My Favorite Patternmaking Books & Resources | How I learned to draft & grade patterns

[@cfauria9171]

I'm so happy I came across your channel! I retired from a 44 year nursing career in 2023. For my gift to myself, I bought a sewing machine. Sewing is one of my new hobbies. I love your content and your style of teaching. This was a great episode for sewing resources. I'm a total beginner and I love that you said we all start out as beginners and learn as we go. Thank you!

[@ericafors6039]

Love that MSU Library…. ❤. UM used to charge community members for a card to check out books, but MSU has had a free policy…. Awesome resources!!

[@ptoste1]

Wow! I like you a lot.😊😍 I like your attitude. 👌I learned to sew with KZbin. I started with bags and pouches and sometimes tried some garments but none of the patterns would fit me. I’ve been making some adjustments and things started to go well enough Now I’m definitely to give it a try again now that I’ve found you. You’re an inspiration. I’m actually going to follow your piece of advice. Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏👏😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@susanstewart1402]

Great list that includes faves plus new resources too. I also like DIY Mongra Designer on KZbin. The pattern drafting and construction methods from Korea are highly sophisticated. Even simple shapes have interesting tweaks, that are not immediately obvious, that elevate the designs. My Architectural Technologist husband finds your videos fascinating.

[@PatternScout]

I will check those out, thanks!

[@Escape10mom]

I agree, staying away from very opinionated ways to do things. It really does stifle creativity.

[@PatternScout]

Definitely! I have always felt that way and thrive when I can break the rules a little :)

[@SymphonySoaps]

Wonderful, Informative, Resourceful! Thank You! I applaud your can do spirit and generous sharing of practical experience and references. Will be referring my granddaughters here. Thank You once again!

[@drkcurve8236]

Thank you for this! I’m very inspired to start learn fitting!

[@crashtestdummy2686]

Great video with a lot of knowledge just got back into Sewing after a different career for a few decades but once upon a time,I wanted to be a designer and had some talent so it’s fun to start developing again in my retirement and once again going into business using my sewing skills

[@barbaramatthews4735]

I like self study. I can sew fairly well. I am constantly learning new thing. I want to sew my own personal wardrobe. I am fascinated by the idea of making my own patterns. I'm an odd size. I'm short and curvy, some might say chubby. I just want to be able to work with what I got. I have sewn with commercial patterns for a long time, since I was a teen. I'm 54 now. I want to up my game. I'm already able to make minor adjustments. I'm comfortable with darts, plakets, zippers, buttons, linings, pockets and intermediate sewing techniques. I want to be more advanced. Fashion school is not my dream. I just want to sew as a hobby and make practical use of my skills. This is cool. I'm originally from Ypsilanti, but I live in Tennessee now justca little north of Nashville. Go Blue! I perked up about U of M.

[@PatternScout]

That is how I feel too, I want to level up and be able to make what I want without having to find the pattern :) And also like self-study. Thanks so much for watching! Hope these resources are helpful!

[@belinda58sews29]

Thanks so much for all of the information! I recently purchased a projector and plan to NEVER AGAIN stick a pattern together (don't get me wrong, I prefer that to BIG NAME brands, but it takes so much time...). Part of using a projector is learning to do basic alterations to patterns digitally so they fit me, and I am learning a lot, but it's tough to find a sweet spot when it comes to resources, a lot of it can be very full on and over the top and so intimidating. But now you have given me a lot of options to expand my knowledge, so I can't wait to get started. As a side note, it would be great if you could add projector files to your patterns. It's a bit of an upgrade to your A0 files, but not that much, and projectors are becoming very popular! The Facebook group that got me hooked is projectors for sewing with more than 40K members from all over.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks for watching! I actually just got a little cheap projector that I have been thinking about trying to set up for pattern projecting...if I do it I will definitely share the process and probably add projector files to the patterns (but not sure when that will happen...definitely been on my mind though!). It would be so nice to be able to just get to cutting and not have to fuss with printing and taping pages together!

[@denisedorsey2889]

This was so interesting to me. I’m not going to be drafting patterns, but I enjoyed hearing your insights and more about how you approach your skill. Thanks!

[@PatternScout]

Oh good, I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! :)

[@eomorrow]

Thank you for the wonderful information Casey! I retired and finally have time to fulfill my dream of making my own patterns and clothes. Your videos are so full of real information, inspiration and motivation! I think I have watch them all, many more than once!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much, I'm so happy to know it! Best of luck on your sewing and patternmaking adventures!

[@KateShaw2]

Thanks for the wonderful tips!

[@shannonlooper8674]

This is so helpful, thank you so much. You are very encouraging and make me feel like I really can do this so thank u!

[@candacej.wilson3770]

You are amazing! I love your manner and your genuine love for sewing and others convey wonderfully on screen. Many of the women are so talkative and wasteful with time, I defer or shut off. You share just enough life but get started with sharing. My souls is happy and I wish you continued success.😍💕😎

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me! I really do love it and want others to feel empowered to create and feel that love, too! :)

[@skynarita]

Thank you for sharing and promote creativity!

[@galewinegar5235]

We’ll done! Thanks for the tip about MSU library access ( fellow Lansingite)!

[@PatternScout]

Oh hey neighbor! :) Thank you! Glad that was helpful info, the campus library has so much to offer!

[@thedahliasewciety]

Casey, thank you so much for such an informative episode! I have always felt the need to create my own patterns someday and may have to venture down the self taught path! It's so true what you were saying about doing things differently instead of what's been perseved in the past as the "right" way. My 25 year old daughter has learned to sew entirely through indie patterns as they just explain things so well in comparison to the Big 4 or old-style textiles classes that I had at high school. Keep up the fantastic vlogs, Kristen xx

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much Kristen! There really are so many amazing teachers in the indie sewing world...so many awesome sources of information online too. You should definitely do it!

[@barefacedquestions]

Can you recommend indie pattern makers who are good at explaining?

[@phoenixcampbell6927]

If you are looking at Domestika courses - not all of them are in English, although they do have English subtitles!

[@riannaforto8555]

Thanks for sharing, i have no fashion design background either and just wanted to start. But ur videos supports me so much 🥹💕

[@PatternScout]

I'm so glad they are helpful. Thank you for watching!

[@abe5849]

Great resources and it was so fun to see the library of my alma mater. Make sure to check out the Beal Garden on your next trip there-it is beautiful year round!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks for watching! Yes, that garden is beautiful! On nice days we visit the campus a lot for walks and bike rides (we live really close to campus now), the whole campus is really nice!

[@AlexandraMorganInHousePatterns]

Fabulous video! Thanks so much for sharing my channel.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you, Alexandra! Your channel is such a great resource!!

[@Binaishere]

Thank you Casey for your encouragement! I came across your videos recently and look forward to the resources you have shared. I’m at the point where I’m comfortable with my machine and want to sew a garment. What pattern would you recommend for beginners?

[@lynnp9302]

You may want to check out books by Winford Aldrich and Natalie Bray for a English approach to flat pattern drafting. I found the Natalie Bray books particularly helpful. Mueller is a German system but the books in English are quite expensive.

[@PatternScout]

I will definitely check those out, thank you so much for the recommendations!

[@charlottejones7341]

Do you use a pattern program from a book and kits

[@freetruth123]

Your videos are so educational. Thank you. ⭐️

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!!

[@Josieb4008]

Woah! This was a video that I had no idea I needed! I've exhausted all the sewing and patternmaking books in my entire library system. Thank you for the additional resource information.

[@PatternScout]

Yay! So glad you needed it. I felt like a kid in a candy store at the university library--their collection was so extensive! Thanks for watching! :)

[@shawnswain5826]

Thank you so much! You’ve provided so much information in this video and I’m actually excited about giving a lot of it a try!

[@PatternScout]

Yay! So glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@normacooper6377]

Helpful advice.

[@emcarver8983]

Thank you so much. There is so much content in the video.

[@PatternScout]

So glad it is helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@bcvahsfam]

Another GREAT video packed with useful information! I don't always know the terms you use -- like "grading", but I can look it up. While I have an interest, this video might be a bit beyond my skill level. I liked hearing a bit of how you got started.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much, Cari!:)

[@robynhansen8636]

You are awsume just like me break the rules and self taught just love watching a learning from you 💖

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!

[@ChrisLucasDesigns]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video and agree with you completely. I have all the books you have except David Coffin’s book… might have to add that one to my collection. Thanks for sharing 💗

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! So glad to know it. Yes, I highly recommend the Coffin book--I've used it a lot!

[@faithmathingsdal79]

So so good! A wealth of information and wisdom. Thank you. :)

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!! :)

[@faithmathingsdal79]

@@PatternScout I just watched this older video from TomKatStitchery, where Whitney went through all her sewing books and the first half of the video made me think of you. You've probably seen all these, but I thought I'd share anyway, just FYI. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipDPmIuvp7J1jpo

[@debbiesnyder762]

Awesome. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@Madhaddersewing]

Hi! Thanks for this video! Question- I really want to purchase the Pattern Making for Fashion Design book but was wondering what the difference between the hardcover and paperback version is, because I notice in the link you put that hardcover version is recommended. The hardcover is much more expensive from what I’m seeing but I don’t want to get jipped out of anything if I settle for the paperback. Are they both the exact same minus covers? Thank you!

[@yugayadav7845]

Thanks a lot ❤

[@esraaadel1187]

love your channel 🌷🌷 and benefit from this video, really thank you 🌷

[@PatternScout]

Aw thanks so much! Glad it is helpful! :)

[@paulasettles1102]

I recently started to buy an online pattern making course but noticed that it said this would be only for use for making patterns only for myself, so I did not buy it as I want to make patterns and clothes for others. Does the Patternmaking for Fashion Design also restrict me from using the patterns I would draft only for myself? Would you suggest a book or course that would allow me to make patterns and clothing from the patterns for other people? Thanks.

[@RezaMarz]

Thanks.

[@sunalouw348]

Great video thanks ❤

[@PatternScout]

Thanks for watching!

[@shirayot8672]

Hello, Casey! Is it books the standart of USA pattering? I am looking for best practice in fashion industry and research different approach in different countries.

[@PatternScout]

It might be (because it is in inches), and I'm not sure how that differs from other countries' standards as far as drafting technique. :)

[@shirayot8672]

@Pattern Scout it is really simular. Differences in measurment, parametres used to build lines and what points used to build lines. But final patterns look quite simular. Different basic modeling also. And different well know, "classic", designs as outcome. It look like this approach have more detale, more accurate. I will try it tomorrow. I am so appreciate your books review. Thank you.

[@millie7642]

whats the main reason you highly suggest the hardcover for Patternmaking for Fashion Design? Its just way more pricey haha

[@PatternScout]

When I was reading reviews for the book, a few people noted that there were some quality control issues with the paper back version (pages falling out, etc) and I think it is also made by a different manufacturer and there were a few other small differences from the original. If you are trying to save a little money, the paperback version is probably just fine (I almost got that one, then decided to go for the hardcover and I am glad because I use it so much, I think the paperback would get pretty beat up!).

[@millie7642]

@@PatternScout ok thanks for the info!

[@dailydedication2663]

I’m just learning how to sew but I’m thinking that there’s already quite a bit that goes into making pattern adjustments for a custom fit that it might be better to just learn how to draft pattern then sew it. 😅is that ridiculous or no?

[@PatternScout]

I think definitely start with patterns before pattern drafting (unless you're just feeling extra bold!). I sewed a lot of patterns and got comfortable making small adjustments to them, then bigger adjustments and pattern hacks before I felt comfortable drafting from scratch. Having experience with sewing from a pattern definitely helps with understanding the fundamentals of pattern drafting. :)

[@lisafeldmann9863]

Thanks for your advice in books and courses! So awesome that you have a class in Skillshare! Another youtube channel I have found helpful is Thoughtful Creativity. She shows drafting techniques for simple clothing items.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much for watching! I will check out Thoughtful Creativity, thanks for the recommendation!

[@charlottejones7341]

The program that cost 150.99 for the kit

[@pammcintyre7602]

In house studio, Alexandra Morgan is an awesome resource for pattern drafting

[@PatternScout]

Yes, her tutorials are awesome! 🙌

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

I will never draft a pattern, but I want to understand how they 'work🌷

[@aliatv8651]

I have my degree in fashion design. We use that pattern making book in the program, it’s literally my Bible when I’m making patterns😅 I have that draping book you returned to the library as well. I never really used it for anything🤔 I always followed the notes I took when my professor demonstrates. I’m getting into making patterns on illustrator and I found ur video while searching for a nice one on grading. I literally just finished the free course from design lab, but Ralph doesn’t know how to grade. I enjoyed the course😆 I found some of those other courses u mentioned & there’s one called patternworkshop that was the most appealing to me with what I’m looking for. Great video!!

[@PatternScout]

That is all so good to know! Thank you! I've considered doing a grading video either here or on Skillshare...I have kinda figured out what works for me from trial and error, youtube tutorials, and pattern testing, and when I first started selling patterns, I hired a grader for a couple of them and learned a lot through that process too. I'm always looking for tips and tricks to improve that workflow. I will definitely check out patternworkshop too. Thanks for the rec! :)

[@sarahhavillamelooliveira5825]

I'm odd-sized. I'm short. Whenever things fit my waist it's too short, or it gets too tight in my hips. I have childs hand and feet and a bit masculine-but-femenine face. It's hard to buy clothes. So I'm designing my own stuff.

[@PatternScout]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@sarahhavillamelooliveira5825]

@@PatternScout Things in my area are overpriced and the quality is just not there. Cotton (even if bad quality ones) are quite common, but wool and linen are rare and god forbids they actually have any cashmere or silk in stock. Add that to my very particular androgynous style (that's actually a mix of femenine and masculine atributes to the clothes that looks ballanced and not the oversized I-can-see-you stuff thats a bit more popular) and not wanting my clothes to itch and we have a problem. I look like a kid, if I wear femenine stuff I look more masculine, whimsical or doll-like. If I war masculine stuff I look dainty, youthful and small. I therefore look for balance if that makes any sense.

[@rhondaverma6358]

🤣. I paused the video, bought all the books, then started watching again and you said to look at the library first! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!! Too late!

[@PatternScout]

oh no! 😂 sorry about that! I mean...you probably would have loved them so much you would have purchased them anyway! 😉

[@Nayan99719]

Hi mam,m

[@Bright-It]

Pants For Real People ... Does it mean fitted bodies are UNREAL people? What should be a standard, became a rarity.

[@Bonbon53539]

Casey, what an episode - full of incredibly useful info all in one place complete with all this written up for us in the “b ox below”. I love your approach to teaching and sharing your knowledge with us all. Thank you!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much for watching my videos!

[@mygoldencharlie2016]

Thanks so much for sharing this. It is so useful.

[@PatternScout]

You are so welcome! Glad it is helpful!