A couple of weeks ago I had this mad idea that I’m going to draft all my own bras and knickers patterns from now on. I know, I know…bold intentions! I decided to start with a basic knickers block to ease myself into the world of drafting lingerie. Everybody needs a guide… The book I chose […]
Book review: Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear by Winifred Alrich So you’re thinking about buying a book about pattern cutting and you’ve come across Metric Pattern Cutting by Winifred Aldrich but you’re still unconvinced? It may be a small book (25cm x 20cm and 250pages) but it SERIOUSLY packs a punch! Join me as I […]
What Is A Block? You’ve found the wonderful world of pattern cutting, and everyone keeps talking about these things called “blocks” (or “slopers” for our American friends)….but what exactly are they?? In short, the answer is that they are the foundation or starting point of all patterns. Still confused? Try to think of it this […]
You’ve got you head around this whole slash and spread thing as well as how to pivot a dart…Welldone! That’s the hard part done! Now it’s time to start playing around with your new skills. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind while you’re having fun rotating those darts all around… make […]
Understanding Bias Cut Are you dreaming of gorgeous slinky gowns or beautiful soft drapes? Well then, you’re probably dreaming a bias cut dream! In short, cutting fabric on the bias means cutting the fabric on a 45 degree angle to the natural grain…still confused? Here’s an example…The grain line on a pattern normally runs from […]
Essential pattern cutting equipment that every pattern cutter should have at home.
Pattern cutting books are just about one of my favourite things in the world. I have spent many hours lost in the sheer beauty of Tomoko Nakamichi’s “Pattern Magic” and continue to be inspired by Helen Joseph-Armstrong’s designs. Here are my top 5 (and essential) pattern cutting books, from learning the basics to exploring the […]
On my first day of pattern cutting classes at uni we were told to bring in an orange and a piece of calico…you can imagine our confusion, surely a pencil, paper and pattern master would be of more use? Turns out our tutor knew better (something that we quickly learned was always true) and she […]
