5 Pattern Making Tips I wish I knew sooner | Fashion Industry Advice For Beginners

[@jsietsma]

Great video, thank you. I've been teaching myself pattern block making for men and videos like this are really useful. I'd love to see a video on fixing fit issues. I've been struggling with lines to under armpits on shirts and saggy seats on pants! There are a lot of instructional videos but not that many that go into depth on fit issues.

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

Glad you liked the video! I actually just realised a video on Fitting Dress Patterns & Blocks. It's over 2 separate videos and I've included the link to part 2 below as it has a whole section on fitting the armhole (it's at 33:05). The video is for fitted dresses, but it might help you with your shirt armholes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npTMmIR3mdWaeM0 I'll let you know when I make a pant fitting video 😊

[@jsietsma]

@@PatternMakingWithLeigh thank you!

[@franckelatter9829]

Yes looking at the camera would be great! It took me a bit to discover what a block was?

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

Yes, thanks for the tip! I was recording on my camera and was looking at myself instead of the camera - definitely something to work on 😂 Also, thanks for flagging that I didn't explain what blocks were. I've covered it in a couple of my other videos, but should have mentioned it here. Blocks are basic, simple patterns which pattern cutters use as a base to create patterns for designs. A fashion studio will usually have a range of dress, shirt & trouser blocks. Blocks are simple, so they only have the seams and darts needed to get the desired fit. Let me know if you've any more questions.

[@angelapenn4463]

Thank you for starting your channel. This is exactly what I've been looking for. I found your tips on tracing your pattern so helpful. Do you use the same method to transfer the pattern onto material? I am currently struggling with drafting trousers. I'd love advice on that topic. Thanks.

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

I'm so glad you liked the tracing tip! It makes things so much quicker and more accurate. When you say transfer the pattern onto material, do you mean to create a sample or toile? I usually just cut around the pattern piece (as I always use paper not card). However, I will mark any drills holes with a purple vanishing marker (and then sew it soon after so the marks don't disappear). I remember when I studied pattern making at FIT in NYC (ages ago) someone suggested using those dyed papers and drawing over it with a tracing wheel to transfer the lines - is that the technique you are referring to? I found it a fit fiddly, and the lines didn't always show up on darker fabrics. And yes, definitely need to get onto trouser. Will do it soon! 😊

[@annrubino6252]

Lovely to see your channel, and wishing you all success. I taught pattern-making at a post-secondary design academy in Canada and it is a challenging and rewarding skill. Some of the older methods are bound to be required again as fashion dictates and your understanding of the process from basic block onward will be even more valuable.

[@abigailpip112]

If I had clothes I like that fit, I'd wouldn't need to make them! The reason pattern industry blocks are easy is because nothing fits and everything is made of stretchy fabric

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

Fair point. It's really hard to find good blocks that are customised to your measurements. If you're having trouble with fitting patterns, I've just done a couple of videos on it. Part 1 | Understanding Ease & How to Custom Grade Your Pattern - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpXcY4ifrst_o8U Part 2 | How to Fit Your Toile - kzbin.info/www/bejne/npTMmIR3mdWaeM0 Also, I've almost finished editing a vide on on 'How to Clone Your Favourite Clothes' so that will teach you how to make your own blocks from clothes you actually like the fit of - hope this helps 😊

[@romangladiator1106]

Another great video. Thanks for putting this together. I'd love to hear your thoughts on mannequins. I know I need one, but I have no idea what I should get.

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

This is such a great idea! TBH I'm not 100% happy with my mannequin either, so need to do some research. I also want to do a video on how to 'pad' a mannequin to your measurements - would that be helpful? All the big designers in the UK use K&L mannequins. They're amazing, but a bit expensive! But, you can keep a look out for second hand ones. www.kennettlindsell.com/product-category/mannequins/

[@romangladiator1106]

​@@PatternMakingWithLeigh I believe a video on mannequins will be particularly helpful for many people, especially if it includes instructions on how to 'pad' a mannequin. Once someone learns how to properly pad a mannequin, they’ll likely realise they don’t need to invest in an adjustable one. Overall, I think it would be a great video to add to your growing collection.

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

@@romangladiator1106 Yes, it's a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion. Thinking I'll do a proper video on how to measure your body too, then use these measurements to pad a mannequin 😊

[@romangladiator1106]

@@PatternMakingWithLeigh That would be a great video. Probably a good idea to chapter the video too. If you're not aware, it's a KZbin Studio tool.

[@alejandrafigueroa8922]

Thank you so much for the video! Would love to know more of what the day in the life of a pattern making is like in the industry!

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

Great idea! I can do a video on that. Do you want to know how I approach making a pattern too? Like how I analyse a design, and how I decide whether to drape it or use a block? That kind of thing?

[@daxxydog5777]

I keep hearing the HJA book is awful, and after trying to make a block from it, I have to agree. I just ended up draping it on myself. Chris Sartorial has good videos as well.

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

Just checked out Chris Sartorial - thanks for the recommendation. His videos look great! 😊 And completely agree re draping blocks vs flat pattern making them. Draping is the way to go!

[@velvetstitching3631]

Where to find a good mannequin!?

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

@@velvetstitching3631 Yes, I've had a couple of requests for a video on this. Was also thinking of doing one on measuring your body and then padding out a mannequin to your measurements - would that be helpful?

[@dianepark9188]

It would be helpful if you looked directly into the camera. It looks like you are reading a script, which can make your audience lose interest in what you are saying.

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

Didn't notice this till you pointed it out, so thanks for the feedback! I've just started this channel, so always looking for ways to make my videos better. I film with my phone, but I guess I'm looking at the wrong part of the screen....

[@dianepark9188]

I saw it was a new channel, so that's why I commented. @@PatternMakingWithLeigh

[@PatternMakingWithLeigh]

@@dianepark9188 I've been looking at all my videos and they're all slightly off 😂 Thanks for the tip!

[@Knittyneeds]

​@dianepark9188 DO YOU REALIZE ALL VIDEOS ON KZbin ARE FREE??? You are so ungrateful and most annoying for all viewers as well as for this kind lady. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU CARE IF SHE DOESN'T LOOK AT YOU, IF THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE FINDING FAULT WITH??? RESPECT OTHERS

[@suzannelampe4957]

Or perhaps you should look inwards and be more understanding of people who may find eye contact difficult