Make Your Own Patterns

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View books by Rene Bergh.

Very good book - Rated
This book is an excellent book for beginers and advanced stitchers. The contents are clear, easy to understand and not bogged down by technical wording or expressions. The patterns are basic but once you have a basic pattern block you can make any style or design you have a mind too.

If I were to have one moan, that'd be that it doesn't give advice on adjusting for figurations like for example, flat bottoms, rounded shoulders, or one hip higher than the other etc.

Great title, poor instructions - Rated
The title is good, the patterns are dated and the explanations are a bit lacking in depth. Some good bits, but overall, there are better books. I ended up buying pattern drafting books and it was worth the extra effort. Shame, as the basic idea is good, she just doesn't explain well.

Almost perfect - Rated
I think something EVRYONE who is going to sew needs to do is decide on their personal style first.
Try on something in a shop. If you love it - only then buy the pattern.

I used to be so disappointed wasting time sewing a garment that fits nicely - to realise - 'it just isn't me'.
I know it sounds fundamental - but how I saw myself was pretty divorced from reality.

If you wear high fashion - this book is maybe not for you.
It's got good basic shapes - which I think are best for a beginner anyway.

I've never bought a pattern since I got this book (in fact I've just re-ordered as I lent it out and didn't get it back!).
I like simple, unstructured Bohemian shapes and can make patterns that suit my needs just fine.
I have used the info to adapt patterns I already have - which is how I like to design and sew.

I must say - it's a bit short on actual sewing instructions for a beginner - hence I've only given 4 stars -
but anyone who's sewn before shouldn't struggle..
If you Google a technique you're unsure about - it's amazing what you can find on the internet. There are many 'learn to Sew' sites.



Addedendum.

I should have said previously -
I already own a Butterick Shell fitting pattern (easily available commercially).
I use this as my base for adjustment using this book.

Not bad for a basic grounding, but could do with updating. - Rated
I am a beginner interested in making up my own patterns. Although the book does show how to make basic patterns and more complicated variations on those, the designs are very out-dated - more suited to the late 80s than the new millenium! There is also little information about how to put the patterns together, and how to alter the patterns if they don't quite fit. Not bad for providing a decent understanding of how garments are constructed, but could do with more detail and the designs definitely need to be updated!

A good book for beginners - Rated
A good book for a (not quite) beginner in dress making and design. You still need to know the basics of how to sew your patterns together, but if you like to make things your own way then this is the book for you.

The book shows how the basic shapes of sleaves, skirts, collers, cuffs, waists and so on are made. You can put these together to make your own designs. However if you're after a book showing more unusual details, or those that are currently fashionable you will be disappointed. This book shows mainly the more 'standard' shapes and designs. Like I said, more for a beginner like me! I loved it.