Introduction to Garment Construction

The perfect introduction to the core principles of garment construction, How Patterns Work simplifies and explains the relationship between pattern making and the body.

No previous knowledge of patterns or sewing is required. Chapters start from zero assumed knowledge and build slowly in complexity with step by step examples and over 250 clear diagrams. How Patters Work breaks the process of pattern-making into simple principles that can be applied to any pattern change.

After reading this book, you won’t just be able to follow pattern making instructions, you will actually understand how and why pattern making works and be able to adapt the principles for yourself. All of the examples are shown in relation to how the pattern will ultimately be sewn so that the principles become more relevant to real sewn garments.

Learn to Fit for any Body

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. This method is not a quick one, but the result—patterns that fit perfectly—is well worth the time and effort. 

You’ll learn:

      • the importance of a fitting axis and how to use it during a fitting
      • how to recognize fitting issues, such as draglines and folds
      • how to manipulate fabric to solve common and unusual fitting problems
      • how to transfer the fitting changes to your pattern easily
      • basic patternmaking skills to ensure accurate alterations