My Honest Take on Shirtmaking and Pattern Cutting

Hello there!

I've had this Shirtmaking and Pattern Cutting magazine for about four years now. I actually bought it for a few pages of wedding inspiration, but I ended up keeping it because it's the only issue I have left.

Let's take a look at this magazine:

It's super compact.There aren't a ton of ads.There's a nice insert in the middle with descriptions of patterns and tutorials.And at the end, you'll find some great kids' patterns.

The dress doesn't flatter the bust area at all. That's just not right. Check out the corset and skirt combo - it's straight out of the early 2000s. I'm still hoping to recreate a similar dress, but with a mid-length hem - it'd be perfect for my daughter. I think a dress like this would really suit me... The pattern pieces are printed in different colors - it's a bit confusing.

I immediately see the pros of this magazine:

The four size options are a big plus. I think it would be even better with three sizes, but I get why they're doing it this way - it's all about precision in the patterns. Even if they're computer-generated, you need a smaller range of sizes to get the details right.The pattern sheets are printed on good-quality white paper, and I counted five different colors. The outline of the largest size is clearly marked with a solid line.And then there are the cons that jump out at me.

The models - they're all different, but some of them look like they're from the early 2000s. It's like they're stuck in time.The kids' patterns are a bit of a joke. Take, for example, a simple t-shirt with buttons on the shoulders. To sew it properly, you need three machines: an overlock, a serger, and a modern domestic machine with a buttonhole attachment. I just don't see the point of making a basic t-shirt like that - it's easier to just buy one.And then there are the baby patterns for kids under two years old, but they're just not my cup of tea. The onesies with pants, the classic jackets with buttons and pockets and an English collar... what's the point of dressing a toddler in something like that? They don't even have any adjustable straps or anything. The patterns are there, but there's nothing I'd actually want to make.

T-shirts: easier to just buySets for little ones: for a photoshoot?Jacket for little kids. Where would you even wear it?

When I encountered some issues with the pattern, I was pretty miffed at the publishers. I chose to make a blouse, which was all the rage back then, with a zipper in the front. I translated the pattern, but it turned out they had made some 'creative' adjustments. The finished product was supposed to be a size 44, but the pattern was for a 40. And to make matters worse, they recommended using stretchy fabric for the blouse. I'm not sure if this was mentioned in the instructions, but it was a first for me. I didn't want to redo the pattern, so I just gave up on the project.

Some useful tips:

After translating the pattern, make sure to add seam allowances and cut out the fabric with some extra room to spare. This will make your life easier. A pattern with seam allowances is called a muslin.Always make a muslin, at least a bodice, before cutting out the final fabric. You can skip making a muslin for garments with a loose silhouette.You can use cotton fabric or even an old sheet to make a muslin. Just make sure it's a plain fabric.You don't need to buy the main fabric until you've finished the muslin and made any necessary adjustments. Then you can use the muslin to cut out the final fabric, which will save you money.If the pattern comes with a belt, start by laying it out flat to avoid any cross-seams. This will give you a more professional finish. P.S. Take a look at the cover. The designer is posing in a red bodycon dress. Now look at the line of the bust. I can clearly see that the center of the bust is off by at least 3-4 centimeters. Draw your own conclusions...