Aubree's Dressmaking Notebook

A working reference on dressmaking - techniques, materials, tools, and history - written by Aubree.

New to sewing? Start here instead.

59 Articles

6 Categories

1837–Now Years covered

1 Author

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Seams, darts, closures, and the hands-on methods that hold a garment together.

Fabrics, fibers, and notions - what to choose, and why it matters.

Hand tools and machines, from tracing wheels to industrial machines.

Two centuries of Western fashion, from Victorian corsetry to the New Look.

Pattern pieces and foundations - bodices, skirts, sleeves, collars, and fit.

Short, plain-language definitions for the terms used across this site.

French Seam
A self-enclosed seam that hides raw edges, ideal for sheer or lightweight fabrics.
Silk Chiffon
A sheer, lightweight, plain-weave silk fabric with a slightly rough hand, prone to fraying.
Sewing Shears
Long-bladed scissors reserved exclusively for cutting fabric, kept sharp for clean, accurate cuts.
Victorian Corsetry
Structured, boned undergarments that shaped the Victorian silhouette.
Basic Bodice Block
A fitted, dart-shaped foundation pattern used as the starting point for most bodice designs.
Bias
The diagonal, 45-degree direction across a woven fabric, where it has the most natural stretch.