Books to Learn How to Make Sewing Patterns

Here are 4 books I used to learn how to draft sewing patterns. I talk about the best pattern drafting book for beginners, the most comprehensive one and the one to take your patternmaking skills to the next level. Find more in the blog post linked below ↓

Books reviewed in this video, commissions earned on these links

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[goodlordwhatsleft]

The author Tomoko Nakamichi is a woman. Anytime the name ends in "ko" you can make the assumption that the person is a female- it's not embraced by feminists much because it's like describing someone as a child, but it remains in many Japanese women's names: Naoko, Michiko, Akiko. Less common these days.

[shaunaferguson]

I would love more videos about how to draft a pattern for our own measurements, I always enjoy all your videos!

[jeannetteantry]

I found the Helen Joseph Armstrong book on Patternmaking at the University library back in the 80's. It changed my sewing in an instant. I have made three body form covers for a body form a friend gave my husband using that book. These are all good books. Thanks for sharing your insight. The one big problem I have had is figuring out how things should fit, how much wearing and design ease will work and look the best?

I turned to ready-made garments to achieve a basic sleeve, shoulder and garment ideal for ease. I can compare my fitted block and usually come up with a pattern that works and decrease the ease or seams I added when creating the pattern, as I need to. I use the muslins that don't fit right or look good for my body type, to learn from and figure out the why.

There is no simple path, good fit requires work, time and trial and error. But in the end when you get it, sewing and design become more creative and unique, and I am actually happy to wear my hand sewn clothing now. And no one can tell they are me made. it makes my sewing so much more enjoyable and worthwhile.

[abeginnersneedle]

You can find the international edition of the Armstrong book for maybe $30 or so. It is paperback with a black cover.

[erinvanhandel]

Great video, Melly! Can you recommend any books or other instructional media on flat pattern drafting for plus sizes?

[momgrandma]

Always appreciate hearing someone’s take on their experience, we all think differently, so I will check these books out.

[tinyseams]

Make your Own Dress Patterns by Adele P. Margolis is great too

[sharonslater]

Hi, I know absolutely nothing about drafting patterns. My sewing experience is tracing my own clothes and sewing them up. I am looking for the "Pattern making for dummies" version. haha

[kdent]

So... this is only the second of your videos I've seen... but this much is clear... you teach very well, are easy to understand and I think you should do your own book on how to make personal chothing patterns. Take the best of what these books have to offer; keep it simple, and make it for people who like the way you teach. Maybe make it an ebook. Make it in sections (skirts, tops etc.). Make it easy to understand. Give people the basics and see where it takes them. Thanks for the video. Kelly from Ontario

[a]

Homesteader I live by my self and I make my own close this was super helpful thanks I really appreciate it

[vahid]

Melly Sews🌜🌏🌛🔑🎭👊👌
Vevy thanks vevy vevy much
💃✂✅💝♣مرحبا مرحبا عاشقتم

[wisconsinwoodsman]

Any recommendations on how to draft a mens dress shirt? I’ve watched a lot of tutorials that leave out key details or are simply incorrect.

[doloresw]

Thank you, I see you point about the last book. Even though you have not made anything from that book it's like food for thought, ideas and inspiration.

[maridiani]

Thanks for this review. Though i use Aldrich mostly. But, I am thinking of buying Natalie Bray's book Dress pattern designing. Would you recommend it, since it is an old pattern drafting book?

[philsmith]

Hi Melly :). Thanks for this. Do you have any recommendations for Pattern Making books focusing on children swear?

[ARQ_]

I have Metric pattern cutting for children’s wear and was wondering if you have any reviews on that? Like the size guides.. are they good to follow? I drafted a twelve month flat block from it and it feels a little big for a 12 month old. But maybe that’s just my inexperience...

[deanalovessewn]

Hi Melissa!! Wonderful vlog.. Great review of sewing pattern books.... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[monicarodriguez]

Help me please! So, what is the book that you use for your basic patterns?

[haveaballcrafting]

I started out teaching myself with the Aldrich books. I agree, the armscyes (and consequently sleeves) end up very strange if you've got a large bust. There's some fundamental bust-size assumptions in her "Dart Width" measurement that is definitely not for the G cup ladies. My preferred sleeve drafting method includes a bicep circumference, but almost none of the pattern drafting books I've bought seem to think that's at all important (and consequently end up with sleeves that fit into the armscye fine, but can't move the arm due to negative bicep ease!) The best book I've found that takes full bust, high bust and bicep circumferences into account is "Fashion Patternmaking Techniques Vol. 2: Shirts, Undergarments, Dresses & Suits, Waistcoats & Jackets for Women and Men" by Antonio Donnanno You need some drafting experience and skill at least, as there are some bizarre translations in the English, but the method is really good. Plus the knit-fabric and underwear sections are much more comprehensive than Aldrich.