Introduction to couture : What is haute couture today? ; A brief look into the life of Coco Chanel -- The art of textiles : Textiles ; Natural fibers ; Man-made fibers ; Specialty fabrics ; Lace ; A brief look into the life of Paul Poiret -- Uses of tools and supplies : Needles ; Thread ; Pressing tools ; Pressing techniques ; Sewing tools ; Cutting tools ; Stay stitching ; Garment marking ; Tailor's tacks ; Thread tracing ; Underlining ; Interlining ; LIning ; Lining assembly ; Interfacing ; Interfacing application ; Facings ; A brief look into the life of Christian Dior -- The skill of hand and machine stitching : The art of hand sewing ; Knot techniques ; Temporary stitches (basting) ; Permanent stitches ; Ornamental stitches ; Machine seams ; A brief look into the life of Gianni Versace -- Couture draping secrets : Establishing the grainline ; Draping a one-dart block ; Turn this block into a halter ; How to turn a dart into gathers, pleats, tucks, or a yoke ; Draping a princess seam block ; How to turn a princess seam block into a corset pattern -- Princess seam block as a structured dress/shirt lining ; The bust twist ; Examples of twist variations ; Draping with texture ; Draping asymmetrically ; Draping a straight skirt ; Bias draping ; Cowl draping ; Cowl variations ; A brief look into the life of Madeleine Vionnet -- The secret of closures : Zippers ; Lapped zippers ; Fly-front zippers ; Invisible zippers ; Hand-sewn zippers ; Hooks and eyes ; Thread chain techniques ; Snap covers ; Buttonholes ; Buttons ; Button loops ; Frogs ; A brief look into the life of Jean Paul Gaultier -- The skill of hems and other edge finishes : Hems ; Hem variations ; Lining hem ; Decorative hems ; A brief look into the life of Valentino Garavani -- The secret of the corset : Using draping to pattern a corset ; Using your pattern blocks to create a corset pattern ; Construction of the boned corset top ; A brief look into the life of Vera Wang -- The skill of fabric manipulation : Shirring ; Gathering ; Smocking ; Straight stitch smocking ; Two-step trellis stitch smocking ; Decorative quilting ; Ruffles and flounces ; Decorative pleating and pin tucks ; Pleated ruffle ; A brief look into the life of Yves Saint Laurent -- The skill of garment embellishment : Rosettes ; Fabric spirals ; Fagotted Rouleau ; Sewing with lace ; Lace insertions ; Beadwork ; Beading tools ; Beads ; Beading techniques ; Embroidery and cutwork ; Cutwork ; Appliqués ; Appliqué variations ; Feathers ; A brief look into the life of John Galliano -- The secret of tailoring and dressmaking : Tailoring ; Pockets ; The art of dressmaking ; Construction of the garment ; Finishing touches ; A brief look into the life of Cristobal Balenciaga -- Glossary.