“What are the best Pattern Making books?” We looked at 92 of the top sewing Patter Books, aggregating and ranking them so we could answer that very question!
The top 21 titles, all appearing on 2 or more “Best Pattern Making” book lists, are ranked below by how many lists they appear on. The remaining 50+ titles, as well as the lists we used are in alphabetical order at the bottom of the page.
Also make sure to take a look at our Best Sewing Books List for additional information on the subject!
Happy Scrolling!
Lists It Appears On:
“Dresses are as useful—and as crucial—to your wardrobe as your most beloved pair of jeans. You can throw one on in summer or winter, for a night out in heels or a day in beaten-up boots: It’s maximum style for minimum effort.
That’s why Wendy Mullin, designer of Built by Wendy—label of choice for fashion-forward actors, musicians, and artists—has created a book of DIY dress designs that are simple to sew but pack plenty of fashion punch.
All of the featured dress styles are based on three basic dress shapes: the sheath, the shift, and the dirndl. These three full-size patterns are included in the book, complete with step-by-step instructions for how to use them. From those basic dress shapes, Wendy offers multiple customizations, giving a total of 25 different dress options.”
Lists It Appears On:
“The world of haute couture is a place where only a privileged few can ever hope to reside, right? Wrong. Fashion historian Claire B. Shaeffer opened the door to this exclusive realm in her authoritative guide to the techniques that define couture sewing. And now, the industry bible, Couture Sewing Techniques, has been revised and updated throughout ― with new photos and a chapter on specialty fabrics.
No one can unravel couture garment construction the way Shaeffer can, from the art of hand sewing to mastering edge finishes, from classic closures to shaping a garment for a perfect fit. Readers learn all the basics ― and more importantly: how to apply the techniques ― on skirts and sleeves, pockets and jackets, evening gowns, and more. Gorgeous photos, clear illustrations, and concise language combine to make this the most complete couture-sewing course available.”
Lists It Appears On:
“Nationally known fit expert and educator Gale Griff Hazen shows you a no-fail way to evaluate your unique body shape, how to choose styles and fabrics that will look best on you, and how to alter patterns to fit your individual and three-dimensional body.
Her students have found consistent success using her fit process, and now, in Fantastic Fit for Every Body, Gale shares that process with sewers everywhere.
You will see real people with real fitting challenges. Gale Grigg Hazen helps each sewer analyze her body and manipulate her patterns to create garmetns that now only fit but also flatter her figure.”
Lists It Appears On:
Sandra Betzina’s tried and true–and easy to do–techniques for creating clothes that fit and flatter your unique shape.
Lists It Appears On:
Provides step-by-step instructions for fitting women’s patterns for all shapes and sizes, and presents techniques for sewing and creating personalized designs
Lists It Appears On:
Step-by-step instructions reveal the secrets used by high-fashion designers and allow the reader to duplicate the design detail found in expensive designer clothes
Lists It Appears On:
Since the first edition was published in 1980, Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear has become established as the standard work on this subject and has proved invaluable as both a textbook for students and a reference source for the practising designer.
Lists It Appears On:
Pattern Magic is the cult pattern-making book from Japan. Taking inspiration from nature, from geometric shapes, and from the street, this book harnesses the sheer joy of making and sculpting clothes. The book takes a creative approach to pattern making, with step-by- step projects for fashion designers and dressmakers to enjoy. Each project is beautifully illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs showing the stages of construction, the muslins, and the finished garments.
Lists It Appears On:
“Sure, there is plenty of affordable children’s clothing to be found at retailers today, but the quality of those mass-produced garments can be questionable. Finding durable, well-made kids clothing can be expensive, especially when the kids are growing like weeds! No wonder more and more parents are opting to dress their children in high-quality, original pieces they’ve made themselves.
For those looking to get started sewing their own kid’s clothes, or who are expanding on their current skills, Pattern Making for Kids’ Clothes is the place to begin.”
Lists It Appears On:
This authoritative and user-friendly book provides the essential know-how for anyone taking their first steps in fashion design and provides indispensable tips and tools for more experienced practitioners. A fully illustrated step-by step guide with simple text explains the basic foundations to putting together key fashion pieces from scratch.
Lists It Appears On:
The Practical Guide to Patternmaking for Fashion Designers: Juniors, Misses, and Women offers an in-depth look into the techniques and theories of pattern drafting for women’s garments. Covering a wide variety of styles, textiles, and sizes, this book is useful for a wide range of pattern courses from introductory to advanced. It provides a sound introduction to the concepts and the processes of patternmaking, as well as a more advanced analysis of style and design. The author offers helpful techniques on taking measurements and adjusting the fit of garments for all body sizes, patterns, and types of fabrics.
Lists It Appears On:
“When you are trying to learn something new, the best teachers are often the ones who will walk you slowly through all of the basics in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand. It is this approach to learning that has led us to create “”How Patterns Work””, so that those who wish to learn pattern making can have a simplified and streamlined introduction to all of the fundamental principles that lie at the core of pattern making.
If you have tried to learn pattern making in the past and felt daunted by the complex drawings and measurements, or are a sewer who has felt ill equipped to make even the simplest changes to patterns, then this is the ideal book for you. We believe that by having a solid understanding of the basic terms and processes of pattern making then you will be able to make simple pattern changes yourself, and be able to apply the same ideas to more complex pattern changes in the future. No previous knowledge of pattern making is required. Chapters start from zero assumed knowledge and build slowly in complexity with step-by-step examples and clear diagrams. “
Lists It Appears On:
With this guide to patternmaking, it’s easier than ever to design a pleasing wardrobe, replace worn-out garments, and adapt clothing to changes in body shape. Expert instructions and fully illustrated techniques, show how to take measurements from clothes that already look and feel great, and transfer them to hand-drawn patterns, either full-size or to scale. There are patterns for any attire—skirts and dresses, jackets and trousers, blouses, shirts and tees—and they can be adapted for a variety of necklines, collars, and sleeves. The result is a wardrobe that’s original, fashionable, affordable, and comfortable for years to come.
Lists It Appears On:
An introduction to the basic principles of pattern cutting, this practical book shows students how to interpret the human form and look at clothing through the eyes of a designer rather than a consumer. As well as explaining the proportions of human anatomy, the book introduces key tools and then takes the reader from simple pattern-cutting ideas to more advanced creative methods. Finally, the book looks at the work of fashion designers who are masters of pattern cutting, such as Comme des GarCons, John Galliano, Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake. With photographs of final and dissected garments, along with CAD/CAM diagrams to explain how those pieces were cut, the book will gradually build an understanding of pattern cutting, and enable students to experiment and create exciting patterns for their own designs.
Lists It Appears On:
This book is the answer for professionals and students who want beautifully fitted and comfortable clothing. The multi-method approach is logical and easy-to-follow. Each alteration procedure is accompanied by identification of the figure variation for the hips, legs, upper-torso, mid-torso or arms causing the fitting problem.
Lists It Appears On:
“Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear provides a straightforward introduction to the principles of form pattern cutting for garments to fit the body shape, and flat pattern cutting for casual garments and jersey wear.
This sixth edition remains true to the original concept: it offers a range of good basic blocks, an introduction to the basic principles of pattern cutting and examples of their application into garments. “
Lists It Appears On:
“Do you love to sew your own clothes but find it difficult to make commercial patterns fit? Has your favorite blouse seen better days but is no longer available in stores? Have you gained or lost weight so that your most flattering skirt doesn’t fit quite right, or would you like to update it by remaking it in a new fabric or adding new details? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’ll find the solution right in your own closet—by creating customized sewing patterns using garments you already own and love to wear.
In Patternmaking for a Perfect Fit, Hollywood and theater costume designer Steffani Lincecum demonstrates the rub-off, a method of pattern drafting used by fashion and costume industry professionals that traces an existing garment or accessory without deconstructing or damaging it. Steffani starts with the basics, outlining two rub-off methods—tracing onto paper or draping with fabric—and explaining essential tools, materials, and sewing techniques. She then shows how to duplicate a skirt, a dress, a blouse, and a handbag, from rubbing-off the original, to creating the pattern, to cutting and sewing the new version, to making adjustments and incorporating a variety of other elements and details—not only refreshing your favorite fashions but replenishing your whole wardrobe with brand-new looks.”
Lists It Appears On:
“If you’ve ever watched Project Runway and wished you were a contestant, or you’re simply ready to take your sewing to a new level, Design-It-Yourself Clothes teaches you the fundamentals of modern patternmaking so that you, too, can create your own inspired clothing.
Until now, the aspiring DIY fashionista has been hard-pressed to find self-teaching tools other than dry textbooks or books with outdated looks. Finally, in Design-It-Yourself Clothes, former Urban Outfitters designer Cal Patch brings her youthful aesthetic to a how-to book. If you want to wear something you can’t find on store racks and make clothes that express your individual style, or if you’ve reached a sewing plateau and want to add pattern drafting to your repertoire, Design-It-Yourself Clothes is the book you have been waiting for.”
Lists It Appears On:
Solve the mysteries of pattern drafting with this instructional book. Simple and easy step-by-step instructions with clear understandable line drawings.
Lists It Appears On:
An accomplished fashion designer shows women who make their own garments how to improve on store-bought sewing patterns by adjusting the clothing item’s length and other details to reflect personal taste and create a custom fit. The book’s opening chapters present an illustrated guide to the tools, equipment, and fabrics needed for making garments, while also serving as a miniature textbook to teach basic sewing techniques. Chapters that follow offer detailed instruction in adapting and altering a store-bought pattern to suit individual tastes. Alterations include adding flare, and modifying the shapes of bodices, arm holes, neck lines, sleeves, and skirts. The book’s concluding chapters instruct on designing one’s own patterns from scratch. Author Lee Hollahan demonstrates to her readers that once they understand how to adapt a store-bought pattern, they are well on their way to custom designing their own wardrobe. More than 500 instructive illustrations.
Lists It Appears On:
Renowned for its comprehensive coverage, exceptional illustrations, and clear instructions, “Patternmaking for Fashion Design” offers detailed yet easy-to-understand explanations of the essence of patternmaking. Hinging on a recurring theme that all designs are based on one or more of the three major patternmaking and design principles-dart manipulation, added fullness, and contouring-it provides students with all the relevant information necessary to create design patterns with accuracy regardless of their complexity.
| # | Book | Author | Lists |
| (Titles Appear On 1 List Each) | |||
| 22 | All About Cotton | Julie Parker | Threads |
| 23 | All About Silk | Julie Parker | Threads |
| 24 | All About Wool | Julie Parker | Threads |
| 25 | Basic Pattern Skills for Fashion Design | Bernard Zamkoff | Goodreads |
| 26 | Basic Patternmaking in Fashion | Lucia Mors | Goodreads |
| 27 | Blueprints of Fashion | Fashion-Incubator | |
| 28 | Bodymapping: The Step-By-Step Guide to Fitting Real Bodies | Kathy Illian | Burda Style |
| 29 | Bridal Couture | Susan Khalje | Threads |
| 30 | BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern | Nora Abousteit | Goodreads |
| 31 | Claire Shaeffer’s Fabric Sewing Guide | Claire Shaeffer | Threads |
| 32 | Complete Guide to Size Specification and Technical Design: Spiral | Madalynne Intimates | |
| 33 | Complete photo guide to perfect fitting | Sarah Veblen | Sewingplums |
| 34 | Concepts of Pattern Grading:… | Kathy K Mullet | Alibris |
| 35 | Custom Pattern Making with PatternMaker Software: A Step-by-Step Manual for the Professional Studio With an Introduction to Macro Generator | Jennifer K. Smith | Goodreads |
| 36 | Designing Clothes with the… | Sara Alm | Alibris |
| 37 | Designing Patterns – A Fresh Approach to Pattern Cutting | Hilary Campbell | Goodreads |
| 38 | Draping and Pattern Making for Fashion Design | Kamal Khurana | Sanfoundry |
| 39 | Draping for Apparel Design | Helen Joseph-Armstrong | Alibris |
| 40 | Draping for Fashion Design | Hilde Jaffe | Goodreads |
| 41 | Dress Design | Hillhouse & Mansfield | Fashion-Incubator |
| 42 | Dress Pattern Designing | Natalie Bray | Goodreads |
| 43 | Einfuhrung in die Schnittlehre | Jaumann | Fashion-Incubator |
| 44 | Fabric, Form and Flat Pattern Cutting | Aldrich | Fashion-Incubator |
| 45 | Finally It Fits; The No Scare Home Patternmaking System For Everyone, Every Size | Ruth Amiel | Goodreads |
| 46 | Fitting Finesse | Nancy Zieman | Alibris |
| 47 | Hartog Sew What Skirts | Francesca Den | Sewingplums |
| 48 | Haute Couture | Harold Koda and Richard Martin | Threads |
| 49 | Ladies Garment Cutting and Making | Morris | Fashion-Incubator |
| 50 | Little Green Dresses: 50 Original Patterns for Repurposed Dresses, Tops, Skirts, and More | Tina Sparkles | Goodreads |
| 51 | Make Your Own Patterns: A Primer in Patternmaking for Those Who Like to Sew | Adele P. Margolis | Goodreads |
| 52 | Master Patterns And Grading For Women’s Outsizes | Gerry Cooklin | Goodreads |
| 53 | Metric pattern Cutting for Children’s Wear and Babywear | Melly Sews | |
| 54 | Modern Pattern Design | Pepin | Fashion-Incubator |
| 55 | More Dress Pattern Designing | Bray | Fashion-Incubator |
| 56 | Pattern Cutting and Making Up | Janet Martin | Sanfoundry |
| 57 | Pattern Cutting made easy | Gillian Holman | Sewingplums |
| 58 | Pattern Fitting with… | Nancy Zieman | Alibris |
| 59 | Pattern Grading Women’s Misses Garment Design Junior Petite Teen Sizes Rohr 1965 | Madalynne Intimates | |
| 60 | Pattern Magic 2 | Tomoko Nakamichi | Alibris |
| 61 | Pattern Magic 3 | Tomoko Nakamichi | Alibris |
| 62 | Pattern Magic: Stretch Fabrics | Tomoko Nakamichi | Alibris |
| 63 | Pattern Making: Instruction Paper (Classic Reprint) | American School of Correspondence | Sanfoundry |
| 64 | Patternmaking for Menswear | Sew Some Stuff | |
| 65 | Patternmaking for Underwear Design | Kristina Shin | Goodreads |
| 66 | Patternmaking Made Easy | Connie Amaden-Crawford | Goodreads |
| 67 | Patternmaking: A Comprehensive Reference for Fashion Design | Sylvia Rosen | Goodreads |
| 68 | Patterns for Theatrical Costumes | Melly Sews | |
| 69 | Perfectly Fitted: Creating Personalized Patterns for a Limitless Wardrobe | Lynne Garner | Goodreads |
| 70 | Period Costume for Stage &… | Jean Hunnisett | Alibris |
| 71 | Practical Dress Design | Erwin | Fashion-Incubator |
| 72 | Practical Pattern Making: A Step-by-Step Guide | Isabel Sanchez Hernandez and Lucia Mors de Castro | Sanfoundry |
| 73 | Principles of Flat Pattern… | Nora M MacDonald | Alibris |
| 74 | Professional Pattern Grading for Women’s, Men’s, and Children’s Apparel | Melly Sews | |
| 75 | Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers | Megan Nielsen | |
| 76 | Publish Your Patterns! How to Write, Print, and Market Your Designs | Nancy Restuccia | Goodreads |
| 77 | Sew Liberated: 20 Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist | Meg McElwee | Burda Style |
| 78 | Sew What Fleece | Jessop & Sekora | Sewingplums |
| 79 | Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics | Francesca DenHartog | Goodreads |
| 80 | Shirtmaking | David Page Coffin | Threads |
| 81 | Stretch Fashion: Design and Patternmaking for Stretch and Knit Fabrics | Keith Richardson | Goodreads |
| 82 | Tailoring Suits the Professional Way and Designing Men’s | Poulin and Simon | Fashion-Incubator |
| 83 | The Art of Fashion Draping | Connie Amaden-Crawford | Alibris |
| 84 | The Art of Manipulating Fabric | Megan Nielsen | |
| 85 | The Little Black Dress: How to Make the Perfect One for You | Simon Henry | Burda Style |
| 86 | The New Complete Guide to Sewing | Melly Sews | |
| 87 | The Pattern Making Primer: All You Need to Know About Designing, Adapting, and Customizing Sewing Patterns | Sew Some Stuff | |
| 88 | The Perfect Fit | Madalynne Intimates | |
| 89 | The Shirtmaking Workbook: Pattern, Design, and Construction Resources – More than 100 Pattern Downloads for Collars, Cuffs & Plackets | Sew Some Stuff | |
| 90 | The Theory of Garment-Pattern Making – A Textbook for Clothing Designers, Teachers of Clothing Technology | W H Hulme | Sanfoundry |
| 91 | Vogue Sewing | Editors of Vogue Knitting | Threads |
| 92 | Young Men’s Overcoats | Poulin and Simon | Fashion-Incubator |
| Source | Article |
| Alibris | Best Selling Dressmaking Pattern design Books |
| Burda Style | 6 Essential Patternmaking Sewing Books For Your Library |
| Clothes Press | Dressmaking for beginners – books and courses to help you learn how to sew |
| Fashion-Incubator | My favorite pattern drafting books |
| Goodreads | Popular Patternmaking Books |
| Madalynne Intimates | DEAR MADDIE: PATTERN MAKING BOOKS + TOOLS |
| Megan Nielsen | RECOMMENDED READING: ADVANCED SEWING & PATTERN DRAFTING |
| Melly Sews | 5+ Great Books For Sewing and Patternmaking |
| Sanfoundry | Best Reference Books – Advance Pattern Making |
| Sew Some Stuff | Ultimate List of Online Sewing Pattern Making Classes & Books |
| Sewingplums | Favourite books – pattern drafting and fit |
| Threads | Top 10 Sewing Books |
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