The Pattern Making Primer: All You Need to Know About Designing, Adapting, and Customizing Sewing Patterns The Pattern Making Primer: All You Need to Know About Designing, Adapting, and Customizing Sewing Patterns Paperback Spiral-bound

Tools, Supplies, and Equipment

It is important to understand the tools of the pattern-cutting trade before you start. Some are essential (such as measuring tape) or multifunctional (such as Patternmaster) and you will use them constantly. Others have a specific use (e.g., a pattern notcher) and you will need them less often. These tools can be accumulated over time, and you may form your own equipment preferences as you work.

Taking Measurements

Measure Twice; Sew Once

Always check measurements before committing a pattern to fabric, noting measurements on each pattern piece. Check that notches are correctly positioned, especially after a pattern alteration. Curved pattern pieces should be measured using the tape's edge.

Sleeves

A range of sleeve techniques is provided to add variety to your designs. A well-set sleeve will frame a garment, and care and attention should be shown at the construction phase to ensure consistency.

Pictured above: A button-front shirt with bishop-style sleeve gathered at the wrist.

Muslins

A muslin, or toile, is essentially a garment prototype. Up to this point, the initial pattern draft is just a hypothesis in pattern cutting, and is only proven when the muslin is created and then tested on the fitting model or dress form. In the transformation from a flat to a 3-D shape, many unforeseen problems can arise. The muslin is a means of testing the design so that these may be corrected and the pattern resolved.