The first in our series of pattern drafting classes focuses on enabling students to become proficient in skirt pattern drafting, fit and construction. Drafting and sewing skirts is the easiest subject to build solid foundational skill-building habits in both pattern drafting and construction. Students draft, sew and fit a skirt sloper for themselves or a dress form. Students also complete a production ready pattern and sew a fashion fabric A-line skirt with a waistband, pocket and a zipper closure. 

Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite: none

The goal of the second class in the pattern drafting series is to learn to draft and sew a moulage (a fabric mold of the torso) which is a precursor to drafting a basic bodice sloper. A sloper is used as a starting template or block pattern to draft any upper body garment such as a shirt, dress, jacket or coat. Drafting for the female form is the focus, but instruction is given for drafting a menswear sloper as well.  Students are also instructed on how to draft a knit bodice sloper. Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting I or equivalent skill in drafting and sewing

After Pattern Drafting I and II, students can go out of order moving forward, but dart manipulation is a logical next step. Dart manipulation is the art of moving dart equivalent style lines around a bodice to create different designs. Students learn how to transfer multiple bodice darts into French darts, Y-darts, gathers, pleats, cowls and more. Instruction is given on how to manipulate the back shoulder and waist darts and how to pivot darts. Students are required to draft and sew a garment using the skills acquired in Pattern Drafting I, II and III. Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite:  Pattern Drafting II - Moulage or have a bodice sloper. A beginner sewing skill level is required.

Lines refers to both interior seam lines in a garment as well as the silhouette of a garment. Students use their basic bodice sloper and move through drafting and sewing five different styles of princess lines, an empire line, A-line, trapeze, chemise and double-breasted. Students are required to design and draft a production ready pattern using the skills they have learned thus far and include one (or more) of the lines exercises. Sewing the drafted pattern in fashion fabric is encouraged. Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting II (Moulage)

Students can go out of order after Pattern Drafting I and II, but taking necklines is a logical next step after dart manipulation and lines. Pattern Drafting V teaches how to keep necklines from gaping or falling off the shoulders. Exercises include boat necklines, strapless, funnel and opera necklines, V-necklines, sweetheart, scoop, portrait necklines and more. Students are instructed on both drafting and sewing. They are required to design a dress and draft a production ready pattern which includes one of the neckline exercises. Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite: PD II (Moulage), PD III (Dart Manipulation)

Pattern Drafting VI gives instruction on how to draft a variety of collars and button plackets. Exercises include standard button placket, hidden button placket, camp collar, collar with band, shawl collar, roll collar on a V-neckline, notched collar and more. Students are taught both drafting and sewing. Each student is required to design a garment of their choosing with a button placket and collar and include a production ready pattern. Sewing in fashion fabric is encouraged. Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite: PD II (Moulage), PD III (Dart Manipulation), PD IV (Lines)

Pattern Drafting VII involves drafting and sewing a variety of sleeves. Exercises include basic sleeve sloper, tailor sleeve, two piece sleeve with vent, sleeve with placket, pleats and cuff, short, puff, bell and cap sleeves, how to line a sleeve and more. Students are instructed on both the drafting and sewing of sleeves. Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

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Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite: PD II (Moulage), PD III (Dart Manipulation), PD IV (Lines), PD VI (Collars)

Pattern Drafting VIII is all about drafting and sewing pockets. Exercises include a series of patch pockets, a series of in-seam pockets and of course, a series of welt pockets. Information on drafting, sewing, interfacing and linings are included. Each student is required to design a product like an apron, tool belt, grocery bag or a garment of their choosing which includes at least 3 pockets. Include a production ready pattern and the sewing should be in fashion fabric. Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite: PD I (Fundamentals - Skirts)

Pattern Drafting IX teaches students how to measure, calculate, draft, sew and fit a basic pant sloper which can be used as a template or block for most any pant exercise going forward. Instruction is also given on how to draft a trouser sloper and jean sloper. Each student is encouraged to use the slopers developed in the class to design and draft a pant of their choosing using the exercises in Building Patterns.

Expect 2-3 hours of homework between classes.

Required Text: Building Patterns, The Architecture of Women’s Clothing, by Suzy Furrer.

Prerequisite: An advanced beginner sewing skill level is required.