Pattern Drafting Skills | Dress

In this five-part course, you will learn step by step how to design and dress patterns, from basic to more complex designs. We’ll cover everything from adjusting fits and lengths to adding detailed elements such as sleeves, pleats, pockets, and zippers. The course focuses on developing your pattern-making skills so you can create stylish and well-fitting dresses, from simple to intricate.

Lesson 1: Solving Fit Issues

In the first lesson, we focus on identifying and solving common fit issues. You will learn:

• How to fix problems such as excess fabric at the waist, loose shoulders, or tight seams.
• How to adjust the waist, bust, and hips for a better fit.
• Basic alterations such as raising or lowering the waistline to improve fit.

Lesson 2: Neckline Finishes and Asymmetrical Designs

This lesson teaches you how to draft various necklines and asymmetrical designs. You will learn:

• How to adjust necklines, including halter necks, draped necklines (for both front and back), and asymmetrical shapes.
• How to change the length of a dress to create different styles, from shorter to longer designs.
• How to design dresses that are fitted at the bodice and looser at the bottom or flare out into wide skirts.

Lesson 3: Waist Adjustments and Closures

This lesson focuses on adjusting the waist and incorporating closures. You will learn:

• How to draft shawl collars.
• How to add pleats and gathers for extra texture.

Lesson 4: Pockets, Sleeves, and Advanced Adjustments

In this lesson, you will learn how to incorporate pockets and advanced sleeve adjustments into your design. You will learn:

• How to draft pockets, including welt pockets, side-seam pockets, and patch pockets.
• How to draft various sleeve styles.
• How to design zippers, buttons, and other closures for a better fit.

Lesson 5: Adapting Complex Designs

In the final lesson, you will work on a complex design of your choice. You can bring in a design you’d like to adapt or improve, whether it’s one you’ve created yourself or one you’ve found on Pinterest or another source. You will learn:

• How to adapt your design to specific body shape and fit needs.
• How to apply seam relocations, asymmetrical shapes, and other advanced adjustments.
• How to finalize the pattern and complete the dress for a perfect fit.

Classes are provided in English and Dutch.

INCLUDED
Use of pattern paper, tools, and of course, tea and coffee.

WHAT TO BRING
An existing design only for the final lesson (it can also be your own design)