In this article, the author describes the Lutterloh method of making dress patterns, which was developed in Germany in the 1930s. The underlying principle involves the modification of basic designs and it is claimed that it provides better fits for women of different sizes and shapes than do other commercially available patterns. The method is marketed via classes conducted on a commercial basis and makes use of kits sold at these classes. Each kit comprises a set of basic patterns together with specially modified tape measures and various other items. The Lutterloh method is discussed in order to enable an appreciation of the underlying mathematics involved, which is an application of polar co-ordinate axes plotted on a curve. (Contains 1 table.)