Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's Wear provides a straightforward introduction to the principles of form pattern cutting for garments to fit the body shape, and flat pattern cutting for casual garments and jersey wear.This sixth edition remains true to the original concept: it offers a range of good basic blocks, an introduction to the basic principles of pattern cutting and examples of their application into garments.Fully revised and updated to include a brand new and improved layout, up-to-date skirt and trouser blocks that reflect the changes in body sizing, along with updates to the computer-aided design section and certain blocks, illustrations and diagrams.This best-selling textbook still remains the essential purchase for students and beginners looking to understand pattern cutting and building confidence to develop their own pattern cutting style.

Printed in Asia - Carries Same Contents as of US edition - Opt Expedited Shipping for 3 to 4 day delivery - - Does NOT include any CD

The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting is the ultimate reference for fitting test garments and transferring accurate adjustments to patterns.No matter what size or shape you are, wearing garments that fit perfectly makes you look and feel better. Rather than making commonly accepted changes to a commercial pattern, the method presented in this guide focuses on the way a test garment fits the body. The fabric is manipulated to improve the fit, and then those specific changes are made to the pattern. The result: patterns that fit perfectly!With The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting, you'll learn: The importance of a fitting axis and how to use it during a fitting How to recognize fitting issues, such as drag lines and folds How to manipulate fabric to solve common and unusual fitting problems How to transfer the fitting changes to your pattern easily Basic pattern-making skills to ensure accurate alterationsSee the fitting process from start to finish on basic garments, fitted on real people. Then follow fitting solutions on different body types. Hundreds of large color photos illustrate the techniques and concepts in simple step-by-step instructions. With these lessons, you will get the perfect fit for any body.

The Practical Guide to Patternmaking for Fashion Designers: Juniors, Misses, and Women offers an in-depth look into the techniques and theories of pattern drafting for women's garments. Covering a wide variety of styles, textiles, and sizes, this book is useful for a wide range of pattern courses from introductory to advanced. It provides a sound introduction to the concepts and the processes of patternmaking, as well as a more advanced analysis of style and design. The author offers helpful techniques on taking measurements and adjusting the fit of garments for all body sizes, patterns, and types of fabrics.

An accomplished fashion designer shows women 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.

Fitting and Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach to the Art of Style Selection, Fitting, and Alteration, Third Edition, shows readers how to recognize, evaluate, and correct fit for 88 figure variations. This comprehensive guide presents proven methods of style selection, fitting, and alteration. The authors use a multi-level approach that is both logical and easy to follow, and each procedure is clearly identified and fully illustrated with a second color added to clarify the procedure and show directional measuring. Each figure is drawn to scale ensuring consistency and accuracy. The cause for the fitting problem is clearly identified and explained--giving readers the why behind each fitting procedure. Highlights of this edition include new photographs of common fit problems, as well as instructions for working with multi-sized patterns and correcting garments that have more than one fit problem.New to this Edition~ Chapters open with added key terms and chapter objectives~ End-of-chapter discussion questions allow the reader to fully engage with the content~ New 2-color graded pattern illustrations, measurement illustrations, photos of actual body types and illustrations of advanced bodice and pant fitting patterns~ Updated Reality Check boxes present further details on the topic at hand and reinforce the learning experienceIntroducing Fitting and Pattern Alteration STUDIO--an online tool for more effective study!- Study smarter with self-quizzes featuring scored results and personalized study tips- Review concepts with flashcards of terms and definitionsPLEASE NOTE: Purchasing or renting this ISBN does not include access to the STUDIO resources that accompany this text. To receive free access to the STUDIO content with new copies of this book, please refer to the book + STUDIO access card bundle ISBN 9781501318207.

Home sewing enthusiasts as well as fashion design students and professional pattern makers will want this book for their reference library. It's the ultimate information source for pattern makers, filled with how-to instruction on--\nBasic tools and equipment \nPattern symbols and fabric considerations\nDesigning patterns from scratch, which includes measuring, drafting bodices, sleeves, and skirts, digital pattern creation, basic block techniques, and more\nFitting and making pattern adjustments\nAdding volume with pleats, tucks, and other devices\nCombining and dividing pattern shapes\nAdding finishing details, such as collars, fastenings, linings, and more\nGoing professional and setting up Online accountsHere in a single volume is the basic information that both amateur designers and fashion professionals need to know about making garment patterns. Approximately 300 diagrams and illustrations.

Patternmaking for Fashion Design, 2/e, is one of the most comprehensive patternmaking texts available. It presents clear instructions, with corresponding easy-to-follow technical instructions and up-to-date fashion sketches that will stimulate the creative imaginations of both technical and design-oriented students.

Want a fast and easy way to look completely put together? Throw on a dress! Now, with the help of Wendy Mullin of BUILT BY WENDY, sew your own custom-fit creations—25 in all.Dresses are as useful—and as crucial—to your wardrobe as your most beloved pair of jeans. You can throw one on in summer or winter, for a night out in heels or a day in beaten-up boots: It’s maximum style for minimum effort.That’s why Wendy Mullin, designer of Built by Wendy—label of choice for fashion-forward actors, musicians, and artists—has created a book of DIY dress designs that are simple to sew but pack plenty of fashion punch.All of the featured dress styles are based on three basic dress shapes: the sheath, the shift, and the dirndl. These three full-size patterns are included in the book, complete with step-by-step instructions for how to use them. From those basic dress shapes, Wendy offers multiple customizations, giving a total of 25 different dress options.Beginner sewers will find all the basic information they need to get started. More advanced sewers will see precisely how slight pattern adjustments, such as changing a collar or sleeve or switching fabric, can create limitless possibilities for unique looks. Built by Wendy Dresses covers the basics and beyond—and proves that dresses are a girl’s best friend.

The world of haute couture is a place where only a privileged few can ever hope to reside, right? Wrong. Fashion historian Claire B. Shaeffer opened the door to this exclusive realm in her authoritative guide to the techniques that define couture sewing. And now, the industry bible, Couture Sewing Techniques, has been revised and updated throughout ― with new photos and a chapter on specialty fabrics. No one can unravel couture garment construction the way Shaeffer can, from the art of hand sewing to mastering edge finishes, from classic closures to shaping a garment for a perfect fit. Readers learn all the basics ― and more importantly: how to apply the techniques ― on skirts and sleeves, pockets and jackets, evening gowns, and more. Gorgeous photos, clear illustrations, and concise language combine to make this the most complete couture-sewing course available.

Patternmaking Made Easy will be of value to those interested in any aspect of fashion. It serves as an essential reference for the designer, professional patternmaker, costumer, and the cottage industry designer. It offers a simplified method of drafting and designing clothes and fills the need for a patternmaking text with well-defined illustrations and simple steps, emphasizing the requirements of today's fashion industry. The straightforward directions and clean illustrations demonstrate to the average reader that they too can enjoy a refreshing creative workflow, efficiently bringing design to reality. The goal for this new edition was to make it a modern book. Most of the work focused on new and up-to-date designs with completely redrawn and enlarged illustrations, highlighted with color to show each pattern step more precisely. The quality difference of the old images versus the new images is huge. Furthermore, the layout and style differences draw the reader's attention more effectively. Better contents outlines have also been added, making pertinent information easy to find. The result is a more engaging experience that actively guides the reader. This text has also been reorganized to demonstrate the process of patternmaking more intuitively and clearly. Projects flow and progress logically from basic foundation pattern skills to intermediate projects to advanced projects. In addition, it gives precise information about patternmaking and production requirements that the author has gained through her career in the fashion industry and classroom. Patternmaking Made Easy, Third Edition, can be used as a teaching guide and reference for many years. ©2013, 488 pages, illustrated, hardcover, inside spiral bound.

The techniques Natalie Bray pioneered and perfected revolutionised dress pattern designing, assisting the rise of the modern fashion industry. Her teaching has had a profound influence on design, production and education and her works are classics: fashions change but the principles of designing patterns in the flat do not. \nTo be able to understand what is happening when observing a defect is already to have an idea of how to correct it. Here problems of figure, posture and of pattern adjustment are clearly explained so that the dressmaker can, with the confidence that comes with practical experience, learn to identify a defect and choose the best method of dealing with it.

This book provides a guide and working tool for students and home dressmakers. It will also help build up skills and confidence in a vital area of the subject.

Fantastic Fit for Every BodyNationally known fit expert and educator Gale Griff Hazen shows you a no-fail way to evaluate your unique body shape, how to choose styles and fabrics that will look best on you, and how to alter patterns to fit your individual and three-dimensional body.Her students have found consistent success using her fit process, and now, in Fantastic Fit for Every Body, Gale shares that process with sewers everywhere.You will see real people with real fitting challenges. Gale Grigg Hazen helps each sewer analyze her body and manipulate her patterns to create garmetns that now only fit but also flatter her figure.Gale Grigg Hazen shows you how to create garmetns that not only fit but also complement your individual body--no matter what your shape. Fantastic Fit for Every Body is a celebration of women who create garments that they love to wear. Share that spirit and begin to create garments that you will wear and love!Team up with a friend to begin creating your perfect-fitting wardrobe.

Sandra Betzina's tried and true--and easy to do--techniques for creating clothes that fit and flatter your unique shape.

The rapid output of new flat pattern designs, facilitated by slopers, is a useful skill for any fashion designer. This classic reference provides a detailed introduction to the use of the flat pattern as a means of developing original ideas effectively and efficiently. It presents thoroughly the use of the three basic slopers - waist, sleeve and skirt - and some popular variations of these such as the kimono waist, raglan sleeves and pants. A companion text to How to Draft Basic Patterns (4th Edition), the book provides a number of applications for each sloper variation to supply variety and sufficient practice.

Provides step-by-step instructions for fitting women's patterns for all shapes and sizes, and presents techniques for sewing and creating personalized designs

Step-by-step instructions reveal the secrets used by high-fashion designers and allow the reader to duplicate the design detail found in expensive designer clothes

Covering beginner draping to more advanced techniques, this new series of master classes from bestselling author Karolyn Kiisel provides a complete course. Projects include dresses, skirts, trousers and jackets, highlighting key fashion garments from the runway to the red carpet and iconic costumes from films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's and In the Mood for Love.Starting with the basics of preparing the dress form and fabric, the book advances through pinning, trimming and clipping, and creating shape using darts and tucks, to adding volume using pleats and gathers, and handling complex curves. Advanced skills include how to use support elements such as shoulder pads, under layers and petticoats, and how to handle bias draping.Each exercise and project throughout the book is explained with step-by-step photographs and line drawings that bring to life the art of creating fashion in three dimensions.

Since the first edition was published in 1980, Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear has become established as the standard work on this subject and has proved invaluable as both a textbook for students and a reference source for the practising designer. In this fifth edition, the chapter on computer aided design now has full colour illustrations and reflects the growing importance of CAD to the industry and as a part of fashion and design courses. The rest of the book has been updated where necessary: in particular, new blocks for tailored shirts, new details on how to adapt men’s blocks for women’s wear, and a revision of sizing and labelling information. Colour is now used to differentiate the main groups of patterns and with its tried and tested layout with clear text and diagrams, Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear is an essential purchase for students of fashion and design.

This book is a manual on draping or, as it is known in France, moulage. Draping is a three-dimensional design and production technique that generates a considerable degree of freedom. From time immemorial, draping has been a technique frequently used in couture. Specialists Annette Duburg and Rixt van der Tol used their extensive collection of practical manuscripts to provide this book with a clear set of instructions for draping. There are only a limited number of people who are still able to teach the art of draping, which makes this manual decidedly indispensable. It opens up an area that functions as an interesting, supplementary design niche within todays fashion design training.

“This is the most comprehensive teaching tool for learning and mastering draping techniques. The illustrations and the text for each drape are clear and explicit.” Laura K. Kidd, Southern Illinois University, USALearn to drape fabric on a dress form to create your own patterns.The step-by-step instructions are organized from basic to advanced projects using both imperial and metric measurements, so you don't have to convert measurements. The book includes a wide variety of fashion styles, from bodices to bias-cut gowns. Intermediate and advanced design variations include an off-shoulder sleeve design and a peplum design. More than 1,000 two-color line drawings show you each draping step.- Checklists to evaluate and analyze designs- Cross-referencing of techniques across chapters- Online STUDIO includes video tutorials explaining key draping skills and techniques- Lay-flat binding makes the book easy to use while draping garmentsPLEASE NOTE: Purchasing or renting this ISBN does not include access to the STUDIO resources that accompany this text. To receive free access to the STUDIO content with new copies of this book, please refer to the book + STUDIO access card bundle ISBN 9781501330292.

In the ’50s and ’60s, Simplicity released their popular line of Jiffy sewing patterns, which had minimal pattern pieces and simple constructions, yet were chic enough for fashion-conscious customers. This approach appeals now more than ever as stylish women are continuously looking for ways to fit their love of sewing into busy lives filled with family, work, school, and countless other obligations.Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses is Gretchen Hirsch’s modern reinvention of this simple idea, focusing on easily mastered sewing skills, minimal pattern pieces, and fabulous designs. And the best part? Readers will end up with a sparkling wardrobe of easy-to-wear, fun-to-style dresses that will fill busy modern lives with retro charm.

Scandinavian fashion has long been admired for its stylish, clean-lined, interesting cuts and aesthetic. Breaking the Pattern is the first authentic dressmaking book that showcases the beauty and uniqueness of Scandinavian style. Complete with stunning photography, clear illustrations and instructions this book will show you how to create a coherent capsule wardrobe – complete with a collection of 10 garments that are easy to make, wear, and combine with each other.From the Finnish sewing duo behind the dressmaking fashion label Named, Laura and Saara offer up an enticing selection of tops, dresses, skirt and trousers for the modern seamstress. You will build your skills as you work through the book and with plenty of variations suggested for each garment, there's lots of room for you to add your own personal touches and quirks to each design.Taking you beyond the patterns featured in this book, Breaking the Pattern will inspire you to not only build on your sewing repertoire but to grow in confidence with your own sewing. Patterns come in a range of sizes from US sizes 4 to 16, with concise information of measuring yourself and finding the perfect fit. Full size pattern sheets are included in this neat package, perfect for the contemporary dressmaker.

Sure, there is plenty of affordable children's clothing to be found at retailers today, but the quality of those mass-produced garments can be questionable. Finding durable, well-made kids clothing can be expensive, especially when the kids are growing like weeds! No wonder more and more parents are opting to dress their children in high-quality, original pieces they've made themselves.For those looking to get started sewing their own kid's clothes, or who are expanding on their current skills, Pattern Making for Kids' Clothes is the place to begin. Inside, readers will find everything they need for creating, using, and adapting patterns for kids' clothes:\nIllustrated, step-by-step techniques specific to kids' clothes\nValuable insider tips from professional pattern designers\nHandy QR codes linking to downloadable pattern templates\nInstructions for making patterns from scratch and customizing existing patterns\nAdvice from the pros on marketing your creationsWith straightforward language and easy-to-follow instructions, Pattern Making for Kids' Clothes will be the sewing parent's go-to guide for everything from rompers and dresses to jackets, pants, and more! More than 300 full-color instructional and inspirational images throughout.

The Fitting BookThink of the moment you wear an outfit you have sewn for the first time. Think of how happy, proud, and accomplished you feel, all because it fits and you love it.Many women struggle with the standard sizing of commercial or indie sewing patterns, which often leads to fitting issues. This garment fitting guide will help you adjust sewing patterns to achieve the perfect fit you desire.This fitting book has visual sketches and links to videos to help during each step of the 3-part fitting process.Here’s How it Works:A) Identify the Fitting Issue.B) Pin, Cut, & Tape the Fitting Sample.C) Correct the Sewing Pattern.The Fitting Book covers the following categories for pattern alterations: Full Bust Adjustments (FBA) – bodice alterations for princess seams, darts, no darts Small Bust Adjustments (SBA) – bodice alterations for princess seams, darts, no darts Armscye and sleeve alterations Front width, back and shoulder pattern adjustments Neckline pattern corrections Basic skirt pattern alterations Dress alterations – Top/bodice adjustments and skirts Fitting pants – this is my specialty and what I am known for in the industry Demystifying draglines (my secret to understanding diagonal draglines in garment fitting)You will learn about terminology, abbreviations, pattern tools, and patternmaking supplies. The Fitting Book shows how to use a hip curve, a French curve, and a clear ruler for patternmaking. The pattern corrections can be applied to womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, knit styles, and woven styles. The sketches and photos are in black and white. This is a fitting book primarily with sketches. It is not a pattern drafting book. Finally, you will learn about the customization scale in garment fitting and patternmaking.I share my knowledge from fitting tens of thousands of garments while working in the garment industry since 2003. You will learn industry-expert fitting tips to achieve the customized fit you desire.If you are one of my 58,000+ followers on Instagram and Facebook, you may have seen my short fitting videos. For all the fitting alterations in this book, there are corresponding simple videos to reference. There are QR codes that can be scanned with a smartphone which direct you to each fitting correction. The videos give you a quick visual of how to do each correction, so you never get stuck.Stop wasting your time and money sewing clothes that don’t fit well.It’s time to sew the clothes you love that fit.Si desea comprar este libro en español, puede encontrarlo escribiendo 'El libro de ajustes para patrones de costura' en el buscador.

This authoritative and user-friendly book provides the essential know-how for anyone taking their first steps in fashion design and provides indispensable tips and tools for more experienced practitioners. A fully illustrated step-by step guide with simple text explains the basic foundations to putting together key fashion pieces from scratch.

Nancy Zieman's pattern fitting approach is easy - no cutting, slashing, tucking or pinching—just logical and easy pivot-and-slide techniques, providing a painless method to follow that results in a garment that is comfortable and attractive. Once you learn Nancy's techniques for fitting, you will find it easy to make every garment you sew fit your size and shape. Multiple fitting charts are included in the book, as well as an index for locating technical information at a glance.

When you are trying to learn something new, the best teachers are often the ones who will walk you slowly through all of the basics in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand. It is this approach to learning that has lead us to create “How Patterns Work”, so that those who wish to learn pattern making can have a simplified and streamlined introduction to all of the fundamental principles that lie at the core of pattern making.If you have tried to learn pattern making in the past and felt daunted by the complex drawings and measurements, or are a sewer who has felt ill equipped to make even the simplest changes to patterns, then this is the ideal book for you. We believe that by having a solid understanding of the basic terms and processes of pattern making then you will be able to make simple pattern changes yourself, and be able to apply the same ideas to more complex pattern changes in the future. No previous knowledge of pattern making is required. Chapters start from zero assumed knowledge and build slowly in complexity with step-by-step examples and clear diagrams.Please note that this book does not include paper patterns and does not cover specific pattern or block drafting exercises from measurements. Instead, this book will provide you with an overview to simplify the way you think about pattern making, arming you with knowledge that can be applied to any pattern change.As an introductory book, "How Patterns Work" has been designed to work as a companion alongside more complex pattern drafting books. In a way, the first half of the book is almost like a long form dictionary of pattern terms to help provide a thorough explanation of all the different features of patterns such as grain lines, seam allowances, darts and notches. All of the examples are discussed in relation to how the pattern will ultimately be sewn, so that the principles become more relevant to real sewn garments.The first section of the book will answer questions such as: What are darts and how do they work with the curves of the body? What is seam allowance and how much should you add to your pattern? How are body measurements used to create accurate patterns? What are blocks or slopers and how are they different to patterns? What do the basic blocks look like?The second half of the book shows a range of pattern making changes that can be learnt separately and can then be applied in different combinations to any garment patterns to suit your own pattern making needs. The reason why these pattern changes have been shown away from specific garments is to enable you to focus on the logic behind the pattern change, instead of becoming confused by the actual shape of the garment, or being distracted by working out body measurements.All of the examples listed below are shown using both the cut and spread, and the pivot flat pattern making methods, and then also shown as a draped section of fabric on a mannequin, allowing you to really see the pattern changes as both a flat pattern, and in a more tangible 3D form. The examples that are covered in this section include: Adding and removing a seam line. Moving the position of a dart. Turning darts into seam lines and vice versa. Increasing and decreasing volume evenly. Increasing and decreasing volume around a point. Using darts to increase volume.While the book can often appear very simple, our approach has been that when you are really stuck and feel like you are not quite "getting it", then a longer explanation with detailed diagrams can help the idea to really click, making it easier to apply the same pattern change in future."How Patterns Work" has been designed with over 250 black and white diagrams and has a comprehensive table of contents for easy reference.

With this guide to patternmaking, it’s easier than ever to design a pleasing wardrobe, replace worn-out garments, and adapt clothing to changes in body shape. Expert instructions and fully illustrated techniques, show how to take measurements from clothes that already look and feel great, and transfer them to hand-drawn patterns, either full-size or to scale. There are patterns for any attireskirts and dresses, jackets and trousers, blouses, shirts and teesand they can be adapted for a variety of necklines, collars, and sleeves. The result is a wardrobe that’s original, fashionable, affordable, and comfortable for years to come.

An introduction to the basic principles of pattern cutting, this practical book shows students how to interpret the human form and look at clothing through the eyes of a designer rather than a consumer. As well as explaining the proportions of human anatomy, the book introduces key tools and then takes the reader from simple pattern-cutting ideas to more advanced creative methods. Finally, the book looks at the work of fashion designers who are masters of pattern cutting, such as Comme des GarCons, John Galliano, Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake. With photographs of final and dissected garments, along with CAD/CAM diagrams to explain how those pieces were cut, the book will gradually build an understanding of pattern cutting, and enable students to experiment and create exciting patterns for their own designs.

This book is the answer for professionals and students who want beautifully fitted and comfortable clothing. The multi-method approach is logical and easy-to-follow. Each alteration procedure is accompanied by identification of the figure variation for the hips, legs, upper-torso, mid-torso or arms causing the fitting problem.

The companion volume to the cult Japanese Pattern Magic and Pattern Magic 2 that fans have been waiting for.In this new addition to the Pattern Magic series, Tomoko Nakamichi brings the subject alive by showing the finished designs in three dimensions. All the measurements and scaling information you need to start pattern making is included and as throughout the series, all the patterns are based on a basic block* which supplied in the book. Easy–to–follow, step–by–step text with clear diagrams and beautiful photography will teach you how to sculpt with fabric, creating beautiful shapes, waves and accents.You will also learn to create dynamic movement in garments, using ruffles, shirring and precise, sharply pleated lines and step–by–step instructions and diagrams will ensure that your own patterns translate beautifully to your choice of garment. Photographs of the finished garments will inspire you to create your own designs.Learn how to bring beautiful workmanship to your patterns:Sculpting a surfaceMaking WavesParing down and opening outWearing a polyhedronOutlining a surfaceLook at dynamic movement in fabrics:Full–bodied ruffleWearing a bagElastic shirringSerrated lines*The dress form used as the basis for the designs in this book is the Bunka–style sloper (block) for an adult Japanese woman. All patterns are for a size M Japanese woman. The position of the cutting and opening out lines, the allowances, and other measurements may vary according to garment size. If you are using the half–scale dress form, reduce the full–sized measurements on the drawings by half when you develop the patterns.From the author:'For me, it's not all about pretty silhouettes. What starts me drawing a pattern is the sight of something that I find interesting or beautiful, and want to bring to life as a garment. There's an irresistible pleasure in sketching out the lines over and over, and seeking out their shape as I assemble them. Sometimes, I'll put something together that I love, only to have second thoughts a little while later and find myself back at my drawing. I guess it's the little things that happen, the things I hear and see on a daily basis, that make me work this way.I'll go with what I have for now. Although, who knows, I could be having second thoughts again soon…'

High fashion unquestionably goes hand-in-hand with sartorial and stylistic perfection. A driving force behind the entire fashion and garment industry, it represents the search for new solutions concerning fabrics, style, or patterns. In this context, the patternmaker is an essential figure, bringing the stylist's ideas into reality. In our richly illustrated new volume of the Fashion Patternmaking series, the prolific author Antonio Donnanno, an offspring of a tailor family, patternmaking teacher, and director of a fashion school network, describes in detail the methods and techniques used in high-fashion patternmaking in an understandable and step-by-step way.

What’s the Secret to Sewing Great-Fitting Garments?The Rub-off—the Insider’s Technique for Creating a Great-Fitting Pattern!Do you love to sew your own clothes but find it difficult to make commercial patterns fit? Has your favorite blouse seen better days but is no longer available in stores? Have you gained or lost weight so that your most flattering skirt doesn’t fit quite right, or would you like to update it by remaking it in a new fabric or adding new details? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’ll find the solution right in your own closet—by creating customized sewing patterns using garments you already own and love to wear.In Patternmaking for a Perfect Fit, Hollywood and theater costume designer Steffani Lincecum demonstrates the rub-off, a method of pattern drafting used by fashion and costume industry professionals that traces an existing garment or accessory without deconstructing or damaging it. Steffani starts with the basics, outlining two rub-off methods—tracing onto paper or draping with fabric—and explaining essential tools, materials, and sewing techniques. She then shows how to duplicate a skirt, a dress, a blouse, and a handbag, from rubbing-off the original, to creating the pattern, to cutting and sewing the new version, to making adjustments and incorporating a variety of other elements and details—not only refreshing your favorite fashions but replenishing your whole wardrobe with brand-new looks.

If you’ve ever watched Project Runway and wished you were a contestant, or you’re simply ready to take your sewing to a new level, Design-It-Yourself Clothes teaches you the fundamentals of modern patternmaking so that you, too, can create your own inspired clothing.Until now, the aspiring DIY fashionista has been hard-pressed to find self-teaching tools other than dry textbooks or books with outdated looks. Finally, in Design-It-Yourself Clothes, former Urban Outfitters designer Cal Patch brings her youthful aesthetic to a how-to book. If you want to wear something you can’t find on store racks and make clothes that express your individual style, or if you’ve reached a sewing plateau and want to add pattern drafting to your repertoire, Design-It-Yourself Clothes is the book you have been waiting for.In five key projects (each with four variations)–a perfect-fitting dress, T-shirt, button-down shirt, A-line skirt, and pants–Patch shares the art of patternmaking. At its core, it’s much simpler than you think. Patch covers everything an intermediate sewer needs to know in order to become a fabulous fashion designer, from designing the patterns, taking your own measurements, and choosing fabrics to actually sewing the clothing. You will also learn how to stylize patterns by using darts, waistbands, patch pockets, and ruffles. Patch offers tips, explanations, options, and exercises throughout that will make the design process that much easier. But besides showing you how to create clothing from scratch, she also teaches you how to rub off patterns from existing clothing–so if you have a pair of pants that you love but are worn out, or you have your eye on a piece in the store with a prohibitive price tag, you can figure out how to get the looks you want by using your own two hands.

Solve the mysteries of pattern drafting with this instructional book. Simple and easy step-by-step instructions with clear understandable line drawings.

Renowned for its comprehensive coverage, exceptional illustrations, and clear instructions, Patternmaking for Fashion Design offers detailed yet easy-to-understand explanations of the essence of patternmaking. Hinging on a recurring theme that all designs are based on one or more of the three major patternmaking and design principles–dart manipulation, added fullness, and contouring–it provides students with all the relevant information necessary to create design patterns with accuracy regardless of their complexity. Some innovative, new information in this book include: Updated with modern, cutting-edge sketches and designs. \n Ribbing added to the knit section of Chapter 27. \n More materials on children's wear and swim wear. \n Knock offs. \n Fitting corrections \n Advanced design projects \n A practical introduction to patternmaking \n Complete coverage of the three steps of design patterns: dart manipulation, added fullness, and contouring. \n Chapter projects