Authentic Victorian Dressmaking Techniques (Paperback)

by Kristina Harris (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This vintage how-to manual—the first modern American sewing book—provided turn-of-the-century seamstresses with clear instructions for altering patterns, hand-sewing stitches, and creating shirt-blouses, skirts, wedding and evening gowns, coats, maternity wear, undergarments, children’s clothing and other apparel. Today’s sewing enthusiasts will learn about such lost arts as boning a bodice, creating bust enhancers and other time-honored techniques. An indispensable archive for costume historians and anyone interested in replicating the fashions of yesteryear.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (December 29, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486404854
• ISBN-13: 978-0486404851
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #511,546 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Worthwhile Reprint of a Common Sewing Manual, October 7, 1999

By A Customer

This is a reprint of one of Butterick's early 20th-century sewing manuals, so popular at the time that they are still widely available used. The introduction doesn't add much; then again it doesn't need to. One thing though--this book does not contain sewing patterns. It is designed for use after you already have the pattern.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous resource for reproduction makers and costumers, June 20, 1999

By A Customer

I have never seen a book with so much detail about how victorians made clothing...bustles, dust ruffles, how to bone correctly, etc. Its a must have if you sew repros, costumes, doll dresses, etc. Wow!

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Only Late Victorian Era, February 3, 2001

By A Customer

This book should say that it only covers techniques from the late Victorian era through the turn of the century. Earlier techniques are not covered, otherwise it is a good book. If you are looking for dressmaking techniques prior to near the turn of the century, look elsewhere...