Couture Sewing: Tailoring Techniques

It is a good collection of key techniques. They are explained simply and clearly, especially the part of the DVD I can access.The DVD appears to be faulty. I cannot get past bound buttonholes. I will try sorting it out with some special DVD cleaner and restorer. It is really annoying as the bit I particularly wanted is currently inaccessible. It was in a thick plastic DVD case so I would have thought it should have been well protected.Update:I bought a Hama repair kit for DVDs and followed the instructions carefully. Sadly now I cannot watch any of it!!

This book has an excellent DVD clearly showing all the wonderful couture techniques. The book then has photos as reminders of what is detailed on the DVD and good narrative instructions as reminders. Claire Shaeffer explains it all very well. I am very much a novice (been sewing just a few months), but I'm a quick learner and my first garment was a fitted shirt. I was so pleased with this book that I have just ordered Claire's other book on sewing a Chanel style jacket which I am keen to start. I have already started doing so much more basting and hand finishing since I read this book instead of jumping straight on the machine. I recommend this book to a sewer at any level. It's for someone who is more interested in getting a professional finish rather than finishing something super-quick. I can't wait for her book on the couture skirt to come out next year.

Nice book, however it is missing some vital elements of tailoring. I was hoping for instruction on collars and lapels, pad stitching, cuffs etc. If you want a complete tailoring book this is not the one for you.

If you want a book which will give you a good basis for sewing a tailored garment with most of the work hand sewn then this is a good book. It is a dressmaking book on tailoring, but still very good. I bought this at the same time as 'Vintage couture tailoring' and if I had to buy just one for tailoring methods it would be the latter. This is a good book for looking up stitches etc rather than instructions on how to put a jacket together.

I bought three of Claire's books and consider them all to be good value for money. Despite some of the books concentrating on very specific items of Haute Couture, all of the techniques covered can be used to elevate any home sewing projects. Highly recommend.

What more can I say about Claire and her love of Couture and Chanel, this is another gem from someone who can actually unravel the mysteries of behind the scenes of couture sewing. I find her help and tips are given in clear instructions and no matter how long you have been sewing, there is always a better way and more to learn.

I have other books by Claire, but this one is fantastic in terms of the layout, pictures and the added bonus of the DVD.The book is clear and concise and a joy to refer to.Would highly recommend this book.Can't wait for her book on the iconic Chanel Jacket, as I have purchased Claires latest Vogue pattern - Chanel style jacket and successfully followed all her couture tips and techniques. This has resulted in a superior finish!!

Wow! What a great book. Very impressed with this for myself - an experienced sewer but with basic tailoring and fitting skills. Have also bought for my son who is just starting to learn dressmaking skills. Clear colour photos and accompanying instructions make navigating the techniques a pleasure. The accompanying DVD is extremely useful. I am going to get a lot from this book.