Designer and bestselling author Natalie Chanin blends embroidery and hand-sewing techniques with her own personal story in this empowering guide for all who love stitching and handcraft.Foreword by Grammy Award–winner Roseanne Cash Threads and Stories from Alabama Chanin and The School of Making mixes lessons in sewing, design, and embroidery with Natalie Chanin’s engaging, personal story of the evolution of Alabama Chanin and the indelible mark the techniques she pioneered and the company she founded have made on the sewing and fashion industry.Chapters explore design-related themes—craft, technique, relationship, repeat, and color—through images, instruction, and stories from Chanin about her life, Alabama Chanin, and the evolving view of craft and hand-sewing in the modern world. The book also explores how sewing and embroidery relate to wider concerns of sustainability, community, and women’s empowerment.As makers, we tend to learn different stitches over time without thinking much about how they relate to one another. Embroidery challenges us to go deeper by examining the history of a beloved company and cherished pastime.Includes Color Photographs
Natalie Chanin Book order
Natalie Chanin is a designer whose work is characterized by sustainable, hand-sewn garments inspired by the traditions of the rural South. Her approach to fashion emphasizes beauty, craftsmanship, and the ethical use of materials. Chanin blends environmental design with storytelling, creating unique works of art. Her creations celebrate the connection between people, nature, and artisanal skill.




- 2022
- 2018
The Geometry of Hand-Sewing
- 143 pages
- 6 hours of reading
A breakthrough guide to the art of embroidery and hand-stitching with Alabama Chanin
- 2015
Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns
- 179 pages
- 7 hours of reading
A master class in customising any Alabama Chanin garment from the first three books, plus three brand-new garments with multiple variations.
- 2012
Guide to sewing and embellishing basic wardrobe pieces including mid-length skirts, fitted dresses, and fitted tops.