Gertie Sews Glam Knits: Turn Simple Techniques into Showstopping Designs

Celebrated sewing expert Gretchen Hirsch shows you how to transform knits and stretch fabrics into glamorous vintage looks inspired by Coco Chanel, Claire McCardell, Madame Grès, and more.

Knit fabrics are easy to fit, have a lovely drape, and are known for being comfortable and effortless—all things that appeal to both designers and home sewists. But sewing with knit fabrics can be tricky.

Gertie Sews Glam Knits is here to change all that: Author Gretchen Hirsch shares her legendary sewing secrets to teach readers how to stitch knit fabrics with ease (and without special equipment).

Hirsch’s well-researched sewing instructions come from years of studying and collecting rare designer garments. There are few books available on sewing with knit fabrics, and even fewer that offer both instruction and patterns for coveted vintage styles that are sized to fit modern figures.

The book is divided into two helpful sections. The first focuses on sewing different types of knit fabrics, decoding stretch percentages, stabilizing and finishing, fitting, and more. Part two is all about the wardrobe, offering six downloadable patterns, plus variations, including ’30s-style tap pants and halter top, a classic ’50s jewel neck top and pencil skirt, beachy pants, a bishop-sleeve blouse, and more.

© 2026 Abrams Books (Ebook): 9798887070964

Release date

Ebook: 19 May 2026