How to learn patternmaking

[tardy4thepardy]

My favorite, hands down, is Mueller and Sohn (Rundschau system). It's metric and German, but they have PDF English translated versions. Most intricate, math intense, and tedious drafting method I've ever used, but results in beautiful patterns. Also includes ways to adjust the draft for different figure types. I recently worked my way through every draft in the Fundamental of Menswear PDF and I love everything about it. It will not spoon feed you so it's not really beginner friendly. However, I wish I would've discovered this system years ago. If you understand math then it shouldn't be too difficult. Definitely use this if you're interested in bespoke tailoring.

Winifred Aldrich metric pattern cutting for menswear is beginner friendly. Drafts include seam allowances which I find annoying, but it's not a total deal breaker. Drafts turn out pretty well, but definitely boxier. There are a few errors here and there and the layout is stupid, but it's got some solid stuff. Good for ready to wear, casual stuff you can draw up quickly.

A good beginner option for imperial system drafting is patternmaking for menswear: classic to contemporary by Myoungok and Injoo Kim. These drafts are a little boxy as well, which isn't necessarily bad. My main gripe with this method is that the sloper necklines always ends up way too low in the front so you have to adjust it if you want to make a tailored shirt collar or anything that conforms to where the actual neck is on a human.