Bare Essentials: Underwear: Construction and Pattern Drafting for Lingerie Design Paperback – August 14, 2011

My girlfriend had me order this, so the following is her review:I bought this while crossing my fingers, because of a few reviewers stated this book was lacking when it came to drafting instructions. I couldn't disagree more. From this book I was able to draft a fitting briefs sloper on the first attempt using my own measurements. The drafting instructions do not have A to B, B to C, instructions as you often see, but they are still clearly written and can be followed with little confusion. The only time I had trouble understanding was when the high hip measurement was referred to simply as the hip measurement.This book includes two basic patterns to draft: boy-shorts (with seams for the gusset, sides, and front) and briefs (with seams for the gusset and sides only). There are also additional instructions to make modifications to the high-waisted slopers so that you can end up with more modern variations and styles.Pre-drafted patterns are also provided in the pattern for those who do not wish to make your own.The assembly instructions are basic, but it's difficult to do more for a garment that typically only has 3 two to three inch seams. I would argue that since this book is meant to be the basic construction and drafting of undergarments that I wouldn't expect it to go much further into detail than it does.A lot of the more complicated processes of lingerie apply to both bras and panties, so perhaps a future book in the series will deal with construction only?There are pre-made stretch ratio tables, as well as instructions to calculate the information on your own. I especially appreciate the table included that breaks down stretch ratios into different general categories of stretchiness, so I don't have to make separate patterns for fabrics of a similar, but not exact, stretch.All in all I wanted this book was drafting, but the included tables, explanation of stretch ratios, grading instructions, pre-drafted patterns, and construction techniques made this a necessary book to add to your collection, especially if you don’t own any books on drafting for knits. All my other drafting books create a general panty pattern using a pant sloper, which leaves a curved seam in the front and back, and also neglect to give any information on how to compensate for stretch. If you don’t enjoy the look of a seam running down the front of your crotch, this book provides a much-needed alternative.I would definitely buy this book again and will be buying its sister book on bra-making once I’ve drafted slopers and my favorite styles for all the basic stretch categories to put in my pattern drawer.

So far I've made 5 pairs of panties from this book, and they fit perfectly. The instructions are clear, lots of photos and diagrams so you never wonder what to do next. If you want to make your own (or someone elses) panties, this is the book to get!

If you want to draft and sew your own underwear, this is the book for you. I just wish it had photo illustrations of construction techniques instead of drawings. There are no photos at all, which really detracts from the ability to visualize what you're doing.

Whilst it is written clearly for beginners, it is mainly simple undies, so not for those who already have good skills

Great reference book ! It's a must for anyone who does pattern making.

This was to be the cornerstone of my panty-making endeavors, but it failed to support me when I needed most. The images are all simple drawings in black and white and not always easily understood for those who have little experience with sewing. I had basic questions about how to attach elastic or how to choose the curvature of the leg opening, but could not find any clarification in this book. I own an overlocker that I bought specifically for this project and wanted to see more explanation on how to apply it for making underwear, but this book offers very little insight or none on overlock stitches use. This is surprising to me, considering that overlock machines have become more financially accessible to households and all major companies now make sergers for home users. Plus, overlock stitches are fundamental to making good quality underwear though not compulsory. In addition, I expected this book to teach the reader how to draw underwear based on personal measurements and preferences. The patterns offered did not work for me. I contacted the author one time, but her response was unfriendly and short, so I could get no extra support or clarification from her. In all, this book has not offered me more than what I can learn from a YouTube video and, in fact, I've learnt more from YouTube.

very good book. I've been in the lingerie business for a long time,

Easy transaction. Book came as promised.

Super claro y bien explicado, ideal para patronaje de ropa interior.

Not as expected

According to the autor, the Underwear pattern drafting was not a well treated matter in drafting books of courses.I think this Bare Essentials is the bible of underwear matter, complete and simple to understand .

Vielen, vielen Dank für die Autorin, die dieses Buch geschrieben hat!Leider ist die Lektüre über das Erstellen von Schnittmustern für Unterwäsche auf dem Markt sehr rar! Deutschsprachig findet man schonmal gar nix, aber Gott sei Dank kommt man ja dank Amazon ganz leicht auch an Bücher aus Übersee.Für Leute, die gerne Unterwäsche nähen und auch am Erstellen eigener Schnittmuster Interesse haben, sei dieses Buch ans Herz gelegt!In diesem Band geht es um Höschen in allen Varianten. Ob String, Hipster, Boxer, etc.... Mit Rüschen oder Raffung... Dabei stellt Frau Matthews-Farbanks zunächst die Utensilien und Stoffe vor, die man zum Nähen von Unterwäsche braucht. Sie geht am Anfang kurz auf die Dehnung der Stoffe und wie sie sich auf die Schnittmuster auswirkt ein, und später im Kapitel für Fortgeschrittene nochmal sehr genau. Am Ende des Buches befinden sich einige Schnittmuster, an denen man zunächst das Nähen (das im ersten Kapitel sehr schön erklärt wird) sowie auch das Abwandeln (worum es ausführlich im zweiten Kapitel geht) üben kann. Im dritten Kapitel (für Fortgeschrittene) geht es dann ganz ausführlich um das erstellen eigener Schnittmuster.Die Autorin stellt eine tolle Tabelle mit Maßen zur Verfügung, man lernt aber auch ganz genau wie man selber Maß nimmt und seine Größe ermittelt.Es gibt noch einen zweiten Band über BH's, und es sollen noch weitere Bände folgen. Ich hoffe, das die Autorin noch Bände über Corsagen und Hemdchen und vielleicht auch Bademode herausbringt - wobei man die Bademode ja recht einfach an den Schnittmustern für Unterwäsche anlehnen kann.Nunja, man muss schon der englischen Sprache mächtig sein, um dieses Buch zu verstehen. Es sind ganz, ganz viele Zeichnungen darin, aber ich bezweifle, dass man ohne das Geschriebene zu verstehen die Schritte nachvollziehen kann...Ein ganz, ganz großes Lob und auch ein riesen Danke für dieses Buch! Für Dessousnäherinnen ein Muss in der Nähbibliothek!

Je suis contente d'avoir acheté ce livre, mais il est assez compliqué et relativement peu détaillé. Il y a peu d'ouvrages qui présentent de jolis modèles de lingerie à réaliser.