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How-to

Book Giveaway: Practical Guide to Patternmaking for Fashion Designers – Menswear

This week, we’re giving away a copy of The Practical Guide to Patternmaking for Fashion Designers: Menswear (Fairchild Publications Inc., 2006) by Lori A. Knowles. This unique book shares tips on everything from taking measurements all the way to creating linings. It provides a variety of ideas and designs to try. If you have ever had an interest in sewing men’s clothing, this is the perfect giveaway for you.

HOW TO ENTER
If this sounds like something you would enjoy, don’t miss your chance to win. To enter, please share the one piece of mens clothing you have made or want to make in the comments section. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. EST on July 8. The winner will be announced during the week of July 13, so make sure to check your email to see if you could have won.

Good luck!

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  1. bekabug8 | | #1

    I would love to have this book! It would help me so much at work! I have made a couple of men's Hawaiian shirts for my dad and 2 long sleeve men's shirts (one for my dad and one for my husband).

  2. User avater
    Jen_NYC | | #2

    I have made shorts and jogging pants so far. I'm hoping to make a light jacket for Fall, and I would really like to see any tips in the book - thanks!

  3. kikilee | | #3

    This book would be awesome! I found a good deal on a second hand men's dress form and made a pair of men's jeans and would really love to get into the details of men's pattern making.

  4. AliCB | | #4

    That book looks great! I've made a vest and some jackets (easy ones!) but would love to do more!!

  5. user-3952701 | | #5

    I have made two jeans, and a couple of Aloha shirts so far for my husband. He is short (5'4" tall), short rise and long torso, so I always need to do a lot of adjustments on the pattern anyway. It will be awesome if I can draw from scratch!

  6. margabisa | | #6

    I already make men's shirts, but I would love to try new methods !

  7. SewingJoy | | #7

    I have made stage plaid tuxedo jackets, multiple men's shirts (for real life)and recently a suit for my son. I would love to have a book to help make the patterns the way I want them to look.

  8. bbkim | | #8

    I used to make my husband's dress shirts years ago from standard pattern, but he has since gained weight and changed sizes and I need to alter them for a larger neck and shorter arms. I would also like to try tailoring a suit for him for work so he could look terrific in his own custom tailored clothes.

  9. user-2339583 | | #9

    I would like to make properly fitting pants for my husband-good quality ones with all the extras.

  10. JBeanne | | #10

    The most difficult item I've made for my husband was a Harris Tweed lined blazer. Would love to win this book and give it to my 17 year old son who plans on a degree in Fashion Design. He sews with wools, knits, and other natural fibers. He's very creative, so he'd put this to good use!

  11. user-5035861 | | #11

    I've watched my husband's body change through the years in a way that the ready-to-wear industry doesn't address. Every garment he wears is now in need of multiple alterations. Menswear patterns are difficult to come by, and often untested or rarely have more than a handful of reviews. This is one avenue of sewing where I feel knowledge of alteration and pattern-making would be the most useful for home sewers. What's more, patterns for teenage boys are even harder to come by. Adding these skills to my toolbox is a must do item. I would love to see more men walking around in properly fitting pants, shirts and jackets.

  12. demurr | | #12

    I would like to learn about the internals of men's jackets, especially the types of interface and padding. This sounds like the ideal book to teach me these things.

  13. Msbling | | #13

    I've made Men's shirts, but I'd like to learn how to make men's suit pants. Men's clothing seems like a foreign land to me, and I'd really like to learn more. Thanks

  14. User avater
    DinaSews | | #14

    My 20 year old son, who is not suited for college, has a desire to be in the fashion industry. We are currently working on turning his designs into reality. I am teaching him how to sew but never realized the differences between menswear and women's wear. We are making jeans, drop crotch pants and some shirts. I would love a book like this so that I could understand the measurements and patterns and he could have a visual understanding of how his designs become garments. It's pretty cool to share your love of sewing with your child.

  15. sneezepac | | #15

    I used to make all of my husband's flannel shirts. (Shoulders too wide, arms too long, and torso too thin for off the rack shirts. ) I have hand tailored 3 piece suits for both husband and son. I liked having them in clothes that fit and that I made.

  16. bbittersweet | | #16

    I have been costuming for over 30 years. I admit I have often taken "shortcuts" or handed off the building of men's more structured items to others. In the last few years however I have been tackling them myself. Including a man's doublet & a Regency era jacket. I want to learn how to do these correctly.

  17. joanrob8 | | #17

    My mother used to make clothes for my brothers and I used to make clothes for my boys but I've never sewn for a grown man. I've always thought my son would look good in an armani style suit. Now I could make them a custom tailored suit. How awesome would that be?

  18. PsychoSeamstress13 | | #18

    I am frequently having to alter women's patterns to create menswear simply because many of the designs I'm looking for do not exist. My favorite menswear items to make are funky jackets with unique styling details.
    I would love to have a reference book like this to help my clients bring their menswear designs from concept to creation in making their patterns and prototypes.

  19. Tiarbee | | #19

    I am currently at fashion school and I am dying to make myself a tailored jacket.

  20. Djoseph2424 | | #20

    I'm a young designer whose main focus is menswear. I've apprenticed under a master tailor in (Zastres atelier) Orlando, Florida. I've assisted him with his designs and building his business from the ground up but due to family situations I could no longer work under him. I have a design book filled with menswear designs that I want to make and start my brand. This book would help me out tremendously.

  21. User avater
    sewhappybjm | | #21

    I've made three ties, but I'd love to make more menswear.

  22. user-1064229 | | #22

    I have made different types of men's shirts, western, Hawaiian, T-shirt and sweatshirts. I have also made sweatpants. But always looking to learn more.

  23. EasilyAmewsed | | #23

    This book sounds awesome! I used to make my husband shirts 30 lbs. and a shirt friendly workplace ago. These days it is my son who is lanky and long-legged and has fun trying to find shorts where he likes them and tops with long arms. As he and hubby get older I have noticed they both have a forward head stance that is going to make it tricky to have smooth fitting shirt yokes that don't slide backwards and choke.
    I have found learning to draft for myself via books & online resources can solve many issues, but it's difficult to find ones for men. I'd like to learn what differences there are between the drafts for men and women.

  24. HJR | | #24

    I recently completed a camo hunting jacket and cargo pants for my husband. I would love to have this book to learn how to fit designs to him better. I used to do a lot of alterations for men's slacks in regards to waistbands and hemming. This book would be a tremendous help and am sure it holds many time-saving ideas and tips. Thanks so much for this giveaway!

  25. rm11356 | | #25

    I have made my son many garments through the years. One I am most proud of was a navy wool top coat with welt pockets. I would love to win the book in hopes of learning the pattern work for an action back jacket.

  26. User avater
    katieross | | #26

    I've sewn several outfits for my sons and husband: shirts, pants, vests, and pajamas.

  27. User avater
    Countessa | | #27

    I have made my husband several denim jean style jackets; as he wears them out, or gets grease on them, he gets a new one. Some are lined for fall, one for winter, and I include inside pockets. I also made a dress one out of a lightweight suiting wool.

  28. User avater
    sewsilly4ads | | #28

    I made my husband a casual jacket. His mom loved it and he wore it many years. With kids moving out, I now have time to sew for him again.

  29. User avater
    sewsilly4ads | | #29
  30. reneej | | #30

    I would love to have this book as it would be a great source for my upcoming seamstress mens wear course that will start in September. Would love to make jeans, jackets and shirts, so any tips on those subjects are welcome!

  31. user-1128556 | | #31

    My menswear sewing has been limited to shirts, vests and alterations but I'm interested in learning more about pants and jacket construction.

  32. User avater
    shreya_l | | #32

    Would love the book to improve pattern-making techniques.

  33. AlexArchitect | | #33

    I made a tailored jacket for my boyfriend for Christmas, over 30 years ago.
    I didn't have the nice fabric, only a fake tweed in acrylic.
    But I worked it as if it were the real deal. I loved the whole process, from the herring bone stitching of the underlinings, to pressing and beating for crisp edges.
    I only had 48 hours to make it and sleep only happened after it was given. But it fit and his mother told me years later, post relationship, that he wore it a lot in college.

    I hope to have time soon to make tailored jackets for myself and my daughter. For my son, I would venture as far as fine vests and tux accessories and then see if he trusts me to make a jacket. I love the meticulousness of the process and transforming a flat piece of fabric into a well made garment. I am past the stage of rushing to make things, with the exception of costumes. My fabric stash is ready. Time is the remaining ingredient I need to carve out.
    And if I were not tied to responsibilities, I would happily go and apprentice to a tailor in London.

  34. user-2033275 | | #34

    I made a shirt for my husband from a beautiful silk plaid shantung we bought on a trip to Hong Kong. This book would home my menswear skills and make me brave to tackle more complex garments.
    .

  35. user-2033275 | | #35

    I made a shirt for my husband from a beautiful silk plaid shantung we bought on a trip to Hong Kong. This book would home my menswear skills and make me brave to tackle more complex garments.
    .

  36. user-2033275 | | #36

    I made a shirt for my husband from a beautiful silk plaid shantung we bought on a trip to Hong Kong. This book would home my menswear skills and make me brave to tackle more complex garments.

  37. user-3095704 | | #37

    I've made a few men's garments but I most want to make a pea coat from a Vogue pattern for my partner to test out the skills I've learned from the Kenneth King Smart Tailoring DVD course I purchased recently.

  38. User avater
    Parasapu | | #38

    When my older brother saw the clothes that I made in my Ninth Grade sewing class, he asked me to sew him a shirt. He chose a Kwik-Sew pattern for a Western-style shirt. Of course he made some design changes. Specifically he asked for a very narrow collar and narrow cuffs. Then he chose the chambray material himself. It was the biggest button-hole project I had ever done. I had a machine that did the 4-step buttonhole, and they didn't all come out exactly the same. I made a little rule for myself that I would do no more than 3 buttonholes in a row from then on. If a pattern asked for more, I would insert a zipper instead. I followed my self-made rule for 20 years, and then finally tried the 1-step buttonhole on my new machine. Amazingly, now I know I can make a whole row of buttonholes that look identical. I have made two shirt dresses since then. And I'm ready to tackle men's clothing again now.

  39. SueC56 | | #39

    Last year I made a fleece jacket for my husband to wear when sitting at his desk at work. It is so cold there in the evenings!

    I'd like to get into making men's shirts.

  40. LotusX | | #40

    I made a short sleeved shirt for my husband. I used a cotton fabric with a spacey blueprint theme. My husband loves it

  41. User avater
    LuvThreadsMagazine | | #41

    I want to make a linen shirt.

    I am a man.

    Pick me.

  42. Savvychic | | #42

    I would like to make dress pants for my husband. He has a very athletic build and finds it extremely hard to find dress pants that fit him. I'd like to be able to help him a bit with my creations!

  43. the_joat | | #43

    I have made shirts and some renaissance faire costumes, but I really want to learn to make a men's tailored jacket

  44. JessZ | | #44

    I am currently working on making my husband a pair of Thread Theory's Jutland pants. I am still working on the muslin, but not too bad so far. :)

  45. User avater
    Madrecita | | #45

    Great,are we getting a book?

  46. User avater
    Joliecheval | | #46

    I've made 2 men's suits now. The first was ok, used cheap fabric and wasn't quite skilled enough but it still turned out well enough. Then I decided to make another suit using better materials and more knowledge and it turned out MUCH better. I also fitted this one along the way, :).

    https://jaeboyd.wordpress.com/2014/01/08/vogue-8890-mens-suit-is-finished/

  47. User avater
    jamaco | | #47

    I have always wanted to make men's clothing but just have not taken the plunge. Would love to make a jacket for my husband!

  48. RushW | | #48

    I have made my husband numerous pairs of pajama bottoms and a pair of denim coveralls.

  49. thimblebell | | #49

    I made a shepherd custom for my son when he was in kinder garden, and also something similar for my brother many years earlier. Both were so cute!

  50. machinemaven | | #50

    I've made numerous shirts, pants, jackets, etc. for my husband over the years.Some came out very well, but there were quite a few "homemade look" items. I enjoy taking the time to do details correctly, but on men's wear I don't know all of the tweaks that need done.

  51. User avater
    Maydge | | #51

    I made a well tailored pair of pants for myself, using men's tailoring techniques, and those pants rocked! I made them fit my waist. I attempted to make a cotton shirt but I was not able to find thick enough material to make it successful. I've noticed that a lot of techniques based on tailoring can be adapted to many other things, even tote bags!

  52. JenniferMM | | #52

    So far, I've only made men's button-front shirts. But, what I really want to try my hand at is a three-piece suit!

  53. Paula_Beron5 | | #53

    Ijust learned to sew shirts and I have my son in waiting list for his sewn shirt, he wants one to. I also love tailoring, I do it for women, but love the art of tailoring.

  54. rodrigues | | #54

    I made a beautiful wool bomber style jacket years ago. I wouldn't mind getting back into making men's things.

  55. rodrigues | | #55

    I made a beautiful wool bomber style jacket years ago. I wouldn't mind getting back into making men's things.

  56. rodrigues | | #56

    I made a beautiful wool bomber style jacket years ago. I wouldn't mind getting back into making men's things.

  57. margaretinma | | #57

    a few years ago i made suit for a male doll. this book might make the project easier

  58. Helenm61 | | #58

    My husband is disabled, I have the fabric and would like to make him a vest before he passes away. Just no time, after taking care of him.

  59. TheGman | | #59

    I would like to learn how to make a Vest big men.

  60. fiberthyme | | #60

    I made a grey wool suit for my husband in the 80's. Had a wonderful instructor, Rose who stepped me through all the special tailoring. Wonderful experience. Wouldn't mind trying a project like that again.

  61. betsyv | | #61

    I've made several shirts for my husband, but my goal is to make him a traditionally tailored suit. I have everything I need except the nerve and a well-fitting pattern!

  62. user-2906220 | | #62

    I want to make my husband a suit that actually fits.

  63. redcoat90 | | #63

    I made pants but want to expand my abilities.

  64. GraceDW | | #64

    I'm made my hubby Jalie boxers, as well as a zip up sweater.

  65. user-772946 | | #65

    I made my husband a Hawiian shirt this weekend. He is a super sized man and. Is very hard to find clothes that fit well.

  66. User avater
    aunrea79 | | #66

    I made my husband a winter coat. Now I want to make him a suit.

  67. Novumva | | #67

    I made a former boyfriend a Civil War officer's (doctor's) uniform to wear in reenactments.

  68. user-3306204 | | #68

    I have made several custom tailored suits for entertainers several years ago, and your attention to this book is causing me to want to revisit making one again! I am thinking...!

  69. User avater
    SnickerDoodle_Kids | | #69

    I have made some men's jackets and a suit, shirts for my husband, too. Lately I have been sewing for my grandsons, who are becoming young men. They have had me make costumes for the school history fair, called "A Night At The Waxed Museum". It has given me the opportunity to do something for them they will remember.
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1339416731

  70. ivernamac | | #70

    I've made shirts and a jacket for my 6'4 1/2" husband, and for our 6'6" son. Our son also sews. I'd love to be able to share this book with him, as well as being able to make patterns that would fit a variety of men's sizes.

  71. alainae | | #71

    I would love to venture into men's wear. I have conquered women's flat pattern and this is the next logical step.

  72. Diamondgal | | #72

    I have previously made several men's tailored shirts and an Ultrasuede jacket for my husband many years ago, but I am interested in making tailored dress shorts.

  73. pelicanmom | | #73

    I made a man's shirt, my husband found all kinds of things I did wrong. The biggest was it was 1/4" over his shoulder. Ques what, I never made him another thing to wear.

  74. ejanieb | | #74

    I have made most of my husband's shirts (he wears boots and jeans so a lot of them were western style shirts). My patterns are over-used...new ideas are always welcome.

  75. TaLKingdawgs | | #75

    I sew for my husband all the time. Be it casual, formal or latest fashion. I use ready made patterns and can alter some, but would love to become more proficient in pattern making from scratch to give me additional options style-wise.

  76. User avater
    MistressTailor | | #76

    I've made tailored suits and shirts for my husband and I find menswear very inspirational when designing women's wear!

  77. AlissaG | | #77

    My husband has been begging me to make him a tailored shirt for ages now, but I'm very new to garment sewing and patternmaking and I'm nervous.

  78. Carly_Sue | | #78

    Many years ago, I made a sports coat for my husband (on the sneak when he was at work). I had taken a coat a part that had fit him pretty well. BUT I would never do that again, not being able to fit as I go. Even though it fit pretty well, the neck wasn't just right. He wore is some just to please me. He loved that I would do such a nice thing for him. I learned many lessons about tailoring from the construction of that coat. If you want to learn to tailor, you might consider deconstructing like I did.

  79. LaVieEn | | #79

    This book could get me over a hump maybe. My guy is 6 1/2 feet tall, needs an extra long crotch depth, which they don't make anymore, and a 36" inseam. He is wearing a pair of jeans that's 10 years old that I keep "fixing" because he will not wear the current "show your crack" style. I keep thinking I need to make him a pair . . . dare I? Afraid I'll find myself wasting a whole lot of time and fabric. I've done sewing for weddings, and fiddled with all manner of repairs and alterations for him, but made from scratch jeans?

  80. Sunnymay | | #80

    I would love to make a shirt with contrasting edging on cuffs, collar and the band where you put buttons. I've seen many upscale shirts with contrasting plaids or patterns which look sharp.

  81. Lindalou1617 | | #81

    A fleece jacket!

  82. lotusip | | #82

    I have recently learned how to sew men's jackets and jeans, and would love to learn how to make patterns for men especially jackets, jeans, and shirts. My other goal is to learn the similarities and differences in both men's and women's pattern making techniques and incorporate them to get the best results for making nice shirts not only for men but also for women.

  83. User avater
    iris68 | | #83

    When I was taking a sewing course, as a graduation project, I made lined man's trousers. I think it was the biggest achievements in my life! Planning to make a light jacket for my husband and a warm jacket for my child.
    Thank you for the chance!

  84. User avater
    Robyn_sews | | #84

    Many years ago I made my DH a Bavarian style sports jacket. He still wears it now and then. I would like to make him some custom shirts. That seems like it would be easier.

  85. LadyPortelance | | #85

    Many years ago I tailored a wool suit. Currently, I sew Renaissance costume for a choir. Clothing has become so relaxed that there is not a high demand for suits, but I love the hand stitching of traditional tailoring.

  86. jthomp28 | | #86

    This is a must have for my library. Hope I win.

  87. User avater
    user-1109649 | | #87

    Have never made men's clothing except for neckties...years ago. Would like to make jeans for my husband, that would not be baggy in the rear!

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