Pattern Magic

Synopsis

Pattern Magic is the cult pattern-cutting book from Japan. Taking inspiration from nature, from geometric shapes and from the street, this book harnesses the sheer joy of making and sculpting clothes. Pattern Magic takes a creative approach to pattern cutting, with step-by-step projects for fashion designers and dressmakers to enjoy. All the basic information you need to start pattern cutting is included, from the basic block to measurements and scaling. Each project is beautifully illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs showing the stages of construction, the toiles and the finished garments. These easy-to-follow illustrations and detailed instructions make it easy to create stunning, sculptural clothes with a couture look.

Step-by-step projects for fashion designers and dressmakers - with clear diagrams and photographs.
Gives all the basic information needed to start pattern cutting: from the basic block to measurements and scaling.
Easy-to-follow, detailed instructions make it easy to create stunning, sculptural clothes with a couture look

Reviews for Pattern Magic:
'The feeling of figuring the puzzle out makes this book series a joy to explore' House of Pinheiro

'If you've mastered the basics of pattern cutting, have caught the bug and are eager to experiment with complex 3d designs, you should definitely take a look at Pattern Magic' Tilly And The Buttons Blog

'I've had an explosion of inspiration, and I'm not even an expert in sewing!...I'm sure that many of you, fashion designers or not, can learn a lot from these tutorials' ImaginativeBloom.com

CONTENTS:
Part 1: Creating form through inspiration:
Accents, Gathered hole, Crater, The drop hole, Lumps and bumps

Part 2: Making patterns for haute couture garments:
Draped design, The twist, Hide and seek, Interwoven design, Bamboo shoot, The knot, Two distinct expressions, An intriguing curve, Bunka-style sloper (block) for an adult woman, Bunka-style sloper (block) for an adult woman (Size M) (half-scale)

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Summary

Chapter 1: Pattern Cutting Basics

Introduces the fundamental concepts of pattern cutting, including tools, materials, and techniques.

* Example: Creating a simple bodice pattern by measuring body measurements and using basic geometric shapes.

Chapter 2: Darts and Bustlines

Explores darts as a way to shape fabrics and create a better fit, focusing on bodice and sleeve shaping.

* Example: Constructing a bra dart to reduce the bust size of a bodice.

Chapter 3: Gathers and Pleats

Discusses adding fullness to garments using gathers and pleats, covering different types and techniques.

* Example: Creating a gathered skirt by measuring and evenly distributing the fabric around a waistband.

Chapter 4: Waistbands and Closures

Provides guidance on constructing different types of waistbands and closures, including zip fasteners and buttonholes.

* Example: Creating a self-drafted waistband and attaching it to a skirt.

Chapter 5: Collars and Necklines

Covers the design and construction of various collars and necklines, exploring different shapes and styles.

* Example: Creating a Peter Pan collar and attaching it to a bodice.

Chapter 6: Sleeves

Delves into the construction of sleeves, including different types, fitting, and finishing techniques.

* Example: Drafting a two-piece sleeve and sewing it onto a bodice.

Chapter 7: Skirts

Provides instructions for drafting and constructing a range of skirts, from basic shapes to more complex designs.

* Example: Creating an A-line skirt by flaring the fabric from the waist to the hem.

Chapter 8: Trousers

Guides the reader through the intricacies of trouser construction, covering pockets, waistbands, and inseams.

* Example: Drafting a pair of tapered trousers and sewing them together.

Chapter 9: Dresses

Integrates the skills learned in previous chapters to draft and construct dresses, including bodice, skirt, and sleeve combinations.

* Example: Creating a flared dress with a fitted bodice and a gathered skirt.

Chapter 10: Advanced Techniques

Explores advanced pattern drafting techniques, such as creating pleats, darts, and gathers in unconventional ways.

* Example: Drafting a pleated bodice using the "slice and spread" method.