Sewing: Making patterns?

[FormerCityGirl]

Does anyone here do this? I have some stuff that I want to make, but can't find patterns that I like for the fabric. If you do this, what type of paper do you make the patterns out of? Is there a good site or video for a tutorial? I'm not very advanced since I just started picking up sewing again, but it's coming back when I see stuff. Google seems to be failing me at the moment. TIA!

[justinlove]

I haven't made any patterns for my own clothing, but have made some for LA's clothes and home stuff. I typically use an existing garment for sizing and go from there. Almost all of CINO's tutorials show you how to create a pattern based on an existing garment so that would be a good place to start. I typically use freezer paper.

[adhdfashion]

I make patterns. I would suggest you grab a book at the library on flat pattern making. You can use whatever see thru paper you have around. Online you can order the actual gridded pattern paper. But while you are learning and mostly are altering pattens, tissue paper will do.

You can learn a lot from just the books. If you take a real shine to it we can chat more! I'm a master pattern maker by trade.

[justinlove]

May 12, 2012 13:55:54 GMT -5 adhdfashion said:

You can learn a lot from just the books. If you take a real shine to it we can chat more! I'm a master pattern maker by trade.

How is it that this is the first time I am hearing this? What do you design? Any particular books you would suggest?

[cmeon]

I have made my own knit skirt patterns by turning my own RTW skirts inside out and tracing them (onto large craft paper- just because it was big enough, I use freezer paper for the kids). I modify a lot of the patterns I own for the kids, and make simple ones. I'm getting much better about figuring out what to alter to get the fit and drape I want- but, it's all been trial and error for me.

There are some good pattern making books out, though- I know the Built By Wendy ones tend to get good reviews (see Amazon and check your library).

[FormerCityGirl]

Thanks for the ideas! I'll have to look into the books rec'd and check out our library.

[adhdfashion]

May 12, 2012 14:53:52 GMT -5 justinlove said:

May 12, 2012 13:55:54 GMT -5 adhdfashion said:

You can learn a lot from just the books. If you take a real shine to it we can chat more! I'm a master pattern maker by trade.

How is it that this is the first time I am hearing this? What do you design? Any particular books you would suggest?

Umm, I tend to come to off as a know it all, especially on the internet. Without the extreme use of emoticons. I love all the crafty creative things all of you ladies do. I didn't want to run anyone off or have them feel like they were being scrutinized by "pro". This new forum and all around rebellion has me feeling more daring!

My favorite book is Patternmaking for fashion design by Helen Joseph Armstrong
Any edition of this book is excellent. My mother was lucky enough to actually be taught by Helen at a community college back in the 80's.

[Deleted]

I don't make patterns but I trace them off like a mofo thanks to Ottobre magazine. I suggest Swedish tracing paper. I buy it from www.clotilde.com

I prefer it because it holds up incredible well and you can actually sew it. So I get a pattern and a muslin in one.

[heliocentric]

I learned patternmaking in college, but I rarely use it, so I only remember the basics.
I agree that a good flat pattern making book is useful. If you have a body form you can try draping instead. Some people find that easier. I would also find a book to learn the basics. Especially if you want to draft a pattern from what you draped (as opposed to making a one-time thing.)
Mostly I gave up on making my own patterns. I tend to buy patterns that are close to what I want when they are on sale for $1-2 at Joann. Then I tweak those. It's easier than starting from scratch.

[kathleenf]

May 12, 2012 13:55:54 GMT -5 adhdfashion said:

I make patterns... If you take a real shine to it we can chat more! I'm a master pattern maker by trade.

I definitely take a shine to pattern making.

I've never quite understood what constitutes a "master" pattern maker; how would you define that?