Pattern-Drafting for Fashion: The Basics
By Teresa Gilewski
Also available are: Seam Assembly & Finishing, Advance, and Draping.
I cannot find any images on the internet that I can share with you.
There are 4 books in this series. I have the first 3. Book 4 (Draping) only came out after I quit my teaching job in the UK. If I have a chance, I might give it a read in the future. I can briefly go over these first 3 books, mainly covering book 1 because I haven’t got these books with me when I moved to Hong Kong. So, please excuse my poor review for these 3 books.
If anybody is seriously thinking of pattern cutting and making garments in the future you should purchase the books in order. The first 3 books work together. This is using the flat pattern cutting method. The book 4 is a different technique that requires you to use pins and cloth to drape on a mannequin stand to create the pattern, which is later traced off. If you already know how to pattern cut, then book 2 is great for students and sewers at home if you need help with garment construction.
These books are slightly on the larger side. Paperback but sturdy with a thick laminate. This should last a while in any busy workshop. The book is quite weighty since the book is not thin. The first book is aimed at the beginner level. Starting with drafting all the basic blocks such as the bodice, skirt, etc. It is very intuitive since it guides you to how to draft the block and patterns. This book is very good if you are studying fashion or a home sewer. The language is very informative. The layout of the book is good and the illustrations is colourful. To a lot of people, the illustrations is good enough for them since this is a pattern cutting book and not an illustration book.
I have seen some reviews for this book. Not that I am defending the book but some people are hard to please. There is no such book that is going to please everybody. Questions like, why is a dart placed there? Seriously!! Have you not read the text before you started the chapter? There are also some people who don’t seem to use their own common sense to think and expects the book to give them every step or every point when things are so obvious. Don’t get me wrong, these are good books but it’s not going to please everybody.
Once you get pattern cutting out of the way, book 2 will show you how to construct the garment using a variety seams to give you the best finish to your garment. Aimed at the serious sewer, it explains the different types of seams, what they are used for and how to get a professional finish. This also covers fastenings, hems, cuffs and pressing to give your garment a professional finish. Book 3 explores more advance techniques showing how you can use your blocks to develop other patterns. Don’t buy book 3 unless you have book 1 or know how to pattern cut.
To me, the books look very dated and not as pretty compared to a lot of modern books. I lost concentration after looking through the books to be honest but don’t let me put you off giving this book a chance. I just thought it was information overload. To be fair it is a good pattern cutting book and covers everything you need to become a better pattern cutter. What’s even more better is, the book does not cram everything into one book but spread over 4. Some of the designs are supposed to be basic or something you could relate too. You will not find any elaborate design here I’m afraid. Since it may not cover everything you want to make, it is best to research into it first or check it out in your local bookstore or library before purchasing these books. Whether you are a beginner or an experience pattern cutter or sewer, it is worth a place on your bookshelf since this series seems to cover everything you need to know about pattern cutting and construction.
Happy Pattern Drafting!
Shan x
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