PATTERN MAKING ESSENTIALS - SHORT COURSE

fitting & Adjusting commercial patterns

Patterns are drafted from a simple basic fitted pattern called a block. This block or fitting pattern is then modified to create a unique designs - for example, by changing the style of sleeves or collars. As the major pattern companies use similar fitting patterns, by customising a pattern to your body measurements, you’ll unlock the standard adjustments you’ll need to custom fit commercial patterns from Vogue, Butterick, Burda, McCall’s, New Look and Simplicity.

 

Course Overview

Students will make a commercial dress fitting pattern and customise it to their figure. This is the basis for dresses, skirts, and shirts. The fitting pattern incorporates your shape and measurements in a top (we call this a bodice), skirt and sleeve. The pattern is a long-sleeved sheath dress and is a classic pattern to keep. After completing the basic fitting pattern, you’lll make alterations to create a neckline, collar and button placket, sleeve style variations and a flared skirt.

What You’ll Learn

We’ll teach you how to take measurements, identify and use fitting lines, adjust the pattern before cutting, tissue-fit a pattern and then fit and adjust a calico fitting shell. Once the bodice and skirt are fitted, you’ll learn to measure and set a sleeve, pattern make a neckline, a collar with a stand and a flared sleeve. Finally, students will pattern make a flared skirt so they have many options to apply to the fitting pattern to create beautiful well-fitting tops, dresses and skirts.

pattern-adjusting

course structure

The course is structured over a full day for 11 weeks. Students work at their own pace so completion times will vary.

Skill Level
You’ll need to be able to sew and be comfortable using a commercial pattern.

Students need to buy a text book and some pattern making equipment for course. The requirements are available in a kit for $150 comprising 3mtrs of calico, a grading ruler, tracing wheels, awl, couture curve ruler, commercial fitting pattern, tracing paper and Palmer Pletch text on fitting.

CAFA 2025 TERM DATES

Term 1: 20 January - 5 April 2025
Term 2: 14 April - 28 June 2025
Term 3: 7 July - 20 September 2025
Term 4: 29 September - 13 December 2025

3 hours/week | $875
3.5 hours/week | $999
7 hours/week | $1,869

 

course details

  • Discuss pattern sizing systems and their application

  • Locate body features and take measurements

  • Discuss fitting issues and how to fix them

  • Adjust fitting pattern for measurements

  • Prepare and tissue fit the pattern

  • Layout, mark, sew and pin the bodice and skirt

  • Fit and adjust the calico bodice

  • Mark, adjust and set in the sleeve

  • Pattern make a change to the neckline to create a low round or V neck and create a facing

  • Pattern make a button stand, and 2-piece shirt collar

  • Sew button stand and collar

  • Learn the rules of button placement

  • Pattern make a flared sleeve, either a shirt sleeve, butterfly sleeve or a bishop sleeve

  • Sew a placket and cuff

  • Pattern making a ¼ circle flared skirt to the measurements of your fitting pattern waist.

CAFA 2023 TERM DATES

Term 1: 23 January - 9 April 2023
Term 2: 17 April - 2 July 2023
Term 3: 10 July - 24 September 2023
Term 4: 1 October - 17 December 2023

 
 
 

book your pattern making class

 
 
 

WHY LEARN PATTERN MAKING?

Because your body shape is unique. Creating  garments to your own body measurements requires specialised drafting skills. A pattern is simply a template from which the pieces of a garment are traced or laid on to fabric before being cut out and assembled. If you think about the infinite number of body shapes and combinations, it’s hardly a surprise that such a small number of people match standard pattern sizes.

You’ll start by creating a pattern block (sometimes called a sloper) which is a basic pattern that you can adapt to create many different styles of clothing - all with your exact measurements for a custom fit.

Express your creativity. Our pattern making courses are designed to give you all the experience and skills necessary to create your very own garment designs, without being restricted to pre-made commercial patterns.

Develop the confidence to alter patterns. Once you understand the fundamentals of pattern fit and ease, where to place darts, what types of seams to use.

It’s fun! Pattern drafting skills will open up a whole new range of sewing possibilities.