How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns

by Lee Hollahan

An accomplished fashion designer shows people who make their own garments how to improve on store-bought sewing patterns by adjusting the clothing item's length and other details to reflect personal taste and create a custom fit. The book's opening chapters present an illustrated guide to the tools, equipment, and fabrics needed for making garments, while also serving as a miniature textbook to teach basic sewing techniques. Chapters that follow offer detailed instruction in adapting and altering a store-bought pattern to suit individual tastes. Alterations include adding flare, and modifying the shapes of bodices, arm holes, neck lines, sleeves, and skirts. The book's concluding chapters instruct on designing one's own patterns from scratch. Author Lee Hollahan demonstrates to her readers that once they understand how to adapt a store-bought pattern, they are well on their way to custom designing their own wardrobe. More than 500 instructive illustrations.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Fashion, Patternmaking

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me just say that I'm addicted to sewing books, crochet books, knitting books... okay every kind of needle art. They are great. Creative, colorful, insightful, informative. I've probably read over 1,000 books of this type over the years, so I'm a little jaded.

That being said, this book is good, but not great. I don't think the subjects were covered well enough and I would definitely look elsewhere for learning about alterations.

[Kira Buol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative. I didn't read it for fun, but I read if to find out more about making my own patterns for designing clothing. This book taught me a lot about patternmaking and setting up patterns. Very informative!

[Jordan Funke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good explanations about how to alter patterns or existing clothing to fit your body.

[Topaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Breaks everything down step by step so one can understand the concept of what they will be doing along the way.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers a wide range of skill levels, from reading the back of a pattern envelop to getting started with your own patterns. I just glanced at the later chapters but it has some good advice for getting started with commercial patterns.

[DDog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might look into buying this, since it was less helpful without having a current garment project to work on. At my sewing level (super beginner) I had a little trouble conceptualizing some of the tips and instructions.

[Utahlaw Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this edition and love it. It has so much information about grading, adapting, using and designing sewing patterns in easy to understand language and illustrations.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful book that explains the process of sewing step by step.

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title says it all. This book walks you through everything. How to use a commercial pattern, make alterations, create your own patterns, modify & embellish. It's really rather good, a lot of information packed into few pages. I could see this coming in very handy if I ever felt like taking the step into drafting my own patterns from scratch. Not the best sewing book I've read, but one that I think will be reached for quite a bit.

[Nancy Stinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great. I am finding answers to my sewing problems. But, I admit I am not starting on page 1 and going through. This is an information and instruction book. Which means I find what I need and read then.

[Janette Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful to even experienced sewers

I have been sewing costumes for decades, yet I this book taught me a few techniques I did not know. I will try them now to see if the new works better. It certainly looks easier to use.

[sweetalyssum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent. Comprehensive.

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

B Some great ideas in here…a bit too advanced for me in some ways, but good book.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, but the format was a bit random. A good buy for the price though, as it includes basic pattern blocks.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of great information, a little over my head at this point.

[Aja Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

most of this is beyond me at this point, but probably a good reference down the road. perhaps, way down the road.

[Janie Zekkou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful....would borrow again or buy

[Vanessa Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Illustrations and photos are very informative and clear. I was excited to see how to create a raglan sleeve from a customized block pattern. There are sets of block patterns at the back to resize and use to create a customized one for yourself.
A great reference book.