No Patterns Needed: DIY Couture from Simple Shapes

by Rosie Martin

If you want to sew your own clothes but are put off by the idea of cutting out pattern pieces covered with dotted lines and symbols, this is the book for you. Using Rosie Martin's innovative method, you begin with nothing but a rectangle, circle, or triangle of fabric and some basic body measurements.

Next, follow the detailed step-by-step photographs and diagrams to complete your garment. You'll need a sewing machine, but no special equipment or expensive fabrics. With plenty of variations suggested for each garment, there's lots of room for your own creative touches, too.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2016

Reviews

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says it all. Sort of. While there are no patterns attached to the book, you still do technically use pattern pieces. But the patterns are drafted based on a shape (square, circle or triangle) and your own body measurements. There were a few garments in this that I really loved, but there were also a few duds. But since everything is based on a basic shape, any and all of them can be hacked, tweaked, morphed into whatever you want them to be. Great jumping off points. If I can't manage to sew up the ones I like before needing to return this to the library, I maybe might possibly buy a copy for myself. We'll see.

[Sara Q · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed here. Even though the title is "No Patterns Needed" the instructions just tell you to make a pattern out of newspaper. I was hoping for instructions that simply used measurements and basic geometric shapes. It doesn't help that the photos of the clothes are against terrible backdrops with terrible lighting. Big bummer. :-(

[Cathleen Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing in it that I would make. If you are a young, beginning fashion design student or very funky person, maybe. Based entirely on blocks, circles and triangles, it is an alternative method to standard fashion design.

[Marcie Lovett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the concept but not sold on the results. It's a stretch to call the clothes "couture" - they are made to measure but not what I'd call fashionable; most of them have an oversize, costume-y feel. There are no commercial patterns needed but the author has you draft patterns from existing clothing. She suggests using newspaper, which doesn't seem like a good idea since the ink gets all over. There are a lot of process photos, although I found it hard to follow directions because they read back and forth instead of left to right. The author shows alternatives to the original project but doesn't explain how to make them. The book is not for beginners; you might like it if you have experience sewing and want to create your own patterns.

[Christina Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pieces suggested are very beginner friendly, but any beginner would be able to figure out that adding squares/rectangles together could make a straight skirt or dress. I guess I was just hoping that this book would break down more of the math for creating unique, one of a kind pieces. It would have been nice to break down how different cuts of clothing are broken down into shapes, rather than simply recycle the same beginner blocky dress pattern that can be found at any fabric store.

To it's credit, this book does include some interesting math and is useful for showing what types of measurements a beginner should be taking. While I was disappointed, I am sure this would be a very helpful book for someone out there just learning to sew.

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being titled “No Patterns Needed,” you are essentially guided through drafting your own simple patterns to create the looks in this book. While I don’t usually mind DIY/sewing books of this kind, the styles are a little too basic, even for the beginner sewist. Giant circle cutout pockets? Just show us how to do a regular side seam pocket or a circular patch pocket without the cutout detail.

[Gail Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing book on fashionable DIY outfits based on circles, rectangles, and triangles. Step by step directions and a method to fit every body size. Yes, you make your own simple patterns, which I have found when making clothing from previously-purchased commercial clothes is always the way. Most of the fashions are for the younger set, but the dresses could be used for fun weekend wear by anyone.
British designer Martin does an exacting and thorough job with this volume.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the subtitle "DIY Couture from Simple Shapes" threw me. I was expecting something 'more'. It's a good book for someone who is wanting to advance their sewing by creating their own patterns, but wasn't really impressed. I felt not only were they creating their own patterns, but doing it with low end fabrics.

[Lil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cool book, with tons of ideas that actually look easy.
I was going to use this to come up with and make my cosplay costume.
Sadly that got canceled, but hopefully I can still make something after I finish the piles of other stuff I have to work on.

[Cyndi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn't work for me. The "styles" are a bit strange. The photos unflattering. The directions too cheery.

[Shayde Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting ideas for sewing with no pattern needed.

[Megan]

Ripple wrap blouse - pg 116
Ruffle dress - pg 130
Four slice sweater - pg 168
Deep Vtunic - pg 182

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to try some of the designs in this book! The are fairly simple, but with lovely fabrics I think they could work well, and I could add features such as wider waistbands. A fun book that feels empowering to those of us who would like to sew more creatively.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very basic. If you don’t want to make darts.... folkloric feeling, which i like.