Pattern Magic is a pattern book that revolutionizes the way we think about fashion design. Written by Tomoko Nakamichi, this book introduces a new concept of creating patterns that break away from traditional techniques. The main idea behind Pattern Magic is to encourage creativity and experimentation in pattern making. Nakamichi introduces a series of pattern-cutting techniques that result in unique, sculptural designs. These techniques involve manipulating fabric, folding, overlapping, and distorting the traditional pattern shapes to create innovative and dynamic silhouettes. Nakamichi provides step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams that guide the reader through the process of creating these patterns.
Nakamichi provides step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams that guide the reader through the process of creating these patterns. The book covers a wide range of styles, including dresses, tops, jackets, and skirts, allowing designers to explore a variety of design possibilities. Pattern Magic is not just a practical guidebook, it is also a source of inspiration.
Magic Pattern Book Review
Today I get to review The Magic Pattern Book by Amy Barickman (affiliate link). Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, but all opinions are my own.
I’m also giving away a copy of the book, so make sure to read through the whole post so you can find out how to win.
I LOVE the concept behind this book. The basic idea is that with 6 patterns (tank, skirt, dress, cardigan, coat, accessories) you can make 36 things (image courtesy Workman Publishing Co.)
Which is awesome! The book gives you further customization options for each pattern with fabric suggestions. I think these illustrations really help get the idea across about just how much a pattern can change based on fabric choices.
I also like that the book pages are color coded – for each of the 6 patterns. There’s a good sized section at the front (the white part) that covers sewing basics, tools, fabric, measuring, finishing techniques, etc. It’s a ton of information laid out really succinctly.
The patterns in the book are on a CD in the back.
Which is actually one thing I’m not crazy about – if I’m buying a book, I’d rather have paper pattern sheets. At least they each have an outline page at the front of each PDF, so you can see what you’re printing. BUT the test square is often not on the first page of the pattern, so you have to search for it to make sure you’re printing correctly. Beyond that, they print and go together fairly easily, with border markings and numbered diamonds to match pages.
I haven’t yet sewn anything from the book, but I do have a caveat about sizing – instead of a size chart like most books, each pattern includes finished measurements. While this is useful, you also have to guess about how much ease you want each pattern to have since base sizing wasn’t provided. For example, the Alice Tank, which is the first pattern, has a finished bust of 38″ for the small version. But then you have to guess based on the pictures how much ease that should be over your normal measurements (and based on the photo of that pattern, my guess would be that you need 2-4 inches of ease for that particular pattern, meaning that a size small would correspond to a 34-36″ bust). Sizes listed are small through XXL.
I kept flipping back and forth through the book trying to choose a project, and I think my first one will probably be the Farrah tote bag. It’s nice that there are accessories included in the book as well as basic wardrobe pieces.
Want to see what others think about the book? I’m one of the first stops, but I’ve got links below for a whole bunch of other opinions.
Official Tour Stops on Amy Barickman’s THE MAGIC PATTERN BOOK Blog Tour:
Which is awesome! The book gives you further customization options for each pattern with fabric suggestions. I think these illustrations really help get the idea across about just how much a pattern can change based on fabric choices.
The book showcases a collection of stunning photographs that display the final garments created using these pattern-cutting techniques. This not only demonstrates the versatility of the patterns, but also encourages designers to think outside the box and experiment with their own creations. Overall, Pattern Magic is a must-have book for fashion designers and enthusiasts. It encourages experimentation, creativity, and innovation in pattern making. By breaking away from traditional techniques, designers are able to create unique and sculptural garments. Whether you are a student, a professional designer, or simply a fashion lover, Pattern Magic will inspire and transform the way you think about fashion design..
Reviews for "The Impact of Pattern Magic Pattern Book on the Fashion Industry"
1. Samantha - 2/5 - I was really excited to try out the techniques in "Pattern Magic Pattern Book" after all the hype, but I found the instructions to be extremely confusing. The diagrams were not clear and I had a difficult time understanding the steps. Additionally, some of the patterns seemed unrealistic for everyday wear and were more like avant-garde art pieces. Overall, this book did not live up to my expectations and I was disappointed with the lack of user-friendly instructions.
2. John - 1/5 - I found "Pattern Magic Pattern Book" to be a waste of my time and money. The patterns were just too complicated and impractical for me. It felt like the author was more interested in creating art than providing practical techniques for everyday sewing. The book lacked clear explanations and the diagrams didn't help much either. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who is looking for practical and easy-to-follow patterns.
3. Emily - 2/5 - As someone who enjoys sewing as a hobby, I was really looking forward to exploring new design possibilities with "Pattern Magic Pattern Book." However, I found the book to be overwhelming and not suitable for beginners or even intermediate sewers. The instructions were unclear and the illustrations were not helpful in understanding the techniques. The book focused more on avant-garde fashion rather than providing practical techniques for everyday wear. If you're a serious fashion designer, this book might be more suited for you, but for the average home sewer, I wouldn't recommend it.