Three Great Books on Working with Stretch Fabrics

I have been working a lot more in stretch this year and have been completely inspired by making simple tops out of jersey and wool jersey.

The great thing with stretch is once you have mastered the 'rules' and embraced the overlocker they are super fast to construct and it is possible to do without an overlocker. With very simple shapes it is easy to clone your favourite T shirt and make simple pattern alterations.

There are also some great books now on the market.

I would recommend:

Sew U Home Stretch by Wendy Mullin: This is a great over view which is very much aimed at the beginner. It includes some patterns and is very much about altering patterns to get your own designs. It covers working with the domestic sewing machine, with an overlocker and with a cover stitch machine ( I wish....!). I would say though the patterns did not come up so great as in seams not matching, but I think even so its the best over all introcuction on the market. It wil get you off the starting block.

Drape Drape by Hisako Sato: Has some great Japanese patterns for incredible jersey wear. Very contemporary and some initial information about working with stretch fabrics in the introduction. Drape Drape 2 is in the pipeline and will be published this autumn.

For the pattern cutters out there, the much awaited Pattern Magic Stretch by Tomoko Nakamichi is now out. If you are familiar with there other two books for woven fabrics you will be able to imagine what amazing designs this book covers. This time the book includes foundation block patterns (though be aware they are Japanese so very small). Although not especially my design style, form a pattern drafting perspective this is incredible and really pushes cutting and 3D design.

Coming up this September I have a 'Working with Stretch Fabrics' course. So if you want to dive in with some help from me then get yourself enrolled. This is a 17 week NCFE course running at The Textile Workshop in Sherwood, Nottingham.

Start date: 3rd September 2012 1pm-4pm

Fees: £199 or for some concessions FREE. To book call KarenTaylor: 07809 158606

Wishing you great adventures in stretchland x