Breaking the Pattern: A Modern Way to Sew

First of all, this book is gorgeous. Just absolutely gorgeous. The projects in this book have just enough interesting design elements to challenge and intrigue me while covering a lot of holes in my pattern collection. The Ruska is a great example of this: I used the knot dress variation in a French terry for a Christmas dress, and made the t-shirt variation in a moisture wicking fabric for a casual hiking shirt. I've never used a Named pattern before because I know they draft for tall folks, of which I am not, but there are many well-placed lengthen/shorten lines in the included patterns making it easy to adjust for my very short and curvy figure. I have never been a particularly adventurous pattern hacker but this book has really sparked my creativity and I'll probably end up using every single pattern one way or another. I will say that this book is clearly intended to be read and used straight through. Seam allowances and other info are included only in the introductory section, and in the projects there was some flipping back and forth to refer to techniques discussed earlier in the book. I didn't particularly mind though some might. Just a heads up if you're using the book for the first time, you really do need to read the beginning!

This is a great book for those of us who love Burda Style. You get some clever designs, patterns and instructions. The books contain detailed photographs which explain written instructions. I have not tried the patterns yet and the instructions seem textbook. I haven’t seen any tips like from Brensan Studios of cutting a neck facing about 1/16” smaller than the bodice front piece so the neckline lies flat, but they are OK. You get patterns for: A shopping bag, Sade blouse, Rae pants, Utu skirt and pinafore, Salina dress, jumpsuit and top, Saraste shirt, Kaste cocktail dress, with butterfly sleeve, Palo jeans and Halo coat. Most designs come with variations that change the look, e,g., the butterfly sleeves on the sleeveless cocktail dress. The photos are of finished garments so you can compare.. Patterns are folded in the back in a pocket. They are on regular photocopy weight paper. Just for the fun-factor this book gets 5⭐️ because so many books show pointless designs. These are all makable but different at the same time. Fabric choice is key.

As another huge fan of Named Clothing, I couldn’t wait for this book to come out. It doesn’t disappoint. The patterns work as a cohesive collection yet can be altered and combined to create endless looks. The instructions are clear and thorough. Best of all, you can download PDFs from their site if you don’t want to trace off the included pattern sheets. I love the clean, modern design aesthetic with its beautiful and clever details and that the book can be used by beginners and experienced sewers alike. It’s a home run!

I'm a fan of Named Patterns for the simple lines of their patterns, This books shows some alternatives to "hack" the patterns included and is a welcome addition to my library.

What seamstress doesn't like new patterns to make and new books to read?! I was thrilled when this book was released. I love the look and style of the garment s you can make using the patterns. And just settling down to read with a cup of coffee or tea is just as fun! I have not made something yet but it is in my 2019 sewing plans to complete at least a few of these designs. Top of my list is Ruffle Top and the Sade Blouse! Simple, stylish and totally wearable! The book itself is beautiful and a great addition to any sewing book collection!

Very nice patterns that look nicer than the pictures after completed. Not really a beginners book the patterns are deceptively simple and as with other pattern books you must trace them first however the cuts are really nice and the outcome looks like a designer piece. The book looks and reads like a modern art book. Will use most of these patterns they are highly wearable

Beautiful and well written book. Such a great resource for new but ambitious sewists. Surely following the book’s path for sewing a wardrobe will result in increased skill and confidence as well as a handsomely curated capsule wardrobe.

The fashions in this book may appeal to some. They did not appeal to me. Many slits - in flowing sleeves, wide legged pants, shoulders - the authors are really fond of slits. Knots too. Largeish knots in the front of dresses and shirts. Personally I find openings in clothing awkward and impractical. Knots at the waist add bulk and a strange profile. The photography is well done - It's a pretty book. I won't make any of the clothes; indeed it would be fairly simple to redraft the sleeve to be without a slit, but why? On the positive side I did purchase this book used for about $7 so it's not a big investment.

Un libro muy completo que cubre muchas modificaciones habituales para poder hacer tu propia ropa y que te quede genial, también indica que arrugas indican que necesitas esa modificación. Incluye varios patrones básicos para trabajarlos. Aún no he hecho ninguno del libro, solo he usado modificaciones para otro patrones. Lo recomiendo.

There are pattern templates (9 sizes) included for a variety of items, including a bag, dresses, pants, blouses, etc. You will need to have tracing paper to use the templates. The best paper is found at an art supply store. The templates allow you to mix and match different features to make your own creations. You will only be limited by your own imagination. Instructions are clear, but the print is small. NOTE: Seam allowance for most of the patterns is 3/8 -- it isn't obvious, but early on in the book (page 6) this is specified. Very easy to miss and will make a big difference in sizing if you assume that it is 5/8, which is typically the seam allowance for most patterns.

Insgesamt interessant und kurzweilig. Die Schnitte sind außergewöhnlich und die Erklärungen sind leicht zu verstehen. Aufgebaut nach Schwierigkeitsgrad. Jedes Teil ist wandelbar, zB verschiedene Ärmelvarianten. Die Fotos sind einfach nur schön. Das Buch macht mich als Hobby-Schneidern glücklich!

Es el mejor libro de costura que tengo. Viene con tallas grandes y los modelos están súper bonitos. El único punto malo esquí los patrones vienen al parecer mal impresos.

This is just a beautiful book. The patterns work well for most shapes although I may skip the very closer fitting ones because I prefer loose styles. I like how it starts simple. Great value too as you get the patterns plus the option to download and print. So far made the bag but stuck on the Sade because I like it so much, have made 2 and would like more as so versatile with a bit of a button on sleeve they are very wearable with tattooed arms. Beautiful but simple styled clothes.