The Pattern Making Primer - All You Need to Know About Designing, Adapting, and Customizing Sewing Patterns

Regular price $35.99

The Pattern Making Primer is the ultimate sewing guide for amateur designers!
This essential primer is designed for beginners and experienced sewists alike, providing step-by-step instructions and expert tips to unlock the secrets of pattern making. Whether fashion is your hobby, your passion, or your profession, this book is your key to unlocking endless creative possibilities.


Learn how to draft garment patterns and prepare your own fashion designs:

  • Comprehensive Guide: From understanding the design tools and fashion terminology to mastering key techniques, this book covers it all, empowering you to create professional-grade patterns.
  • Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear and concise instructions guide you through each stage of the pattern making process, from taking accurate measurements,to drafting custom patterns, and making adjustments for the perfect fit. 
  • Versatile Design Options: Explore a wide range of design variations and garment types. Discover how to create patterns for dresses, skirts, tops, trousers, and more, allowing you to unleash your creativity and bring your unique fashion vision to life.
  • Expert Tips and Techniques: Benefit from the author's wealth of experience andexpertise. Gain insider knowledge on fitting techniques, pattern manipulation, and professional finishing touches that elevate your creations to the next level.
  • Practical and User-Friendly: The Pattern Making Primer is written in a clear and accessible manner, and is filled with illustrations, diagrams, and examples that enhance understanding and facilitate learning for any beginner to grasp the concepts and techniques.

Unlockyour pattern making potential with The Pattern Making Primer, and no matter your skill level, soon you'll be making a wide variety of garments and fashion designs!

Jo Barnfield teaches garment construction, drafting, and modeling in the undergraduate Fashion Design program at Bath Spa University in England. She is also a pattern maker, constructionist, and technical designer accomplished in beadwork, embroidery, crochet, hand and machine knit.

Shipping & Returns

Flat Rate Shipping 

  • We offer a flat rate of $12 for shipping for all orders $149.99 and under (before taxes) being shipped within Canada. 
  • Free shipping for all orders $150 and over (before taxes) being shipped within Canada. 
  • Sewing machines, sewing desks and chairs and bulky items are excluded from the free shipping offer.
  • Flat rate shipping orders generally ship out on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • We use Canada Post and UPS but reserve the right to use other carriers at our discretion. 

Local Delivery - 

  • We also offer local delivery with Trexity within the city of Ottawa and surrounding region. 
  • We send out your package with Trexity within 1 to 2 days once your order is completed. 
  • The cost is $6 for orders $24.99 and under (before taxes), $3 for orders $25.00 to $74.99 (before taxes) and free for orders over $75.00 (before taxes).  
  • Please note that during high-volume order times, it may take us longer than 1-2 days to send out your order.

More Shipping and Returns Info

Free Shipping Over $150
Fast Local Delivery
Generous Return Policy
Why Shop with Us

Get Your Order Faster

Our dedicated team fulfills your order as quickly as possible, usually in 1-2 days. 

Why Shop with Us

Support Small Canadian Business

Not only do we stock many products from Canadian makers and companies, your purchase supports our team of 12 right here in Ottawa.

Why Shop with Us

Knowledgeable Staff

We're here in store, and via email and phone, to answer all your craft questions and ensure you have everything you need to make your project perfect. 

Why Shop with Us

Get Your Order Faster

Our dedicated team fulfills your order as quickly as possible, usually in 1-2 days. 

Support Small Canadian Business

Not only do we stock many products from Canadian makers and companies, your purchase supports our team of 12 right here in Ottawa.

Knowledgeable Staff

We're here in store, and via email and phone, to answer all your craft questions and ensure you have everything you need to make your project perfect.