The Shirtmaking Workbook: Pattern, Design, and Construction Resources – More than 100 Pattern Downloads for Collars, Cuffs & Plackets
By: David Coffin
Rating: 5 of 5
I have been a sewist for most of my life but have always had problems with collared shirts. I chose this book to see if it could show me where I have been going wrong. I consider myself to be an intermediate as much of my sewing projects over the last ten years have involved quilting more so than garments.
The book is much more than I originally thought. It has so much information that it will take me quite a while to go through it all and put its suggestions into practice in my projects.
The author gives many suggestions. I love the chapter on making patterns from existing garments. This is especially true for making collared shirts for my husband as he has a fairly large neck size for his height. He has a couple of older shirts that fit well and are extremely comfortable but are too old and dingy at this point to wear out of the house. I will certainly be utilizing this chapter to make him new shirts based on those two. I can also use those as the base for making other styles, too.
It has been a while since I have attempted a collared shirt, so I will probably start with a basic pattern first before working up to a customized one. The author has written another book (sadly out of print but still available in Kindle format) on shirt making, so I will pick that book up, too. I’m also very interested in his book on trousers as both my daughters are over 6 feet tall and finding nice quality work attire is difficult for both of them. I am definitely more experienced in making trousers but can always use more information, suggestions, and tips.
The photographs and the illustrations in this book are great and the explanations are top notch. If you can take a preview of the digital version here on Amazon, do so, as it will provide you a real look at how well done this book really is. There is also access to online patterns for collars, plackets, and cuffs that are invaluable. It is wonderful to be able to download these rather than to try to seek them out or design them myself.
Updated: According to the author: “My first book on shirt, “Shirtmaking”, is not actually out of print, just being reprinted, so it should be available again here and elsewhere in paperback sometime in July 2015.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher.
I have been a sewist for most of my life but have always had problems with collared shirts. I chose this book to see if it could show me where I have been going wrong. I consider myself to be an intermediate as much of my sewing projects over the last ten years have involved quilting more so than garments.