Making clothes is fun, fashionable and thrifty - but how can you find a pattern that fits you just right? And how can you adjust it if it doesn't? This fully illustrated guide gives you the skills to create your own garments from shop-bought patterns, teaches you how to adapt those patterns and shows you how to design your own garments using the pattern blocks provided, thus allowing you to express your personality through clothing. If you are a complete beginner, learn basic principles and technical skills through the use of easy-to-follow step-by-step techniques - from unpacking a pattern for the first time to increasing the length of a skirt, or increasing or decreasing a waistband. Going up a level, if you are an intermediate stitcher, get an introduction to the basic principles of pattern cutting: from interpreting your own designs and creating shapes for bodices, skirts, sleeves, dresses, to adding collars, pockets and facings - necessary details of pattern construction that are often left unexplained. The author takes you right through the making process and teaches you how to look critically at a first 'toile' to assess its fit and how to make any necessary alterations. The book also includes a guide to basic sewing techniques, such as how to set a sleeve, put in a zip, buttons and buttonholes, seams and finishes.