Hi, in December I was asked by Tuttle books is there was a sewing book I’d like to review. I browsed their craft books and saw that earlier this year the publishing company had released the English-language version of Stylish Wraps by Yoshiko Tsukiori ($15.95, Amazon affiliate link here, Tuttle link here). Somehow I missed the release of this book back in August.
Tuttle publishes several of Tsukiori’s sewing books, including Stylish Party Dresses. If you’re familiar with Japanese sewing books, it typically follows a format like this: 1. photos of finished garments, 2. instructions with clear diagrams and 3. a set of full-size patterns printed on both sides of the paper. For Stylish Wraps, the patterns are printed on the front and back of two large pieces of paper. The patterns are stored are in an envelope attached to the inside back cover.
Stylish Wraps is a good book for beginning sewists because the patterns are simple, such as Poncho A, which is essentially a rectangle folded in half with a hole cut in the middle for the head and then the corners cut in a curve to form the sleeves.
There’s also Poncho B, which is a variation of Poncho A – a circle with a hole cut in it and a ruffle added to the sleeve.
There are 22 patterns in Stylish Wraps, each identified by a letter of the alphabet and a brief description. Similar to Tsukiori’s other sewing books, some designs share the same pattern pieces for the garments. This means that some patterns are quite similar to each other and essentially variations on the same design.
The table of contents divides them into 5 categories – Straight Cuts, Capes, Accessories, Dolman Sleeves and Regular Sleeves. For example, patterns D and E – Drape Jacket and Drape Vest, are in the Straight Cuts section. They use similar pieces except that one has sleeves and the other doesn’t.
The Drape Jacket is made with sweatshirt fabric. I like this design and the fabric choice.
I also like the Bolero, Pattern P, which is the featured in the top left photo on the back cover below. The cool thing about the bolero is that is has an entirely different shape when you tie the ribbons.
The title is a little misleading as not everything is a wrap. As you can see, some of the designs are coats and vests. There are also knitting patterns for mittens and other accessories.
Then there are a few faux fur designs, such as this cape, which is a bit odd looking. Maybe it would look better in black? It looks like two furry arms.
There are four sizes – 7, 9, 11 and 13, which translates to bust 31 (78), 33 (83), 35 (88) and 37 (93). Don’t be alarmed by these measurements. There is a lot of ease in Japanese sewing patterns so don’t assume the patterns are too small for you.
I’ve sewn the largest size of other Japanese patterns, such as this skirt from Basic Black, and the garments fit well. I’m nearly 5′ 8″ (172 cm) and have a 38″ bust. See my post on Japanese sewing book sizing for more info on sizing.
None of these patterns are fitted and they are designed to be loosely fitted. If you haven’t tried a Japanese sewing book, you might want to check this one out. The designs are nothing fancy. A few are frumpy but there are some stylish ones in the mix – and for $15.95, it’s a good deal.
I’m giving away a copy of this book on my blog. So if you’d like a chance to win a free copy, just comment below. I’ll pick a winner at random and Tuttle Publishing will send you a copy. This is open to all – worldwide entries are allowed. Add your comment by next Thursday, Jan. 11. I’ll announce the winner on Friday, Jan. 12 on this blog post. Good luck!
I’ve never sewn a Japanese pattern efire and this looks like a good place to start! Thanks.
Thank you for such a thorough review and the pics. Much appreciated. Abbey
Oh, joy, a new Japanese pattern book! Thanks for reviewing this and alerting us all.
When I first heard about this book, I thought “meh, big woop”, You gave a very good description of it and now I am intrigued. Thanks for that.
I have been debating these books for a while… now I need to add shawls to the list. Never knew my wardrobe needed them until I saw this pattern book!
Thanks for reviewing this book. It looks quite intriguing. I hope to try sewing one of these items.
Thank you. I love japanese patterns for men but still haven’t tested those for women. Please count me in
Thank you for the great review! I was wondering about the size range. I will have to add this to my list.
Happy 2018!
This looks fantastic! I love my makes from her other books!
You won! I used Random.org to pick a number and it came up with 18. You’re the 18th commenter so you win! Congratulations! I just need your mailing address. If you live outside the U.S., I also need your phone number so Tuttle can fill out the customs form. 🙂
Thanks for the great review! This book will definitely go on my birthday wish list if I’m not the lucky winner. I love reading your blog posts; they are always informative and very interesting!
What can I say? This book is the ultimate as it covers the gamut of wraps, shawls, capes, shrugs, etc., and would truly be a blessing to win. Waiting…Anticipating…if not will more than likely purchase as all in one place …the book!
Never thought I would like the look of patterns under the title of wraps but love some of these. Please put me in the draw for a free copy of the book
Hi,
I just love the dramatic simplicity of Japanese design! I would make every version of every pattern in this book, thank you for the opportunity to possibly win a copy.
Jeanette
I saw this on Amazon and wasn’t sure about it so thank you for reviewing it! I’m a wrap fanatic as I live in a cool climate and this looks like a must-have 🙂
I love the Japanese aesthetic. I’d be interested in making several of these items. Thanks for the review.
Thank you for reviewing the book and giving us a sewist’s perspective ! What I like about the
book is that it gives options for each style, which means that there is something for everyone !
As always, you take the intimidation factor out of sewing making it user friendly and
simultaneously gaining or sharpening an existing skill through all your offerings ! .
I love the cape on the front! Japanese sewing books are my fav. I just love their aesthetic.
I borrowed this book from the local library earlier and loved almost every pattern! Actually got this on my Amazon list! My most favorite is the cape on the cover.
Thank you for the opportunity to try something new. I would have dismissed the idea due to the sizing. Now, I will pay attention!
This looks VERY interesting! I would love to see the way of sewing as described
This book looks fascinating! I’m now googling to see if there is any info from people out there who’ve sewn up any of these!
I like the ponchos that look like loose blouses; also the dress that looks like the bolero pattern only longer. Would love to win this book to help me use my stash!
I love the look of all these patterns. They all look very elegant but classic too. I would never have thought of sewing japanese patterns for myself, thank you for all the info. I would love to win this book!!
I love wearing ponchos but never felt brave enough to make my own. This book would inspire me to give it a try.
Happy New Year!
I agree, that cape is rather odd and some of the styles might be difficult to pull off. However, I’d wear the drape vest.
Thank you for the offer and sharing the sizing information.