The Zapp Method of Couture Sewing: Tailor Garments Easily, Using Any Pattern

This is a little hard to classify. It certainly is not for a novice, but once someone has mastered the basics, and is desiring to make an expensive-looking wardrobe, this would be a very good basic resource. The book seems to be quite a labor of love by the author, who clearly wants to pass on her wealth of experience. It is dense with practical material and has an incredible number of detailed photographs that go with the instructions. How to do all the scary stuff.This is not the "Home Ec Way" of sewing, but techniques worked out by a lady who earned her living making quality clothing. It is not as general as the title suggested to me; it's an exact manual on creating pants, shirts, vests, and jackets in a precise and practical way. Starting with a much better fit.For sewing pants, you start with a favorite pair that you own, and she has a detailed technique for copying their fit safely and accurately, and working from there.I also applaud her on the many measurements she devises. As with another hero, Cynthia Guffey, she advocates taking the bust, waist and hip circumference measurements in front and back segments, not just circumferences. This change alone can make your sewn clothes fit much better. If you want the clothes to fit you well, you need to learn the contours of your shape. This book is the most practical I've seen on doing this with measurements.I really could have used this years ago! If you want to sew nice clothes that you will wear, this would be on a short list, with Nancy Erickson's "Do you love what you sew" and Gale Grigg Hazen's "Fantastic Fit for Everybody" and Cynthia Guffey's seminar materials.

I have been frequently disappointed in sewing books claiming to present an easy introduction to couture sewing and further to present it in such a way that the informaton is easily transferrable to any pattern. This is such a book. I learned to sew in 4-H and made my first dress at the age of seven. I am now seventy three with a lifetime of sewing behind me. This small book spoke to me with marvelous clarity. It's exciting when an old dog can be taught new tricks. It's a must have!

This book really helped me with fit issues. I haven't sewn for years and the main reason I wanted to sew again was the horrible fit of "off the rack" clothing. Pants especially are difficult to fit from standard sewing patterns. This book contained a little more information than I may need, but the basics of altering the patterns were clear and easy to understand. Now that I know the principles, it's easy to make adjustments on things that aren't even mentioned in the book.

Step by step instructions and large color photos make this an easy guide to follow. The principles she teaches you could help you fit many patterns to yourself if you are an experienced sewer. However, all you really learn to fit are dress slacks, dress shirt, and a camisole/vest. No instructions are provided for dresses, skirts, or jackets. You do learn a neat techniques for making a pattern out of your favorite pair of pants.If a book on tailoring garments you already have is what you're looking for, a more comprehensive guide would serve better.

Have purchased two more copied, one for each of my daughters. There is no other book I've found that so easily explains how to proceed, and why, when it comes to couture approaches to making great, tailored garments! The illustrations and manner in which Zapp explains things is so simple and easy to follow. She read my questions and answered them!

I had the pleasure of using this book in my patterns and alterations class. I was so impressed with the detail, I had to buy it. Well I purchased it on my kindle and realized I couldn't print the pages I needed, so I bought a used print and it works just as good. I love it.

Difficult to follow and seemed to be "self endorsing"...

The price was right and it arrived in excellent condition. I wanted to learn more about creating a professional looking garment and this book is very easy to understand.

I know how to 'sew', but just browsing through this book, I have learned so much! Good for anyone who wants to improve their sewing abilities.

Really usefull and informative. It's a shame it's dated with the photos though but the techniques are sound.

Da dieses Buch in Englisch geschrieben ist, habe ich manchmal Probleme gehabt es zu lesen. Für meinen Gebrauch fast zu perfekt. Aber ich habe mir das Eine oder Andere herausgepickt und damit hat sich der Kauf schon gelohnt!

Ce livre explique à fond l'utilisation des patrons. Il convient bien pour ceux qui, après une connaissance élémentaire de la couture, veulent évoluer avec ou sans professeur.

a lot information