Dress Pattern Designing: The Basic Principles of Cut and Fit

This book covers the basic course which for many years has been the foundation of all training at the Katinka School of Dress Designing, and which comprises the drafting of the blocks, pattern designing and the principles of fitting. It follows fairly closely the syllabus and the special methods of presentation used at the school.

For publication purposes, however, the subject matter has been completely expanded by the introduction of additional theoretical explanations and numerous illustrations throughout the book. Thus, a big section of the chapter on the Bodice draft is devoted to the analysis of its construction. It is hoped that this will be of real value to those who understand the necessity of having a sound theoretical foundation for practical fitting; those with experience in cutting and fitting may find it useful for verifying their own deductions and observations.

The text is well illustrated and in addition to more than 100 basic diagrams and sketches where are 40 plates dealing with nearly 100 styles of bodices, skirts, sleeves and collars, most of them shown in several stages, and with detailed instructions for making the patterns. In this way the practical application of the methods is demonstrated side by side with the theory and the basic principles, so that complete beginners can attempt to teach themselves the rudiments of the fascinating craft of individual pattern designing.

The book is invaluable to teachers and students and is widely used in schools of dressmaking in all English-speaking countries.

The techniques Natalie Bray pioneered and perfected revolutionised dress pattern designing, assisting the rise of the modern fashion industry. Her teaching has had a profound influence on design, production and education and her works are classics: fashions change but the principles of designing patterns in the flat do not.This book - the most popular of Natalie Bray's three works - covers the basic course and includes measurement and block patterns, circular patterns, simple pattern designing, yokes, dart manipulation, sleeves, collars and necklines, skirts, and the one-piece dress foundation.