Make Your Own Patterns

I have been drafting patterns for years and have read many patternmaking books, from the usual books found at public libraries to the expensive, comprehensive pattern-drafting textbooks. Many books offer the instruction needed to draft an effective, well-fitting pattern. However, many are very costly, dry, technically focused with little to offer for readability, photos, and enjoyablity. Make Your Own Patterns: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Making Over 60 Patterns, is a wonderful blend of affordability, how-to drafting skill, clear, easy instruction, and a pleasing format and layout that makes for optimum user-friendly use, particularly for someone new to making their own patterns. Rene Bergh takes you through understanding and taking your measurements, then step-by-step through how these measurements create a two-dimensional pattern to fit a three-dimensional form. Hands-on patternmaking occurs as you create your own "sloper" or pattern shell custom fit to you! You then use these basic pattern pieces to create almost limitless designs and styles all to your own preference and liking. Bergh presents dozens of examples with clear step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate the design technique with your own basic pattern sloper you made. She includes full-color drawings or photos that illustrate the finished design, as well as the technical diagrams to accompany the step-by-step instruction, when needed. It all combines for a readable book with concepts that are clear and easy to duplicate. Sewing experience would be recommended for this book, as well as familiarity and comfort with various types of clothing patterns. You do not need to be an expert in the least, however, and even if you have only sewn with commercial patterns and never made a pattern or adjustment of your own, you could be well on your way to creating your own special style with this book. I am not plus-sized and fit a standard pattern size, however, I have used this book's techniques to create dozens of patterns for plus size friends and relatives of all types and curves. They have all turned out beautifully with an excellent fit. Infact, when drafting specifically for a plus size friend, this is my preferred book to reference, or when drafting for myself. This is also a fun reference book to flip through when you're looking for a new idea or inspiration to add a special touch to your sewing. Even if you have no interest in making a custom fit and drafted pattern, this book could be invaluable for how to make basic and varied design changes to a regular commercial pattern you found at a fabric store. You could browse the fabric store pattern catalogs knowing that you can pick and choose patterns that fit your basic liking and change the details for your own style and taste! Or you could say, "I'll just make my own!" Enjoy!

This book is great for those who would rather prefer to make their own patterns and design their own outfits. The photos make following the directions easy and the explanations are perfectly understandable. What a great book!

This book starts out immediately with drafting a fitted bodice, which is remarkably easy and accurate. It goes on to illustrate how to draft basic bodices, skirts and pants, and how to modify them with design features. It is not in anyway a textbook on pattern drafting and does not go into any detail regarding pivoting darts, determining ease or fitting specific figures. It is more a starting point for designing independantly and could well be used in conjuction with an existing sloper or basic commercial pattern.

this book is to the point, easy and straight forward instructions,the illustrations are good. I would recommend this book for beginners or those who prefer making their own patterns instead of buying.