I have been told that this is THE pattern making textbook used at most fashion design schools, and is a required textbook for my advanced pattern making class. However, I do not like this book. I find the instructions are not very detailed, it doesn't discuss grain lines, and many of the pictures for the various design options do not make it clear where the design lines are on the body/apex. We used another book, The Principals of Flat Pattern Design by Nora MacDonald for a beginning pattern design class, and I found that book to be much better written; more detailed instructions. If this was not a required book I would not bother with it.

This book is helpful in guiding first time commercial pattern making. It gives suppliers and necessary equipment. I will definately keep it as a reference book. It is written at a very high level of instructions. Sometimes it takes me several readings to understand with the instructions. I have sewn for 40 years, and have a good knowledge basis, and this book is teaching me quite a bit. Very helpful!

This has consistently been the one book I turn to whenever I'm looking to "tweak" a pattern, change a collar, add a pocket or any design detail. I had an old edition (over 30 years), and while the basics never change, techniques do and this book reflects the most modern of how to's and styles. Just browsing the pages is enough to get me inspired to start another project. I love it, and most of all, I depend upon it. Patternmaking for Fashion Design (5th Edition) should set me up for the next 30 years!!