The Dressmaker’s Companion book

Introducing The Dressmaker’s Companion – A practical guide to sewing clothes

A comprehensive sewing reference you’ll refer to again and again for reliable, practical advice.

Whether you’re a dressmaker, fashion student or simply enjoy sewing for yourself and the people you love, this is a sewing book as helpful as your own personal teacher.

With over 3,000 illustrations, step-by-step instructions, clever ideas, troubleshooting and fitting advice, The Dressmaker’s Companion will enable you to sew with confidence.

Winner of the 30th Benjamin Franklin Award for best craft book and silver medal winner for best large format cover.

About the author: Elizabeth Haywood always loved making clothes. She trained as a patternmaker and worked in the fashion industry for 20 years. She now lives in the country with her young family, where she’s re-discovering sewing for pleasure.

The Dressmaker’s Companion has received a gold medal for best craft/hobby/how-to book, and a silver medal for best large format cover at the 30th Benjamin Franklin Book Awards. More about the awards here.

What people are saying about The Dressmaker’s Companion

“If you can have only one sewing reference book, THIS IS IT! ” –Australian Sewing Guild

“A lovely well written and illustrated book. Very informative, easy to comprehend even for a novice sewer. So many sewing and pattern making tips and ideas from an expert in her field. I highly recommend this book be added to any sewers library.” –Lis Moritz, Catwalk Fabrics

“An excellent gift for sewists!” –The Drapery

“This book includes instructions on a range of techniques you will come across once you have mastered the basics. A valuable resource.” –House of Cloth

“A great book! Highly recommend. I keep it right next to my sewing machine and refer it often, even on steps I know- I always learn a new tip or variation. And the illustrations are super helpful.” –@tri2sew

“I adore it so so helpful” –@running_bel

“Great to see locally produced sewing texts.” –@jennyramosdiaz

Best Christmas present I ever got! It is consulted on a regular basis. –@gather_n_stitch

Your voice gave me the confidence with the aid of your book to get back into dressmaking after an almost 15year break. Thank you. –@elenaboas

Liz, I love this book! Not just for the serious, for anyone who wants to improve their skills. You have a wonderful writing ‘voice’ and so much helpful experience. It’s fun to flip through and learn something new, and awesome for solving problems – @dandyfeathers

It’s already useful. Now I know why my sleeves didn’t match the arm holes on the current project and more importantly, I know what to do. Great pictures and explanations! –@marmaladysews

Hello – just to say I’m really enjoying The Dressmaker’s Companion, it is full of great content and personality, so thanks for writing such a useful resource! Regards, Caroline – @csheep40

American Sewing Guild review

Grassroots Mag OctNov2017

Where to buy The Dressmaker’s Companion

Like to flip through a copy before buying? Your local library might have it. If they don’t, why not ask your librarian to purchase a copy for the library? (you could be the first to borrow it).

You can buy an autographed copy from me here.

Are you a small retailer, independent fabric shop owner or sewing school proprietor and want to stock The Dressmaker’s Companion? I have excellent wholesale rates, no minimum and can drop ship to your door; please send a no obligation enquiry to: liz@lizhaywood (dot) com (dot) au

To buy retail, try your local bookshop; the book’s ISBN is 978 0 646 98547 3 and the distributor is Ingram.

In Adelaide, South Australia, All Make Sewing Centre in Stirling and Minski++ in North Adelaide.

In Clare, South Australia, Clare Fashion and Fabrics stocks autographed copies.

In the Barossa Valley, South Australia, The Raven’s Parlour Bookstore in Tanunda has autographed copies.

In Bendigo, Victoria, House of Cloth

In Australia, Booktopia, Fishpond and online independent fabric store Paper Scissors Frock.

In the UK, Abebooks.co.uk, Blackwells, and independent online fabric store Fleur et Ours.

In the US, Material Happiness in San Diego. Online: bookshop.org (affiliate link + supporting independent bookshops), Amazon.com, Alibris, Superbookdeals, Barnes and Noble, Abebooks.com, Biblio.com, Indiebound.org

In Canada, Chapters/Indigo

In Japan, Amazon.co.jp

In France, Amazon.fr

In Germany, Amazon.de