. Box 5506
Newtown, CT 06470-5506
www.taunton.com
Pp
CLAI RE B. SHAEFFER is an internationally
recognized expert in construction techniques
for haute couture, expensive ready-to-wear,
and historic designs. She is a long-time designer
for Vogue Patterns, a frequent contributor to
Threads magazine, and the author of numerous
books. She lives in Palm Springs, California.
Claire B. Shaeffers authoritative guide
goes beyond couture sewing:

An all-new chapter on designing with
special fabrics

Gorgeous photos, step-by-step
illustrations, and concise technical
instruction

Trade secrets and insider tips from
an international expert on couture
Completely
Revised & Updated
Virn ci.ir. .:u . rorou:u rsrrcr for technique and application,
Claire Shaeer brings one into an haute-couture atelier, where the realm of possibility
has no boundaries. She imparts the secrets of handwork that allow a garment to
become weightless, a wisp of dimension for the wearer. She pays homage to the gods
of the craft and bows to the church of haute couture. Ralph Rucci, designer
CRAFTS & HOBBIES
Get Claire Shaeffers
workshop on DVD.

Couture Sewing Techniques

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Couture Sewing Techniques

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Couture Sewing Techniques

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are some of the techniques discussed in the document?

What are some of the techniques discussed in the document?

What are some of the fashion designers mentioned?

What are some of the fashion designers mentioned?

Couture

Tis book is dedicated to

. See Chapter 12, p. 214,

It allows you to fine-tune most

When making a muslin toile for a bias-cut

Instead of folding the fabric lengthwise as you

Mark the face side of each length with a cross-stitch

Corner the fabric so one end and long edge are

Slip large sheets of dressmakers carbon under

Transfer all stitching lines and matchpoints to

After youve wheeled the entire pattern, remove

Lap-baste the garment centers and any other

Tread-trace the remaining stitching lines and

Machine stitch the dress only after it has been

Try to locate any zippers on the lengthwise grain

All edges should be

The garment centers are

Seams and edges are straight

All hand sewing is even

Fullness at the back shoulder,

The armscye seams are

Sleeve heads are inserted

Lapels and collars are

The collar fits the neck

Darts are balanced with an

Buttons are attached with

Buttonholes are handworked

Linings, usually silk, dont

apply the collar lining

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.