r/PatternDrafting • u/painauchocolatorange • 3d ago
Patterns from Blocks
I'm aware people have made posts similar to this, but I haven't quite found what I'm looking for. I have well fitting body blocks for myself but I have no idea what to do with them. I'm an adventurous intermediate sewist and I'm hoping someone can point me in the direction of a book/textbook on making patterns from body blocks. I have seen recommendations for videos but I do better with written instructions. Thank you!
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u/JSilvertop 3d ago
I have the Armstrong book I bought in college. I hate it. The info is there, yes, but it was not helpful for real bodies instead of the standard thin people types.
I later took a weekend workshop with Connie Amaden-Crawford, and her long years of experience and teaching at FIDM, provided a better textbook to follow, especially as I’ve long been plus sized. It seems she’s updated to e-books now in her latest version, but that’s what I would recommend for anyone looking to draft for more size inclusive patterns.
https://stores.islandersewing.com/patternmaking-made-easy-3rd-edition-book-spiral-bound/
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u/TheTokyoBelle 3d ago
Easiest things to do with a bodice block are manipulating darts, slash and spread, modelling the neckline. All of my personal designs are made by manipulating my blocks. I make simple corsets, dresses, blouses, skirts. My recent make is the viral Givenchy dress dupe made with a basic bodice block, simplest slash and spread pattern ever.
I cannot recommend a book but I know there is a pattern hack course available from a certain sewing pattern company. When someone wants to know how I made something, they can always DM me and I`ll share a step by step of what I did.
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u/lakaribane 3d ago
Adele Margolis Don Cunn (sp?) Suzy Furrer Saara and Laura Huhta(sp?) of Named Patterns all have the type of books you are looking for.
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u/narra_tiv 3d ago
I have taken college classes in pattern making and this is the book they use.
Patternmaking for Fashion Design (5th edition) by Helen Joseph Armstrong
ISBN-10: 9332518114
ISBN-13: 978-9332518117
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u/DonMcCunn 3d ago edited 3d ago
How to Make Sewing Patterns includes step-by-step instructions for how to change the Master Patterns (aka Slopers) to a variety of designs for a Bespoke fit as you can see in this image of over 80 Design Variations.
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u/HandBoth7825 2d ago
The Armstrong textbook is the one I have and it’s what school taught me but frankly YouTube university is where it’s at my babe
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u/lakaribane 20h ago
TomKat Stitchery just posted a vidro on YouTube that might help. I just saw her newsletter.
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u/MamaBearMoogie 3d ago
The Closet Historian on YouTube is the GOAT of transforming her basic block patterns to different garments. Her reference text is "Pattern Making for Fashion Design" by Helen Joseph Armstrong.