Building Patterns: The Architecture of Women's Clothing

Building Patterns was written for students who are new to patternmaking in that it starts with tools and ends with creating garments. With every exercise, students broaden their skill level and gain a deeper understanding of the art of patternmaking. However, for those with some patternmaking knowledge, the text can be used as a reference or one can pick and choose specific exercises they want to focus on. The information is broken down into 11 subjects, which are fully explored before moving on. In addition, the diagrams are clear and easy to follow which makes the book ideal for visual learners. The text can be applied using individual body measurements. The text begins with an INTRODUCTION to patternmaking tools and a primer on understanding patterns and patternmaking language. The next subject, SKIRTS (37 exercises), starts with how to draft slopers (templates) then instructs on how to draft flares, pleats, gores, yokes, linings, and many others. MOULAGE shows how to make an upper body sloper. DART MANIPLATION (16 exercises) covers moving style lines around a bodice and turning darts into flare, pleats, etc. LINES (10 exercises) gives instruction on how to draft princess lines, empire lines, a-lines and more. NECKLINES (16 exercises) covers drafting boat, scalloped, and strapless necklines among others. The next chapter, COLLARS (17 exercises) covers a wide range of styles from basic collars to more advanced collars. SLEEVES (24 exercises) demonstrates 3 slopers and moves onto basic sleeves like the bell, puff and cap, through to more advanced sleeves with plackets, pleats and cuffs. POCKETS (12 exercises) covers patch, in-seam and welt pockets. PANTS (26 exercises) shows how to draft slack, jean and trouser slopers as well as how to draft a button or zipper fly, a yoke, cuffs, linings and more. The textbook wraps up with how to put all the pieces together to make full GARMENTS. 260 Pages