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Pattern Cutting: The Architecture of Fashion

  • Textbook
Pattern Cutting: The Architecture of Fashion cover

Pattern Cutting: The Architecture of Fashion

  • Textbook
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Available on 22 Jan 2026
£31.49

Available for purchase via Bloomsbury etextbooks on publication date

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Description

A fresh, creative approach to pattern cutting for students ready to think outside the lines of basic blocks. This third edition of the popular guide features a modern step-by-step layout, new chapters on current industry styles and sustainable processes, and new work by over 20 exciting designers using the book's techniques.

Drawing on over 38 years teaching fashion design, Pat Parish gives an accessible approach to translating imaginative 2D designs into exciting 3D womenswear. By combining technical pattern cutting with a more creative approach focussing on shape and line, she provides an overview that reflects how designers actually think and encourages students to move beyond sticking closely to pattern blocks.

Designed to inspire creativity with transferrable techniques for any garment, each technique features troubleshooting tips and tricks to help students apply them to their own designs. The guide's clear structure makes it easy to follow in the studio, with technical drawings alongside step-by-step instructions throughout. Over 50 new photographs including toiles, catwalk images, and garments, case studies and interviews from young designers help you visualise the concepts in 3D and inspire your own designs.

This third edition brings pattern putting up to date for modern fashion industry with two new chapters on draping and geometry, and updated information on sustainable practices, reflecting new directions in design, pattern cutting and material use. Redesigned with an even clearer layout and now featuring imperial and metric conversions throughout, this studio must-have gives you all the inspiration, the tools, and the confidence you need to adapt basic patterns, experiment with new shapes, and translate exciting designs from the cutting table into polished garments.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
How to get the most out of this book
Introduction

1. Context
What is a pattern?
The role of the pattern cutter
Body shape and size
Measuring and mapping the body
Getting started

2. Pattern Fundamentals
From 3D to 2D – basic blocks
Darts in design
Panel lines for fit and flare control
Complex style lines
Adding flare
Adding volume

3. Shape
Shape in design
Linear
Inverted triangle
Square
Trapeze
Hourglass
Dome
Lantern
Cocoon
Balloon
Fabric, shape and scale

4. Drape
Gravity Drape
Tension Drape

5. Sleeves and Collars
Sleeve fundamentals
Set-in sleeves
Grown-on sleeves
Sleeve cuffs
Collar fundamentals
One-piece collars
Two-piece collars
Grown-on collars and necklines
Standard rever collar

6. Trousers
Trouser fundamentals
Standard fit
Adding pleats
Above-waist fitting
Below-waist fitting
Jumpsuits

7. Pockets, Openings and Finishes
Finishes
Pockets
Openings and facings

8. Sustainability and Fashion
Deconstructing hierarchies and traditions
Pattern cutting and waste
Textiles and circularity

9. Geometry in Pattern Cutting
Semi circles and triangles in Pattern Cutting
Squares and rectangles in Pattern Cutting
Hexagons in pattern Cutting
Circles and ruffles

Appendix
Conversion table
Glossary
Bibliography
Further recommended reading
Further recommended reading: Sustainability
Image credits

Product details

Published 22 Jan 2026
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 3rd
Extent 256
ISBN 9781350332836
Imprint Bloomsbury Visual Arts
Illustrations 400 colour illus
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Pat Parish

Pat Parish is a Senior Fashion Lecturer at Chiches…

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