A comprehensive introduction to the basic techniques of pattern design for clothing.
More and more women are making their own clothes but there are few comprehensive references available. For the most part, dedicated sewers have had to adjust standardized patterns or muddle their way through foreign-language books.
In Practical Pattern Making two pattern-making experts and designers introduce the basic techniques of creative pattern design for clothing. It is intended to help fashion students, designers and enthusiastic sewers develop and create a variety of styles, regardless of complexity.
The book uses photographs, examples, diagrams and templates to explain all of the techniques, formulas and professional tricks to create a custom-tailored skirt, suit or dress. The tutorial style poses questions that encourage problem-solving.
I found Practical Pattern Making to be just as advertised. Very practical and simple with fun and modern designs. This pattern making instructional book features lots of clear and easy to understand pictures. I look forward to trying some of the designs in the future.
I won 'Practical Pattern Making: A Step-by-Step Guide' in a Goodreads Giveaway. This book arrived today and I've already read it. No, its not short. This book is luxurious and has beautiful pictures of the patterns and when it says 'step-by-step' it really means it. If you want to learn how to make a pattern than you've found the right book. There are some beautiful outfits in this book and I've already found a dress I want to make NOW. I mean, absolutely stunning. I don't sew, but I do own a sewing machine. This book has given me the motivation to make a pattern and start sewing. I love love love this book and am so excited about it.
This looks like a standard basic block flat pattern drafting book but it's so much more. It's the next level, when you want to design and draft the things in your head well beyond what is available from pattern companies.
It has four sections:
1. CUT TO CUT - Developing Patterns / Creative Pattern Making / Modeling / Drawing Patterns / Taking Measurements Basic concepts of making flat fabric into a three dimensional shape using and then converting to the paper pattern using accurate measurements. Also explains draping for shape / design (here called modeling) to flat patterning. Pattern symbols, measurements and ease.
2. TRADITIONAL PATTERNS Basic Pattern for Straight Skirt / Simple Skirt with Overlapping Folds / Tulip Skirt with Angled Pockets and Rounded Waistband - the cool starts with the second skirt with its angled folds from the waist. Jacket with Frilled Collar and Raglan Sleeves / Fitted Jacket with Shoulder Detail - The 'frill' is a huge draped collar that flows to the waist, the shoulder detail is like a pagoda style. Basic Dress Pattern / Basic Sleeve Pattern / Sleeveless Dress with Full Skirt Dress with Oval Silhouette / The Tight Dress - the sculptural oval silhouette requires firm fabric and the tight dress is somewhere between corsetry, gothic Victorian and... Dresses with only One Seam and - Ribbon Fringes / Tulle Ruffles / Double Dress / Dress with Batwing Sleeves / Pleated Dress - one part Holly Golightly, one part Japanese pattern book
3. GEOMETRIC PATTERNS - Semi-circle: The Trapeze Dress Circle: Dress with Halter Neck / Cocoon Silhouette Dress Square and Rectangle: Adjustable Dress / Scarf Back Dress / Wrap Around Dress / Lace Dress with Batwing Sleeves / Scarf Dress - Fun with shapes, the patterns look simple allowing for more difficult fabric eg with all over sequins to be used and the end result is elegant.
4. TRADITIONAL GEOMETRIC PATTERNS - Dress with Asymmetrical Hemline / High Waist / Tuxedo Collar / Tube Top / Camellia Skirt - More experiments.
- Patterns Drawn to Scale (by which they mean they have included the scale for the pattern eg 1:4, not that they are full scale) - Glossaries of sewing terms and fabrics - European (36 to 48) and American (4 to 16) Standard Size Measurement Chart - whatever standard means....
Good diagrams and photographs to illustrate the concepts in the text. I want to make and wear these items of clothing.