Very useful guide for handsewing clothes. It has a lot of basic information as well as more in depth knowledge of handsewing. This is a great book for patient people.

This was super informative and easy to follow along with. I loved the variety of patterns and the detailed explanations!

I didn't realise when I requested this that it was hand-hand sewing, as opposed to handmade on a machine, but I was pleased to see the amount of information in it that could apply to either!

Some decent bsic info about tools and fabrics, pattern drafting and techniques. Followed by several (basic but staples) how-tos

Will I be sitting and hand sewing my own wardrobe? No, but I will refer back to this when making clothes on my machine in future

I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

When I requested this book, I don't think I realised that this is about handsewing (as opposed to machine sewing, rather than as opposed to buying clothes). I don't know why the idea of handsewing makes me resistant - I knit, spin, embroider. Something about handsewing seems so slow and exacting. The book itself addresses this. It talks about why we would engage in this activity, and then very thoroughly explains how to do so, including pattern drafting, sewing and everything in between. It's kind, supportive and sets the reader up for success. I don't think I am ready to try to sew my own clothes by hand - but if I get the urge, this is the book I will use.

Wow this book has a lot of information. The attention to detail was very helpful. As a sometime sewer I think the idea of sewing with just a needle and thread vs a machine intriguing. I am going to try a couple of the projects, specifically the woven boxy top with some embroidery and the gathered skirt.

This is such a helpful book! I really appreciate how half of this book focuses on how to make your own customized patterns, not just a printable cookie cutter pattern.

I have recently taken a basic sewing workshop and I believe this will be so helpful in my sewing endeavors. The images and fonts works well together to make this guide super easy to navigate.

Thank you to NetGalley & Storey Publishing for the ARC!

A very well laid out book with clear instructions. The author obviously thought very hard about how to explain everything.

I liked the accessibility of this book and the way it made it seem possible for you to sew your own clothes. And I understand the rustic homespun aesthetic. But I felt like it really cheapened the book and the garments to have the large wide stitches showing through on all the seams. Especially when with very little effort or a matched thread color they'd look so much more well finished. It left me with the feeling of a very amateur 'good enough' kind of vibe.

Very thorough book about hand sewing a wardrobe, which included how to draft several patterns to complete your wardrobe. I really enjoyed the patterns and the instructions on how to draft the pattern yourself. The patterns definitely have the room to make it you and unique to you. Great book, great illustrations and photos. Well written including a lot of detail! Thank you!

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

This book gives a very thorough overview on hand sewing and then drafting and constructing several patterns of basic pieces. The instructions were very clear and included diagrams for all of the steps. I liked that tips for customizing the pieces were also included. Overall, I think this is a good book for someone looking to start customizing or drafting their own patterns. For the actual construction part, I'd recommend having a bit of experience with sewing first, or it could get frustrating to sew around curves and such.

I love that is includes modern styles of clothing but designed for hand sewing. This makes garment making much more accessible for people who don't have a sewing machine. It has good descriptions of hand sewing techniques.

A detailed and inclusive guide to hand-sewing a contemporary wardrobe, this book covers pattern drafting, essential stitches, and garment construction with clear instructions and illustrations—making it a valuable reference for both hand and machine sewers. I think this may end up being one of the few ARCs that I buy a physical copy of!

This is such a lovely book! I loved how it walks you through everything from making your own patterns to finishing garments with beautiful hand stitching, all in a way that feels really calming & encouraging. It’s not just about sewing, it’s about slowing down & really connecting with what you’re making. The instructions are super clear & there’s a lot of care put into every page. Whether you’re totally new to sewing or just looking to be more intentional with your craft, this book feels like a gentle nudge to create things that truly last!

Thank you to Net Galley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

A very interesting handbook, full of very good advice and basic "sewing recipes". The schematics come very handy and it's quite thorough. It's a good book for beginners and intermediate sewists, and a good approach to "slow life" and becoming creative with useful items.

Great book, goes into so much detail – exactly what I need.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
2.5-3
I'm generally a big fan of Storey books, but this one puzzled me.
The author spends an enormous amount of time/pages on the very technical mechanics of drafting, which is fine, but maybe a bit daunting for beginners (yes, the blurb does say 'all experience levels). The hand sewing advice is fine, but it's available elsewhere. I personally dislike 'drawings' as instruction for books like this - I find good photographs are usually much clearer. The designs are uninspiring (especially for more experienced sewists), and I really think several of them aren't very well suited for hand sewing projects.
I've been sewing garments for many years, and I found the author's discussion of fabrics and threads somewhat superficial. The book design is cute and cozy, obviously a lot of time was put into it, but it's difficult to read, especially as an ebook with no option to change font size or style. It would have been nice to see an extra example or two from the designers mentioned as inspiration.
There seemed to be a couple of references that went nowhere, and the index wasn't included in the ARC, so I don't know if this will be remedied.
If you're experienced, and looking for a primer on drafting contemporary streetwear, I'd recommend this. If you want to learn how to hand sew tshirts, dresses, shirts and leggings, I'd recommend the Alabama Chanin books.

This is an easy-to-read guidebook for hand sewing clothes. To be clear, hand sewing means just that--sewing by hand, not handmade using a sewing machine. Once I realized that, it seemed like a crazy idea until I thought about the fact that was exactly how clothes were originally made. Further, not using a sewing machine makes sewing projects portable and not much different from knitting, crocheting, or other needlework. The guide includes instructions for making patterns, choosing fabric, and stitching techniques. A few of the featured projects are legging, underwear, jean jackets, and buttondown shirts.

I'm not sure I'll ever take up hand sewing my clothes, but this book made it seem like a viable option and helped me become much more comfortable about the possibility of altering my clothing. #TheHandsewnWardrobe #NetGalley

In recent years, the slow movement has become very popular, first with cooking, then restaurants and the slow sewing movement. This book incorporates the benefits of slow sewing in generating the Handsewn Wardrobe. Often, the time we take to make something, the handknitted jumper, the embroidered picture is reflected in our enjoyment of the piece when it is finished. This book shuns fast fashion, and focuses on the precision of hand sewing items for the wardrobe including leggings, jeans, hoodies, skirt, blouse and tee shirts.

Each project is itemised in small simple steps suitable for the novice. There are details on how to use a number of stitches, types of hems, darts, fitting instructions. The book is thorough in its approach to the topic and is a very useful reference book.

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I had high expectations for The Handsewn Wardrobe that were unfortunately not met. Expected unique items and ways to create a bespoke wardrobe with alterations for body type.. Instead, the book has only instructions for very basic garments that did not look flattering, such as the T shirt (starting on page 159). And the gathered skirt invisible zip is completely visible - why? The author provides no real reason for hand sewing other than 'it can be done anywhere' and 'slows down production' WTF? The instructions are clear and the author provides good information about measurements, which is why I am giving 2 stars. Also there are random blurbs about 'Featured Makers' but no clear link to those folks and the book patterns. Would recommend many other sewing books over this for basic sewing instructions.

This is a seriously useful book to have if you are into sewing or just getting into it. There is so much useful information, tip, and tricks to create your own pattern as well as how to sew practical items for beginners. There's even some very practical patterns to use with great information on how to execute. Super beginner friendly. Definitely a great book to have on hand for anyone who wants to be a little more self sufficient with their clothing without having to rely on more complicated patterns.

This book was provided by NetGalley but all opinions and reviews are my own.