Apparel and fashion: technology and techniques Books

Book SynopsisA super-stylish new handbook from Merchant & Mills containing all the answers to sewing’s most frequently asked questions. Providing an overview on the art of sewing, this handy volume is packed with information on the tools and materials you will need, seasoned with homegrown tips on essential good practice. Topics given the full Merchant & Mills treatment range from the planning stages through to putting the finishing touches to your project. Measuring and marking, form (including darts and gathering), seams, ease, hems, interfacing and closures such as buttons and zips are all covered. There is expert advice on using and understanding patterns, performing basic alterations, and of course plenty of tips on making the most of any dressmaker's best friend – the iron. Successful sewing is very achievable: just make sure that you have this book to hand at all times, and bear in mind the Merchant & Mills motto: do it once, do it well.

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Book Synopsis Before appearing on the BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee, Chinelo Bally had never used a sewing pattern. She wowed the judges with her ability to create stylish, fitted garments using a freehand cutting method that was taught to her by an aunt. In Freehand Fashion, Chinelo lets us in to the secret of how she does it. Using a series of basic garment blocks, Chinelo explains how this innovative technique can be used to create a whole wardrobe of fashionable clothes that will fit every shape and size – with no patterns required. Based on a traditional Nigerian technique, Chinelo has developed her own freehand cutting method. The emphasis is on the individual’s own body measurements, and getting the perfect fit. This is a surprisingly simple technique that anyone can learn. No fancy equipment is needed – just a sewing machine, measuring tape, chalk and of course a good pair of scissors. Using step-by-step illustrations, the book shows how to draft, cut and construct the five basic blocks that are used – either singly or in combination – to make every item of clothing in the wardrobe. Once you have your basic blocks, you are ready to tackle the projects – practical garments that are fashionable, modern, stylish and versatile. There are tops, skirts, day dresses and eveningwear. This is an exciting sewing technique that will be brand new to most people, even experienced dressmakers. There really are no limits – and the beauty of this technique is that it can be applied to any body shape.Trade Review'With Chinelo's guidance, I'm inspired to nail freehand drafting' * A Stitching Odyssey *‘All you need to know to get started on freehand cutting’ * Sewing World *‘Packed with bold and striking designs exuding pure elegance and style’ * Simply Homemade *‘A really fresh, elegant book that is packed with luscious images and projects’ * Simply Sewing *‘The Sewing Bee’s most glamorous star’ * Sew *

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Book SynopsisWith The Fashion Design Toolkit you'll learn how tried-and-tested techniques like gathers, pleats, tucks, and twists can help you adapt patterns and create your own original garment designs. Tracy Jennings walks you through 18 patterning tactics to inspire fresh ideas, demonstrating how embracing pattern drafting skills can lead to innovative and effective collections. Each technique is illustrated in a variety of contexts, showing how and why it has been used by other designers, so you can use the history of each tool as inspiration for your original collections. Ethical practice is woven throughout the book, with tips on how to implement techniques in an environmentally sustainable way. The 18 essential techniques are divided into 5 categories: Establishing Fit and Flare: Darts, Slash & Spread, Seaming, Insets Channeling Fullness: Gathers, Ruffles, Pleats, Tucks Fashioning the Fluid and Unstructured: Arcs, Flounces, Drapes, Twists Engineering Fabric anTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Darts 2. Slash and Spread 3. Seaming 4. Insets 5. Textile Designs 6. Gathers 7. Ruffles 8. Pleats 9. Tucks 10. Arcs 11. Flounces 12. Drapes 13. Twists 14. Contouring 15. Reduction 16. Adaptations 17. Structure 18. Zero Waste Edge Finishes Index

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Book SynopsisTurn your passion and inspiration into a must-have bag collection and launch your own successful brand.Handbag design is more than just a creative pursuitit's also a business. This book is a practical guide to developing your design skills alongside the vital business know-how you''ll need to avoid costly mistakes. Ann Saunders leads you through the whole process from initial concepts through to sampling, manufacturing, marketing, and retail. You'll learn how to navigate the challenges of sourcing materials, finding a manufacturer, creating a bespoke brand, developing a sales strategy, and growing your business.Throughout the book Ann''s former students, who have established their own successful brands, share their real-world insights into the challenges of becoming a designer/entrepreneur in today's highly competitive accessories market. With more than 150 images, charts and illustrations, Design, Manufacture and Sell Your Bag Collection includes detailed advice on:The Trade ReviewAnn Saunders has written an all-inclusive guide for anyone wanting to enter the handbag industry. From first idea to finished product, readers are directed with an expert hand, making this the ideal manual for aspiring designers * Julia Poteat, Professor of Fashion, Parsons School of Fashion, USA *Design, Manufacture and Sell your Bag, is the ultimate accessories book! A comprehensive guide that will transform you into a bag designer, taking you from conception through to realisation, marketing and sales * Jennifer Prendergast, Programme Leader, School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University, UK *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Creative Process 2. Researching Your Brief 3. Knowing Your Customer 4. Designing Your Bag 5. The Critical Path 6. Materials 7. Hardware 8. Understanding Bag Construction 9. Completing Your Design 10. Planning Your Range 11. Sampling 12. The Manufacturing Process 13. Branding 14. Marketing 15. Business Planning 16. Sustaining Your Business Afterword History timeline

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Book SynopsisComplete Guide to Size Specification and Technical Design, 4th Edition, equips students with everything they need to know about measuring sample garments, creating fully graded spec sheets for grading patterns, fitting garments, and offering pattern alterations. Over 500 technical flats are clearly labeled with measurement points and instructions for taking measurements. The book includes spec sheets for different types of garments and industry forms within the context of the production process. Several sections are devoted to instruction on measuring the human body, PLM/PDM software, correct fitting issues (with suggestions for pattern alterations), and grade rules for both number and letter sizing. It also includes over 60 basic fashion flats and instructions on metric conversions in the Appendices.New to this Edition Coverage of current topics like diversity and diverse body sizes, industry changes due to the pandemic, and sustainability Inclusion of tech pTable of ContentsPreface PART I-GETTING STARTED 1. Introduction to Size Specification and Technical Design 2. Tools of the Trade 3. Basic Measurement Points PART II-WORKING WITH KNITS 4.Knit Tops 5.Knit Skirts 6.Knit Pants 7.Knit Dresses 8.Knit Jumpsuits and One-Piece Garments PART III-WORKING WITH WOVENS 9. Woven Tops 10. Woven Skirts 11. Woven Pants 12. Woven Dresses 13. Woven Jumpsuits and One-Piece Garments 14. Blazers and Unconstructed Jackets 15. Outerwear/Coats PART IV-FITTING AND GRADING 16. Achieving the Perfect Fit 17. Grading with Tolerances PART V-MENSWEAR AND CHILDRENSWEAR 18. Menswear Garments 19. Childrenswear Appendix A: Basic Garment Croquis Appendix B: Metric to Imperial Conversions Appendix C: TechPacks Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisFashion Bags and Accessories explores fashion bags and related accessories, such as purses, wallets, clutches, cases, gloves and belts, through various approaches to creative design, product development, technological innovation, materials development, component design (hardware) and branding. Readers will become familiar with key constructions and gain grounding in both traditional craft-making techniques and contemporary digital manufacturing process. Traditional accessory materials like leather are considered alongside new and emerging sustainable materials. Key elements of fashion bags and accessories like component design, signature branding and logo design are also covered in depth. Primarily aimed at students on fashion design, product design, or specialized accessories courses, the book will also be a go-to reference for professionals wishing to move into or evolve in this product area.

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Book SynopsisTextile and fibre chemistry form the theoretical basis to understand production and properties of textile based products. In this 2nd edition fundamentals of textile chemistry and theoretical and applicatory aspects of colour chemistry are interconnected to draw detailed picture of chemical reactions occurring during production and modification of textile products. An overview about chemical modification, finishing operations is given to explain how to impart special functionalities into functional products. Examples for technical scale processes and representative machinery used therein give insight into the technical reality of a dyehouse. A new chapter about circularity of textiles highlights the interlinkage between product design, including dyes and finishes, and the requirements to develop future fibre-to-fibre recycling. The work covers all relevant aspects of a textile product from fibre production, coloration, finishing, consumer use and fibre-to-fibre recycling. The content of the book allows a first entry into this multi-disciplinary field. Through its comprehensive character the authors explain the interdependence between textile and fibre processing and aspects of recycling, which makes the work a valuable source of information to design future textiles for circularity.

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