Pattern Cutting: The Architecture of Fashion

Pattern cutting, or pattern making, is an essential yet complex skill for every fashion designer to master. Pattern Cutting: The Architecture of Fashion demystifies the pattern cutting process and clearly demonstrates pattern fundamentals, enabling you to construct in both 2D and 3D, and quickly get to grips with basic blocks, shape, sleeves, collars, trousers, pockets and finishes. Pat Parish approaches the subject of pattern cutting through proportion, balance, line and form, identifying key shapes and structures from the catwalk and translating them into 3D through cutting, draping and construction processes. This popular and inspirational sourcebook has been updated to reflect new directions in construction design and techniques, and to include more advanced patterns, such as the Magyar sleeve and the jumpsuit. With handy tips, shortcuts and tricks of the trade, the second edition of Pattern Cutting is a must-have studio resource for all budding fashion designers. It will provide you with the inspiration, tools and confidence to interpret and adapt basic patterns, and take your designs to the next level. New to this edition - Step-by-step instructions for more complex patterns, including the Magyar sleeve, rever collar and jumpsuit - A chapter devoted to patterns for pockets and finishes - Invaluable information about working with different fabrics, such as neoprene and spacer - Expanded coverage of innovation in pattern cutting, including sustainable and geometric cutting techniques - Refreshed pattern flats and colour images - Case studies with designers who have used cutting techniques to create unique, contemporary designs

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. Context 2. Pattern Fundamentals 3. Shape 4. Sleeves, Collars and Circles 5. Trousers 6. Pockets and Finishes 7. Sustainability and Fashion Appendix

About the Author :
Pat Parish has taught fashion and textile courses for over thirty years. Her teaching career began at the Royal College of Art and she now lectures at Northbrook College, UK. Alongside her teaching, she has also worked as a freelance pattern cutter for designers such as Betty Jackson and Anne Tyrrell, and has created collections with Amanda Wakely, Edina Ronay, Bruce Oldfield and many others. Many of her students have successful careers in fashion.

Review :
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. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. [...] A great book [with] a different approach to pattern cutting. An easy to follow guide on pattern construction for undergraduate students.