professional bad example

so i think that oddly enough, the not also cheapest, but best book to learn about the concept of contouring (a technique you need to make sure that garments with low necklines or armholes don't gape) is bodymapping: the step-by-step guide to fitting real bodies. it's kind of an odd book otherwise, it teaches you how to make a basic torso pattern by draping fabric on your body with the help of another person and draft a matching sleeve, and because i'm a horrible perfectionist and love precision down to half a millimeter, i just don't think that's a good way to make basic patterns. except for dress forms that don't squish and move and constantly change their shape maybe. but the instructions on contouring are honestly really good. only thing i'd change is to make all the extra darts you draw in symmetrical, but that probably doesn't even affect the usability much, it's just nicer to look at.

the other books with these instructions i own are patternmaking for fashion design and pattern cutting and making up: the professional approach, and the latter one in particular is also really good, i learned a bunch of other things from it at a point when i was already able to draft a glove-like basic pattern on a level few people are able to. but you can get a used copy of bodymapping for like $4 plus shipping, so if you're not serious enough about the hobby to want to spend $50+, or simply can't, go for that one