CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
PATTERN DRAFTING CLASSES
Pattern Drafting 1 - Introduction to Pattern Drafting/Drafting Skirts
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 flares, pleats, pockets and other skirt styles.
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Expect three hours of homework between classes.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: none
Pattern Drafting 2 - Drafting the Basic Bodice
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.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: some sewing skill required
Pattern Drafting 3 - Dart Manipulation
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.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with)
Pattern Drafting 4 - Lines
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.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with) and have an understanding of dart manipulation
Pattern Drafting 5 - Necklines
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.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with) and have an understanding of dart manipulation
Pattern Drafting 6 - Collars
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.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with)
Pattern Drafting 7 - Sleeves
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.
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Expect three hours of homework between classes.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 (or have a sloper to work with)
Pattern Drafting 8 - Pants
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.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: Some sewing experience is required
Pattern Drafting 9 - Pockets
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.
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Required Text: Building Patterns, 2nd Edition (e-book), by Suzy Furrer
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Prerequisite: none
SEWING CLASSES
Construction 1
In Construction 1, students are introduced to proper sewing techniques such as how to sew and press a seam, how to choose the right needle, thread and presser foot for a project, how to sew darts, insert slot and invisible zippers, edge stitching, top stitching and understitching, how to sew a point and a corner, a flat-felled and French seam, creating buttonholes and more. In addition to building a solid foundation for your sewing practice, students gain a better understanding of their sewing machine. Students will create a sample binder of about 20 techniques aided by written and in-class instruction.
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Expect about three hours of homework between classes.
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Prerequisite: Students should have access to a sewing machine and should be able to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and sew a simple straight stitch.
Construction 2
Students build on what they learned in Construction 1 by learning more advanced sewing techniques such as how to sew a lap zipper and an exposed zipper, how to ease a hem, clean finish a hem, miter a corner, how to sew a perfect patch pocket and a sleeve placket, how to ease a sleeve cap, how to use bias tape, helpful hand stitches and more. Students will create a Construction 2 sample binder aided by written and in-class instruction.
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Expect about three hours of homework between classes.
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Prerequisite: Construction 1
Sewing Denim and Leather
Join us for an Advanced Sewing Series to further elevate your sewing skill level. Students learn how to tame fabrics that are considered difficult. In the first four weeks of Sewing Denim and Leather, we master denim fabric by learning proper needle and thread choices, how to sew flat-felled seams, top stitching considerations, sewing a zipper fly, sewing a jeans pocket, belt loops and more. In the second half of the course, students switch to real or faux leather or suede. We discuss layout options, needle and thread choices, different seam options, how to sew bound buttonholes and how to reinforce buttons.
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Prerequisite: Construction 1 and 2 or an intermediate sewing skill level
Sewing Chiffon, Charmeuse and Velvet
In Sewing Chiffon, Charmeuse and Velvet, students continue learning to tame difficult fabrics. Students will work with chiffon and silk charmeuse on straight grain and bias, learn about proper needle and thread choices, how to control bias, how to sew seams and seam finishes, sewing in a zipper, interfacing choices and hemming. In the second half of the course, we switch to learning how to cut and control velvet, different closure options, seams and seam finishes, and buttonhole considerations.
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Prerequisite: Construction 1 and 2 or intermediate sewing skill level
Design Lab (six weeks/$225)
Design Lab is open to a small group of students who meet once a week to further their pattern drafting or sewing practice while working on a specific project of their choosing. There are lectures and demos based on student projects. Think about signing up for Design Lab if you need help starting a sewing project, if you benefit from weekly accountability, or if you are looking for community and support while you take on your next sewing challenge.
Textiles
Gain the knowledge to choose the right fabric for your sewing projects. This class explains how different fibers, yarn types, weaves and knit fabrics, dyes and finishes will affect your garment. Students learn to recognize, name and understand apparel textiles. Each student will receive a swatch kit of about 100 fabrics along with worksheets and exercises to deepen their understanding of textiles and current market trends. This class will benefit beginner to advanced students.
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Expect two hours of optional homework between classes.
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Prerequisite: None
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Materials fee: $25 (includes shipping within the US). Additional shipping fees will be charged for deliveries outside the US.