The School of Making® was born of the Studio Book Series and continues to foster conversations, educational experiences, and workshops at The Factory and beyond. <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/events">EXPLORE UPCOMING EVENTS HERE</a>

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Alabama Chanin

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The School of Making® books are comprehensive guides to processes and techniques for hand-making garments and home goods. Use them in conjunction with our DIY Sewing Kits. We choose to open source our methods and patterns to aid in our efforts to make our products more accessible to a wider audience.&nbsp;The School of Making™ is a natural outgrowth of the book series and our desire to maintain a sustainable, multi-faceted business.

*Please note Studio Books + Patterns are excluded from sales and promotions and are intended for personal and home use.

The Studio Books + Patterns:
Over A Decade of Inspiration

Browse the Studio Books and our Pattern Series. There are comprehensive guides to embroidery and hand-sewing and garment patterns for making, alongside stories of processes, sustainability, design, and inspiration. 

Studio Books and Patterns

DETAILS Embroidery: Threads and Stories from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making recounts Natalie's journey and the origins of Alabama Chanin. A deeply personal and reflective work, Natalie’s sixth book explores her design ethos and creative process through stories that shaped her life, career, and our organization as a whole. It also serves as an empowering guide for all who love design and handcraft. • Hardcover• 272 pages• Measures 8.75 x 11"• Abrams, 2022• Ships in 7 - 10 business days *Excluded from all sales and promotions.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
Embroidery: Threads and Stories from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making recounts Natalie's journey and the origins of Alabama Chanin. A deeply personal and reflective work, Natalie’s sixth book explores her design ethos and creative process through stories that shaped her life, career, and our organization as a whole. It also serves as an empowering guide for all who love design and handcraft.
• Hardcover • 272 pages • Measures 8.75 x 11" • Abrams, 2022 • Ships in 7 - 10 business days
*Excluded from all sales and promotions.

Pages from Embroidery: Threads and Stories by Natalie Chanin.

Cover of Embroidery: Threads and Stories by Alabama Chanin.

double Book pages from "Embroidery: Threads and Stories" featuring abstract fabric swatches.

In-Stock: Embroidery: Threads and Stories

Default Title

DETAILS The Car Coat pattern includes 3 length variations for the garment body (cropped jacket, jacket, and coat) plus 2 sleeve options and 3 pocket options. Pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. This pattern is designed for use with The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction. Choose between a physical or digital pattern. PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper. DIGITALOur digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
 
The Car Coat pattern includes 3 length variations for the garment body (cropped jacket, jacket, and coat) plus 2 sleeve options and 3 pocket options. Pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. This pattern is designed for use with The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction.
Choose between a physical or digital pattern.
PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper.
DIGITAL Our digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

The School of Making Car Coat in navy with abstract stencil design.

The School of Making Over-Sized Car Coat in black with Marie stencil design.

Paper envelope containing the Car Coat Sewing Pattern.

Model wearing the Cropped Car Jacket in Natural. 

double The School of Making Over-Sized Car Coat in black with Marie stencil design.

Car Coat Pattern

Physical

Digital – US Letter

Digital – A4

DETAILS One of our most popular patterns, The Corset is feminine and flattering with a snug fit and low scoop neckline to enhance your natural curves. The pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. See chart below for yardage requirements. This pattern is designed for use with The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction. Choose between a physical or digital pattern. PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper. DIGITALOur digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
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One of our most popular patterns, The Corset is feminine and flattering with a snug fit and low scoop neckline to enhance your natural curves. The pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. See chart below for yardage requirements. This pattern is designed for use with <a href="http://alabamachanin.com/t/collections/the-school-of-making/studio-books">The School of Making™ Studio Book Series</a> as a reference for detailed sewing instruction. Choose between a physical or digital pattern.
PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper.
DIGITAL Our digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

The School of Making The Corset Pattern Women's DIY Clothing Pattern for Hand-Sewn Corset.

The School of Making Corset Pattern Sewing Pattern for DIY Makers.

The School of Making The Corset Pattern for Hand-Sewing.

The Corset in Ballet with negative reverse appliqué Bloomers stencil.

Corset Pattern

DETAILS The Geometry of Hand-Sewing: A Romance in Stitches and Embroidery —from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making by Natalie Chanin is a comprehensive guide to hand-stitching and embroidery. This book focuses solely on the stitches themselves rather than projects or garments. It takes embroidery stitches and breaks them down into different geometric grid systems that make learning even seemingly elaborate stitches as easy as child’s play. The Geometry of Hand-Sewing presents this breakthrough method and features illustrated instructions for more than 100 stitches—from the most basic straight and chain to the more fanciful feather and herringbone—photos of both right and wrong sides; and guidelines for modifying stitches to further increase one’s repertoire. To simplify learning, the book also includes two plastic stitching cards die-cut with the grids on which every stitch in the book is based. These reusable cards can be stitched through for practicing or used as stencils for transferring grids to fabric. To create projects in this book, a section of our Variegated Stripe stencil is used. The artwork can be photocopied from the book, hand-drawn using a ruler, or downloaded here. *Excluded from all sales and promotions.• 144 pages• Paperback• 9 x 11 inches• Abrams, 2017• Ships in 7-14 business days INSTALLMENT HIGHLIGHTS • Instruction for more than 100 embroidery stitches • Plastic stitching cards die-cut with the 7 grids shown in the book • Labeled illustrations of each stitch for both left- and right-handed stitching • Photographs of both the front and back of each stitch *Excluded from all sales and promotions.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
The Geometry of Hand-Sewing: A Romance in Stitches and Embroidery <meta charset="utf-8"> —from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making by Natalie Chanin is a comprehensive guide to hand-stitching and embroidery. This book focuses solely on the stitches themselves rather than projects or garments. It takes embroidery stitches and breaks them down into different geometric grid systems that make learning even seemingly elaborate stitches as easy as child’s play.
The Geometry of Hand-Sewing presents this breakthrough method and features illustrated instructions for more than 100 stitches—from the most basic straight and chain to the more fanciful feather and herringbone—photos of both right and wrong sides; and guidelines for modifying stitches to further increase one’s repertoire. To simplify learning, the book also includes two plastic stitching cards die-cut with the grids on which every stitch in the book is based. These reusable cards can be stitched through for practicing or used as stencils for transferring grids to fabric.
To create projects in this book, a section of our Variegated Stripe stencil is used. The artwork can be photocopied from the book, hand-drawn using a ruler, or downloaded <a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0411/9864/9508/files/The_School_of_Making_-_Variegated_Stripe_-_Stencil_Artwork_Cropped.jpg?v=1666212676" target="_blank">here</a>.
*Excluded from all sales and promotions. • 144 pages • Paperback • 9 x 11 inches • Abrams, 2017 <meta charset="utf-8">• Ships in 7-14 business days 
<h3>INSTALLMENT HIGHLIGHTS</h3>
• Instruction for more than 100 embroidery stitches • Plastic stitching cards die-cut with the 7 grids shown in the book • Labeled illustrations of each stitch for both left- and right-handed stitching • Photographs of both the front and back of each stitch 
*Excluded from all sales and promotions.

The School of Making The Geometry of Hand-Sewing Book Cover by Natalie Chanin.

The School of Making The Geometry of Hand Sewing Book for Hand-Stitching and Hand-Embroidery DIY Projects by Natalie Chanin.

The School of Making Button Craft Thread sewing techniques.

double image of the geometry of hand sewing with pages showing the stitches.

In-Stock: The Geometry of Hand-Sewing

DETAILS Alabama Stitch Book offers a collection of projects and stories from the Alabama Chanin clothing and lifestyle company, known for the cutting-edge twist it puts on tried-and-true sewing, quilting, and embroidery techniques, applied mostly by hand to recycled and organic cotton jersey. 2018 celebrated the book's 10th anniversary and now that ten years have passed, our publisher has released a special edition of Alabama Stitch Book with a new cover and updated introduction. Choose The Studio Book Bundle option to get signed copies of each of the following titles by Natalie Chanin: Alabama Stitch Book, Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns, and Alabama Studio Sewing and Design. • Hardcover • 175 pages • Includes instructions for stitches, techniques, and a variety of projects for the home and wardrobe • Abrams, 2008 *Excluded from all sales and promotions.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
Alabama Stitch Book offers a collection of projects and stories from the Alabama Chanin clothing and lifestyle company, known for the cutting-edge twist it puts on tried-and-true sewing, quilting, and embroidery techniques, applied mostly by hand to recycled and organic cotton jersey. 2018 celebrated the book's 10th anniversary and now that ten years have passed, our publisher has released a special edition of Alabama Stitch Book with a new cover and updated introduction.
Choose The Studio Book Bundle option to get signed copies of each of the following titles by Natalie Chanin: Alabama Stitch Book, <a href="https://shop.alabamachanin.com/products/alabama-studio-sewing-patterns">Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns</a>, and <a href="https://shop.alabamachanin.com/products/natalie-chanin-alabama-studio-sewing-design" target="_blank">Alabama Studio Sewing and Design</a>.
• Hardcover • 175 pages • Includes instructions for stitches, techniques, and a variety of projects for the home and wardrobe • Abrams, 2008 
*Excluded from all sales and promotions.

The School of Making Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns Book for Hand Sewing and Pattern Making DIY Projects by Natalie Chanin.

The School of Making Alabama Stitch Book By Natalie Chanin with Hand-Sewn Swing Skirt Project.

The School of Making Alabama Stitch Book for Hand-Sewing DIY Projects by Natalie Chanin.

The School of Making Alabama Stitch Book Slow Design Projects for Makers by Natalie Chanin.

The School of Making Alabama Stitch Book Cover By Natalie Chanin.

double The School of Making Alabama Stitching book cover Natalie Chanin.

Alabama Stitch Book

Alabama Stitch Book Only

Studio Book Bundle

Details The same as the labels included in our DIY Sewing Kits, The School of Making Label is the perfect finishing touch to your hand sewn project. This label is made from our 100% organic medium weight cotton jersey. *Excluded from all sales and promotions.

<h3>Details</h3>
<meta charset="utf-8">The same as the labels included in our DIY Sewing Kits, The School of Making Label is the perfect finishing touch to your hand sewn project. This label is made from our 100% organic medium weight cotton jersey. 
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*Excluded from all sales and promotions.
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The School of Making TSOM Label for Hand-Sewing and Hand-Embroidery DIY Clothing Projects.

double The School of Making Label for Hand-Sewn DIY Projects.

The School of Making Needle Sewing supplies in vial with cork.

The School of Making DIY kit contents of the Car Coat in navy with Abstract design. Features pre-cut fabric and notions.

The School of Making Label

DETAILS The Swing Skirt pattern includes the nested pattern and comes in sizes XS to XXL with six length variations—21", 24", 26", 28", 33", and 40"—and four pocket variations—cargo, patch, five-side patch, and side-seam. The pattern includes instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. This pattern is designed for use with The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction. Use this pattern along with "The Swing Skirt Techniques & Construction" video course available through Craftsy. Please note: As this design features a snug fit, we recommend choosing one size larger than your regular size when cutting. For specific garment measurements, or if you need help with sizing, please contact us. PHYSICALReceive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper. DIGITALOur digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter paper sizes.Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
<meta charset="utf-8"> 
The Swing Skirt pattern includes the nested pattern and comes in sizes XS to XXL with six length variations—21", 24", 26", 28", 33", and 40"—and four pocket variations—cargo, patch, five-side patch, and side-seam. The pattern includes instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. This pattern is designed for use with The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction. Use this pattern along with <a href="https://shrsl.com/2qd8e">"The Swing Skirt Techniques &amp; Construction"</a> video course available through <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/class/creative-embellishments/?sscid=31k5_o0h5l">Craftsy</a>.
<meta charset="utf-8">Please note: As this design features a snug fit, we recommend choosing one size larger than your regular size when cutting. For specific garment measurements, or if you need help with sizing, please <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/contact" data-mce-href="https://alabamachanin.com/contact">contact us</a>.
PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper.
DIGITAL Our digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

The School of Making The Swing Skirt Pattern Sewing Pattern for Women's Skirt.

The School of Making The Swing Skirt Pattern Women's DIY Clothing Pattern for Hand-Sewn Swing Skirt.

The School of Making The Swing Skirt Pattern Maker Supplies for Hand-Sewn Projects.

The School of Making The Swing Skirt Pattern Maker Supplies for Hand-Sewn Clothing.

The School of Making The Swing Skirt Pattern Maker Supplies for DIY Skirt Project.

Swing Skirt Pattern

Digital

Details Indispensable tools for your home design studio, these measuring tools can be used for a variety of tasks, from measuring and cutting fabric to altering patterns. Purchase only the tool you need or bundle them together in our Pattern Measurement Bundle. *Excluded from all sales and promotions. Available Tools Styling Design Ruler The School of Making Measurement Bundle Measuring Tape 18" Transparent Ruler

<h3>Details</h3>
<meta charset="utf-8">Indispensable tools for your home design studio, these measuring tools can be used for a variety of tasks, from measuring and cutting fabric to altering patterns. Purchase only the tool you need or bundle them together in our Pattern Measurement Bundle.  
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*Excluded from all sales and promotions.
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<h3>Available Tools</h3>
<ul>
<li>Styling Design Ruler</li>
<li>The School of Making Measurement Bundle</li>
<li>Measuring Tape</li>
<li>18" Transparent Ruler</li>
</ul>

The School of Making Measuring Tools for Hand-Sewn DIY Clothing and Making Projects.

The School of Making Measuring Tools Tape Measure for Custom DIY Garments.

The School of Making Measuring Tools 18 Inch Transparent Ruler for Sewing Projects.

The School of Making Measuring Tools Styling Design Ruler for Pattern and Garment Design.

The School of Making Measuring Bundle Maker Supplies for Handmade Garments and Designs.

Measuring Tools

Measuring Tape

18" Transparent Ruler

Styling Design Ruler

Measurement Bundle

DETAILS The Wrap Dress pattern includes 5 length variations for the garment body (top, tunic, 40″ dress, 47.25″ mid-length dress, and 55.5″ long dress) and 5 sleeve options (sleeveless, cap sleeve, short sleeve, three-quarter sleeve, and long fluted sleeve). Pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. This pattern is designed for use with our The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction. Choose between a physical or digital pattern. PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper. DIGITALOur digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
<meta charset="utf-8"> 
The Wrap Dress pattern includes 5 length variations for the garment body (top, tunic, 40″ dress, 47.25″ mid-length dress, and 55.5″ long dress) and 5 sleeve options (sleeveless, cap sleeve, short sleeve, three-quarter sleeve, and long fluted sleeve). Pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. This pattern is designed for use with our The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction.
Choose between a physical or digital pattern.
PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper.
DIGITAL Our digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

The School of Making The Wrap Dress Pattern Women's DIY Clothing Pattern for Hand-Sewn Wrap Top and Dress.

The School of Making The Wrap Dress Pattern with Embellished Long Fluted Sleeve.

The School of Making The Wrap Dress Pattern Maker Supplies.

The School of Making The Wrap Dress Pattern for DIY Custom Clothing Projects.

Model wearing the Wrap Dress with Anna's Garden design in negative reverse appliqué. Shown in sand/natural colorway.

Wrap Dress Pattern

DETAILS Our Alabama Sweater pattern includes three length variations and can be made in tunic, top, or crop top version. This pattern features a V-neckline and is loosely fitted through the bust with a generous flare to the hem. The sweater pattern also includes five sleeve variations including sleeveless, cap sleeve, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, and long-fluted sleeve. Pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. This pattern is designed for use with The School of Making™ Studio Book Series as a reference for detailed sewing instruction. Choose between a physical or digital pattern. PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper. DIGITALOur digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

<h3>DETAILS</h3>
<meta charset="utf-8"> 
Our Alabama Sweater pattern includes three length variations and can be made in tunic, top, or crop top version. This pattern features a V-neckline and is loosely fitted through the bust with a generous flare to the hem. The sweater pattern also includes five sleeve variations including sleeveless, cap sleeve, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, and long-fluted sleeve. Pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL along with instructions for fabric selection, cutting, and garment construction. This pattern is designed for use with <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/t/collections/the-school-of-making/studio-books">The School of Making™ Studio Book Series</a> as a reference for detailed sewing instruction.
Choose between a physical or digital pattern.
PHYSICAL Receive a 9" x 12" envelope with a folded paper pattern—printed to scale—and printed instructions on 8.5" x 11" paper.
DIGITAL Our digital PDF patterns are designed for printing on wide-format printers or desktop printers—as the document includes full-size and tiled versions for US Letter and A4 paper sizes. Upon purchase, you will receive the download link in your order confirmation email.

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Books + Patterns:
Explore, Discover, Make

Books + Patterns: Explore, Discover, Make

Books + Patterns:
Explore, Discover, Make