How to Make Sewing Patterns [Paperback]

Donald H. McCunn (Author), Robin Lew (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1977 | ISBN-10: 0932538002 | ISBN-13: 978-0932538000 | Edition: Revised

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

...most readable pattern drafting book... simplest line drawings possible, but executed with concise purpose. -- Whole Earth Catalog (The Epilog)

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Blue Feather Products; Revised edition (November 1, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932538002
• ISBN-13: 978-0932538000
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (98 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Sewing

More About the Author

Don McCunn wrote his first book in 1973. The current edition of this book is "How to Make Sewing Patterns" which has been continuously in print since 1977.

He is a rabid do-it-yourselfer who has explored a variety of eclectic interests including theatre, personal computers, and website design which have resulted in original shows, costumes, books, and software development. (Not to mention house repair and remodeling.)

He loves sharing his interest in patternmaking through his Yahoo Group named after his book and through his online school. He is currently involved in researching and developing additional patternmaking techniques and sharing the results through his passion for photography and videography.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

825 of 829 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The ONLY Patterns-from-Scratch Book You'll Ever Need! January 8, 2005

By Barb

Format:Paperback

Other books that allegedly enable you to draft your own patterns all turn out to be either how to BUY a commercial pattern & then alter it to make other designs, or else they only enable you to make clothing for the perfectly portioned body, which few of us have. A third alternative is that some books teach you to make shapeless "sack" clothing without much style. Almost all of these books require that you have a partner to help measure yourself and later to help fit the basic patterns to your body.

THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH MR. McCUNN'S WONDERFUL BOOK! He starts out by showing you how to measure yourself accurately without any helpers.

Then he takes you step-by-step through how to draft the basic patterns from your own measurements. He does NOT give tables of measurements for putting darts in, since the tables don't work for anyone without a "perfect" body. Instead, he explains how to custom fit the basic skirt, pants, bodice, & sleeve patterns to your own body, even if you don't have a "fitting buddy."

And if that isn't enough, he includes instructions on how to design your own clothing styles (or copy those you see in the stores) and then change your basic patterns to make those styles.

He expands on this to show how to make waistbands & cuffs, pockets & plackets, jackets & coats, and even how to make & fit a man's suit. (Yes, this book even has info on making basic patterns for MEN, not just women.)

There is also discussion of how to choose the correct fabric for your style.

As a bonus, he explains how to take your perfectly-fitted basic patterns and turn them into a "fitting dummy" that mirrors your own body perfectly!

This is one of the most complete books on pattern drafting that I've seen, outside of college texts. (And those texts aren't of much use to the home seamstress, due to their emphasis on standard sizing.) If you can do it to a pattern or fabric, this book has it!

This is the ONLY book I've found that truly teaches you to make your own sewing patterns FROM SCRATCH, without having to buy a commercial pattern as a starting point. Each section builds on the last, so don't start in the middle.

This book is the ONLY book I've found that let me make patterns and clothing that actually fit me!

There are no color pics, but PLENTY of black and white line drawings and diagrams illustrate each step, so it is easy to read & see each step of the process.

If you're serious about making your own patterns, you'll LOVE this book!

164 of 165 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good technical information July 22, 2006

By Gina Miller

Format:Paperback

This book is packed full of drawings so that you can visually compare them to the written content. It's very useful, just be aware that it is an older book so a lot of the styles are out of date, still the principles remain. No matter your style, the technical information is worth the purchase.

259 of 265 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars McCunn Rocks! March 15, 2003

By Karen Wood

Format:Paperback

This book was the answer to my dilemma. I've been trying to make a pattern for my mother who is severely deformed with osteoporsis. This book answered all my questions. It's a must for anyone trying to sew for someone without "perfect" proportions.