Seam assembly and finishing are two of the most important aspects of garment construction and both require specific techniques to achieve perfect patterns and designs. Pattern-drafting for Fashion: Seam Assembly and Finishing is a comprehensive guide to these techniques covering all styles, fabrics and garments. Seams can be decorative, functional, or specific to a type of fabric or method of construction. This comprehensive book, aimed at serious dressmakers, explains different types of seams, when to use them, and how to achieve the most professional finish. All the essential methods for achieving a flawless finish are covered here including different techniques of pressing and steaming a garment, hems, zips and buttonholes, and different types of hem and cuff finishes for all styles and fabrics.

Draping is an art without rules as such, but to master it, you must understand the relationship of fabric to the body. It allows for freedom of garment design, and the opportunity to create customised clothing. Understanding grainlines and the effect they have, on not only the drape of the fabric and seams when being stitched, but also the stretch and therefore fit of a garment, is essential. Then you need to understand the complicated task of how to transfer your draping into pattern form. Once removed from the stand, you will need to know how to put the garment back together, and how to make adjustments to the pattern that won't alter your idea, but will work when you actually stitch it up. This book contains key chapters on understanding fabrics, grainlines and bias cutting, translating designs into patterns, making adjustments, constructing the lining, and finishing with zips, buttons, buttonholes etc. Draping is about problem solving and how to solve all of the problems is usually brings up!