By Hisako Sato
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Since I am recommending pattern cutting books aiming at stretch fabric, I might as well cover Drape Drape. This is not a basic pattern cutting book. This is aiming more towards the extreme side of pattern construction. This is not a book if you are after pattern cutting help or techniques. CLICK
Not exactly a book series entirely covering stretchy materials but it does involve the use of jersey in some of its designs. The first book is covering stretch to create garments designs with a contemporary style and design. These are great for fashion portfolios or fashion shows. Definitely a must for all pattern cutting enthusiasts. Book 1 Includes 17 fashionable and achievable designs, with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and diagrams that will guide you through the draping process. Book 2 has 14 patterns, book 3 has 15 patterns.
The book provides you with folded patterns at the back ready for you to start your project. The pattern pieces are printed on top of one another so you are required to trace off the patterns individually according to which pattern you want to construct. Please note, these patterns might be a little small for the average European woman, so you might need to do a bit of tweaking with the pattern to get it to fit you. It works out to be roughly L-XL (the largest size) is still only a UK 10-12! CLICK
Making these garments will require you to use stretch fabrics such as jersey. This is great because you can hide a lot of your mistakes and bad sewing under the drapes of your garment. The down side is, it might stretch in places you don’t want. Practice with sewing stretch fabrics is a must, and you must know the behaviour of the fabric too. Some fabrics stretch and drape beautifully while others don’t or do too much. At first, the patterns can be a bit daunting but the instructions are very helpful and easy to follow. CLICK
The only downside I find is, it doesn’t show you how to adjust a pattern to fit individual bodies, of course that’s going to take at least a few pages to cover alone. To some people who are new to pattern cutting, sewing a garment is as baffling as the pattern itself. Imaging trying to adjust these complex patterns! The other problem is, you will also require to have access to an overlocker/serger to finish these garments. It is not essential but would help a lot.
Happy Pattern Cutting!
Shan x
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