The Colette Sewing Handbook: Inspired Styles and Classic Techniques for the New Seamstress

by Sarai Mitnick

A great plan, a great pattern, a great fit, a great fabric, and a great finish: These are the five fundamentals for perfecting any sewing project. Sarai Mitnick, an independent pattern designer setting the high water mark in the industry, shares her knowledge of these fundamentals and offers five beautiful projects to go with them.

Powerful instruction: A former expert in user experience in the tech industry, Sarai Mitnick's Colette Patterns line has gained a great deal of respect for comprehensive, clear instruction.
Comprehensive resource: The chapters cover sewing techniques, planning and fitting, working with patterns, working with fabrics, working with linings, finishing techniques? In essence, each chapter focuses on what the entirety of another book might cover.
Gorgeous package: Pitch-perfect combination of illustration, step-by-step photography and beautiful project shots, all with a clean, lovely design.

*Disclaimer: eBook does not include Tissue Enclosures as enclosed with original book.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion, Reference, How To, Art

176 pages, Spiral-bound

First published October 19, 2011

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be my go-to recommendation for people that are beginner to advanced beginner to sewing. It's beautiful, thoughtful, and sophisticated, especially for a reference book targeted to that audience. It's also got a lot of great information--most beginner-appropriate books don't have nearly that much information on fitting, nevermind clear photos and diagrams demonstrating what to do--but in a very accessible way, not at all like textbook or anything like that. The structure is very clever, with the patterns woven throughout the chapters to help people learn as they go.

I'm not particularly into most of those designs, but it's great that all the detailed instructions that you'd get with a standalone Colette Patterns booklet are in there. The projects are all still loads more interesting than the typical elastic waistband rectangle skirt or pillowcase for beginners. And they're more accommodating of curvy figures, as compared to the Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe and the others in that series. Also a nice feature that it's spiral-bound so will lay flat when you're referencing something.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked out The Colette Sewing Handbook from the library. However, this book is a keeper that needs to be added to my reference books. I skimmed the book on a few occasions in the past, but I never fully read it until now. To be honest, the patterns were not that interesting to me, so I passed on the book. Having spent some time now with the layout, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness of the patterns combined with the techniques.

The book starts with the basics and then moves on to techniques and fabric details. Beginning with chapter three, each chapter includes a pattern, which allows you to implement the techniques and information you have just learned. The book is worth adding to your library for the fit chapter alone. I just wish I liked the patterns a little more so that I could follow the book in the manner it was intended. I do like the Taffy Blouse, so maybe I will sew that when I add this book to my personal library.

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! A great book geared towards anyone interested in starting to sew garments. Well written with lots of great advice and tips along with well written instructions. This will be the FIRST book I recommend to anyone who has some sewing experience but wants to learn how to confidently sew well-fitted garments from patterns.

[beentsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the library to check it out after stumbling upon https://www.seamwork.com/catalog and https://www.colettepatterns.com/ and being really impressed with Sarai Mitnick's style and her really great way of communicating. This book is just excellent, the amount of information laid out in such a logical and easy to absorb manner is just terrific. I've sewed for years but in a very beginner manner, I think I'm finally ready to take that to the next level now.

Excellent resource, would recommend to any sewist.

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for the aspiring sewist who wants to really know how to do it all correctly. The book gives enough information and direction to take you through five lovely beautifully fitting garments. As you make each garment your skills are expanded and if you work your way through this book and patterns you will be an accomplished sewist before you know it.

I love how Mitnick gets into the planning of sewing by discussing fabric, wardrobe needs, body image, etc. The table is set before you sit down to eat as well it should be. By the time you are ready to make a garment the book has prodded you into some serious thinking about your investment of sewing time and finances and with this comes the promise of success.

The garments speak for themselves, beautifully fit, realistically styled, not crazy to sew, and flattering for many shapes and sizes.

Highly recommend.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic reference and comes with 5 patterns that are coordinated with the chapters to teach the reader skills. Not every garment is one I would want to wear, but that's such a smart way to do things. I love this book and want to get my own copy as soon as possible.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, the advice and instructions were really really solid, on par with a community sewing class for sure with good advice on altering patterns, but the patterns were all pretty meh.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really fabulous. Even if you have no interest in the patterns included, I would still recommend this to people who sew, especially beginners. It teaches you so much. All about supplies, notions, alterations, fabric types & much more. It really has everything you could need to know about sewing (aside from how to work your machine, but hey, it can't have everything). The patterns are very cute, with cutesy names to match (Pastille, Truffle, Licorice, Taffy & Meringue). I could definitely see myself making a few of them, especially heading into the holiday season.

[Gail Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the many clothing construction and pattern making/ alteration texts I’ve perused and read during the past three weeks, this one has the best illustrations and directions for fitting a standard pattern. Here are clear directions to make a piece of clothing fit your unique body shape, quirks and all. The patterns for dresses and tops are not necessarily those I would wear, but the pattern-fitting is superb information.

[Talie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some restrictive views to what to wear in color and style based on your shape and coloring. This might make a good background to automating clothing suggestions for a person based on their photo as a starting point. Detailed enough in this book to be a solid starting point. Some great links to sewing blogs by people using patterns and doing their own thing.

[Veronica Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very instructional with sophisticated yet simple looking projects. Would love to work my way through this book!

[Anne Marino Himes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! The patterns aren't exactly to my taste, but the explanations are wonderful. It's a goos reference

[Kate]

Return to this one when I'm ready to invest in some nicer fabrics

[Ryan Juno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Not great dress designs.

[Alexis Bauer Kolak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, though some of the technical instructions are a little confusing. They could be broken down into smaller steps with more pictures.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic sewing information

[Kiera · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK initial look at sewing techniques. I'm having more success understanding concepts in older books that include more diagrams.

[Dinh Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book is my great reference book for my sewing
projects and learning. Simple good photos and instructions

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great handbook that finally made me stop and take a step back to consider each step in following a pattern.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Great skill builder.

[V Mignon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed the way Sarai Mitnick writes about sewing and her blog, The Coletterie, is filled with articles that examine fashion, fabric, and our lives in clothes with an analytical eye. The Colette Sewing Handbook is a sewing book that is certainly aimed towards beginning sewers. The projects are quite simple. But what Colette has always focused on, and what makes me love their patterns (both Colette and Seamwork) is the focus on technique rather than difficulty. And I think that it was due to reading the Colette blog that I began hunting down Youtube demonstrations for different techniques. This is a great book for beginning with the technique involved in sewing, using simple patterns to practice making your own bias tape or understand the different drapes of fabric and how it can alter your project.

Even as someone who is an intermediate sewer, there were a few things I didn't know that Mitnick covered. I thought clips and notches were the same thing. Now I know: notch a downward curve, clip an upward curve. And while I knew about selvages and bias, I had never been taught weft and warp.

So here's to me making my own bias tape!

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having started sewing again after a 40-year break, my skills were a bit rusty. I bought the Collette Sewing Handbook to re-learn basic techniques, but the book offers much more than that. Sarai Mitnick provides a terrific framework for approaching sewing as a craft. She teaches you how to approach your sewing projects in the context of your overall skill development and wardrobe planning. And beyond that - her fashion designs are timeless and elegant. I'm planning on making most of the garments in this book, and I've already scoured the Collette patterns site to purchase more. If you are a new sewer, or if you want to expand your foundation, buy this book. You won't be disappointed - instead, you'll be inspired and energized!

[Peep1031 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for the advanced beginner. Everything is very clearly explained with very well crafted photos and diagrams. I particularly appreciated the well detailed basic fitting explanations. I have been focusing on fit at the moment in my sewing development. However, it is basic fitting that is described in this book, you will need to find a more detailed book for help with advanced fitting problems. My one disappointment is that the last pattern, which should be the culmination of learning all the techniques in the book, seemed to be kind of a frumpy garment in my opinion.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book that taught me how to sew, back in 2012. It's thorough, clear, and while many beginner sewing books have you making things like aprons or pillowcases (stuff that you will likely not end up wearing or using), the included patterns are simple but for garments that you actually want to wear. For more experienced sewists who are a fan of Colette's sewing patterns, the book is a great value in that it provides five patterns in Colette's signature style for just a little more than the price of one of their patterns individually.

[Catherine Vigil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I borrowed from my local library and read as an ebook. I would purchase it to have in my library and for the projects. The descriptions and photos of the sewing methods are very clear. I took sewing lessons as a young girl, and the foundational lessons given here are how I learned. They have served me well over the years, and this is one of the few books I have seen to lay these simple but important tips out in an understandable way. Recommended!

[Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as sewing books go, this is my favorite. It's full of good info and easy to read. In particular I like that it didn't only focus on the how-to's of sewing, but also how to pick fabrics, what tools you need, and even fabric care. If you like to sew, GET THIS BOOK. If you want to learn how to sew, and don't know where to start, GET THIS BOOK.

[Ursula Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been sewing for a while, but still consider myself a beginner. This book was great, it was simple and to the point. It covers everything from fabric to accessories, start up items and even includes patterns. I would highly recommend this book to a beginner; not a lot of fluff. It is also easy reading with nice color photo illustrations. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sewing reference. I love her methodically way of sewing. The ideas behind enjoying the process and not just the end product. Also working one taking my time, slowing down to make a better product in the end. Really like the way the projects build upon each other and that by the end of the book you have several new skills and a small dent in a new wardrobe.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My real problem with this book is the included patterns. Sizes 2-18 are all on the same printed pieces, which is zooey even for an experienced stitcher. I wouldn't give this to a beginner, but it's a nice refresher/educator for someone who's been at it a while or maybe been on a sabbatical for a bit.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descriptions were very easy-to-understand and I really learned a lot. While the e-book version was good to get a flavor for the book, I've made the decision to purchase the hard copy so I can try the patterns for myself!