Making a Pattern : Beginners Guide

I have been making my own patterns for over 30 years. This tutorial is for a beginner who has never attempted pattern making.

Measuring tape
Butcher paper or wrapping paper
Pen or pencil
Calculator,if needed

Begin by taking measurements of the body.
1. Shoulder to shoulder ,add 1 1/2 inches
2. Sleeve top, armhole ,add 1 1/2 inches
3. Neck to shoulder, add 1 1/2 inches
4. Wrist ,add 1 1/2 inches
5. Arm hole,add 3 inches
6. Chest , divide by 2 , add 1 1/2 inches ( for example : 40 inches divided by 2=20+1 1/2 inches = 21 1/2 inches)
7. Waist and hip : same as chest
8. Neck, divide by 2, add 1 1/2 inches
9. Neck to waist (front), add 1 1/2 inches
10. Neck to waist (back), add 1 1/2 inches
11. Leg add 4 inches
12: Thigh, add 2 inches
13 . Ankle, add 2 inches
14. Arm, add 3 inches
15: inseam , add 3 inches

Sketch a basic shirt front onto the paper. Adjust the size of the shirt front to match your measurements.
Do this for the rest of the shirt pieces . You need to make a neck lining by using the shirt front and back to create pattern pieces that are identical to the shirt front and back neck area.. The pattern pieces will be approximately 2 inches long.

Do the same with the pants.

Now you have a basic pattern that can be adapted to whatever clothing or costume you’d like to create.