Comments on: Japanese pattern magazines

By: Vineca Gray

Vineca Gray — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:47:40 +0000

Having lived in Japan back in the 1990s, as an emerging designer teaching English, I thrilled over the many pattern magazines that were for sale over the counter.

Yes, you had to complete the pattern draft from a series of templates included (Germany had a comparable tradition in sewing journals). I loved the challenge.

Needless to say, the Japanese fashion sensibility and beautiful selection of textiles in the retail marketplace – well, it was incredible!

By: gunner

gunner — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 10:34:41 +0000

so-en used to me a pattern mag, but has morphed into a slightly avant-garde fashion mag. it definitely celebrates young designers, but in the last year, only one issue i have read has had any kind of pattern in it, and that was a knitting one.

making is a really cool, but not in production sewing pattern mag. you can get them in tokyo’s second hand book district jimbocho, but the prices run high, about twenty dollars per mag.

By: Tatiana

Tatiana — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 13:08:58 +0000

This pattern magazines can be purchased in Kinokuniya stores (www.kinokuniya.com). I found several titles in Sydney store, and on the shelf they are mixed up with craft mags, so the best way is just to go through them one by one to find what would be of interest.

By: Marcia

Marcia — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 04:44:31 +0000

These are wonderful. The Japanese patterns are really instructional. The aprons are a “Hoot”.

By: Tana

Tana — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:08:29 +0000

Hi! I’m actually doing some research into Japanese fashion for a school project, and I was wondering if you might be able to give me some more info about the pattern magazine or maybe send me some scans I could use to show during my presentation? All I’ve really managed to find is in regards to CURRENT fashions, so this would really help! My school email is tanaesp@gaggle.net

Thanks!

By: Keenpetite

Keenpetite — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 07:26:14 +0000

Gigantic yes for japanese patterns, @ my height (or lack of it lol)I believe these patterns would fit better & thus be easier to sew. Somehow I’m intrigued/ fascinated with european/oriental high couture that applie to the most simple garment. How do I subscribe/purchase?
Most Sincerely,
Carmen aka kenpetite

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:34:14 +0000

How did you manage to subscribe to Mrs. Style? I’d love to subscribe but can’t seem to find a website that sells it.

Thanks!
-Lori in Watertown, MA

By: Lala

Lala — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 00:18:10 +0000

Yay for Japanese patterns! I got obsessed with the Elegant Gothic Lolita subculture last year. They have great "mooks" (magazine + book) with pattern sheets. There are about 35 patterns on ONE sheet of paper. They print both sides of the sheet, and each pattern is done in a different color. Here's a glimpse of it from my camera phone (sorry for the low-res): gosu rori patterns. In the magazine are illustrated instructions, some with step-by-step photos, so you don't have to read Japanese!

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 20:46:55 +0000

I love the japanese aesthetic! Am I the only one who listens to japanese pop? Puffy Ami Yumi are the best. Has anyone seen the movie “The Pillow Book”? So beautifuly done. A must see.

By: La BellaDonna

La BellaDonna — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 20:20:56 +0000

This, apparently, is also the method you use when you’re self-taught and don’t know any better. Most of the patterns I’ve draft for myself were drafted by laying a basic pattern that fit me over a new piece of pattern paper, and drawing in the shapes I wanted. It just seemed easier and more logical than starting from ground zero. I don’t do much drawing straight onto the cloth, though, because I am both chicken and obsessive-compulsive.