100 Best Fabric Books of All Time

We've researched and ranked the best fabric books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more

Featuring recommendations from Adam Robinson, Walter Isaacson, Grace Bonney, and 6 other experts.
1

The Essential Rumi

This revised and expanded edition of The Essential Rumi includes a new introduction by Coleman Barks and more than 80 never-before-published poems.

Through his lyrical translations, Coleman Barks has been instrumental in bringing this exquisite literature to a remarkably wide range of readers, making the ecstatic, spiritual poetry of thirteenth-century Sufi Mystic Rumi more popular than ever.

The Essential Rumi continues to be the bestselling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry.
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Adam Robinson[The author]’s gotten me in touch with the mystical, and the mysterious, and the magical in life. (Source)

Adam Robinson[The author]’s gotten me in touch with the mystical, and the mysterious, and the magical in life. (Source)

Zainab SalbiIn the evolution of my journey I learned that the way that we can transform women’s lives and our lives generally is not necessarily only through the warrior’s ways. I do not deny the warrior’s ways. I have ridden the horse and carried the armour! But as I evolve in my own growth I have learnt that the way we can truly achieve transformation and change is through our own inner peace. It is... (Source)

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2

The Art of Manipulating Fabric

The possibilities for three-dimensional manipulation of fabric - gathering, pleating, tucking, shirring, and quilting woven materials - are seemingly endless. To describe them all would be to describe the entire history of sewing.


In "The Art of manipulating Fabric," Colette Wolff has set herself just this task, and she succeeds brilliantly. Working from the simplest possible form - a flat piece of cloth and a threaded needle - she categorizes all major dimensional techniques, show how they are related, and give examples of variations both traditional and modern. The result is...

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3
From Brian Greene, one of the world’s leading physicists and author the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Elegant Universe, comes a grand tour of the universe that makes us look at reality in a completely different way.

Space and time form the very fabric of the cosmos. Yet they remain among the most mysterious of concepts. Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? Greene has set himself a daunting task: to explain non-intuitive, mathematical concepts like String Theory, the Heisenberg...
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Recommended by Walter Isaacson, Sean M Carroll, and 2 others.

Walter IsaacsonThis is the clearest explanation of Newton and Einstein available, and Greene does it with a great sense of humour and wonderful visual thought experiments. (Source)

Sean M CarrollIt covers issues that don’t get attention in other places, such as the nature of time, the nature of space and really gives you a profound understanding of the universe. (Source)

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4
Here's the fabric and textile directory that fashion designers have been longing for!

This book will help you find the fabrics that suit the affects you want to achieve, show you how the fabric will perform, and recommend ways of using it. This new edition has information that is key to industry professionals (including designers and owners of fashion businesses) and explains textile issues and their impact on the environment. Find the perfect fabric for every design:
Do you want a fabric for structure, drape, added volume, definition, or decoration? Do you want...
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5
Fabrics A to Z is the essential guide for sewists and fabric enthusiasts of all levels. This thorough resource explains the unique characteristics, strengths, and limitations of more than 100 fabrics in easy-to-understand terms, so any sewist can enter a fabric shop with confidence. From dotted swiss to silk charmeuse to faux fur, each entry includes a close-up photo of the fabric as well as an overview of its characteristics, ideal uses, and special considerations when sewing. As a bonus, the book concludes with a section on the best tools and notions to use when working with... more

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6
This title is a comprehensive and refreshingly straightforward fabric design guide that teaches you everything you need to know to get started - from design and colour basics to creating repeat patterns, screen-printing tips, even selling your designs! less

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7

The Quiltmaker's Gift

When a generous quiltmaker finally agrees to make a quilt for a greedy king but only under certain conditions, she causes him to undergo a change of heart. less

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8
Fabric For Fashion: The Complete Guide is the only book specifically for fashion designers to explain the behavior and properties of different fabrics. Fashion design is largely determined by how the fabrics work, move, feel and look. The most successful fashion designers are those who understand their materials, who match design skill with technical knowledge.

This book bridges that gap by providing a mix of practical information and industry vocabulary, visually examining generic fabric types, discussing the characteristics of fabrics and showing how to exploit materials...
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9
Create bold block prints for a completely custom wardrobe--print fabrics, customize patterns and sew garments that truly express your own style.
Infuse your everyday style with more color, more pattern, and more personality. Printmaker and textile designer Jen Hewett presents her distinctive process for block-printing yards of fabric with garment sewing in mind. Explore the process of designing and printing fabric through step-by-step instruction on carving blocks and printing pattern repeats. Hewett makes creating custom, hand-printed fabric approachable and doable. Inspired by her...
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Recommended by Grace Bonney, and 1 others.

Grace BonneyWe're so excited to share a peek at Jen Hewett’s new book, Print, Pattern, Sew and... we have 10 copies to give away! Just hop over to the post & share your favorite hobby for a chance to win: https://t.co/d3BnSh2cLZ https://t.co/80oEMt5SC6 (Source)

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10
"Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide" is your one-stop sewing resource, with answers to the most common sewing questions and details about the latest advancements in sewing. This new, thoroughly updated edition contains everything you need to know, and will surely be a reference you will review again and again. In addition to an extensive glossary with answers to the most common sewing questions, this must-have guide includes easy-to-read charts for needle sizes and thread and stabilizer types. It also includes 225 full-color photos and a fabric and fiber dictionary. Truly a one-stop... more

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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
11
Sensational sewing projects demand fabulous fabrics! Fiber artist Cheryl Rezendes shows you how to create an astonishing array of surface designs, simply and safely, using textile paints and printing ink. She covers a wide variety of techniques: stamping, ancient Japanese Shibori, silkscreen, soy wax and flour resist, image transfer, marbling, nature printing, foils and metal leaf, and more. Step-by-step photographs illustrate every technique, and Rezendes includes innovative suggestions on how to combine and layer techniques for stunningly original results. less

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12
The essential guide for every sewer just got better! All New Fabric Savvy is updated to include detailed information on 107 different fabrics; must-know information on determining fabric content, working with knits, working with different types of interfacing, removing stains, and choosing lining material; recommended tools and notions; illustrated reference sections on seams, details, closures, and hems; 476 photographs and 110 illustrations.

Organized alphabetically, the 107 fabrics include old favorites--like cotton, wool, knits, and...
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13

Wild Color

The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes

The best resource on natural dyeing is back, updated to make your colorful hobby even more beautiful and rewarding.
 
A practical and inspiring guide to creating and using natural dyes from plants, Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, offers the latest information on current environmentally friendly dyeing techniques and more than 65 species of plants and natural dyestuffs.
 
This comprehensive book outlines all the necessary equipment, how to select fibers and plant parts, choose the right methods for mordanting and dyeing, test color modifiers and the...
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14

Spruce

A Step-by-Step Guide to Upholstery and Design

This is the only book you will need to learn the craft and art of upholstery from start to finish. With clear instructions illustrated by more than 900 step-by-step photographs, the five projects included here are designed to teach all of the techniques and skills you need to reupholster any piece of furniture to suit your own taste and style. less

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15
Now featuring new instructions, new illustrations, and new information, The Principles of Knitting—beloved by knitters everywhere and one of the most requested out-of-print books for years—finally gets the revision that fans have been clamoring for!

A treasured guide beloved by knitters everywhere, the classic book The Principles of Knitting is finally available again in a fully revised and updated edition. This is the definitive book on knitting techniques, with valuable information for everyone from beginners to experienced knitters. June Hiatt presents not only a...
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16

Madeleine Vionnet

Back in print at last, with a ravishing new cover, Madeleine Vionnet is "not only the best book on Vionnet, but perhaps the best book ever on a fashion designer" (Out). Madeleine Vionnet (18761975) was the greatest dressmaker in the world. Considered a genius for her innovations with the bias cutthe most difficult and desirable cut in clothing designshe has a fanatical following. Vionnet was a maverick, her results spectacular. She dressed the stars of the '30s, invented new pattern-making techniques, and eschewed corsets for her models. Vionnet's dresses are virtually un-copiable and... more

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18
Use beads and simple stitches to create magnificent texture and dimension on any quilt. Learn everything you need to know about the best supplies and techniques to get breathtaking results. Dozens of images throughout the book illustrate the limitless possibilities for designing your own spectacular beaded quilt. less

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19

Hand-Dyed Fabric Made Easy

Even beginners will get beautiful results with these simple, step-by-step techniques. There's no mess, because the dyeing is done in plastic bags! Color suggestions and tips included. less

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20

Make Yourself Comfortable

Sewing clothes from stretch knit fabrics

Make Yourself Comfortable offers perfect proof that easy-to-wear clothes can be seriously stylish with a collection of outfits that combine the comfort of stretch fabrics with Tilly Walnes' signature look. Even experienced stitchers are often wary of working with stretch knit fabrics, but in this book Tilly demystifies the techniques needed and shows how to sew stretchy makes on a regular sewing machine – no need for a fancy overlocker. Aimed at dressmakers who have grasped the basics and want to expand their sewing horizons, Tilly's tried-and-tested, learn-as-you-make approach is... more

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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
21
Bloom Wild is for rebellious maximalists seeking savvy advice for decorating their homes with bold floral fabrics
 
Designer Bari J. Ackerman’s signature Style—modern florals bursting with color—brings energy and joy to interior design. Justina Blakeney and Anne Sage are fans of Ackerman’s work, and have this to say  about her approach:
 
“Bari’s designs are instantly recognizable . . . her style and her zest for life is visible in every brushstroke.” —Justina Blakeney
 
“Bari captures the essence of maximalism. Her designs radiate...
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22

Fabric Manipulation

This is truly an essential resource for all sewists! Set to be the new The Art of Manipulating Fabric, Ruth Singer offers a modern interpretation of fabric manipulation in this book, with hundreds of full colour diagrams. Discover and explore 150 creative sewing techniques including pleating, folding, gathering, smocking, quilting, trapunto and applique. Ruth explains her innovative variations of these traditional fabric manipulation techniques and offers inspirational project ideas demonstrating practical applications to create accessories and home decor. Photographs and... more

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23
This book will show you how to extract dye from wild plants, garden herbs, kitchen waste, as well as fruit and vegetables that you can buy from the supermarket. Dye your own fabric, yarn and clothing whilst using soya milk to bind the colours. There is colour potential all around us just waiting to be unlocked!

I share my methods with you, step-by-step. The pages are bursting with photos of the dyeing process as well as photos of fabric and yarn samples from lots of different plants.

Perhaps you already dye with plants using conventional mordants such as alum and would...
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24
Collecting pretty handkerchiefs has become a wide-spread and popular hobby for many people. This entertaining and comprehensive identification and price guide will be useful and fun for all vintage linen enthusiasts. Over 400 color photographs and a lively and factual text present hankies from both historical and design points of view. You will learn how events of the 20th century influenced their designs, and how clever hankie aprons and wall-hanging hankie-quilts were popular. To aid collectors, the examples are arranged by decades and by their geometric shapes. Helpful information about... more

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25
Learn to create your own tiny figures and accessories using wool felt, chenille stems, simple embellishments, and Salley's new step-by-step guide. Ideal for dollmakers, quilters, embroiderers, and crafters of every skill level. Important Note about PRINT ON DEMAND Editions: You are purchasing a print on demand edition of this book. This book is printed individually on uncoated (non-glossy) paper with the best quality printers available. The printing quality of this copy will vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated. The information presented in this version... more

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26

Swatch Kit for Textiles

27
Presented in a new edition that adds updated pattern industry news and revised rules for selecting pattern size, this easy and practical fitting system requires no measuring, no drafting skills, no muslin mock-ups—and it works with all brands of tissue paper patterns. Real people of all ages are featured in photographs that explain the steps of cutting out pattern pieces, pinning them together, and adjusting the fit. Special attention is paid to tricky challenges such as accommodating a full bustline, adjusting sleeves, or reworking a garment to make it more flattering, as well as alternative... more

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28
Now in paperback, The Psychology Book explores more than 100 groundbreaking ideas in the field using highly visual graphics, clear text, a directory of scientists, and a vocabulary glossary.

The Psychology Book looks at the biggest names in psychology, including William James, Sigmund Freud, and Ivan Pavlov, and unpacks each psychologist's contribution to our understanding of how the mind works. From its philosophical roots through behaviorism, psychotherapy, and developmental psychology, The Psychology Book incorporates the latest thinkings of today's...
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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
31

Designing Tessellations

Introduces quilters to the world of symmetry and then shows how to experiment with shapes and images to create tessellating designs. This book helps quilters learn how to produce interlocking geometric patterns, and also how easy it is to create true-to-life images of birds, fish, butterflies, and more in the style of Escher. less

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32

Peaceful Pieces

Poems and Quilts About Peace

In this evocative collection of poems illustrated by beautiful handmade quilts, Anna Grossnickle Hines explores peace in all its various and sometimes surprising forms: from peace at home to peace on a worldwide scale to peace within oneself.  Pondering the meaning of peace and its fleeting nature, this book compels each of us to discover and act upon peace ourselves. less

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33
Stretch Your Wings, Learn to Soar, Take Flight

In "Taking Flight," you'll find overflowing inspiration—complete with a kindred spirit in author and mixed-media artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Join her on a fearless journey into the heart of creativity as you test your wings and learn to find the sacred in the ordinary, honor your memories, speak your truth and wrap yourself in the arms of community.

Along the way you'll be inspired by:
Step-by-step techniques—learn the most-loved mixed-media methods of the author and seven talented contributing artists, and combine...
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34
These art quilts showcase such versatility, innovation, and beauty that readers can’t help but be truly inspired. The gifted artists come from across the globe—including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America—and their work displays their varying sensibilities, backgrounds, and talents.

Abstract appliquéd shapes cascade across the surface of Ita Ziv’s brilliantly colored quilts, creating vibrant celebrations of life. Noriko Endo captures her deep feeling for trees in a stunning interplay of light, shadow, and leaves. Gloves appear in nearly every quilt by Jane Burch Cochran,...
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35
Phyllis Curott’s first book, Book of Shadows, was an inspirational, spiritual memoir that chronicled her journey from Ivy League-educated, New York City attorney to Wiccan High Priestess. By inviting readers of all faiths to share in her own personal transformation, Phyllis debunked many of the myths surrounding Wicca and revealed it for what it really is: a spiritual movement whose tenets of Goddess worship and reverence for Nature were a great deal more accessible and familiar than she’d ever expected. In Witch Crafting, Phyllis digs deep into the practices and principles of... more

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36

The Quilt Story

Long ago, a young girl named Abigail put her beloved patchwork quilt in the attic. Now years later, another girl discovers the quilt and makes it her own, relying on its warmth to help her feel secure in a new home. "A quilt that provides warmth, fun and comfort to two different generations is the star of this rich picture book . . . dePaola provides a warm, dignified interpretation of Johnston's stroy."--Booklist, starred review. Full color. less

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37
Important Note about PRINT ON DEMAND Editions: You are purchasing a print on demand edition of this book. This book is printed individually on uncoated (non-glossy) paper with the best quality printers available. The printing quality of this copy will vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated. The information presented in this version is the same as the latest edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages. If the pullout patterns are missing, please contact c&t publishing. less

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39
Introducing more sensationally simple quilts from Me and My Sister Designs--Layer-Cake style! The sisters are famous for sharing little sewing tricks that make quilt blocks look more complex than they truly are. In Easy Layer-Cake Quilts 2, they're at it again. Put your Layer Cakes (10" fabric squares) to work in 11 quilts that are easy AND as pretty as can be. A Layer Cake, a background fabric, and a border fabric are all you need to begin, and most projects can be completed in a few days. It's so easy to whip up these Layer Cakes into delectable quilts--for cuddling, for giving, or just... more

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40
Almost from the moment of our birth, clothing acts as our second skin, yet we rarely consider where our clothes come from, or the effects they might have on the environment. This beautifully photographed is about easily achievable ways to care for the planet by living a little simpler regarding cloth and clothing.

Get a handle on how cloth consumption affects nature on a larger scale. Look at what textiles are really made from, and examine their properties with an emphasis on those derived from natural sources.

In no time you'll have the tools to make informed choices...
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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
41

Cloth Lullaby

The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois

A picture book biography of sculptor Louise Bourgeois focusing on how her childhood family life influenced her later works. less

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43

Printed Textile Design

This book explains the fundamentals of printed textile design, from design brief through to the completed collection, and introduces the basics of color, drawing, composition, and repeat with a series of step-by-step exercises and examples.

Printed Textile Design helps to demystify the design process and provides an invaluable guide to the study and practice of textile design.

The book includes case studies of designers working in both the fashion and interiors sectors. It covers hand and traditional print techniques and the latest digital print technologies,...
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44
In the world of fashion, fabrics are essential. They determine how designers visualise their pieces and play a fundamental role in the way they express their creativity. This title is the ultimate reference guide to all major types of fabric in use today. It successfully illuminates the connection between materials and creators or, in other words, fabrics and fashion.

Fabrics in Fashion Design showcases a wide range of patterns, their history and terminology, and is illustrated with around 1,600 colour photographs. Fabrics in Fashion Design is an exhaustive study of the...
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46
'One-Block Wonders' is a guide to making kaleidoscope quilts using just one large-scale print fabric. The projects produce high-impact quilts made with simple cutting and construction, therefore no fussy cutting or Y-seams are required. less

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47
If you focus on pattern, from texture and color to furniture and textiles, everything else will fall into place.
 
Pattern is the strongest element in any room. In Living with Pattern, Rebecca Atwood demystifies how to use that element, a design concept that often confounds and confuses, demonstrating how to seamlessly mix and layer prints throughout a house. She covers pattern usage you probably already have, such as on your duvet cover or in the living room rug, and she also reveals the unexpected places you might not have thought to add it: bathroom tiles, an...
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48
Individuality is key in today's DIY trends. Whether creating fabric art, sewing clothes, making home décor items, or quilting, people are looking for ways to make their projects unique and self-expressive. Fabric choices have narrowed and it certainly is not cheaper to sew than buy ready to use items, so when someone wants to use fabric to make something, their reasons are very often for the pure creative enjoyment of the craft. This is their comprehensive, how-to reference book illustrating all aspects of fabric art and manipulation. Artist galleries are included for inspiration. less

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49
Create delightfully scrappy quilts featuring classic quilt blocks--and get to the finish line fast using time-saving precut fabrics. No need for stockpiles of scraps; precut bundles include small cuts of many different fabrics, so getting a scrappy look is a snap. less

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50
Volume "F" in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration

Feed sacks are the perfect example of a utilitarian product turned into something beautiful. Author Linzee Kull McCray explores the history of the humble feed sack, from a plain burlap or cotton sack to exuberantly patterned and colourful bags that were repurposed into frocks, aprons and quilts by thrifty housewives in the first half of the 20th century. Extensive imagery and at-scale reproductions of these fabrics create an inspiring sourcebook of pattern and colour—and offer a welcome visit to a slower-paced way of life.
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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
51

The Scraps Book

A behind-the-scenes tour of Ehlert's books and book-making process - encouraging readers to explore their own creativity. less

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52

Shirtmaking

Why make a shirt? Because, with the skills you'll learn in Shirtmaking, you can create elegant, custom-fit garments for a woman or man that look like the best money can buy. Includes full-scale patterns for collars, cuffs, plackets, and pockets, and complete instructions for developing custom-fit shirt patterns. less

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53
Create and swap mini works of art!

The simple act of sharing 21/2 x 31/2 pieces of art, known as Artist Trading Cards, knows no boundaries and brings like-souls together like no other form of communication can. Unique statements, passionate emotions and favorite interests can all be expressed in these miniature works of art that are always traded, never sold.

"Artist Trading Cards Workshop" will not only teach you how to create your own cards, combining one or more of the 25+ techniques demonstrated in step-by-step photos, it will also share the ins and outs of trading,...
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54

Tucks Textures & Pleats

Explore the fascinating world of weaving, scrunching, tucking and pleating; from the Bias Bobble to the delights of Trumpets and the Origami Twist, plus much more. Includes a fully illustrated section on finishing techniques and extensive design suggestions for development and embellishment. Ideal for both beginners and expert needlewomen/men. less

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55
An exploration and appreciation of the brilliant spectrum of colors derived from plants, with seasonal, project-based ideas for using these natural dyes to color your clothing and home.

Following the incredible success of the slow food movement, the slow fashion trend is now gaining momentum, with more and more consumers buying locally produced clothing and homewares created using sustainable methods and artisanal techniques. Natural Color explores the full spectrum of seasonal plant dyes, using nature as a color library. Unlike its competitors, Natural Color...
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57
A modern refresh of an age-old craft!

Author Libby Moore teaches basic embroidery stitches and how to choose materials, and shares original patterns with easy-to-remove perforated pages.

Thread Folk Includes:
• 15 embroidery projects
• Step-by step instructions & modern patterns
• 14 different stitches, from straight stitch to lazy daisy
• Techniques to stitch on clothes, shoes, tote bags, and pillows

Thread Folk also features Artist Collaborations, a series of projects based on...
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58
In today’s world of fast fashion, is there a place for a handcrafted $50,000 coat?
 
When journalist Meg Lukens Noonan learned of an unthinkably expensive, entirely handcrafted overcoat that a fourth-generation tailor had made for one of his longtime clients, she set off on an adventure to understand its provenance, and from that impulse unspooled rich and colorful stories about its components, the centuries-old bespoke industry and its traditions, and the master craftsmen whose trade is an art form.
 
In The Coat Route, Noonan pieces together the...
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59
Wind, wrap, and sew fabric strips into fantastic containers! Start with a plate shape to learn the technique. Then experiment with four basic container styles to create round, oval, square, and other shapes. Create purses, baskets, and bowls in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors Simply wrap fabric strips around cotton clothesline, coil into the desired shape, and secure with machine stitching Special sections on lids, handles, and embellishments offer unlimited options for your own variationsVideo less

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60
Tear, Burn & Stitch Your Way to Beautiful Fabric Art

Learn how to create fabric art with incredible depth and meaning in Layered, Tattered & Stitched. Mixed-media artist Ruth Rae expands your creativity as she shows you how to singe, tear, stain, later and stitch fabric and paper for amazing texture and visual interest. Explore both traditional and atypical sewing techniques combined with collage, beading and photo transfers to make gifts, wall hangings, accessories and more.

Layered, Tattered & Stitched will inspire you with:
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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
61
Are you a fabric collector, quilt collector, appraiser, or antiques collector who needs to know specifics about fabrics or quilts? Then this book is for you! It will help you identify, date, and recognize antique fabrics and their uses in quilts and clothing. Over 1,000 color fabric swatches are listed in this handy, easy-to-use reference guide. You'll be able to identify fabric dating from the pre-1830 era through the Second World War. Match your antique fabric by selecting a suspected time period and comparing colors and prints. less

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62

Crafty Chloe

Fancy Nancy meets Martha Stewart in Crafty Chloe, the adorable DIY star of a new picture book series!

When another girl has already purchased the most perfect birthday gift for Chloe’s friend Emma, Chloe decides she’ll make a present—something you can’t buy in a store. But crafting isn’t easy, and it’s beginning to look like she won’t have a great idea in time. Fortunately, with a good doodle session and a whole lot of glitter to inspire her, Chloe figures out just the thing to save the day—and with a little help from her trusty glue gun, she just might save a friendship,...
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63
It’s the natural inconsistencies—the accidental differences between one finished piece and another—that make hand-printed fabrics, papers, furniture, and works of art so interesting. The quirks are what show the maker’s intimate involvement in the process, and it’s that unique quality that first attracted textile designer and illustrator Lena Corwin to hand-printing. Even though decorative prints are more in vogue than ever, there was until now no up-to-date hand-printing guide—no single source explaining the tools and materials that are used today, or reflecting a contemporary aesthetic.... more

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64

Hand Embroidery Stitches At-A-Glance

Presented in a quick and easy-to-understand format, this essential guide includes 30 favorite embroidery stitches to practice and inspire creativity! Providing needle and thread reference charts and step-by-step techniques for backstitches, blanket and buttonhole stitches, chain stitches, feather stitches, fly stitches, French knots, running stitches, stem stitches, and much more, this book is a must-have for any embroiderer on any skill level. Each step is perfectly illustrated and instructions are clearly written for all the most popular stitches. Also included are helpful tips and... more

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65

Draping

The Complete Course

Draping is the art of using cotton muslin to create a fashion design directly on a mannequin. It is an essential skill for fashion designers. In this book, Karolyn Kiisel presents a series of step-by-step projects, creating real garments in classic styles, that are designed to develop skills from the most basic to more advanced techniques.

Starting with the basics of choosing and preparing the dress form for draping, the book advances through pinning, trimming, and clipping, and creating shape using darts and tucks, to adding volume using pleats and gathers, and handling complex...
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66

Print & Pattern

Pattern is everywhere. Years of minimalism have been superseded by a riot of color and shape, whether on walls, fabrics, clothes, or signage. Print & Pattern is a visual celebration of contemporary surface design.

Compiled by the creator of the cult blog of the same name (http://printpattern.blogspot.com/), this book documents the work of the best surface designers from around the world and features products that have been embellished with a surface print or pattern, including...
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This authoritative guide outlines everything readers need to know to create gorgeous fabrics. There’s nothing like it on the market! Collected within are step-by-step tutorials for designing patterns (both digitally and by hand), a comprehensive section on printing techniques—including digital printing, screen printing, stenciling, block printing, and resist dyeing—and even insider tips for developing a collection and bringing it to the marketplace. Beautifully illustrated with swatches of exquisite fabrics and hundreds of photos, and featuring interviews with established designers such as... more

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68

Jelly Roll Quilts

Immerse yourself in the sumptuous world of Jelly Rolls with 17 exciting quilting projects

Turn gorgeous Jelly Rolls into fabulous quilts, each of which can be made from just one roll.

Features unique advice on making the most of this fresh approach to fabric, as well as tips on adapting the quilts to your existing stashes.

Step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow diagrams ensure that untying your beautifully rolled fabric will be the first step to quilting heaven!
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69
Do you have hours rather than weeks to work on a quilt? Theresa Ward has the solution! Discover how to use precuts from your local quilt shop or fabric from your stash to create quick and easy quilts that look fantastic with Theresa's unique sew, slice, spin, and sash technique.


One simple technique and 11 projects that are fun for everyone; projects include patterns that are perfect for precuts
Piece most quilt tops in just a few hours--ideal when you need a quick gift
Start with precut strips or cut strips of any width from your stash for endless possibilities
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70
A gorgeous collection of over 50 projects inspired by Tilda's studio.


Choose from a stunning variety of designs for yourself and your home, including bags, accessories, clothing, decorations, gifts and soft toys.
The colour palette used includes beautiful shades of lavender, pink, teal, turquoise, green and blue.
Easy-to-follow instructions, gorgeous colour photos and delightful illustrations accompany each project.
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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
71
The half-square triangle (or HST for short) is a quilter's most versatile piecing shape, holding seemingly endless design combinations. First Jeni will show readers how to create any sized HST using a handy chart of cut sizes–you'll be using this again and again. Next, learn how to create HSTs three ways before diving into the four workbook sections. Each section features three bold projects incorporating color theory, effective fabric selection, playing with scale and piecing HSTs into larger units to be sub-cut. Use the final three patterns to mix and match your favorite blocks from the... more

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72

Marbling on Fabric

Introduces useful tools, equipment, and materials for marbling, demonstrates how to create different marbling patterns, and suggests projects involving pillows, T-shirts, note cards, jackets, and a silk kimono. less

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73
Line is an essential component of all textile and surface art. When used effectively, line and mark-making convey texture, tone, form, movement, and mood. With Drawn to Stitch by your side, learn creative uses of line in embroidery and textile art.

Artist and teacher Gwen Hedley shares a series of exercises designed to explore line’s potential as well as develop your creativity. Drawn to Stitch also covers line and mark-making tools, materials, and processes, including printing and mixed-media techniques. Gwen explores stitch, explaining how to interpret different...
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74
In this beautifully photographed book, Keith and Mark of Mini Moderns show you how to create a timeless mid-century look in your own home.

Keith and Mark of Mini Moderns refer to their design ethos as 'pattern with a story'. In this beautifully photographed book, they bring you the stories behind their designs and show you how you can use pattern and mid-century style to tell a story in your own home.

Under the Influence explains their "pattern with a story" design ethos and sources of inspiration, ranging from childhood memories to commentaries on popular...
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75
This collection of show-and-tell recipes includes a marvelous range of surfaces, paints, tools, and procedures for both beginners and professionals. less

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76
Return to the origin of the earth and discover a new way of playing in the mud.

Raw, friendly and easily altered, plaster is perhaps the most versatile art medium you have yet to encounter. Beautiful in its luminosity, yet open to receiving a multitude of alterations, plaster will easily agree to being painted, carved, cast and sculpted. Stephanie Lee and Judy Wise will walk you through 24 step-by-step projects and will introduce you to a variety of plaster forms. The techniques you'll be introduced to will inspire you to go on and develop your...
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77

Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders

This One-Yard Wonders collection organizes projects by fabric type so that you can make the most of each cloth’s unique characteristics. Find the best uses for all your different fabrics as you learn to use stretchy jersey knits for a ruffle scarf, lightweight cotton voile for a girl’s sundress, and sturdy corduroy for a tote. Easy-to-follow illustrated instructions are provided for 101 projects, each requiring just a single yard of fabric. Get inspired and show off your individual style, one yard at a time! less

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78

Rags

Making A Little Something Out Of Almost Nothing

A Yolla Bolly Press book less

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79
Make it yours. This inspirational guide with DIY attitude has everything you need to know about the world’s great T-shirt: how to cut it, sew it, deconstruct it, reconstruct it, and best of all, transform it. • Features more than 100 projects (plus 200 variations) for customized tees, tank tops, tube tops, T-skirts—even handbags, a patchwork blanket, iPod cozies, leg warmers, and more. • Not a DIY expert? Not to worry. More than one third of the projects are no sew, meaning anyone who can wield a pair of scissors can put a personal stamp on her wardrobe. But the sewing basics are here too:... more

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80
Ann Small's imaginative use of cutting and manipulating techniques, and her layering and colouring tricks, makes this your 'go-to' guide for bringing form and texture to your fabric work. This book is a rich resource and reference for textile artists seeking new ideas and who want to experiment with texture and pattern. Clear, close-up images and exciting hot tips help to make layering enjoyable and accessible. All aspects of texture and pattern are explored in this fantastic reference book that will bring new dimensions to your fabric work. less

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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
81

A Pattern for Pepper

Pepper is getting a dress made for a special occasion. It's the first dress that has ever been made just for her, and she wants it to be perfect. But what pattern is right for her? Pepper is particular, and nothing works at first. Dotted Swiss? Too plain. Houndstooth? Not enough color. Pinstripe? Too glum. As Pepper learns about each fabric, she finds a reason why it's just not the one. Will Pepper ever be able to find the perfect pattern?
Julie Kraulis takes readers on a journey through gorgeous patterns and their origins--from the mountains of Switzerland to the green grass of...
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82

Fabric For Fashion

A Comprehensive Guide

This book explains the particular qualities of different fabrics and how to get the most out of them. Providing a mix of practical information and the industry vocabulary, Fabric for Fashion will help students gain a clear understanding of how to work with fabrics as an integral component of the fashion design process. With stunning color photographs that show how fashion designers, both past and present, have worked with fabrics, the books prime objective is to stimulate creative exploration of the relationship of fabrics to fashion. less

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83
Quilt historian Barbara Brackman guides us through more than a century of American fabrics and shares wonderful old photos, diary entries, and letters from America’s past.

8 projects inspired by antique quilts, made with today’s reproduction fabrics
Gain insight into the social, technological, and fashion influences on past generations of quiltmakers
Learn to identify vintage fabrics and quilts
Learn to choose reproduction fabrics and patterns
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84

J.J. Pizzuto's Fabric Science Swatch Kit

J.J. Pizzuto's Fabric Science Swatch Kit, 11th Edition reinforces the study of textiles for students in fashion design, merchandising, interior design, product development and home furnishings. The kit contains 114 (2"x 3") fabric samples, a fabric key, 40 special assignments, heavy-weight sample sheets to mount and analyze fabrics, and a pick glass - all contained in a three-ring binder. The swatches are organized in the order in which they are covered in the text: fibers, yarns, weaves, knits, dyeing, printing and finishes. Swatches represent the types of fabrics currently available... more

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85
Wrap anything from a wine bottle to a yoga mat with this practical Japanese fabric-wrapping book.

Long before today's eco-friendly philosophy of "reduce, reuse, recycle" entered America's collective consciousness, furoshiki—the Japanese method of wrapping things with fabric—flourished as a time-honored and practical art form. In Wrapping With Fabric, Etsuko Yamada—born into a long-line of furoshiki makers in Kyoto—explains the "one cloth, many uses" ideology behind the craft, the etiquette of color and the craft's fascinating history. From there, she shares the...
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86
Fiber artists everywhere loved Margo's first book, "Needle-Felting Magic," and now she's outdone herself with even more techniques. Take your skills to the next level as you combine machine needle felting, free-motion quilting, and wet-felting techniques. Margo's step-by-step directions allow you to master the fundamentals easily, even if you're a beginner.

Choose from eight color-drenched projects, including a wrap, lampshade cover, tea cozy, bag, pillow, and more. A special section on the language of flowers is sure to make your own creative ideas blossom!
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87
Sew Barbie this cute wardrobe of 24 stylish outfits. Sew clothes for every day or create outfits for special occasions. The detailed explanations are accompanied by step-by-step diagrams and real-size patterns.

Sew Barbie this cute wardrobe of 24 stylish outfits. Sew clothes for every day: jeans and a tie-waist shirt for a picnic in the country, a fleecy jumper and pants for skiing, a bikini, towel and sunhat for the beach or dungarees for DIY. Or create outfits for special occasions, such as a floral cocktail dress, A-line wedding dress or a formal lacy dress for the...
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89

Quilts for Fabric Lovers

Alex Anderson reveals her techniques for making quilts that have that special sparkle. less

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90
Altered art is the fastest growing craft trend today less

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Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
91
A new "farm-to-closet" vision for the clothes we wear--by a leader in the movement for local textile economies

There is a major disconnect between what we wear and our knowledge of its impact on land, air, water, labor, and human health. Even those who value access to safe, local, nutritious food have largely overlooked the production of fiber, dyes, and the chemistry that forms the backbone of modern textile production. While humans are 100 percent reliant on their second skin, it's common to think little about the biological and human cultural context from which...
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92
Discover all that you can make with just one yard of fabric! Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins offer 101 stylish projects that use a single yard of fabric to make clothes, accessories, baby items, and more. With simple step-by-step instructions that are accompanied by templates and pattern pieces, each project is designed to be completed in just a few hours. Get inspired and turn a yard of your favorite fabric into a quilted lunch bag, bright sundress, or a cuddly plush turtle. less

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93
Taking the much-loved Noah's Ark story as her inspiration, Anne-Pia Godske Rasmussen has designed a gorgeous collection of sewing projects that are both appealing and full of fun. Using traditional sewing, quilting and appliqué techniques, Anne-Pia shows you how to create beautiful items for you and your home, all in her unique country style. less

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94

Making Cards

This inspiring book is packed full of creative ideas for making cards for all occasions. You can follow the clear, simple step-by-step instructions exactly, or just use the imaginative ideas to create your own cards. less

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95

The Creative Photographer

For most photographers the picture is the end product of the creative process. For Catherine Anderson, it's just the beginning. In a wide array of projects using techniques from Photoshop to needle and thread, she shows beginner and experienced photographers alike how to turn their pictures into handmade objects of art-from books and collages to customized greeting cards. less

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96

Sewing Room Accessories

The latest addition to the Love to Sew series, this new title from best-selling author Debbie Shore contains 15 gorgeous, practical items that every sewer will love to make, use or give as gifts.

The book contains storage solutions and sewing accessories to equip every sewing space. The projects range from practical storage solutions such as tool rolls, carry cases and cutting mat carriers to innovative ways to keep a sewing space tidy, such as a handy armchair storage device and an ironing station, complete with board cover and handy hanging pouch for storing a mini iron...
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98

Designing with Stamping

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Digital Textile Design

Digital Textile Design, Second Edition covers everything students and practitioners of textile design will need to learn about designing and printing digitally. The book examines how designers can access this technique, looking at the work of those currently exploring its possibilities, and provides an insight into the technology involved in digital textile printing. less

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100

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Don't have time to read the top Fabric books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.