Pattern Magic

by Tomoko Nakamichi

Pattern Magic is the cult pattern-cutting book from Japan. Taking inspiration from nature, from geometric shapes and from the street, this book harnesses the sheer joy of making and sculpting clothes. Pattern Magic takes a creative approach to pattern cutting, with step-by-step projects for fashion designers and dressmakers to enjoy. All the basic information you need to start pattern cutting is included, from the basic block to measurements and scaling. Each project is beautifully illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs showing the stages of construction, the toiles and the finished garments. These easy-to-follow illustrations and detailed instructions make it easy to create stunning, sculptural clothes with a couture look.

Step-by-step projects for fashion designers and dressmakers - with clear diagrams and photographs.
Gives all the basic information needed to start pattern from the basic block to measurements and scaling.
Easy-to-follow, detailed instructions make it easy to create stunning, sculptural clothes with a couture look

Reviews for Pattern Magic:
'The feeling of figuring the puzzle out makes this book series a joy to explore' House of Pinheiro

'If you've mastered the basics of pattern cutting, have caught the bug and are eager to experiment with complex 3d designs, you should definitely take a look at Pattern Magic' Tilly And The Buttons Blog

'I've had an explosion of inspiration, and I'm not even an expert in sewing!...I'm sure that many of you, fashion designers or not, can learn a lot from these tutorials' ImaginativeBloom.com


Part 1: Creating form through
Accents, Gathered hole, Crater, The drop hole, Lumps and bumps

Part 2: Making patterns for haute couture
Draped design, The twist, Hide and seek, Interwoven design, Bamboo shoot, The knot, Two distinct expressions, An intriguing curve, Bunka-style sloper (block) for an adult woman, Bunka-style sloper (block) for an adult woman (Size M) (half-scale)

Genres: Fashion, Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion Design, Reference, Art

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2010

About the author

After serving many years as a professor at Bunka Fashion College, Ms. Nakamichi currently delivers lectures and holds courses on design making, both in Japan and overseas.

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is "wow!"

I consider myself an above-average pattern maker for theatre, where we have to think oddly at times to get the job done, and this book just blows my mind. It seems to break every "rule" that I was taught with draping and flat patterning. The author drapes when I'd have tried to tackle it flat, and vice versa. It is almost awe inspiring... No, scratch that - it IS awe inspiring!

[Marilyn Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intimidating and inspirational at the same time, Pattern Magic is not so much a "read" as a "see and ponder." The author, who was a professor at Bunka Fashion College, shows how very complex and unusual sculptural effects can be added to simple garments through experimental manipulation of paper. The paper pattern then can be translated into fabric. The weight, structure and stretch capabilities of the fabric influence the final product. It looks like play but the success of each design relies upon the precise measurements of the basic simple garment being manipulated. Intriguing. I was especially impressed with the author's careful demonstration of folding paper along a curved line in order to create unique collars. I have always had trouble tying a fabric bow. The author shows several bow shapes that are lovely and effective at adding emphasis to different areas of the bodice, not just the usual bow at the neckline or waistline. Nakamichi's designs are meant to spark a creative challenge to change and adapt them.

[Pretty Clever-things · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been seeing references to this book floating around for awhile, but it was only available in Japanese (not my strong suit). Imagine my excitement when I noticed on Amazon that it was being published in English. I couldn't wait to get my grubby little hands on it, and it did not disappoint. It's full of wacky things, not necessarily patterns I would want to wear. However, it makes you consider the basic principles of pattern making and manipulation. It's an excellent investment.

And for those Project Runway fans (or not-fans at this point)... yes, compare the Andy South blouse from the finale to the "Blouse with an interwoven design" on pages 56 & 82.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a “read” per se but I’ve spent enough hours staring at this book this week and tearing my hair out so I’m counting it.

[Riona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased both this book and the sequel several years ago when they were only available in Japanese, so I can't read them, but the photos and diagrams are very clear and make excellent inspiration. Tomoko Nakamichi is obviously a very skilled patternmaker and draper and the clothes (shown on quarter-scale forms) are beyond creative. I haven't yet tried to scale any of the patterns up and make them myself, but this book is great to get ideas from for making your own unconventional patterns.

[Kayleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's not a long book, but heavens the ideas make the head spin. This is one I will dip back into from time to time. It's amazing the things Nakamichi can make a piece of fabric do.

this is not a beginning pattern making book, this is a step beyond that.

[Oakie Dokie]

I'm glad I picked this up! Although not necessarily a book you would "read" this book shows examples on the deconstruction of simplistic structured pieces using different shapes and lines to then create unique elements inspired by designs found anywhere in the natural world. This was very intriguing and inspiring as well as intimidating to look through and decipher. I will definitely reach for this when considering adding elements to more simplistic pieces in the future to give me some guidance.

[Ligaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and brain twisting. I am NOT a pattern maker and only an intermediate, but intrepid, sewist so actually reading through this book really stretches my sewing imagination. I love how beautifully this book is designed and photographed - the mini-size dress form is so cute. The author's explanation (or the translation of) is clear enough that even I can understand what her meaning is - well, for most of the projects. I cannot wait to try these out!

[Soraya Teixeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Pra quem quer exercitar suas habilidades de modelagem ou apenas se inspirar. É incrível!!!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of out-of-the-box pattern-making ideas that helped me understand the concept of adapting a flat plane into a three dimensional form in many different ways.

[Laikynn Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Ander Bertolín · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buenas referencias

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over my head at my current level of skill

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Only like the gathered hole and the bow (knot) dress for me

[Jill Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Topology and fashion collide. My math brain approves; my arthritic hands not so much. Jolly good fun though.

[Tenghe Keita]

bratz-jade

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

oh man
I wish I was nimble-fingered enough to have a hope in hell of making these
something to work towards I guess!

[Anab]

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[Maer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another LOVE!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the most interesting sewing book ever.

[Yu Khew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to bits!

[Shirin Bagherzadeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't tried yet but love it !!!