Wiley Pattern Cutting for Lingerie, Beachwear & Leisurewear — Industry-Tested Blocks and 1/5-Scale Patterns

Wiley's Pattern Cutting for Lingerie, Beachwear and Leisurewear is a practical guide that provides ready-to-use blocks, industry-tested patterns and step-by-step cutting techniques for designing close-fitting and casual intimate apparel.

This book gathers a complete set of pattern blocks and adaptations specifically for lingerie, swimwear and leisure garments. It explains the logic behind each construction decision so you can modify, scale or combine patterns confidently. Throughout, the author shares workshop-tested tips, sizing guidance and one-fifth scale blocks to help you experiment without committing full-size fabric. Newer chapters cover fitted solutions for larger cup sizes, thongs, tankinis, basques, bustiers and hipster trousers, plus notes on how fabric choice affects fit and performance.

What pattern types and blocks are included?

The book supplies foundational blocks and a wide range of derived patterns to cover intimate and casual wear. Blocks are presented at full scale and as one-fifth scale study sheets so you can practice adjustments before cutting full pieces.

• Full-size bodices, briefs and trouser blocks adapted for close-fitting garments
• One-fifth scale blocks to test proportion and design changes quickly
• Specialized patterns for bustiers, basques, thongs, tankinis and hipster trousers
• Options for larger cup sizes and close-fit shaping solutions

How does it help achieve a professional finish?

Practical tips scattered throughout the book focus on construction details that influence final appearance and durability. The instruction emphasizes industry practices so finished garments look and behave like professionally made pieces.

• Seam and edge finishing techniques suited to stretch fabrics
• Placement and shaping of support elements for better silhouette
• Guidance on balance, grainlines and stretch direction for reliable fit
• Trade-tested shortcuts to speed up production without sacrificing quality

Can I adapt these patterns for different fabrics and sizes?

Yes — the book explains how fabric choice and elastomeric content change pattern behavior and fit. It shows measurement-taking tips and alteration methods so you can scale patterns up or down and adapt them for different body shapes or fabric performances.

• Advice on selecting fabrics and knowing when to alter ease allowances
• Techniques for grading patterns and adjusting cup and hip volumes
• One-fifth scale tests to preview changes before full-scale cutting
• Examples demonstrating fabric-specific pattern adjustments

How will this book speed up my design and sampling process?

By supplying tested blocks and a catalogue of practical variations, the book reduces guesswork in sampling and iteration. Clear diagrams and explanations let you reproduce reliable starting points, so fit sessions focus on refinement rather than correcting foundational errors.

• Ready-made starting blocks shorten first-sample construction time
• Stepwise pattern modifications limit the number of prototypes needed
• Best-practice measurement methods reduce rework during fittings
• Industry-oriented tips streamline production-ready finishes

Who this is for: Pattern Cutting for Lingerie, Beachwear and Leisurewear is ideal for apparel students, independent designers, small production studios and experienced constructors who want a focused, technically grounded reference on intimate and leisure garments. If you draft patterns, make samples, or design swim and lingerie ranges, this book gives practical blocks, tested techniques and adaptation strategies to improve fit, reduce sampling time and create professional-looking garments.