Patternmaking for Fashion Design and DVD Package (Ring-bound)

by Helen Joseph Armstrong (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4th edition (February 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131699938
• ISBN-13: 978-0131699939
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 10.2 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,383 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Trained by this author, but there is better..., May 24, 2007

By	S. Smith (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was trained at FIDM over 15 years ago and the patternmaking textbook that we used was Helen Joseph Armstrongs "Patternmaking for Fashion Design", the first edition. It is the main patternmaking reference book I have used for the last 15 years. I finally got the updated version of her book as a gift this year and I was really excited. New pictures, a new way of doing the basic block from measurements (which still doesn't work well) and more. Some of the errors that I had highlighted from the original text were still in the fourth edition.

I was excited enough over the new book that I bought her new draping book as well (which is absolutely unusable as a teaching aid). Then one of my students (I teach patternmaking now) brought in Connie Amaden Crawford's new patternmaking textbook and I was an immediate convert. Ms. Crawford's book isn't as stylish but it makes so much more sense and is so much easier to follow. I have a colleague who had told me this comparison about the two books a while before (she is a master patternmaker with many more years of experience). I didn't believe her because I was RAISED on the Armstrong book, but she was right.

The DVD that comes with the patternmaking book is boring. It is basically just a film of Ms. Armstrong reading her book and following her own instructions in a poorly lit room with bad audio. I am going to sell both of the new Armstrong books and replace them with the Crawford books. Off with the old, on with the new!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 3rd Edition Better, February 20, 2007

By	E. Gordon "eg" (US) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the best current book out for pattern drafting, but I prefer the 3rd edition by the same title. It has styles that are more relevant for today. Caveat: Both editions contain mistakes (for example, double figuring in ease) so you should have some experience with making patterns and fitting before jumping aboard. Furthermore, the patterns and rules that are outlined focus on a mass production type pattern. If you're doing custom-fit clothing, you really need apply your experience and intuition to the pattern making instructions shown.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Patternmaking for Fashion Design, January 4, 2007

By	SewWhat "love to sew" - See all my reviews

This text was recommended by a college professor who teaches pattern drafting. I was impressed with the content, easy to following instructions and illustrations. One of the best I've had an opportunity to own.