Customer Reviews

Patternmaking for Fashion Design (4th Edition)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book covers every single thing that you need to know about patternmaking/drafting. After researching this book on this site, I knew that I just had to have it. It covers everything and anything you are thinking of designing. Trust me..... investing in this book will not leave you disappointed (I know I'm not). The instructions and illustrations are simple and easy to understand. It covers all styles u could think of. I just cannot put this book down. If you are "thirsting" to learn the art of pattern making, this book is the ONE. Buy it!!! Buy it now!!!

This book was used during a 12 week class I attended for Patternmaking. It is very thorough and is an excellent reference for just about any type of pattern one could desire to make. I learned a great deal using the book as a reference guide while I studied the various fundamental components to patternmaking. However, it can be a little intimidating if used as a self-study text. This issue could have been solved if there had been an answer section for the various exercises that accompanied each chapter. Many of the students in our class felt it was a text designed for those enrolled in a formal college level class, i.e., it oftened assumed reader knowledge beyond that expected of a lay person. (Everyone in our class was required to be at the advanced level of sewing experience.) Some of the exercises were made more difficult because the technique to design a sample pattern was in a later chapter, not having been covered in the one just studied. Overall,though,it is a good reference and certainly belongs in the personal library of any serious home sewer.

I have found this book to be excellent. Heaps of clear diagrams and written in plain english. The only thing I would have liked it to include is grading.

I admit I've only skimmed through this. It'll be more of a reference guide for me to use as I start to make my own patterns and sew my apparel. However, during my several times of looking through it, I noticed that it's well organized, formatted and illustrated. It's also a good resource because it's got basic patterns to photocopy (to be enlarged) to use, and even got some worksheets and stuff. It also explains the terminology. I'm not a fashion design student or expert. Just a complete beginner (unless you count my high school sewing class as some experience), so it'll take me a bit to learn all the terms and concepts but even so, I'm sure it won't be too hard as it's formatted in a way so that it can be read quite easily, i.e. not too wordy or narrative. Good text material. I was hesitant to buy this at first with so many different reviews about it but I figured most of the ones I read were of the 3rd edition and I bought the 4th one and I figured they'll do some revision. There are still some editing errors but it's minor and won't affect your understanding of the material. The only other thing is that I wish they'll include a section on men's wear patterns. They did for children and juniors but not men's. Based on what I've read so far, this seems pretty satisfactory and definitely worth the purchase, though I do admit it's rather pricey. But I guess if I think about the satisfaction I'll get from making my own clothes, it's well worth it then.

I am an experienced sewer. I learned to sew professionally at the age of 12 when I attended the Singer Dressmaking Program during the summer and have been sewing ever since. I purchased this book based on recommendations I read in Amazon.com and I am not disappointed. The instructions are very detailed and clear. I think the program could be enhanced if it also contained information on how to drape as it is also part of the pattern-making process when you're designing clothes. I don't believe you have to be an experienced sewer to enjoy this book. In fact, I am thinking of purchasing a copy to give to my younger sister for her birthday. She will be 41 and is just learning how to sew, on her own at that!

I am so grateful to whom wrote the first rewiew of this book! She was so right! This book covers it all! Women, men and children's clothig... but I mean everything! You won't ever need to purchase any more patterns, specially if you don't fall in to the normal sizes like me... when pattern alteration is in reality a complete re-due... This is like a patermaking bible... you won't ever regrete this purchase, although you will find that a lot of your other pattern making books won't serve you any more...

Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced seamstress, and you would like to draft your own patterns, buy this book! A very comprehensive publication, with instructions that are also easy to understand and follow. The organisation of this book is excellent. Helen begins with basic patterns for the various foundation garments (ie, shift dress, pencil skirt, etc), giving you easy to follow instructions on how to draft these patterns. Subsequently, she offers a good variety of variations on these basic garments, with comprehsive instructions. From this book alone, you will be able to draft and sew your own fashion range, or just a very good wardrobe for yourself.