The Magic Pattern Book: Sew 6 Patterns into 36 Different Styles!

by Amy Barickman

A whole wardrobe in a book.

Imagine a pattern. A pattern for a simple skirt. Let’s call it “The Skirt.” Now, imagine that this pattern is magic—it not only yields one stylish skirt, but in fact can be used to make six stylish skirts. By following different markers on the pattern, “The Skirt” can 1) an A-line skirt; 2) a maxi skirt; 3) a flirty pleated hem skirt; 4) a smart-looking pencil-wrap skirt; 5) a flared bias skirt; 6) a ruffled mini.

But wait, there’s more! Following each look are six fabric recommendations, some of them easily repurposed. So now, not only does each pattern turn into six patterns, but each of the six patterns can turn into six different garments. With six magic patterns in the book, the end result is 216 original designs !

The skill level is basic, and there’s a complete sewing primer included, with recommendations for basic tools, step-by-step instruction, a guide to fabrics, and a sizing reference chart.

Includes 36 downloadable patterns on a CD.

Express your fashion sense, look great, be creative—and save money. Now that’s magic.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 12, 2014

Reviews

[Eustacia Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hunt for a good first pattern book continues! Living in Japan means that it's much harder to get patterns in English, and for the time being, I don't feel confident following Japanese instructions (there's a whole new world of terminology that I have to learn). So pattern books look like the cheapest and most convenient way for me to get my hands on a bunch of patterns.

This book claims to teach you how to sew 6 different patterns into 36 different styles. That's not including the different fabric options, which will affect how the final fabric drapes. This book is for beginners, so the front section is a comprehensive introduction into the things you need to start sewing and the types of fabric available (as well as the properties of each type of fabric). There is also a handy pictorial sizing reference chart, so you know where you need to measure. And of course, there's an introduction to the basic techniques needed, such as preparing your pattern and fabric.

The strength of the book would be its illustrations. Almost all instructions in this book are illustrated, which I think will help a beginner a lot. Sometimes, words are confusing, and a picture can end up saving the day. In addition, each of the six fabric alternatives for each project come with a picture of the swatch and a hand-drawn picture. For people like me, who are terrible at visualizing things, this is very helpful.



And this skirt. So pretty! Then again, I'm a sucker for A-Line skirts

As for the patterns, well, I like most of them. I'm not sure how many will suit my style (although I'm admittedly still finding that out), but I do see quite a few projects that I want to carry out. Most of the projects that I like come from the Cardigan and the Accessory sections



I really like the hats here (Freddie and Faith)



I like Daphne and Delia :D

Oh yes, and each section has a pattern called the "repurposed look." It's supposed to help you make the most out of your used clothes, although I will probably end up buying new fabric for the projects.

Would I buy this book? Well, I'm definitely considering saving up to get it. It looks easy to follow, and I quite like the patterns inside. If I do get my hands on a copy, I'll post a follow-up review was to how easy it actually is to follow.

Disclaimer: I got a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.

This review was first posted at This Is My Girly Side

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept behind The Magic Pattern Book is a bit different from your normal beginners sewing manual. The idea is that there is a template for six patterns - a tank top, a skirt, a dress, a cardigan, a coat and some accessoryies (three hats, two bags and a necklace)- and then each pattern can be altered to great six additional garments. Each of the six "master" patterns has six variations, and each variation is shown in six different fabrics, which gives an excellent idea how to play with print and colour.

This book covers the basics of sewing, which is great for people like me who are more aspirational than experienced! It includes a guide to different types of fabric, a sizing reference chart (which is more important than most people realise - it's vital for getting the right fit) as well as instructions on how to cut the fabric and how to lengthen and shorten patterns so that they fit perfectly. The language used is clear and easy to understand and each variation is broken down into easy manageable steps.

My favourites were the Alma, Blythe, Cecelia, Chloe and Catherine and all versions of the cardigan. Unfortunately my Netgalley review copy didn't come with the CD included with the print book, so I wasn't able to test out any of the patterns. I think it is a good resource to have for anyone who wishes and wants to be able to sew gorgeous garments that actually fit.

[AerinLuvs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written How-To, geared for the beginner (but helpful for all skill levels), with many illustrated and photographic explanations of setting up a sewing room and supplies. Excellent step-by-step instructions with line illustrations for constructing basic shirts and skirts, jackets. Very creative and teaches basic flat pattern adjustments. The patterns are not very exciting, in my opinion however, lots of A-line shaped tops and dresses, and even the A-line is used for coats. So its great for those with figure issues. The fabric patterns used were a little bit jarring for my classic fashion tastes which are more geared toward Vogue and McCalls looks, however, the final results would have been more attractive to me if they were made out of different fabrics, particularly not so many prints. It is implied that the user will make their own creative variations of the basic patterns and there are many examples of how to make variations.

The best patterns & How-Tos are the jersey/knit fabric cardigan and the cape in my opinion.

Very Useful for beginner sewers who are want excellent step by step instructions and who are Very Creative and want to make unique, one-of-a-kind basics.

I did not have the opportunity to try out a pattern because the CD was not included as this was an ARC provided for my honest review.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book that helps you understand how to look at a pattern and then explore the possibilities of that pattern by changing hem/sleeve lengths or fabric or fastenings or all sorts of things! The author presents 6 different patterns. I only liked the tank top so this book had very limited appeal to me but it made me realize that I could use any of the myriad patterns I already own and restyle then with the ideas I learned from this book!

[Elizabeth Grieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for those new to dressmaking, this has lots of information on sewing tools and techniques in addition to the patterns. I liked the ideas on how to use different kind of fabrics and add details, and on recycling fabrics. Lots of inspiration for beginners.

Review of an advance copy from the publisher.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this ages ago and am just now getting around to really looking at it. Three stars for now, because I cannot find info in it about what their sizing means to a real body (S to XXL, but we all know that means absolutely nothing). Otherwise I think the designs are cute and interesting and the instructions seem well done, and I'm looking forward to trying something out.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of the dress patterns were very nice, though most aren't something I would make.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

6 patterns with alterations to create 36 items.

[Bonnie Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Instructions

This is a great way to teach beginners and experienced sewists. It teaches readers how to take a pattern and alter them giving each garment an original look.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great source of inspiration.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

The Magic Pattern Book is a nifty collection of six basic patterns from which you get get a LOT of looks. 36 different looks may not seem like a lot but as you go through page by page of the book, you begin to realize just how much versatility there is - different lengths, embellishments, cuts and seams...none of the extra looks feel like warmed over versions of the same thing. As an example, a tank top can be a tunic, zipper back, dress, and more. I can't help but wish I had this type of book when I was learning to sew as a teen.

The book is broken down by supplies you'll need and then the different styles, by pattern type. There is a tank top, a skirt, dress, cardigan, coat, and then accessories (scarf, beret, tote bag, cap - all out of the same pattern!). Each fashion has directions as well as recommendations for type of material. And also each pattern has several 'style guides' that give inspiration on colors and fabrics. I really appreciated those the most since they really make use of the different styles and show the versatility in the patterns.

While I liked some designs more than others, I didn't feel like anything was too basic and definitely nothing felt repetitious despite being from the same pattern. There really is a lot to love in this book.

Although I would recommend some sewing knowledge before starting, I wouldn't say it was a prerequisite, either. This book definitely feels like it would be a great present for someone just learning to sew and wanting to improve their skills as well as imagination on how to create fashion out of simple standards.

The book is well presented and easy to follow with full color illustrations, easy to follow directions, and photographs of final versions. It makes the whole sewing process less tedious when you have such a wonderful guide.

In all, highly recommended both as a sewing book but also an inspiration guide. Note: I reviewed this from an ARC so I did not have access to the patterns to try them.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer always inspires me to create. And with the help of The Magic Pattern Book, by Amy Barickman, creating simple summer wearables is simple enough. Start out with 6 basic wardrobe pieces and end up with 36 different looks. Pieces included: tank top, skirt, dress, a cardigan, a coat, and an accessory (3 different hats, a scarf, and two bags/purses). Which is the whole concept behind the book, to take a single pattern and completely transform it or piece it together in different ways to 'magically' create different looks.

Barickman's book and concept are based on Mary Brooks Picken's 'Magic Patterns', feature in women's journals and magazines in the early 1900s. While fashion has changed since then, the concepts haven't, and Barickman uses Picken's advice and wisdom throughout.

The book comes with a CD with downloadable and printable pattern pieces for everything - my review copy didn't have these - but each are described in, and layed out, in the chapters. All supplemental pieces are provided for each of the unique looks. The pieces will be available online as well, but since the book isn't published yet, I couldn't check them out.

The book appeals to experienced seamstresses and newbies. The beginning of the book contains all the basic tools, question and answers, advice on textiles, and definitions you'll need to start any of the pieces, perfect for beginners. For those that know all that, each project has suggested fabrics for the finished garments - which I love since I'm in the corner that tends to make more than one garment from a pattern I like. Barickman also includes 'Make Your Own Magic' sidebars with tips on customization.

A great book for sewing some universal pieces, and the well-drawn illustrations and color photos provided are simply a bonus.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magic Pattern Book
Amy Barickman
Workman Publishing Company

What an amazingly cool and clever resource. The premise is simple, six patterns which can each be slightly altered to create a total of 36 different pieces. Add your own creativity and your choice of fabric and you can create endless outfit possibilities. The book gives a comprehensive introduction to sewing tools, fabric types and techniques such as sizing, measuring, preparing, altering and using the patterns, preparing your fabric, making alterations, and finishing techniques. I felt this introductory section made this book a perfect resource for both beginning and advanced sewers. It would be great as a tool for sewing educators and as a general reference guide. Each pattern is then introduced along with its five alternatives. Each pattern has comprehensive yet simple instructions on preparing the pattern, preparing the fabric, step by step instructions and illustrations, pictures of the finished products and suggested fabric alternatives. But what I love most about this resource? That the patterns are in pdf format on a cd included at the back of the book from which you then print onto A4 paper. This means you have to do a bit of piecing together to create each pattern piece but I think it is great as most people have access to an A4 printer and it makes it easier to create alterations. Further, this means this book is a perfect resource for lending, unlike many other sewing books with patterns that get cut-up, lost or removed.
What a brilliant resource.

The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really is like magic when 6 basic patterns lend themselves to 36 different variations. I really liked Amy Barickman's The Magic Pattern Book as she shows those who sew how to customize their own designs. It truly is written for the fashionista who wants to make a mark with what she wears. Yet, none of the patterns are overly complicated or complex. After all, they are all based on 6 base patterns.

Of the 36 designs, I liked a handful enough to want to make them. That's the strength of this book. There are variations to flatter most body types and styles to suit both more conservative dressers and more avant garde dressers. For each pattern, Barickman adds many hints and tips in the side margins. As well, she provides possible fabric palates to help inspire readers and sewers alike.

Aside from the patterns themselves, what I like about this book is Barickman's passion for her craft. This shines clearly in her writing, especially in the introductory chapters. I also like the quirky models in the photographs. This book has a funky fashionista vibe.

The only thing awkward about the Magic Pattern Book is how to piece together the magic patterns. The book comes with a CD and one must print out all the pages, cut them, and then tape corresponding pieces together to get full size patterns. This book would be perfect if it came with an envelope of the patterns sized to scale.

[June Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the best sewing books I've read in a long time. The author included many special features that made this book special and unique in my opinion. For instance, for each pattern she showed six different variations and for each of those six variations, she included images of six different fabrics to use for the item. The patterns include tops, cardigans, coats, skirts, dresses, and accessories.

Another feature I enjoyed about this book were the quotes throughout the text from books and magazines from the early 1900's, 1920's, and 1930's. I loved reading the fashion and dressmaking 'advice' from the sewing experts of that era.

The author includes basic sewing instructions along with tips about sewing machines, sewing tools, fabrics, and measuring techniques to help a reader attain her optimum pattern sizing. The book is definitely user-friendly and would be enjoyed by seamstresses novice to advanced. The patterns are included on a CD-ROM included with the book. Instructions on how to actually use the CD are also included in the narrative.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in sewing clothing and/or pattern design.

I borrowed this book from our local public library.

################

[Cas H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Magic Pattern Book by Amy Barickman is a very informative read. I love the way that Amy has explained what fabric types are, what the different pattern instructions mean and has taken time to show you with pictures, just in case you don't understand her words. I would like to see a reminder at a few places in the book reminding readers that the pattern pieces are available on the CD that comes with the book, that way, if a reader is casually flipping through the book, they can see that the book is all inclusive. I was not happy with the section on pleats, I thought that the terms that were used, could have been a bit more to the point, and not so vague. I would recommend this book to someone who has sewn clothes before, and who can read and understand most basic patterns.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review.
I did not receive a copy of the CD, so I was not able to try out the patterns.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent pattern book with lots of handy tips and advice. Really good diagrams and photos as well, and I look forward to trying out some of them. Have pre-ordered the book as it's not due out until September and I like to have the actual book in front of me (instead of looking at the computer screen) when I make something.

An advance reader copy was kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley

[Marge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great idea! There are six basic patterns each with directions for six different styles. The directions are easy to follow and will provide many tips for someone new to sewing. There is a disc included to download the patterns.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cool book. It takes six simple patterns and shows you how to alter each pattern six times. Lots of pictures and directions.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily turn 6 basic patterns into a wide variety of clothing styles. tanks, skirts, dresses, jackets, cardigans, and some accessories.

[Melissa Armato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiration

This book is loaded full of inspiration. I read through the it, now to create my wardrobe. :)
Great read.