Gertie Sews Glam Knits

 

Gertie Sews Glam Knits / Gretchen Hirsch
NY: Harry Abrams, c2026.
192 p.

The latest pattern book by Gretchen Hirsch features knits - not a frequent fabric in her vintage-inspired designs. But in this book she covers all you need to know to make knits look glam and Hollywood. It's more than a pattern book, as she discusses quite a lot about knits themselves to begin with. How to identify, decide what kind of knit you'll need, the differences in content, stretch, drape, recovery and more. She discusses stabilizing, finishing, and so forth. It's actually a great intro for people who are hesitant to sew knits, or who are generally unfamiliar with them. 

Then of course there are the patterns. There are six main patterns here, with pattern-hacking variations included to extend their potential. All patterns are available as pdf downloads, in sizes 2-20 and 18-34, A-H cups. You could really make a knit wardrobe with the patterns here, if you were so inclined. They include: 

• The Jewel Neck Top
• The Surplice Top
• The Halter Top
• The Pencil Skirt
• The Side Draped Skirt
• The Tap Shorts

They all look lovely the way they've been presented here, on two body sizes. For my own wardrobe, I'd be most inclined to make the Pencil Skirt, particularly one of the variations that has a few draped tucks on the front. But this is a really informative read, as well as being visually engaging, as most of Gertie's books are. So it's just fun to look at even if you don't end up making anything! If you like vintage knits, this is one to get.