"Actually I used a slight bias for a Bikini Dress I made for my Swimsuit class. My concern was not the drape, but creating a chevron pattern from the print on the fabric. It sounds like that is something you are trying to do."

"Shellie, There is no right answer to your question. It really depends on the fabric you use and the look you want. Fabric tends to be stiffer on the straight of the grain. To get a nice soft drape for a cape, you might want to put the center front…"

"Susan, I have been helping people create custom-fit patterns for over 40 years now. My mantra is "nature never repeats the same shape twice." It is nice to think there is a simple mechanical device that can solve all your custom…"

"In my experience helping people create custom-fit clothes, measurements, such as the ones this system relies on, are the least reliable aspect of the process. There is no way measurements can determine the many aspects that make for a truly great…"

"Gee - Thanks for posting this! If anyone would like more information about this online class which starts April 19th, see my Course Description page."

"Ramona - What you would probably find helpful are called croquis. What they are is the shape of the body in different poses so that instead of trying to be a master artist, you put a sheet of semi-transparent paper over the croquis and draw in the…"

"If the Lutterloh system works for you, that's great. I want to explain that my objection to the Lutterloh system is philosophical, not practical. Over the years I have studied a number of different patternmaking systems and helped 100s if not…"

"Sherri, Check out the Luttherloh video intro. They say their system is based on a fool proof method because they use the system Da Vinci came up with for creating the perfect body for painters and sculptors. Ask yourself - do you have the perfect…"

"JoAnn, For me the best part of making your own patterns is you can do what is right for both your body and your personality, tastes, and needs. I feel that custom patternmaking is about celebrating the fact that we are all different individuals in…"

"JoAnn, I run a Yahoo Group to answer questions people have from using my book How to Make Sewing Patterns. You are welcome to join that. In addition to myself the group is composed of some really experienced pattern makers and designers as well as…"

"Hi Do, Thank you for answering my questions about making patterns. Now, when will you be holding your next online class. Can you send me some info. I can be contacted at joannsc@yahoo.com. I look forward to your response."

"As someone who helps people create custom-fit patterns online and in person, I would say do not rely on any pattern system that relies only on measurements. My mantra is nature never repeats the same shape twice. My approach has been evolving since…"

"Marsha - before you cut hold the fabric at the waist measurement and verify that there is adequate stretch to pull over the hips."

"Marsha. Depends on whether you are talking about a skirt out of knit or woven fabric. If you are working with a knit that has adequate stretch, no ease needs to be added. If you are talking about woven, you are talking about adding fullness from the…"

"Anthony, I sew things like leotards with a regular sewing machine. I set the zigzag to 1mm and the stitch length to 2mm and it works fine. There is just enough stretch the thread has give. Here is a picture of one."