Pattern making represents a core need-to-know skill for every budding fashion designer but mastery of this complex part of the design process can prove tricky. Pattern Cutting: The Architecture of Fashion is designed to demystify the process and clearly demonstrates the pattern fundamentals, enabling readers to easily construct in both 2D and 3D, and quickly get to grips with basic blocks, shape, sleeves, collars, circles, and trousers.
In Pattern Cutting: The Architecture of Fashion, Pat Parish approaches the subject of pattern making through an exploration of proportion, balance, line and form, identifying key shapes and structures from the catwalk and translating them into 3D through a number of cutting, draping and construction processes. This innovative approach provides readers with the inspiration, tools and confidence to both interpret and adapt basic patterns and so take their designs to the next level.
Now fully revised, this popular and inspirational sourcebook for young designers has been completely updated to reflect new directions in construction design and techniques, with a renewed emphasis on the impact of sustainability on construction. Beautifully illustrated with all-new contemporary pattern flats, including more pattern instructions for zero waste design, as well as simple step-by-step instructions and online design activities (hosted on Fashion Central), this second edition includes invaluable info about working with a range of fabric types, including techno fabrics like spacer, scuba and neoprene, and explores how different fabrics change pattern cutting and affect shape. Insightful interviews with some of the most exciting practising designers from around the world provide a professional look at pattern cutting in practise, complete with handy tips, short cuts and tricks of the trade, making Pattern Cutting a must-have studio resource for all fashion designers.
Industry Reviews
I don't think that there are many books which compete with this one, in terms of content, art work, relevant case studies, and general content. -- Debbie Allsop, Lecturer in Fashion, University of Huddersfield.
An excellent introduction, highlighting the approach from a designer's perspective and encouraging the understanding of aesthetics. The author's 'language' and description does clearly demonstrate a 'real' practitioner's expertise and understanding of 2D to 3D shape. -- Sally Folkes, Senior Lecturer in Creative Pattern Cutting, Birmingham City University.
This book is unique because it has a more "designer" aesthetic and relatability to young designers. Other books that compete are: The Pattern Magic series by Tomoko Nakamichi. It is a great supplemental patternmaking text. Students can relate to it as a designer. The visuals and live model and dress form techniques is a great addition.
An overall "designer" feel, and the entire layout including sketches, designers work, etc. make patternmaking seem more exciting and fashion-design related to students (other pattern books are strictly technical). -- Anderson, Texas Tech University, US
An excellent book for someone looking to expand their skills to more on-trend items and expand their understanding of the 2D to 3D concepts. Well thought out and unique approach to patternmaking. Clearly written, excellent graphics, interesting shapes. Love the case studies.
The layout seems fresh and innovative, colors are eye catching and consistent. I am impressed with the accuracy of the illustrations - this alone places this book above other patternmaking texts. -- Lynn Boorady, Buffalo State University
This is a fresh, clean textbook that looks "cool" and would appeal to our students. It does a great step by step that the students could continue to refer back to. The graphic quality of the current edition is very good, it is very appealing, and the combination of the illustrations and line drawings make following it very easy and complete. The layout appeals to a contemporary student eye - it looks like a website with small snippets spread through out the page layout. -- Newport, University of Michigan Flint, US
This book is unique because it brings such a simple and basic approach to the examples. It's easy to follow and doesn't use unfamiliar terminology or dated terminology in the examples which could confuse students. It shows step by step and easily maps out how calculations and measurements are changed to create any desired look. It also provides multiple examples on how each technique can be utilized to create a different desired look, i.e. adding volume to skirts, tops, and sleeves. This shows students that these techniques aren't for the sole use of one look, but can be utilized in creative ways to create new and unique designs. This is where the book's case studies really play into the unique and creative feel of the textbook.
A well-balanced textbook with real-world case studies which tie pattern alteration into easy implementation in a classroom setting with a high emphasis on industry standards. It provides the essential classic designs while offering a unique twist and application as the chapters progress. -- Leah Powers, Southeast Missouri State University, US
[...] A great book [with] a different approach to pattern cutting. -- Kathryn Sanders * Southampton Solent University, UK *
An easy to follow guide on pattern construction for undergraduate students. * Dr Paula Wren, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Fashion Institute, UK *
