I would like to thank Netgalley and Storey Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful, with lots of info. Cleverly teaches you to create your own patterns.

The Handsewn Wardrobe aims to support both beginning and experienced sewists, encouraging newcomers to jump in while supporting seasoned makers in transitioning to more handsewn items. I think I would have really enjoyed this book if it had existed when I was a beginner, though I might also have found it overwhelming. In trying to cater to both audiences, the book ends up spreading itself thin.

The introductory section is a bit of a hodgepodge, covering too much without going deep enough. For example, it strangely includes a full section on darts, despite none of the projects requiring them, yet offers minimal guidance on fitting, simply advising readers to search online. While the book clearly aims to demystify sewing and promote creative exploration, its open-ended approach lacks the structure that many first-timers need.

As someone who prefers hand sewing to machine sewing, I was genuinely excited to try a new project, especially with this being my first foray into drafting. Unfortunately, none of the included projects appealed to me. The ever-present woven, dartless T-shirt makes another appearance, a staple of beginner books that, in reality, few new sewists seem to enjoy or actually wear.

Still, this is a genuinely interesting book that reignited my excitement for hand sewing. My main concern is that beginners may invest a lot of time and effort only to end up disappointed by an underwhelming first project, rather than feeling inspired to continue. It would likely work best when supplemented with a book on historical sewing techniques and a few reliable commercial patterns to help provide more direction and satisfaction early on.

Thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

This was a fantastic primer was making the basics that every wardrobe needs. I really liked that it integrated both pattern making and sewing,

The Handsewn Wardrobe is a well organized tutorial and technique guide for handsewn clothing construction designed and curated by Louisa Owen Sonstroem. Released 5th Aug 2025 by Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 344 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Although this is, indeed, a book about hand-sewn clothing, and it contains start-to-finish tutorials with which readers can certainly create credible, functional, and beautiful pieces of clothing, the author emphasizes process and the meditative aspects of creating as much (or more?) than the actual finished products. It takes slow fashion to a whole other level.

She covers measurements, some simple design elements, and drafting patterns from pre-existing clothes. Materials selection and basic utility sewing are covered, but not in-depth (again, some background with handsewing, or a mentor/teacher/resource will prove handy for beginner sewists). Techniques like slash&spread, adding design elements and cutting pattern pieces are also covered in a straightforward (abbreviated/simple) way.

The author has added some whimsy in the form of a few simple games (thimble wars, thimble "football", tug of war, etc) which will probably bring a smile to readers' faces.

Many (but not all) of the included tutorials are surprisingly unisex and can be adapted to more or less anyone. The styling is not at all fussy. There's a Japanese vibe to the simple lines and emphasis on natural fibres and quality materials.

Four and a half stars. More for the philosophy and process than for the finished products. The author has an engaging, comforting, and wise style of communication. The pace is slow and methodical. This would be an excellent choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, for fibre-arts groups, and for the home sewist's library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.

Louisa Owen Sonstroem’s "The Handsewn Wardrobe" explores the art of sewing garments entirely by hand—a rarity in an era dominated by machine sewing guides. The book stands out for its patient, encouraging approach to what many might consider an intimidating craft, breaking down each step from taking precise measurements to mastering finishing stitches. Sonstroem frames hand sewing as a meditative, portable practice that fosters a deeper connection to the clothes we wear. The instructions are meticulous, walking readers through drafting custom patterns (no commercial templates required), selecting fabrics, and executing stitches with clear, well-illustrated examples. Projects progress logically from simple staples like a relaxed top to more ambitious pieces, each accompanied by thoughtful tips for troubleshooting fit and fabric challenges.

That said, absolute beginners might crave more step-by-step visuals for complex stitches, and the decision to place key abbreviations in the glossary rather than the pattern section can disrupt your workflow. I'm still wondering how entirely handsewn denim would really work, but I guess I'll have to try it before I knock it.

Whether you’re a seasoned sewist seeking a machine-free challenge or a novice drawn to sustainable fashion, Sonstroem’s expertise and enthusiasm make this an inspiring guide. Just be warned: after flipping through, you might find yourself eyeing buying up all the expensive linen you see.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

It is a good book for beginner.
I took some exemple for my courses that I give to student.
They liked the idea !

Friends!
Grab this gorgeousness for your craft room, your makerspace collection, your library (public or school). This is a go-to reference that will serve you (or the learners you work with) for years. This is your next step after getting comfortable with mending techniques, and doing some hand sewing projects.
Have students who are frustrated with clothes that don't quite fit? This is for them. Not sure how to adjust a bought sewing pattern to fit your body? This is for you. Want to machine sew, but with patterns designed from a favourite garment in your closet? Those techniques are here, too. Louise Owen Sonstroem has put together clear information on pattern drafting methods, clear instructions on hand-sewing techniques, and a set of beautiful clothing to make.
In the age of fast fashion, this is your invitation to marinate in the making process. Tons of diagrams, and you could pair this with a video series (many available through your local library with Creativebug or Craftsy) by a maker like Cal Patch for learners who would benefit from that support. Can't wait to get my hard copy of this one.

I've been quite impressed by 'The Handsewn Wardrobe'. Unlike, I'd wager, many readers, I approached this book as someone who only ever learned how to hand-sew (from an early age) and who's had trouble transitioning over to machine sewing. Part of my struggle has been the fact that I was never taught the steps of garment construction. Enter this book!

I was a bit wary of the way hand-sewing might be presented; for me, it was about accessibility (the cost of a sewing machine was out of the question). Thankfully, there's no elitism here, and the author doesn't presume why you may wish to sew by hand, though of course for most the reason may be a slower and more mindful approach to garment making.

I was pleased that unlike many sewing books, this didn't include any awkward 'beginner' projects - you know, the usual tea towel or pot holder to get yourself acclimated. In fact, there are only a small handful of projects here, but each is mapped out with a lot of detail.

You won't find endless variations or avant garde stylings, which is just as well: between the projects in the book and the details on patternmaking & alterations, you'll be well placed (were you so inclined) to sew up most of a wardrobe yourself (excluding bras, socks, etc).

I do think it's a bit ambitious to include both a denim jacket and jeans in here. Denim is a bear to handle with a very robust machine, and (if I'm not mistaken) jeans were very much a product of industrial manufacturing. I don't care how hardy your joints or how sturdy your needles & thimble, I'd personally think those two were a step too far - but hey, that's me. I would have preferred to see maybe a wrap-style garment (like a wrap cardigan or bathrobe) and boxers / sleep shorts (though these could be likely worked out from the leggings pattern), instead of the denim pieces, but I can understand the appeal - and the need for jeans that fit well. (It's a grim, grim world out there!)

That being said, there's nothing saying you can't use the detailed instructions here to, instead, confidently machine-sew your clothes, or do what I will likely do and go for a hybrid, hand-stitching the bits that are more fiddly, machine-sew the long boring seams (or places that'll get more wear).

A really excellent, focused book; I hope very much that the author expands to dedicated books on tailoring, alterations, etc, because the detail off the instructions here is excellent.

Thank you very much to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to review this time-limited electronic ARC.

I saw this book at Netgalley, just a few days before the release date, and it just spoke to me for a few reasons.

🪡 As a hand piecer and quilter who never uses a sewing machine, I’m already used to sewing by hand, but then with tiny 1 inch pieces taking 7 years to become a queen sized bed spread lol.
🪡 My autism HATES sewing machines. Enough for meltdowns. I spend 2 hours last week hemming my jeans by hand because the machine was too loud. Just nope.
🪡 I’m on an all natural clothing quest, and as I favor linen and wool, there just aren’t many options in my size. I only have three identical linen shirts as they were the only ones I could find, and while that may seem very in brand for autism, I have the ‘tism that loves bright colors and dopamine dresses. I need options!

This book made me realize I have options. Options without a sewing machine. Options of which I already know the basics! Sort of. It seems really silly I never thought of hand sewing a garment before, as I do alter and embroider most of my pieces, but actual sewing just seemed intimidating and something else entirely.

Ok that was a long intro. I just wanted to share where I came from. Lots of hand sewing practice, literally NONE in garment patterns. And I have to admit, the pattern department is scary. Especially as I know how much can go wrong. Combine that with having no idea what stitches would work. But this book has all of this! It walks you through everything, especially the pattern drafting! And you know what… it seems doable! The instructions are very clear, and the pictures illuminate it even farther. The stitches are very clear, and its use is explained, and then there are garments with a walk through from how to make the pattern, what to watch out for to how to sew it step by step. I understood it all, which is a miracle to be honest (kudos to the author for performing said miracle). It also is size inclusive in the words and measurement taking (the patterns are inclusive by definition as you make your own) and I adore that in some of the illustrations the woman has leg hair. Silly thing to notice, I know, but I just really liked that detail.

So instead of writing this review after finishing the book, I ordered bright yellow linen fabric for a shirt and measured myself extensively. Then I remembered the publication date was really close and I should stop hyperfixating and just write it first, but tbh I’d rather scrape all the info from the book and draft a pattern and see if it works. I’m very inspired, this book was what I didn’t know I needed. And if you”re crafty, just pick it up and see if it’s something you might like, chances are you’ll be ordering fabric too before long lol.

Anyway, off to start drafting! I really recommend this book, and I want to thank the publisher and netgalley for granting me an e-arc. My opinions are my own.

A wonderful resource for those looking to make their own clothes. The pattern drafting section is invaluable in itself, the discussion of stiches and fabrics just adds to it. The patterns included are lovely, but boxy, though using some of the tips within the book you should be able to figure out how to adjust them to be more fitted or to fit as you prefer. It's a lovely book about slowing down and enjoying working with your hands.

Author Louisa Owen Sonstroem has done an excellent job of guiding both beginning and experienced sewers in the art of sewing by hand. When I first requested this title, I hadn’t expected it to be about sewing every stitch by hand. After all, the phrase “hand sewn” gets thrown around a lot for objects sewn at home. Once I began reading, I was taken with Sonstroem’s approach to slow sewing which is especially portable. The book also thoroughly explains the process of drafting patterns based on one’s measurements. It’s a wonderful addition to the apparel sewer’s bookshelf!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

An excellent guide to hand sewing, and how to apply those skills to making your own clothing items, making this important (and easy to learn skill) very accessible. The book is set out logically so that you can learn about what you need (honestly not a lot) and the stitches before you get to any making. Then each project is set out clearly with lots of excellent detailed picture instructions. There are also suggestions for other versions or tweaks that could be easily done to each project.
I really like that the author champions making your own patterns or learning how to tailor premade patterns to be perfect for you and your body. I really appreciate all the lessons in this book. Hand sewing is obviously slower but feels more purposeful and mindful. And you don't need to spend much money at all, so it's so much more accessible as a way to make your own clothing.

Louisa Owen Sonstroem’s The Handsewn Wardrobe is a delightful surprise and a true gem in the world of garment-making guides. I was initially unaware that it focused on hand sewing rather than machine stitching, but I quickly found that its wisdom applies beautifully across both disciplines. Even as an experienced sewer, I discovered plenty of fresh, practical insights that I’ll be referring back to — especially when working on my machine in future.

The book is impeccably laid out, with clear instructions and excellent diagrams that demystify a wide range of techniques. Each project is broken down into small, approachable steps, making it equally valuable for beginners and those with a bit more sewing experience. From stitches and hems to darts and fitting tips, the level of detail is impressive and makes it a dependable reference guide for anyone building or refining their sewing skills.

One minor quibble: I would’ve appreciated having the pattern abbreviation notes earlier in the book rather than tucked away in the end glossary. A simple tweak, but it would aid navigation for readers dipping in and out.

What makes this book truly special is its inclusive tone and well-thought-out structure. It caters to all levels and walks readers gently through not just technique, but mindset. Everything from materials to patterns is thoughtfully illustrated and explained — there’s even a charming nod to games, which adds a bit of whimsy and warmth.

This is the kind of book you’ll want on your shelf not just for its guidance, but for its encouragement. A fabulous resource I’ll return to time and time again.

This is an excellent book for anybody wishing to start hand-sewing! The stitch explanations are clear and detailed (even for a leftie like me!), and the patterns chosen are easy to understand. I found it fascinating to learn the basic of pattern-drafting this way, as I've always found it to be a bit overwhelming and intimidating, even when "just" machine-sewing. Reading this book, however, makes me feel like taking on a few new hand-sewing projects!

I'd recommend this to anyone who se past purchases include Bernadette Banner's "Make, sew and mend" - the two would also go very well together as gifts, whether for a beginner or a more advanced dressmaker.

I've always wanted to make my own clothes, but I never mastered the machine, and anytime it needed adjustment, I gave up. I also love to knit. So this option is really appealing to me, and the author does a great job of explaining every detail involved: taking your measurements, understanding fabric, demonstrating stitches, and providing patterns to start. Really excited to use this for both new articles of clothing and using the skills to repair old pieces.

A great collection of patterns and instructions for someone wanting to get into stitching clothing by hand!

The patterns and pieces chosen seem simple enough, while still being functional and pretty! The author has put much thought and love into the creation of the patterns and the detail instructions for each piece. You can really tell that this book was a labour of love.

I will say that the beginning of the book felt a bit daunting as someone who is just trying to get into sewing. I know the purpose of the book is to hand sew parts of your wardrobe, but there was SO much information written in the beginning of the book, that I found myself getting a bit lost and overwhelmed.

Overall, a great resource for someone looking to move to slow fashion and who is interested to take the time to create their own wardrobe pieces. Some pieces that I will definitely attempt to create for myself!

The Handsewn Wardrobe is an approachable beginner's guide not just to hand sewing staple wardrobe pieces, but also the process of patternmaking. As someone who is just starting their hand sewing journey, I really appreciate how methodical and explicit the descriptions were of how to create a pattern for a given garment, as well as how they scaled up in terms of difficulty. I also appreciated that the sketch used to illustrate how to take measurements was not the Barbie doll we often see used for illustrative purposes, and that there was a method for how to take measurements that didn't involve numbers. Overall, I feel that Ms. Louisa Sonstroem does an excellent job of making the very overwhelming task of hand sewing garments feel approachable.

Two fun facts about me.
1. I review books
2. I love crafting

So after it belatedly occurred to me that NetGalley has a Crafts & Hobbies section, I decided I could combine the two. I found "The Handsewn Wardrobe," by Louisa Owen Sonstroem and spent a couple afternoons pretending I could understand how to read directions without doing the things the directions tell you to do.

Obviously, this isn't the kind of book you're meant to just read through. And, admittedly, my eyes often glazed over at the instruction sections, especially for the projects I knew I would never attempt. But between each of the projects is a mini biography of a handsewist (handsewer?) that explains their preferences and process. The one that mentioned they never use a thimble and only know like 4 stitches made me feel so seen.

Still, the book has a delightful overall vibe. Rather than telling the reader "THIS is the PROPER way to sew, you COMMONER," it explains why sewing techniques are used the way they are. How which way you cut on the grain affects the way the garment drapes or why certain stitches are used for stretchier fabrics. It isn't telling you that you must do things in a certain way, just be aware of the possible outcomes if you don't. For a consummate contrarian like myself, it was probably the only way to convince me to actually try the more "official" techniques.

Every project in the book is broken into two sections: patternmaking and handsewing. The instructions on handsewing advise which stitches are best used for which seams of the garment depending on how much tension those seams will be under. The book also notes that you don't actually need to use both parts. You can make the pattern and sew on a machine or use a premade pattern and handsew it.

The garments themselves are intriguing, as so many of them were created for the age of sewing machines, things like t-shirts, jeans, jean jackets, and even a hoodie. Since these garments were never meant to be handsewn, there's still an element of unknown in the process. The author emphasizes that this is what she does for the moment. Who knows, perhaps the next generation of neo-handsewists may refine the skillset and create new traditions.

Without actually making one of these garments myself (I'm working on it, I promise) the only critique I can give is that I wish the note on pattern abbreviations were earlier in the book with, not the end glossary. While I could eventually piece together what "WST" meant, patterns can be confusing enough without also having to work out what it's even telling you to do. Especially when one of the most commonly used abbreviations in the book is SA (for seam allowance), which has a very different meaning in other contexts.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend that anyone read the entire book front to back the way I did. But if you're still near the beginning of your sewing journey, there's a lot to learn from the sections on stitches and fabrics. And, of course, you could try your hand at the projects that interest you. I'm already eyeing that one autumnal bedsheet in my stash for the gathered skirt. The Thanksgiving fit this year is gonna be next level.

The Handsewn Wardrobe goes through every step of understanding patterns, fabric, and stitches. I think it would be difficult for a beginner to learn how to sew from a book, but this one does cover all the basics.
Unfortunately, none of the clothes were items I would take the time to sew by hand, as I usually save hand sewing for intricate details and finishing. I think it would be most useful for someone interested in self-drafting their own basics (like a t-shirt and jeans)!

A very thoughtful book. You can tell the author loves the craft and loves her readers — the suggestion to take measurements in a less familiar unit (cm for Americans, for example, or inches for those who normally use metric) to avoid “number shame” is very clever. This is someone who knows a lot about stitches, yes, but also the many ways people feel about clothing and making their own clothes. Every time she mentions commercial patterns, she uses very neutral language to remind readers that the pattern probably won’t fit without altering, because it’s just a starting place. The advice to “keep a sense of humor” is so charming. If I was giving my niece a book on making clothes, I would want her to read this book not just because of the technical guide, but because of how thoughtful the author is about bodies and sizes. The artwork is thoughtful too — it’s nice to see men included, normalizing sewing as a hobby for everyone.

At times the writing is a little flowery for my taste, especially for a technical guide. I think the book probably could do with another round of edits for word economy and detail (like the “see page XXX” missing the actual page number). The thimble games seemed out of place to me.

I have a good deal of sewing experience, both by hand and machine. It’s incredible that even with two decades of making clothes there’s still more to learn! Even if you are very advanced, the book is worth flipping through for tips. For example — the tip for measuring neck width by draping a stirng with two weighed objects and measuring the distance inbetween is brilliant! I’ve just been using the same bodice block with the neckline width I like, but now that I know that measurement it’s much easier to freehand new necklines and still feel confident they’ll look nice with fewer mock ups. I loved the suggestion for making a hand sewn label, I haven’t seen that before and it’s absolutely darling.

The technical aspects of the book are excellent — a lot of pattern making guides will skip teaching wearing ease for some reason, assuming people will think to add it in themselves I guess. When you’re new to pattern drafting and it tells you to take a bunch of measurements of your body, it’s natural to then plot those exact measurements on your paper — but the body needs extra room for movement and so the garment drapes nicely! This book puts info about wearing ease directly after talking about measurements, which is the perfect place for it.

I was very impressed by the range of projects in this book. Usually entry level sewing books do very simple designs that all look pretty similar, and all suggest plain quilting cotton because it’s easy to work with, like the linen top or gathered skirt. Each pattern is progressively more advanced. The pattern I was most excited about was the jeans! I have been planning for months to make a pair in some nice japanese denim I bought but have been putting it off because of how expensive the material was and how unsure I was of getting it right. I already have a pants sloper, so the guide to refining it for jeans was really helpful.

When talking about fit, I liked that the book gives you all the technical terms and simplified meanings. If you know those weird little bunched up lines are called “drag lines” then you have a search term to learn more on your own. The book is a great jumping off point, it gives readers the ability to read other books with more technical jargon comfortably.