From sportswear and sweaters to lingerie and couture, knitwear accounts for most of the apparel we wear. Designing a Knitwear Collection is an all-in-one reference book: in addition to serving as an introduction to knitting, design, and production, it is an ongoing resource for working in the industry. Both students and professionals will find inspiration from the gallery of work by knitwear designers on display here—from icons such as Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, and Missoni to today's hottest practitioners such as Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen. The book covers the history of the industry, from the earliest hand-knit garments to apparel created with computerized equipment. Students learn the basics of yarn selection, stitch patterns, and CAD programs, and they can follow detailed instructions for knitting a sample garment, preparing a design development package, and assembling presentation materials for their own portfolios or for showroom display. From concept through finished creation, Designing a Knitwear Collection is an essential how-to for building a successful knitwear career. View

Stretch fabrics are more popular than ever, from Juicy Couture's sweats to the trendy, ready-to-wear styles found at H&M. Stretch fabrics have long been a staple of designer fashion as well—from Missoni's colorful knits to Donna Karan's basics. Designing and Patternmaking for Stretch Fabrics provides the design student or working designer with the essential information for understanding the specifics of knit fabrics and the patternmaking process for different garments. Fibers, dyes, treatments, care, and fabric sources are discussed, along with the principles of sizing and measuring for women's, men's, petite, plus, and half sizes. Chapters focusing on particular garments begin with a draft of a sloper block. Numerous illustrations and diagrams demonstrate the effects of draping, gathering, shirring, ruffling, and making adjustments as needed to flatter the wearer. These instructions will put students' skills and creativity to work with everything they need to turn an ordinary garment into one of original designer quality. View