Rebecca CunninghamBasic Sewing for Costume Construction: A Handbook, Second Edition

It's very overpriced for what it is. I need it as a textbook for class so I wanted an actual book, but got a binder and a bunch of pages instead. It still contains the info, but it is not what was advertised.

I was required to buy this handbook for a class this semester. The content of this book is useful but the folder it came with was useless as the rings were all bent out of shape and would not line up properly to close. It tore several of the pages it was supposed to hold onto every time I tried to flip to another page. I ended up using an old binder I had with large D rings and transferring the package to that. The makers of the handbook might want to consider using D ring binders for their product.

I knew some of the basic stitches the book teaches but this goes over it in more detail than I was taught.I was slightly disappointed when the book came in (I knew it was going to be a binder as I saw this in our school book store before I bought it) but the pages were not hole punched properly and all of the top holes needed to be reinforced with those round stickers.This book was required for class and after only getting through chapter one and two I know I've learned a lot more. I like the set up of the opening chapters, and the chapter discussing measurements is set up ok. It was a bit out of order from the measurement sheet that comes with the book, but the descriptions of what needed to be measured was great.Overall I think it was a good purchase, and this book will be kept with my sewing kit at all times. The ability to attach samples of the stitches is a nice touch that will let me know, ok yeah I did this before I can do it again.

Very very basic. If you buy this book with no sewing knowledge and do each task in order you should end the book with being able to sew something. I don’t really think it contained any hints for costume design and the wear and tear costumes receive. I’ll be using bits of it with my 4-Hers but not for the costuming I do for the high school.

This book is great for step by step instruction. It has space to attach your samples of your attempted work so it doubles as a workbook. I love this book because it taught me a lot about the basics. I know how to measure someone now, I know how to a lot of different stitches and their purposes based off this book. I have since gone on to sew pillows, puppets, gloves, full cosplays, and more. I have even shared my knowledge with others. Very good book to teach a complete novice how to sew.

This looks very good but I thought it came with sample fabric attached. I know better now!

One of the most valuable resources I have ever had to help me organize and teach hand sewing!

I used this book in my very first costume design class in college, however when I was finished with the class I gave it to my sister. She uses many of the skills she learned in this book to make purses and my niece's clothes and costumes (my niece is rather tall and curvy for her age and we have a hard time finding clothes that are appropriate for her). I made all different size dresses to send to African orphans using this book!It would be a great addition to any homeschool home ed class as well.