Sewing Techniques for Theatre

Sewing Techniques for Theatre: An Essential Guide for Beginners distills the intimidating art of sewing down into simple, quick, and effective lessons to prepare readers for an entry-level position in a costume shop. The lessons follow an hour-by-hour structure, offering detailed instructions to creating 11 sewing samples, a scrub shirt, and a tote bag. Embedded in the projects’ directions are lecture materials on safety, irons, fabric, and patterns. With a wealth of hands-on exercises, review questions, photographs, and step-by-step instructions for compiling a portfolio, this guide teaches aspiring costume technicians about the culture and machinery of the costume shop, and equips them with the necessary skills to begin their career as members of a costume shop team.


Tracey Lyons is an Instructor and Costume Designer at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Her professional scope includes design in classical and contemporary theatre, dance, opera, and musicals. She coauthored Teaching Introduction to Theatrical Design: A Process Based Syllabus in Costumes, Scenery, and Lighting (Routledge 2016). She holds an M.F.A. in Costume Design and Technology from Wayne State University and a B.A. from the College of Saint Benedict / Saint John’s University.