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About the Author
Jo Barnfield is a Designer/Maker operating under the nom de plume of 'House of Jo'. After graduating in 2008 with a BA Hon in Fashion and Textiles, she cut her teeth in the fashion Industry working as a Pattern Cutter and Technical Illustrator for Jasmine Di Milo. She is currently juggling freelance work alongside the role of Part Time Lecturer and Industry Practitioner at Bath Spa University and City of Bath College, teaching design, pattern cutting and construction.
THE PATTERN MAKING PRIMER
All You Need to Know about Designing, Adapting & Customizing Sewing Patterns
This book is your ultimate resource for pattern making. Use it as your tool for coming to grips with every aspect of pattern design and customization. Clear, jargon-free text and fully illustrated techniques will guide you through every step and past every pitfall, giving you the confidence you need to take patterns into your own hands.
You'll learn about:
- Tools and equipment
- Seams, darts, and notches
- Measurements, slopers, annotations, and blocks
- Fitting and adjusting
- Adding and suppressing volume
- Sleeves, collars, waistbands, and cuffs
- Pockets
- And much more
Here's just some of the information you'll find:
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.
CoCo
2025-09-03 10:05:38
Book a bit older but all the pattern design basics are included. Just what I needed for refresher.
Douglas A Ross
2025-08-26 10:32:18
great
Jnetti
2025-08-23 18:12:26
I had to have this book once I had it from the library. It is a great updated pattern design and making directions. Is age appropriate with out being too old fashioned or retro. I haven't used the book to see if her directions are clear or easy to understand, but at this point I already know how to block patterns and change them to my liking. I use this type of book for a reference on where to begin a change or for ideas on how to get the basic start for my pattern design and pattern building. The content is visual and done very well. Well done. Worth the expense. Jnetti.
bernadette england
2025-07-03 12:34:41
Quickly scanned the various chapters and need to read in depth. Covers everything.
Customer
2025-07-02 15:44:43
Full of useful info
Haysh
2025-06-07 15:43:57
Even though I classify myself as a proficient dressmaker I have never drafted nor altered the design of a pattern. This book explains and tells you everything that you need to know and I would definitely recommend to anyone - beginner or professional. It is well written and the pictures help explain what to do.
N.P.
2025-05-18 21:22:25
Bought this as a Christmas gift for my best friend. The instructions on the inside are really detailed, and are perfect for patternmaking especially if you are a beginner or a novice or intermediate.
Lisa lynn
2025-05-17 19:17:18
My first design sketch book and i love it! Templates for women bodies in different poses. Area on bottom for notes. Nice hardcover and attached ribbon for bookmark. Pages also can be torn out.
Marmar
2025-04-05 11:11:36
It arrived two days before expected and looks great!
Peace
2025-03-16 16:59:52
This book is rather elementary to me and I have passed it on to my granddaughter. It has very good illustrations to teach a beginner how to stitch.
Cliente
2025-02-07 13:57:48
very good
Mr Sim
2024-12-06 15:12:00
Book arrived in pristine condition.
Elena St-Pierre
2024-11-16 12:42:33
Very good book for those who don't know where to start
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