Replies

1. 
   Joyce_Simons_Murphy | Sep 18, 2000 02:52pm | #1

   *
   Dear Elaine,
   At JSM Patterns, we make patterns from finished clothes as one of our services. Here is how we do it using a drafting method I learned from a custom clothier from the Philippines.
   Start by drawing a base line on a length of paper long enough to accomodate the whole dress. The base line runs horizontally the length of the paper an inch or so in from the edge nearest you. This is the center back and center front of your dress. Next draw a line perpendicular to the base line at the left end of your paper. This is the shoulder line. You will also run perpendicular lines out from the base line for underarm, waist, hip, and hem continuing on down the paper working from left to right (top to bottom of the dress). This sets up your master draft and gives you a place to plot measurements (a framework). The back and front pattern pieces will be drawn on top of one another. Sometimes I trace parts of the garment onto the draft and sometimes I go by measurements alone to find a particular garment point to place on the master draft. Where there are gathers, pleats or darts it is necessary to find points by taking clues from other points on the garment and from following the grainline. Don't forget that gathers will often take up fabric in both directions so look for the grainline lengthwise and crosswise for clues. This a simplified explanation but hopefully enough to get you started.
   Good luck.

1. 
   Bill_Stewart | Sep 25, 2000 08:00am | #2

   *Elaine, look in this list of messages about 3/4 of the way down for classic ladies shirt by vera and punching off a pattern by me. info is there along with info on a book out in print on same. bill

1. 
   brendahowell | Sep 25, 2001 01:54pm | #3

   *I would like to find a pattern for a b head wrapthis is a hat somewhat like a turban but with long ties, to wrap around and hold in place.