Pattern Drafting 101

I just finished my last class this past week in Pattern Drafting. It was a 19 week class ( 1 night a week) in which we learned how to measure our bodies... (30 measurements in all, yikes !), and then draft a bodice, sleeve, skirt and pant pattern. After drafting the patterns, we then cut muslin copy's, sewed them together, then did a fitting, to make adjustment's to draft into what the fashion industry calls, slopers, which was my final project.



The most enjoyable classes, were all the weeks we spent learning how to take these basic sloper's and manipulate them into different styles. For example how to make a circle skirt, or a flared petal sleeve. We learned to do this on quarter sized patterns, basically a bit larger than a doll size. I am really quite excited about what I have learned. This class has taken me to a whole different level of sewing. I now can draft almost anything I want to make...which means I can bring some of my sketches to life, essentially create my very own clothing designs, not just aprons, very exciting for me. I have already used my newly aquired skills to draft a version of a circle skirt with a fitted waistline. Once I get it constructed I will post some pictures...



We used Lori Knowles, Pattern Making for Fashion Designers. This book is extremely technical so I was so glad to have a teacher to transcribe what I didn't understand. I also had to become one with fractions, decimal points and rulers, although that was a bit challenging at first, it has been good to use my mind that way. I actually had to really think about the way I learn math, and use it practically. Luckily, I have a nice conversion chart.


The best part about this class, is that it was free, minus what I had to pay for supplies. This kind of class is usually only offered in Fashion Design programs, but was offered through the Community College Adult Education Program. This also made for somewhat laid back class, and very strange, yet interesting student mix. In the fall I will take the Computer Pattern Making class...should be fun. I have been working on the final project for the past week, and am now eager to get back to creating something with fabric, not just paper.