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.

Author: Gretchen Hirsch
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 05/19/2026
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.26lbs
Size: 10.29h x 8.29w x 0.92d
ISBN: 9781419769573

About the Author

Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch is a celebrated sewing expert, pattern designer, and author dedicated to making vintage-inspired fashion accessible to the modern sewist. She is the founder of Charm Patterns and the creator of the Charm Patterns Patreon, a premier subscription service known as the Charm Institute of Style.

With over 135,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel, Gertie's World, Hirsch has built a global community centered on glamour and inclusive design. A frequent collaborator with industry giants such as Butterick, Joann Fabrics, Spotlight Stores, and Michael Miller, she teaches through best-selling books, international workshops, and her innovative digital pattern programming. Her work is renowned for its unique blend of historical fashion research, couture-style instruction, and commitment to inclusive fit for all bodies. She lives and sews in New York's Hudson Valley.