Make, Sew and Mend by Bernadette Banner – A Love Letter to Traditional Craftsmanship

A few years ago, I wrote this review for my Dutch website, Boekrecensiesblog, where I regularly share my thoughts on books that inspire me. As my love for Bernadette Banner's work has only grown over the years, I thought this review deserved a wider audience. I'm delighted to share it here once again, now in English, for fellow makers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of traditional craftsmanship.

The elegant English-language book Make, Sew and Mend is written by Bernadette Banner, a hugely popular YouTuber with more than 1.6 million subscribers. For years she has captivated audiences with her passion for historical clothing, traditional sewing techniques, and sustainable craftsmanship. Now she has brought that same passion together in a beautifully produced book. In this review I'd love to introduce you to Bernadette and the remarkable knowledge and craftsmanship she has to share.

Bernadette Banner

At first glance, Bernadette Banner seems as though she has stepped straight out of another era. Her graceful appearance perfectly reflects her expertise in historical fashion, particularly from the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Although her specialty may sound rather niche, her focus on slow fashion and sustainability has earned her an ever-growing audience.

Perhaps her popularity also says something about the times we live in. While modern life has become increasingly casual—with comfortable clothes, trainers and fast fashion dominating our wardrobes—many people secretly long for an age when dressing elegantly was part of everyday life. Or perhaps it's simply a guilty pleasure to admire magnificent gowns, intricate corsets and beautifully tailored garments from centuries past.

This fascination is reflected in the success of countless period dramas on Netflix, HBO and other streaming platforms. We marvel at the exquisite costumes, while also being amazed by the strict etiquette and elaborate clothing traditions that have almost disappeared from modern society.

Her Videos

Bernadette's videos are never rushed. Instead of producing quick tutorials or short-form content, she creates carefully researched mini-documentaries. She explores how historical garments were constructed, explains how Victorian women created the illusion of an impossibly tiny waist, and occasionally points out historical inaccuracies in Hollywood costume design.

Watching her work feels less like browsing YouTube and more like attending a fascinating lecture given by a friend who genuinely loves sharing her knowledge. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her attention to detail is extraordinary.

Make, Sew and Mend

I received this lovely book as a birthday present, and as both a costume maker and milliner, it couldn't have been a more thoughtful gift. Yet this book isn't only for experienced dressmakers. Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, textile artists and anyone who enjoys making things with their hands will find plenty of inspiration within its pages.

Bernadette is creative in the broadest sense of the word. She favours traditional hand sewing and often works with an old mechanical sewing machine, proving that beautiful craftsmanship doesn't require expensive modern equipment. Just as importantly, she encourages readers to repair, alter and care for their clothing instead of replacing it. Sustainability isn't a trend for her—it's a philosophy that runs throughout the entire book.

Where her YouTube videos are rich in historical photographs, personal anecdotes and demonstrations, Make, Sew and Mend functions more like an extensive workshop in book form. It guides the reader step by step through countless sewing techniques, making it an excellent reference book you'll return to again and again. Even complete beginners can confidently start learning without investing in a sophisticated sewing machine.

What's Inside?

To give you an idea of what the book covers, here are just a few of its topics:

• Sewing through the ages

• Essential sewing tools

• A comprehensive guide to hand stitches, including basting, running stitch, backstitch, herringbone stitch, quilting stitches and many more

• Finishing raw edges neatly

• Pressing and ironing techniques

• Making buttonholes, closures and hooks entirely by hand

• Advanced sewing methods

• Altering and adapting garments

• Creating clothing that is timeless and sustainable

• Why almost everything can be repaired

Final Thoughts

Make, Sew and Mend is a treasure chest for anyone who enjoys working with textiles, regardless of their preferred craft. It's equally appealing for people embracing a zero-waste lifestyle who may never have sewn before but would like to learn how to repair and care for their clothes instead of throwing them away.

The book will also be particularly appreciated by cosplayers, historical reenactors, and people creating costumes for LARP (Live Action Role Play) events, fantasy fairs and festivals. These communities continue to grow every year, and Bernadette's expertise provides an invaluable foundation for anyone interested in authentic costume construction.

Even if sewing isn't your hobby, I can wholeheartedly recommend Bernadette Banner's YouTube channel. She presents history, fashion and craftsmanship with such elegance, warmth and enthusiasm that it's impossible not to become fascinated. Her knowledge is vast, her storytelling engaging, and she reminds us that many traditional skills are still just as valuable—and beautiful—as they were generations ago.