CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

PATTERN DRAFTING CLASSES

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Pattern Drafting 1 - Skirts/Intro (8 classes)

The first in a series of pattern drafting classes focuses on students becoming proficient in the language and tools of patternmaking through drafting and sewing skirts. In the first half of the class, students draft, sew and fit a skirt sloper for themselves, a friend or a dress form. The second half is spent using the sloper to draft flare skirts, pleated skirts, and other skirt styles. Both industry standards and personal sewing standards are addressed.  

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• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite: none

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Pattern Drafting 2 -  Drafting the Basic Bodice (8 classes)

The focus in the second class in the patternmaking 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 to draft any upper body garment. Drafting for the female form is the focus, but instruction is given for drafting menswear slopers as well.

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• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite: some sewing skill required

 

Pattern Drafting 3 - Dart Manipulation (8 classes)

Dart manipulation is the art of moving dart equivalent style lines around a bodice to create different designs. Students learn how to transfer 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 learn proper sewing, pressing and fitting of darts.

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• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite:  Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with)

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Pattern Drafting 4 - Lines (8 classes)

Lines refers to interior seam lines in a garment, but we will also address the silhouette of a garment. Students use their basic bodice sloper to draft different princess lines styles, empire lines, A-line, trapeze, chemise and double-breasted styles.

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• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with) and have an understanding of dart manipulation

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Pattern Drafting 5 - Necklines (8 classes)

Pattern Drafting 5 focuses on drafting flattering necklines which don’t gape  or fall off the shoulders. Exercises include boat neckline, strapless, funnel, opera necklines, V-necklines, sweetheart, scoop, and portrait necklines. Students will practice different finishing methods for sewing necklines (facings,  linings, and bias tape). 

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• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with) and have an understanding of dart manipulation

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Pattern Drafting 6 - Collars (8 classes)

In Pattern Drafting 6, students first learn how to draft button plackets and facings before moving on to drafting a variety of different collar styles. Exercises include camp collar, button down collars, shawl collar, roll collar, and notched collar. Students are taught both drafting and sewing of these collar styles.

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• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with)

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Pattern Drafting 7 - Sleeves (8 classes)

Students learn to draft a basic sleeve sloper (or block). Once we fit the sloper, we use it to draft a variety of sleeve styles. Exercises include tailor sleeve, two piece sleeve with vent, sleeve with placket, pleats and cuff, short, puff, bell and cap sleeves, and how to line a sleeve. Instruction is given on how to properly set (sew-in) a sleeve.

 

• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with) 

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Pattern Drafting 8 - Pants (8 classes)

Pattern Drafting 8 focuses on drafting and fitting a pant sloper (or block). In the first 4 weeks, students are shown how to draft, sew and fit a basic pant sloper which can be used as a starting point for almost any pant exercise going forward. In the second half of the class the focus is on drafting trouser,  jean and jumpsuit foundations.

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• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite: Some sewing experience is required

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Pattern Drafting 9 - Pockets (8 classes)

Pattern Drafting 9 is all about drafting and sewing pockets which are often the finishing touch on a garment and an easy way to add your own style. Exercises include a series of patch pockets, a group of in-seam pockets, and three styles of welt pockets.

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• Expect three hours of homework between classes

• Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer

• Prerequisite: none

Coping Ready To Wear (8 classes)

Students in CRTW learn how to copy existing garments. This is a necessary skill for those looking for a career in costuming or as a patternmaker in the ready-to-wear industry, or for the home sewer. Who doesn’t have that favorite garment that needs an update or to be re-sized? Students will copy three garments (a button-down shirt, and two other garments of their choosing) using three different copying methods.

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• Expect three hours of optional homework between classes

• Prerequisite: Some patternmaking knowledge would be helpful

 

Principles of Grading (Sizing) Patterns (4 classes)

Students learn to hand grade (size) patterns up one size and down once size. Learning the principles of grading will give you a clear understanding of how patterns are graded in the fashion industry. Students grade a skirt, pants, short bodice, long torso, sleeve, collar and pocket. Detailed information on how to work with a grader is presented as is a discussion on how size charts are developed in the fashion industry. 

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• Expect two hours of optional homework between classes

• Prerequisite: None

• Materials fee: $15 (includes shipping within the US). Additional shipping fees will be charged for deliveries outside the US.