Couture Sewing Techniques, Revised & Updated Paperback – Illustrated, 7 May 2011

I am an advanced beginner seamstress and want to improve the finish of the clothes I make for myself. That is the main reason I bought this book, but I never expected it to be such a joy to read. I went through it from cover to cover yesterday (and there is a LOT of reading in there) and found every page to be informative and well written. I have learned so much about couture clothing and general design in just 24 hours! I'm really excited about trying out some of the techniques Claire highlights. I've already used some of her Vogue patterns which include couture and non-couture techniques, and I always shied away from the couture options because they seemed so intimidating. That won't be the case any more!I'm sure this book will always be a valuable addition to my reference library as well as a joy to read in itself. Anyone who has even a passing interest in improving their skills should get themselves a copy as soon as they possibly can.

I love reading sewing books as much as I love to sew and adding this book to my library is a great addition. The photos and illustrations are very helpful in combination with the written instructions. The instructions are well written in detail, which are lacking in commercial pattern instructions. By reading the first two chapters and in specially the Art of Hand Sewing, one learns the importance of using these stitches which cannot be done with a sewing machine. In the end, your garment will have that quality of professionalism and fit. In comparison to other general sewing books, this one shows details for fitting, shaping with pressing and using interfacings, and design alternatives. It includes all outer garments with chapters on Edge Finishing, Closures, and Pockets. I will read through a section or two of this book before I start a new garment, even before I choose the pattern or fabric. This enables me that start with confidence in the project to see it completed. I am an avid sewer, I prefer sewing my own clothes, and I highly recommend this book to all.

Bought for reference but nice to look and and of course refer to

I really like this book - I have many books on sewing, but couture is so much more, and what a relief to read that couture is 80 per cent basting, ironing and pressing - I thought I must be doing it all wrong (and nobody else takes this long)! Schaeffer begins this book with a message of hope to all 'can't doers' - "if you can sew, you can sew couture." I found the pictures and examples of actual garments truly inspiring and the clarity of explaination throughout a great unraveller of the mystery that accompanies couture techniques. With this finally honed guidance, the only thing stopping you will be your imagination (...and maybe the kids, the housework, your employer..). Make the time to take the time and craft a garment you'll be proud of forever.

I was thrilled with this purchase - it was second hand so cheap and it arrived promptly and in excellent condition - couldn't have asked for more. This book is written by the lady who designs patterns for the Vogue pattern book and there are plenty of tips in relation to couture although I have to admit that I have not made anything couture and I am now on a project to make a Chanel jacket - with the help of this book.

This book is so informative and useful. It has beautiful pictures and very clear diagrams with detailed instructions. It talks you through all the stages of sewing a garment with details of what to do at each stage. There are more written instructions than diagrams or pictures, but this in an in depth account of how to take your sewing to the next level.

Fantastic resource for anybody looking to learn high-quality dressmaking (haute couture) techniques. The book came in handy as soon as I flicked through it and landed on a page on an item I'm currently sewing myself and gave very useful information. The whole book is a gem :)

This books is full of great tips for hand sewing, and some interesting insights of couture world.I have been an amateur sewer for over 20 years but it is good to go back to basics and refresh skills.