Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book Revised Second Edition - Essential

In this review of Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book Revised Second Edition the bottom line is simple: it is an indispensable tactile reference for fashion students, designers and anyone who needs to understand textiles beyond a photograph. The revised edition expands the original with additional swatches, new close-up photography and yarn windings that make it far easier to judge fabric structure, weight and hand. For those choosing materials for garment design or teaching textile courses, this book turns abstract fabric names into physical, comparable samples.

Key Features

• Expanded swatch collection: Includes 142 swatches and yarns, giving a broad cross section of natural and manmade fabrics for direct comparison.
• Close-up photography: New macro images reveal weave and knit structure so readers can assess construction without a microscope.
• Yarn windings included: Shows the yarn used in fabrics, helping users connect fiber type and yarn construction to finished fabric performance.
• Information on fabrication and weights: Accompanying notes describe fabrication, weights and construction to support informed material choices.
• Range of fibers: Covers cottons, silks, wools, linens and manmade alternatives like bamboo and hemp to reflect contemporary material options.

Who It's For

Fashion design students and instructors will find this revised swatch book especially useful as a hands-on teaching tool that complements technical classes. Professional designers and product developers who need a compact, comparable reference for selecting fabrics will appreciate the combination of swatches, yarns and close photography.

It is less useful for casual readers seeking a coffee-table read or for buyers who only purchase ready-made garments and never work with yardage; this is a practical resource meant to inform textile selection rather than entertain.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Physical swatches and yarn windings make fabric comparison immediate and practical.
• New close-up photography clarifies weave and knit structure for better technical assessment.
• Wide fiber range, including alternative plant fibers, supports contemporary sustainable material study.

Cons

• As a sample-based reference, it is a tactile teaching tool rather than an in-depth theoretical textbook.

Specifications

Title	Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book Revised Second Edition
Authors / Brand	Clive Hallett, Amanda Johnston
Contents	142 swatches and yarns with close-up photography
Coverage	Natural fibers and manmade alternatives including bamboo and hemp
Includes	Finished fabric swatches, yarn windings, fabrication and weight notes
Audience	Students, fashion designers, textile professionals

Our Verdict

Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book Revised Second Edition is a practical, well-updated tactile reference that bridges the gap between technical textile knowledge and real-world material selection. Students and designers who need to judge fabric by structure, weight and hand will find strong value in the swatches, yarn windings and close photography, making it a worthwhile investment for education and studio use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include actual fabric samples?
Yes, the revised edition contains 142 finished fabric swatches and yarn windings for direct handling and comparison.

Are both natural and manmade fibers covered?
Yes, the book covers common natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool and linen, plus manmade and alternative plant fibers like bamboo and hemp.

Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is suitable for students and beginners who need a tactile introduction to fabric structure, though it is most valuable when used alongside practical workshops or courses.