A query regarding Reading Material

Newbies
1

Hello all,

does anyone in the forum have any informed opinion about the value, for beginners, of acquiring books on the subject of Patterns. I have seen material by Winifred Aldrich: “Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear” which was recommended via other channels / means, and I would appreciate the opinion of experienced members on the value of such a purchase (€32.90)

Thanks and Best Regards,

David D.

PS: there is, in addition, a parallel edition: “Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear” and my question: "Is this of any value for beginners?

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2

Hello @DavidDeb

The Winifred Aldrich books are very good for beginners. I learnt pattern making from her books (Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear, 4th Edition and later, the 5th Edition) and I believe that they are used in some pattern schools. They are comprehensive and give line-by-line instructions which are easily used in Seamly2D. There is also one for Children’s Wear.

However, that was about 7 years ago and I found them easy to learn the basics from. Since then, I’ve looked into a number of pattern making books and find that they all teach the same thing with only slightly different approaches.

I don’t know if you couldn’t find a less expensive copy elsewhere, even if it is pre-loved.

Helen Joseph-Armstrong also teaches pattern making in her book, “PatternMaking for Fashion Design”, which includes women, men and children in one book.

All of the books will teach you patternmaking in a ‘show & tell’ fashion, and they will all produce a pattern that is very presentable, which you will need to test fit on the person, before creating the final garment, so that you can do the necessary adjustments for the person.

You can also try browsing the Internet Archives for very old books. Fashions may have changed, but the pattern making techniques haven’t changed all that much, and if you’re into tailoring the perfect suit of clothing, you can search for F.T. Croonborg or W.D.F. Vincent, both are in inches and are normally free to download in PDF.

I hope that this helps you a little.

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I have my booklist here. These books focus mainly on patternmaking, not sewing or the actual construction.

Aldrich books are old but gold. A must have for every patternmaker in my opinion.

I always on the lookout for patternmaking books, especially the newly published one. Let me know if I’m missing any.

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Hello Grace,

thanks for your input, I’ve ordered the book: “Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear” (Amazon) and downloaded a digitised version of: “^Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear 6th.edition” from Internet Archives (Thanks here to najdmie)

Best regards to all,

David D.

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