Breaking the Pattern: A modern way to sew

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.

I love this book and the stylish patterns-I wouldn't say that it's a great book for a beginner but it's got lots of lovely projects for anyone who wants to get into sewing a more tailored wardrobe. Great layouts and pattern hacks!

The patterns enclosed are double sided but if you go to namedclothing.com you can download the pattern & send for A0 printing. This saves you tracing, who’s got time for tracing when you could be sewing these delicious patterns.

I saw a review online for this book and thought it would probably not cover my size then I read somewhere it covers up to size 22 and caters for ladies of 5'8" which is exactly my height which is not found very often. That made me think again and I bought the book and it arrived today. I have looked all through it and can't wait to get started! The whole idea of this book is for the sewist to make any alterations and/or additions to the pattern thus 'Breaking The Pattern'! Perfect because I always alter patterns someway though usually for my large lower half! The only thing I was concerned about which is why I have only given four stars is the models. Not all the patterns are shown in all their glory but, having said that, it is a brilliant book. Lovely soft colours as well which is so appealing. Love it!!

I love this book although some of the patterns are not my style but I am sure I could adapt them. Very informative and a good easy to follow read.

Great book saw it reviewed on sewing quarter for £29.99 I thought the book was great and tried to order it. Fortunately for me I got the book so much cheaper on Amazon.

I am getting back into sewing after a long break and have ordered a couple of books containing patterns. I had seen a rave review of this particularly book. I have to say that there was not much of an overlap between the styles of clothes in this book and what I consider Scandinavian design is. Perhaps everyone in Finland is wearing skinny jeans and knee length wrap skirts. Most skirts / dresses were around knee length, tops had weird high necklines that can be unflattering ( especially with the sleeveless tops) the one wide leg trousers pattern had slashes to the knee. I’m an adventurous dresser but it all looked dated to me so back it went sadly. Can’t comment on the clarity of instruction hence 3 stars.

Just from personal experience, the books I used to learn were so much less clear, convoluted, or full of ugly designs compared to this little gem. I wish this had been out when I first started sewing. Would highly recommend to anyone who's a relative novice or looking to improve. Not an expert, so can't comment on how this works for the advanced sewists. You can actually make a capsule wardrobe from the book!

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.

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!