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It Starts with a Square

Learn to Sew Your Own Clothes Using Simple Shapes—No Patterns Required!
Brief Description
Learn to sew your own low-waste, size-free wardrobe—starting with a simple square. Tired of confusing sizing charts and tissue-paper patterns? Discover a beginner-friendly method that's inclusive, modern, and sustainable with It Starts with a Square. In this innovative guide to garment sewing, designer Cris Wood presents... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4999
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Releases 4th August 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "It Starts with a Square" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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It Starts with a Square introduces 17 size-unlimited, low-waste garment patterns for beginners and beyond-no paper patterns, special notions, or sewing experience required.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Learn to sew your own low-waste, size-free wardrobe—starting with a simple square.

Tired of confusing sizing charts and tissue-paper patterns? Discover a beginner-friendly method that's inclusive, modern, and sustainable with It Starts with a Square.

In this innovative guide to garment sewing, designer Cris Wood presents 17 wearable projects made entirely from basic squares and rectangles—no pre-sized pattern pieces or special notions needed. With Cris's guidance, you'll learn to measure your body and draw each pattern piece directly onto fabric, creating custom-fit clothing that's both stylish and waste-conscious. With no zippers, no buttons, and only straight seams, this book offers the perfect on-ramp for new sewists.

Inside, you'll find:

  • Styles You'll Make Again and Again: 17 size-unlimited garments, including tops, skirts, and dresses, plus variations
  • Beginner-Friendly Support: A glossary of sewing terms and beginner FAQs
  • Inspired Ideas for Confident Sewists: Hacks for mixing and matching pattern components
  • Make it Your Own: Tips on customizing garments for fit and function
  • Inclusive Visuals: Over 200 illustrations and photos, including every project modelled on different body types

More than just a how-to, this book encourages you to have fun while you sew, exploring necklines, sleeves, skirt styles, and more, to build a modular, personal wardrobe. Packed with detailed illustrations, clear step-by-step instructions, and an innovative size-inclusive method, It Starts with a Square is your must-have guide to sewing garments you'll love!

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781577158752

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 August 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Quarry Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 191.0mm

Height: 248.0mm

Weight: 458g

Pages: 144

About the Author

Cris Wood is a self-taught sewist, designer, and maker with over 30 years of experience, including work in costume design, vintage denim repair, and re-use fashion. Known for her signature approach to low-waste, size-inclusive garment design, Cris has built a loyal following for her PDF patterns, which emphasize simplicity, sustainability, and confidence-building for all skill levels. She shares her work and process with a growing audience on Instagram (@criswoodsews), where she connects with a passionate slow fashion and handmade clothing community. Cris lives in Seattle, Washington, and is dedicated to making sewing more accessible and more joyful for everyone.

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