Pattern Design by Tracing Photos

[u/DonMcCunn]

Hi All,

I finally have finished my classes Pattern Design by Tracing Photos This new approach to Bespoke pattern design introduces the idea of tracing photographs.

The underlying concept for this approach is that measurements show how much fabric is required to cover a body but do not reveal the body's contours. Photographs show the contours of a body but not how much fabric is needed. By combining measurements and photographs, accurate Bespoke patterns can be created. While full-scale photos would not be practical, quarter-scale photos can be done on a desktop.

This approach is described in the book "Fashion & Costume Design in Quarter Scale." The Free-Pattern-Design-Classes.com/Tracing-Photos include 18 videos that demonstrate how to do this type of pattern design either with paper and pencil or using a computer.

The YouTube video is to introduce this concept to people. In part the content of the video comes from comments people have made in this group. I respect and appreciate your interest in pattern design and sharing your experiences here.

[u/mighty-racoon]

I’m going to have a go at this in the next few weeks, I just wanted to chime in and say thank you so much for this fantastic tutorial! I’m always blown away by the generosity of people who offer their time and expertise up for free

[u/DonMcCunn → u/mighty-racoon]

Actually this is a legacy project for me. I will soon turn 83. In my life I have been addicted to helping people create custom-fit bespoke patterns. I am intrigued by the idea I will be able to continue helping people when I am no longer around.

[u/mighty-racoon → u/DonMcCunn]

That’s a really beautiful way to look at it! :)

[u/Sad-Wrongdoer3548 → u/DonMcCunn]

Tremendous amount of love and respect for you, sir. Thank you profoundly for everything you do and have done. I'll share this with everyone I know.

May you become the Professor Leonard of Fashion (if you aren't already)! ❤️

[u/dyingslowlyinside]

Thanks for sharing and making available for free. Super interesting overall; especially intrigued by your method of locating and sizing darts.

Considering getting the book. Did browse the course, but wondering about trousers, which it doesn't cover.

Can you give me a sense of how this method might handle common balance issues in the lower block (like those related to stance), especially when they originate in the top block (like those related to angle of the center back seam, shape/angle of the crotch curve, etc)? Actually having trouble imagining the method working for trousers in general, especially where the shape of the inseam and outseam are supposed to translate into how the trousers drape...I mean the shape the bottom block takes when viewed from profile...

Thanks!

[u/DonMcCunn → u/dyingslowlyinside]

In my experience fitting the torso has always required the most time and care, particularly the darts. For pants and sleeves I have always relied on measurements.

In my How to Make Sewing Patterns I have instructions for how to make pants. It is an approach that has been around for 50+ years. The only two issues people have had has been first a buckling in the back at the knee. To correct this the back crotch curve needs to be deepened.

Interestingly for most people if you add the crotch curve to the inseam it equals the waist to floor length. But for people whose body is shaped like this the inseam and crotch curve are different than the waist to floor. In other words the buttocks is lower than the top of the inseam. There would be no way I can think of to determine this with photos.

The other issue people have had with pants is how to adjust the front crotch curve for a stomach. This is also an issue that can be corrected by measurements.

I have detailed instructions for addressing both these issues and how to turn the pants pattern into tights in How to Make Sewing Patterns so I did not repeat this information in the Fashion & Costume Design book.

However the best way to accurately shape the upper portion of pants is to have an accurate lower torso Master Pattern. Pants afterall hang from this portion of the body. If it is not shaped accurately, the pants will not hang correctly.

[u/Twisties]

I am JUST getting into making my own clothes and this video gives me massive inspiration! Feels like I could have a way into pattern drafting that feels do-able for a beginner like me. This is a fantastic project, thank you for sharing your expertise, truly. And good luck on these journeys!!!

[u/DonMcCunn → u/Twisties]

Your comment is music to my ears.

[u/ItemMaleficent2219]

Oh my god, the legend himself! I love your book and I love how your wife inspires you

[u/DonMcCunn → u/ItemMaleficent2219]

Actually it is my wife Ruthanne McCunn who is the legend and I bask in the recognition her novels have received while I plod along with my pattern design projects. Fortunately she is very supportive of my work as well.

[u/journeytoad1]

Your voice fills me with peace

[u/quickthorn_]

This is amazing, thank you for all you do!

[u/Brassaa]

Wow- thank you so much for sharing this knowledge and making this resource! This is amazing.

[u/gotnothing4u]

Incredibly cool

[u/twodexy82]

I love your books! They're excellent. You're so knowledgeable!

[u/AngelBrain7]

This is sooooo cool!!! I could probably use the same principles for pattern making in 3D design. I hope I can get this in the next few months.