Patternmaking for Fashion Design (4th Edition) [Ring-bound]

Helen Joseph Armstrong (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0131112112 | ISBN-13: 978-0131112117 | Publication Date: February 20, 2005 | Edition: 4th

Renowned for its comprehensive coverage, exceptional illustrations, and clear instructions, this hallmark book 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 all the relevant information necessary to create design patterns with accuracy regardless of their complexity. Sewing guides included for the pleated trouser (with pattern layout), belt/loops, pockets, and zipper; the jean pant with pockets, countour belt, and fly front; and the gusset. Updated jacket foundation draft includes fabric preparation, interfacing, chest piece, tape control, and shoulder pads. Pant drafts–Trouser draft including pocket, waistband, and loop; dungaree foundation draft; grunge pant draft; and three jean waistline variations including pocket and sewing instruction. Includes fitting corrections for the basic patterns. Unique section on patternmaking for bias-cut garments. For anyone developing their patternmaking skills.

Product Details

• Ring-bound: 832 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4th edition (February 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131112112
• ISBN-13: 978-0131112117
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 10.2 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #137,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A plea from a taller woman, July 8, 2005

By 

S. Baker "copper tresses" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Patternmaking for Fashion Design (4th Edition) (Ring-bound)

A tall woman with shoulders broadened by swimming, I spent hours looking for clothes (in flattering colors) that actually fit. Although I hadn't sewn much since I was in 4-H more than 30 years ago, I was inspired when I saw the marvelous patterns in this book and was able to follow the instructions fairly readily. This work, and the marvelous book, the Triumph of Individual Style by Carla Mathis and Helen Connor, have allowed me to dress in both flattering and expressive ways. Simultaneously, I would love it if Ms. Armstrong would include in future editions information relevant to pattern making and modification for the thousands and thousands of women taller than the sizes specified in standard misses patterns, information that I ended up culling from less comprehensive books on pattern alteration.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally ! Best value for my dollar, September 1, 2006

By 

Marcott "Enthusiast" (Madison MS) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Patternmaking for Fashion Design (4th Edition) (Ring-bound)

I received this book yesterday and read the first 100 pages. I've sewn all my life and consider myself an advanced seamstress. I've sewn and made my own patterns for childrens' heirloom, business suits, and now enjoy making (jazz) dance costumes. I'm the one in line at the fabric store buying ten patterns, just to combine different details and features in different sizes, especially if sewing for a group. I probably own hundreds of patterns and almost that many books. For me, this book will pay for itself many times over. It isn't a sewing "how to" book and it wouldn't be the first book for a beginner. The reader should be familiar or use other reference books for actual garment construction techniques. I've bought other, less expensive sewing books to learn pattern manipulation and fitting techniques. I put off the purchase of this book, being put off by its price. But, finally! This book is so inspiring and liberating. In just the first 100 pages, I've gotten through the basic patternmaking and dart manipulation. I think I may never have to buy another pattern again ! This is definitely a must have for the serious sewing enthusiast.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Some Instructions Inadequate, September 9, 2006

By 

Annette M. Smith "Annette" (Perth Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Patternmaking for Fashion Design (4th Edition) (Ring-bound)

I purchased this book as my figure has changed and I needed to re-do my basic slopers. The pattern design books I currently have did not cover trousers so I was delighted to find a new book that was apparently so comprehensive.

I found however that the method used to create basic bodice slopers, simply did not work with my measurements. There was no way the strap measurement was going to reach the line it was supposed to and there is no way to work around it as the rest of the drafting works from the point created.

I would also have liked some instructions on how to take measurements on live people rather than just models. If "the strap measurement may cover the armplate", what happens with an arm in the way? After all at least a few fashion students would hopefully go on to work with actual people rather than just standard measurements or models. I thought it was a major flaw in the book that there was no instruction on taking personal measurements & so little instruction on creating the basic slopers. It is really disppointing to have to find another method before I can use the rest of the book.