Online Lecture: Working with Historical Pattern Manuals Sept. 24, 2021 7:00pm Eastern

One of the most frequently asked questions here at The Modern Maker is “How do you know what proportions to use when there are none given?” When using a 16th or 17th century cutting manual, it is common that many of the proportions for different edges of the garment are not printed in the manuals. This served many purposes for the trade, to protect vital information as well to save on print setup for those old printing presses. Whatever the reasons, as modern people using these old books to develop our designs, we need to know what proportions we should be using. In this 60 minute lecture, Mathew will go over the various methods he uses to develop the patterns and know, with as much certainty as possible, what those proportions and measurements need to be to make the most authentic piece of clothing.

This lecture will delve into some technical elements of pattern making, but you need not be a professional to understand! Each element will be explained.