Best sewing patterns according to redditors

Are you trying it again because you think you messed up on this one? You certainly did NOT mess up on this one. It's gorgeous! I wish I had the skills to do it. Maybe I'll try that tutorial you linked. In any case, it's definitely a job well done on your part :)!

 

My grandma on my dad's side was full Japanese and told me about this style of bodice and mentioned Tomoko Nakamichi's (the creator of this style of bodice) book called Pattern Magic way back in 2010 when the book came out. She bought the book but I have no clue where it went after she died. My grandma wasn't a seamstress by trade but she did enjoy sewing and would always support Japanese designers lol. I don't know how she heard about Tomoko Nakamichi's book but I'm glad she did so I could share it with you years later lol.

50's retro or pinup style dress. Like this or this.

I block on a cardboard cutting board that was designed for fabric. It's easy to pin things out, and you can measure them while you're blocking. Something kinda like this: http://www.amazon.com/Cardboard-Pattern-Sewing-Cutting-Board-36/dp/B000G6DY2Y

Pattern Magic by Tomoko Nakamichi

I think part of it is that I’m not aware of this being taught in trade schools. Take this with a grain of salt, because my experience is with theater costuming in middle, high school, and college (including designing costumes for a play), home sewing, and historical re-enactment, but my major was neuroscience in college, so my knowledge is less extensive than a fashion major.

I have been sewing; however, for more than two decades.

That being said, Rosika Parker’s The Subversive Stitch makes a pretty good argument for the historic devaluing of sewing during the Middle Ages with concurrent social movements to restrict female power.

Here’s my perception of the hierarchies in the different careers and the education requirements (see further down)

1. fashion designer
   
2. line/season/show manager
   
3. higher level seamstress (might manage a couple outfits)
   
4. likely more layers of hierarchy
   
5. underlings (actually sewing the outfit parts)
   
   .
   
   
6. costume designer
   
7. levels of hierarchy (sorry)
   
8. underlings (actually doing most of the sewing)
   
   Here’s what I’m aware of for schooling (skewed because my experience is at a four year university)
   
   

• four year universities have majors in fashion design (which includes flat and dress model pattern drafting as well as rendering the patterns and concept art online), costuming (similar to fashion design but with more of a theater focus), and theater management (which includes designing concept art for plays, choosing and altering costumes, hair, and makeup)
  
  
• whatever the name for the fashion design seamstresses who manage an outfit for a fashion designer’s show is a one year masters program after four year university (for more info check out Zoe Hong on YouTube)
  
  
• theater set work (including costume making and alteration; not management) and (less sure for this) the actual sewing and embroidery work for fashion design is more of an apprenticeship area of work. You get hired already knowing how to sew and then receive on the job training to meet the costume designer’s standard (for theater and fashion design)
  
  
• and then there’s the tangential stuff like preserving and repairing historical garments for museums (likely masters maybe grad school) or working at historical sites like Jamestown, Williamsburg, etc. which from my understanding are also more of an apprenticeship (William & Mary undergrads are allowed to do this for the summer, so a college degree is not required)
  
  You might have better luck hunting down your local theater (you might be able to do this with fashion designer houses too; no idea) and asking for the required qualifications to be hired.
  
  For historical costuming, try an apprenticeship or membership with your local re-enactment society or SCA
  
  For learning how to sew (may not include pattern drafting, rendering patterns digitally, or concept art generation) try your local sewing machine service shop (search vacuum service shops too because they overlap).
  
  Here are some books to recommend:
  
  Fashion:
  
  For someone who already sews
  
  Here are ones I feel I have to include, but they’re kind of impractical:
  
  
  
• Patternmaking for fashion design by Helen Joseph Armstrong (textbook; too expensive to just buy)
  
  
• Draping for Apparel Design by Helen Joseph Armstrong (textbook; too
  
  Here are cheaper options
  
  
• Transformative Reconstruction by Shingo Sato
  
  
• Pattern Magic by Tomoko Nakamichi
  
  For learning to sew
  
  
• The Singer Complete Photo Guide to Sewing
  
  
• I don’t recommend Gertie Sews books for beginners because several of the patterns are misdrafted, also ignore older (pre mid 2000s) Burda Patterns because the seam allowances are wrong or inconsistent between patterns
  
  Historical Reconstruction
  
  For someone who already sews:
  
  
• Patterns of Fashion series by Janet Arnold
  
  
• Copies of historical fashion magazines like La Mode Universelle Ilustree (in French) and Harpers Bazaar are sold on EBay. They are only in one size and therefore require pattern drafting and alteration knowledge to use.
  
  
• Reconstructing History
  
  
• Laughing Moon

We used "Patternmaking for Fashion Design" by Helen Joseph-Armstrong for our first patternmaking class and reference it all the way through our senior design classes. It's an awesome reference book--almost any project/design I've had I've been able to find the alteration I've wanted in this book, or at least the basic starting point. It has a LOT of information/ideas, so sometimes jumping into more advanced techniques can be a bit daunting if you haven't learned or at the very least read through the basics. I haven't purchased and used them yet, but if you're looking for some cooler patterning techniques I've heard both first hand from classmates and in general online that the Pattern Magic books are amazing.

For draping we used "Draping Basics" by Sally Di Marco. I think this book is a good reference, but my professor thought it wasn't the most beginner-friendly. I didn't struggle with it throughout my classes and think it's great, but it can be a bit dense to read through if you don't have a teacher/person demonstrating the technique in front of you and have no previous draping experience. Again, great reference and has tons of info, just takes a tad more effort if you've never sewn or draped before before you pick up on the terminology/patterns of what they're doing.

The last really good book I'd recommend is "Professional Sewing Techniques" by Julie Cole/Sharon Czachor. newbies to sewing may need to Google some terms now and then, but it's perfect for all the little details--all the different types of pockets and how to sew them, different methods of creating tucks and pleats, etc. Say I know I want a specific detail, like a cuffed sleeve: I can look it up and see all the different ways they do it in the industry (all of which are easily doable on a home sewing machine) and see all the subtle differences those techniques make. For costuming, it can help you be more accurate and it's great to see all the variations laid out in front of you. It also makes a massive difference in how professional things end up looking.

TL;DR The three books in the links above should have you covered for flat patterning, draping, and all the little details that make your costume/clothing look professional and well-finished. Knowing at least the basics of sewing is recommended for the draping book, but the rest of the terminology used in all three beginners should be able to Google and understand no problem!

(Edit: formatting)

I just googled the name beacuse I want it too (I've never even done quilting...), looks like you can buy it on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Hartman-Ptrn-Sweaters-Pattern/dp/B06WVW8X9J

The fabric came from Joann, not sure what the official names were. This is the "cheap" version made as a final practice before cutting into much more expensive stuff. Total cost of this was between $75 and $100 for materials. The next will be a wool shell and basic lining at about $230-250. Britex (high end fabric shop in San Francisco) had a %50 sale one day so the cost could've been up to $400 just for fabric. It has high power magnets as closures for a super clean front.

The pattern started as a simple sport coat pattern and was modded to no end. Just about every line and seam was altered in some way. What you can't see from these pics is every seam allowance I could manage to access was serged/overlocked individually and stitched down instead of pressed. It was a lot of work, but looks awesome.

Here ya go and another

If you are new to sewing the first one is probably better.

Don’t use plastic. Use spiral steel boning.

For patterns, try:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/737310383/bustier-pattern-bustier-top-camisole?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_structuretest2019_a-craft_supplies_and_tools-patterns_and_how_to-patterns_and_blueprints&utm_custom1=848b3dd9-f56a-4070-90dc-fe2e0d2cf0f3&utm_content=go_1730355740_69246280058_337577569197_pla-322726483858_m__737310383&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0qSUrZeI5QIVix6tBh2H8gm9EAQYASABEgLGuvD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/BUTTERICK-PATTERNS-Curved-Hem-Corsets-14-16-18-20-22/dp/B01BNSBXC6

I found two individual patterns that could be combined like u/badatcounting suggests.

https://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Patterns-1110-Variations-XXS-XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL/dp/B00W76HXYG here is a tiered skirt

https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/14610 and here is a peasant top.

You would still need to work out the waistband and how to actually patch them together, though.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Look-Sewing-Pattern-6-8-10-12-14-16-18/dp/B00TB4JOIA/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=patterns+dress&qid=1565035832&s=gateway&sr=8-14

I think this is a similar style

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1561585513/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Searching my amazon history for the win!

Not sure if this fits in either of your categories, but Elizabeth Hartman's penguin quilt is adorable and wintery.

Found it! With a little modifying this should do the trick

https://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Pattern-Fantasy-Costume-6-8-10-12-14/dp/B06XF7PM7M

Here's one from Simplicity: http://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Creative-Patterns-6232-X-Small-X-Large/dp/B00MB8EXBQ

Don't worry, everybody - I've goth this:

Maybe some Victorian androgyny?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EK3RVRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YDrzCbFQ8Y8NR

Perhaps something more "lady-like"?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017RUZNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HFrzCbZHEGQVN

-What is a goth dog's favorite band? 🦇
-Bauwauhaus!

You could make it

This looks like a straight forward button down shirt. I'm not sure if you're looking for something for a man or woman but the fit on the shirts you linked are menswear inspired.

New Look 6232 can be for men or women.

Colette Negroni is a menswear shirt.

Simplicity 4760 is another one for men.
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/7768

Edit: I see from your history you might be Russian? There's a website for sewing patterns called Lekala that is based in Russia I think. The website is Lekala.co
http://www.lekala.co/catalog/men/shirt

http://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Patterns-US1155AA-Vintage-10-12-14-16-18/dp/B00TB4I9NQ
I have the original vintage patern* for this, and that's what I thought of when I saw this. The Butterick b5882 pattern may be closer to what you want. I just wanted to show you a different option.

Well, if you want to find a cheap one, I also picked up Simplicity 8528 when they were on sale for $1.99 each. This one on amazon is cheap too. I think I'm going to try and make this jacket first then try the more historical pattern. Vogue also has a jacket pattern but I haven't made any of these yet!

Actually, the series I was thinking of was Pattern Magic. But they all look good.

I'm a little late to this discussion but I'm a plus size girl and I've recently become serious about altering patterns for myself. I ran across a book called Sewing for Plus Sizes by Barbara Deckert about a year or so ago. She also has a class on Craftsy.com that I discovered about a month after I bought the book. I recommend both.

For me they took the scary out of altering patterns and fitting. Also I got really excited about sewing clothes for myself as I'm no longer limited to buying plus size patterns, she shows how to alter any size pattern, as plus size patterns seem to be limited and most won't fit my 60" hips anyway I might as well alter something I really want to wear. The book/class also addresses something that CrankyWife brought up and that's shape. Finding the styles that flatter your shape, bring out your best features and are most comfortable really is key. Don't give up!

New Complete Guide to Sewing for general sewing techniques.

For tailoring men's clothes, Classic Tailoring Techniques (and women's.)

For pattern drafting, Winnifred Aldrich has a great line of books.
There's also Fundamentals of Men's Fashion Design, casual and tailored. As well as Patternmaking for Fashion Design.

For corsets, Waisted Efforts and The Basics of Corset Building are good.

For making shirts, Shirtmaking.

For learning to sew stretch/knit fabrics, Sew U: Home Stretch is pretty good.

And for just having a bunch of fun with patterns, the Pattern Magic series is plain awesome. I think there's three of them out now.

Edit: thought of more!

The Art of Manipulating Fabric is great. And www.threadsmagazine.com as well as the corresponding print publication.

When at home, I use the dining table. If I'm tracing a pattern, I pull out a cardboard craft board like this so I can affix the materials with pushpins. Sometimes I keep the board folded to provide more protection for the table.

Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Pattern-Misses-Shirt-20W-28W/dp/B01BO5JP64/ref=asc_df_B01BO5JP64/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=196304134456&hvpos=1o6&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7822347447277806272&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031241&hvtargid=pla-313317741326&psc=1#immersive-view_1536723041135

Seriously though, zippers are not that hard. There are plenty of tutorials that break down all the steps. Don’t limit yourself!

Thanks! It's a measuring/cutting board for sewing: http://www.amazon.com/Cardboard-Pattern-Sewing-Cutting-Board-36/dp/B000G6DY2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412460163&sr=8-1&keywords=sewing+board

It's very handy!

If you don't have a cork-topped table, you can buy one of those [cheap cardboard cutting mats] (http://www.amazon.com/Cardboard-Pattern-Sewing-Cutting-Board-36/dp/B000G6DY2Y) and lay it on top of cardboard or heavy blankets on a table and pin into the cardboard. That's how I trace patterns.

How wide do you want? [These] (https://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-1069-Shorts-Sewing-Pattern/dp/B01093O89G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2QAJLARN9P6XO&keywords=wide+leg+pants+sewing+pattern&qid=1564277346&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=wide+leg+pants+sew%2Carts-crafts%2C180&sr=1-2) are so wide they look like a skirt (or you can make a skirt.)

So I spent a couple minutes to google "men's duster coat" here's one for ~$87.

Another minute searching on amazon for duster patterns gave me this, this, and this. Each of them you can modify to suit your needs.

Don't know what fabric to use? Another google search says people use oilskin. Too pricey? People also have used duck cloth with good results.

Where exactly did you search before coming here?

The sleeves aren't the same but the neckline is similar in Simplicity 1155!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TB4I9NQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WGZQzbEZS39ZK

Check out Angela Clayton's renaissance pattern: by McCalls

And for the ladies