The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook.
15 creative projects and 5 master patterns
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Get a glimpse of the 10 step by step pattern variations and over 70 project interpretations.
"The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook" is a comprehensive guide to DIY sewing, from novice to beginner. In this video, discover the inspiration, history and mission behind it.
By Nora Abousteit
and Creative Director and co-author Alison Dahl Kelly.
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BurdaStyle member elegantmusings shows us how to alter the front skirt pattern piece on her pattern variation, as featured in the "BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook."
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BurdaStyle member elegantmusings shows us how to draft a pocket on her pattern variation, as featured in the "BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook."
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BurdaStyle member sunnilj9 shows us how to read fabric, as featured in the "BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook."
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BurdaStyle member sunnilj9 shows us how to read a sewing pattern, as featured in the "BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook."
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BurdaStyle member sunnilj9 shows us how to thread a sewing machine, as featured in the "BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook."
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BurdaStyle member elegantmusings shows us how to attach a patch pocket on her pattern variation, as featured in the "BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook."
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For ebook customers, download your patterns as PDFs here, using a code found in your ebook. For hard copy customers, the 5 master patterns come fully printed with book purchase.
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May 20, 2012, 06.49 PMby DebCarrDesigns
I love the book, but wish the patterns had been graded for larger sizes. In 2010, at least 64 percent of American women wore sizes larger than 14.
May 18, 2012, 06.34 PMby Andrea Delesdernier
I love this book. I received it as a Christmas gift. I do have a question about the patterns. It came with three separate sheets of pattern. How many should it have come with? I thought there were supposed to be five patterns in all. And after examining the ones I have, it feels like I’m missing some.
Apr 23, 2012, 02.35 PMby ladyedirin
i will like to purchase the hard copy, Where can i get it and ur magazines here in Nigeria?
Apr 17, 2012, 10.07 AMby chrystye11
Hello I don´t understand where I can find the code. Do I have to pay for this? Or its free?
Enter the download code shown in your e-book copy of The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook to retrieve your pattern (printable PDF).
1 Reply
Apr 19, 2012, 12.28 AMby tailorstack
Yeah you have to first purchase the e-book version and then you are given a code in order to be able to download the patterns.
If you are buying a hard copy of the book then the patterns are included in the back of the book.
Mar 25, 2012, 05.55 PMby madelein
Where do I get the ebook version?
1 Reply
Mar 27, 2012, 12.19 AMby tailorstack
http://www.amazon.com/The-BurdaStyle-Sewing-Handbook-ebook/dp/B006GHX9FE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=A24IB90LPZJ0BS&qid=1318875787&sr=8-1-spell
link will take you to amazon kindle / ebook version
Mar 17, 2012, 03.41 AMby Michelle Ford
What was the thinking behind only going up to size 14. I am larger for that and one reason I sew is for a better fit. Seems to me you left out a significant portion of the sewing community with this decision.
4 Replies
Mar 21, 2012, 08.29 PMby katie3701
I agree! I just got this as a present and was so disappointing that the sizing didn’t go up to a at least a 16. It made me feel bad and now annoyed that I have to resize the patterns.
Apr 8, 2012, 03.25 PMby Stitcher75
I agree, too. Size 14 is not big enough for most Americans over 25. I hope there’s a fairly comprehensive section on pattern grading.
Apr 17, 2012, 01.31 AMby tailorstack
Could be a great idea for a second edition re-print – now includes ‘x’ number of new sizes
May 20, 2012, 06.46 PMby DebCarrDesigns
I agree with that remark!!
Just like all the fashion designers out there who think that the only people who buy clothes are under 30 years of age. This link (below) is for a New York Times article that states that 64 percent of American women are above a size 14.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/magazine/01plussize-t.html?pagewanted=all
Mar 17, 2012, 03.41 AMby Michelle Ford
What was the thinking behind only going up to size 14. I am larger for that and one reason I sew is for a better fit. Seems to me you left out a significant portion of the sewing community with this decision.
Mar 16, 2012, 12.56 AMby Kovu
my library or any surrounding libraries dont have the book.. :(
Feb 28, 2012, 07.53 PMby carolientje
I would like to buy this book, is there a translation (dutch) version?
Feb 24, 2012, 07.10 PMby somayeh
I was planning to make Karin’s coat described on page 150 of the book but i came across a little issue. On page 152, FRONT YOKE FROM FRONT BODICE section 1, line4 says:
Draw a straight line extending about 6"(15cm) in from the bottom point of the neckline curve, perpendicular to the center front. Draw a 4"(10cm) reference line down from the endpoint of the first line, parallel to the center front. We’ll use these as reference lines.
Now if you look at the illustration there is no sign of the 6"(15cm) line instead you can see a 2"(3cm) long line.
I am confused, which is the correct measurement?
3 Replies
Feb 27, 2012, 02.57 AMby tailorstack
Looking at the size of the pattern piece proportion to where the line should sit the 2" measurement i think is correct however 2" is 5cm not 3cm.
Feb 27, 2012, 07.53 PMby somayeh
I know. 2" is not 3 cm. thats what making me more confused and doubt the other digits. i also cant understand the sleeve alteration. very confusing.
Mar 21, 2012, 12.20 AMby tailorstack
hey somayeh did you get this one figured out?
As the book is American i think trusting the inches measurements would be fine. It looks as though the one you came across was just a typo is all, happens in almost every book i own.
For the sleeve. What was confusing you?
What it basically says to do is take off 1" of sleeve head (this removed the extra gathers and puffiness)
Then make a seam on back side of sleeve 3 1/4" from underarm seam. This is creating the back seam to form the plaquet with buttons. From there you are adding the vent extension/overlap for the buttons to sit and the sleeve hem.
Bit more confusing on this one as the diagram is on the next page to the instructions.
Feb 18, 2012, 06.27 AMby Dettieann
Purchased my book last week. LOVE IT! Have read through all the instructions for each pattern multiple times. Starting my first pattern this weekend. Tickled…….!!!!
Feb 16, 2012, 12.56 PMby Wahiebah
Hi :) I also absolutely love this book. Just one problem I am very confused about the overlapping patterns of the hard copy patterns at the back of the book. How do I make sense of them? I can’t seem to make heads or tails of them.
WHD
1 Reply
Feb 18, 2012, 07.38 AMby tailorstack
If you look for the burdstyle logo in the bottom left corner just underneath the logo will tell you what the pattern pieces on that sheet are eg. for the coat both pink and black are coat pieces on another sheet pink is skirt and black is blouse.
Next locate your size eg if you are a 36 you need to follow the line with the x on it or size 46 is heavy solid line etc
Then trace away. Be sure to use paper weights so your pattern doesnt move mid-trace and dont forget to mark on grainline, notch marks and pleats etc. + add seam allowance.
Name your pieces as you go and a good idea to add “COAT” etc to the piece as well.
I usually fold up the pattern pieces and put them in an A5 envelope with a trade sketch/ line drawing of the garment + any notes on the front
Feb 13, 2012, 01.00 PMby ironjenny
love the blouse variation #8 and am wondering if you will be having the designers in the book that did the variations post their how to-s on this site at some point?
1 Reply
Feb 18, 2012, 07.42 AMby tailorstack
Yes I agree, would be fantastic get a mini run downs on pattern alters and make to achieve each of the extra style at the end of each garment section.
Feb 9, 2012, 05.18 PMby Corinne Pelon
bonjour j’ai acheté le livre “burda style sewing hand book” très chouette même si il est en anglais mais je n’arrive pas à trouver les codes de téléchargement gratuit des patrons pouvez vous m’aider merci
Feb 9, 2012, 10.04 AMby Monika Burdzilauskaitė
Hello,
Could you help me? I would like to buy a BURDA BOOK, but at this time I am in Kreta (GREECE), and I would like to know from where I could buy as more near as possible this book. Do you sell it in Europe or only America??? and in which languages are the book?
thank u;)
2 Replies
Feb 13, 2012, 03.44 PMby hongkongsewing
Do you have a kindle? I think you can download it…
Feb 18, 2012, 07.46 AMby tailorstack
Its only in English and you can buy it off Amazon which ship all over the world.
Feb 2, 2012, 09.44 PMby nouvellegamine
Yay! my husband gave me the Burdastyle Book for early Valentine’s! Unfortunately we’re packing to move so i’ll have to wait to sew anything :/
Feb 2, 2012, 06.37 AMby tailorstack
Just ordered my copy! Can’t wait to get the patterns. Been looking to start a base library for a while now.
Feb 1, 2012, 01.02 AMby Lamin Swann
Ordered & received my book a few weeks ago! A BIG help for a designer like me! Bravo!!
1 Reply
Apr 8, 2012, 03.29 PMby Stitcher75
Lamin, do you have your designs published anywhere? I’d love to see them!
Jan 30, 2012, 05.27 AMby pvmdesign
I have my book too, and i´m excited!!!….
Jan 24, 2012, 10.03 PMby mebreezy
Hey all I got my book today!!!!!!!!! Sew excitedddddd. The book is beautifully illustrated and the projects look easy to master. I have a quilting project that Ive been working on for a while now just about done with it. Once Im done with the quilt think my first project will be one of the dresses. Im sew excited. Happy sewing all
1 Reply
Feb 7, 2012, 12.38 PMby rae denial
I am so excited that I have found this your post because I have been searching for some information about it almost three hours. You helped me a lot indeed and reading this your article I have found many new and useful information about this subject
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Jan 21, 2012, 07.11 AMby Wendy Kelesi
i really need this book…will the book be be published is the solomons?
Jan 20, 2012, 09.13 PMby plookiss
My book just arrived and i love it, can’t wait to try out the skirts!
Jan 20, 2012, 12.35 PMby 1diane
My new Burda Book is so interesting, I am new to sewing clothes, etc rather than making quilts it is a true challenge. A question that I have ask to your staff on your discussion site has not answered I am sent to others questions and answeres. Some of the pictures, such as dresses do not have actual patterns, how do I find the patterns for them? I hope this is post will be answered. I appreciate your help. stevndi@charter.net
2 Replies
Jan 24, 2012, 10.09 PMby mebreezy
I am not a publisher of this page or the site but most of the dresses do have a pattern or instructions on how to make them if you would click on buy or purchase for the pattern some are free it is just a matter of looking for buy purchase or free for the pattern happy sewing
Mar 1, 2012, 07.40 AMby sew4my3
Yes the dress pattern is included in the book.
The many variations are by Burdastyle members who donated their version or interpretation of each pattern.
Hope this helps to answer your question.
Jan 19, 2012, 01.06 PMby mebreezy
Hi everyone just stopped by to say I ordered the book today!!!!! I am very excited about this milestone as Id like to get my hands on anything sewing. Too too happy!!!!! Happy Sewing
Jan 18, 2012, 03.41 PMby ingerit
I ordered mine from amazon.co.uk and received it about a week ago. I love the book – it’s pretty a pretty book to look at. It’s written the way it’s easy to read and understand. The projects I like, but I don’t think I will ever make the skirt or the bag. If there would also be a pattern for trousers it would really be a perfect sewing book!
Jan 13, 2012, 03.00 PMby RAMMthefirst
Will the book be published in Dutch ass well?
Jan 9, 2012, 04.41 PMby effia
I just got the book :) I’m sew excited!!
Jan 5, 2012, 01.30 PMby ebachai
I’m dying to make the coat. How can I find The book in Vietnam????
1 Reply
Jan 18, 2012, 03.46 PMby ingerit
Can’t you order it via Amazon? Or otherwise buy the e-book ;)
Jan 5, 2012, 01.30 PMby ebachai
I’m dying to make the coat. How can I find The book in Vietnam????
Jan 3, 2012, 05.46 PMby claire2810
This book looks absolutely great. I do hope I can win it. Thanks and Happy New Year to all…