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CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

PATTERN DRAFTING CLASSES

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​I'm excited to share the details of our comprehensive Pattern Drafting series. These courses are designed to help you build essential skills, from foundational pattern drafting to advanced garment construction.

 

Here's a breakdown of each course:

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Pattern Drafting 1 – Skirts/Intro (8 classes)

This introductory course builds a strong foundation in pattern drafting language, tools, and skills. You will learn to draft, sew, and fit a custom skirt sloper and apply it to create various skirt styles, including flared and pleated designs. We will cover both fashion industry practices and standards for personal sewing.

 

  • Prerequisite: none

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

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

The focus of this course is on drafting and sewing a moulage, a fabric mold of the torso, which is a precursor to drafting a basic bodice sloper. This sloper serves as a starting template for any upper body garment. While the focus is on drafting for the female form, instruction for menswear slopers is also included.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Pattern Drafting 3 – Dart Manipulation (8 classes)

Learn to manipulate darts and style lines on a bodice to create various designs. You will transfer bodice darts into French darts, Y-darts, double and triple darts, and learn how to change dart bulk into gathers or pleats. The course also covers manipulating back shoulder and waist darts, pivoting darts, and dart manipulation on pants, skirts, and sleeve patterns. We will explore various sewing, pressing, and fitting techniques for darts.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 - Moulage/Bodice Sloper (or have a bodice sloper to work with). An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Pattern Drafting 4 – Lines (8 classes)

This course explores both interior seam lines and garment silhouettes. You will use your basic bodice sloper to draft a variety of princess line styles, along with empire line, A-line, trapeze, and chemise silhouettes.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 - Moulage/Bodice Sloper (or have a bodice sloper to work with). An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Pattern Drafting 5 – Necklines (8 classes)

In Necklines, the focus will be on drafting flattering necklines that do not gape or fall off the shoulders. Exercises include boat, strapless, funnel, opera, V-necklines, sweetheart, scoop, and surplice necklines. You will also practice different finishing methods like facings, linings, and bias-taped edges.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 - Moulage/Bodice Sloper (or have a bodice sloper to work with). An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Pattern Drafting 6 – Collars (8 classes)

Learn to draft button plackets and facings before moving on to drafting various collar styles, including camp, button-down, shawl, roll, and notched collars. Both drafting and sewing techniques for these collar styles will be taught.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 - Moulage/Bodice Sloper (or have a bodice sloper to work with). An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Pattern Drafting 7 – Sleeves (8 classes)

Draft and fit a basic sleeve sloper, then use it to create a variety of sleeve styles such as tailor, two-piece with a vent, sleeve with placket, pleats and cuff, short, puff, bell, and cap sleeves. You will also learn how to properly ease and set in a sleeve.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: Pattern Drafting 2 - Moulage/Bodice Sloper (or have a bodice sloper to work with). An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Pattern Drafting 8 – Pants (8 classes)

This course focuses on drafting and fitting a pant sloper. You will learn to draft, sew, and fit a basic pant sloper as a starting point for various pant exercises, and then move on to drafting trouser and jean foundations. How to draft details like zipper fly and a button fly, as well as yokes and waistbands will be addressed.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Pattern Drafting 9 – Pockets (8 classes)

Learn to draft and sew pockets to add style and comfort to commercial or drafted patterns. Exercises include both drafting and sewing techniques for patch pockets, in-seam pockets, and welt pockets.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Copying Ready to Wear (8 classes)

This course teaches you to copy existing garments, a necessary skill for careers in costuming, patternmaking, or for home sewers looking to update or re-size favorite garments. You will copy three garments (a button-down shirt, pants, and a jacket) using three different copying methods.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner pattern drafting skill level or higher is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Design Lab (6 classes)

This small group class is perfect for students who want to further their pattern drafting or sewing practice on a project of their choice. We will have lectures and demos tailored to student projects. Consider Design Lab if you need help starting a project, finishing a project, fitting a project, would benefit from weekly accountability, or are looking for community and support.

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner pattern drafting skill level or higher is required

 

Introduction to CLO - Digital Pattern Drafting 1

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning pattern drafting software but unsure where to begin.

Join Alyssa Ridder, a distinguished Costume Designer, Researcher, and Educator, as she guides you through the CLO Workspace. The class will cover basic patterning tools, troubleshooting, fundamental pattern drafting techniques, and pattern alterations. This introductory class spans a total of four hours, divided into two sessions. To prepare for the class, kindly review the minimum system requirements and install CLO Software (click here for a 14-Day Free Trial) on your computer. Additionally, students will need a 3-button mouse for the course.

 

Principles of Grading (Sizing) Patterns (4 classes)

Learn to hand grade (size) patterns up one size and down one size, gaining an understanding of industry pattern grading. You will grade a skirt, pants, short bodice, long torso, sleeve, collar, and pocket. Detailed information on working with a grader and developing size charts will also be covered.

 

  • Expect one to two hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner pattern drafting skill level or higher is required

  • Materials fee: $15 (includes shipping within the US; additional fees apply for international deliveries)

Coping Ready to Wear
Pattern Drafting 1
Principles of Grading Patterns
Design Lab
PD5
PD6

SEWING CLASSES

 

I am excited to share some details about our upcoming sewing classes. We have a variety of options available, whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your skills with specific fabrics and techniques.

 

Here is a look at what we are offering:

 

Construction 1 (8 classes)

This course introduces fundamental sewing techniques. You will learn how to sew and press a variety of seams, choose the right needles and threads, insert various zippers, create buttonholes, top stitch, edge stitch, sew points and corners, and much more. It is a great way to build a solid foundation and gain a better understanding of your sewing machine.

 

  • Expect about three hours of homework between classes

  • 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 (8 classes)

Building on Construction 1, this course delves into more advanced techniques such as sewing lap and exposed zippers, mitering corners, sewing perfect patch pockets, sewing a sleeve placket, how to apply bias tape on necklines and armholes, hand stitches, and plenty of hemming options.

 

  • Expect about three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: Construction 1

 

Techniques for Sewing Charmeuse + Bias (6 classes)

In this class, we will work with silk charmeuse on both the length and bias grainlines. We'll cover proper needle, thread, and plate choices, various seam and finish options, zipper application, buttons/buttonholes, interfacing, underlining, a variety of different hems, and precise cutting techniques.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

 

Techniques for Sewing Chiffon (4 classes)

Give yourself time to experiment with chiffon on both length and bias grainlines. This class focuses on proper cutting, needle, thread and plate choices, a variety of seams and finishes, a lap zipper closure, interfacing considerations, and different hemming techniques.

 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

 

Techniques for Sewing Denim (6 classes)

Learn to sew your next denim project with confidence. This class covers proper needle and thread choices, flat-fell seams, topstitching, sewing a zipper fly, a button fly, a front jeans pocket, back patch pockets, belt loops, and applying rivets and traditional jeans buttons. 

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

 

Techniques for Sewing Leather (4 classes)

Interested in adding leather or faux leather details to your garments? We will discuss layout options, needle, thread, and presser foot considerations, different seam options, sewing buttons and buttonholes, applying snaps, how to miter corners, and how to hem leather.

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

 

Techniques for Sewing Velvet (4 classes)

Master working with velvet through proper cutting methods, tools, seaming options, and finishes. We will explore underlining fabric, zipper and buttonhole closure options, sewing darts, as well as lining and hemming velvet.

  • Expect three hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing skill level is required

 

Techniques for Tailoring Jackets or Coats - NEW CLASS! (10 classes)

Students can approach "Techniques for Tailoring Jackets or Coats" by either sewing a tailored jacket or coat or by making samples of the techniques taught in the class. Tailoring will cover pattern drafting for interior support pieces, proper cutting and marking, pressing tools and techniques, sewing darts and princess seams, sewing bound buttonholes and welt pockets, easing a shoulder seam and securing shoulder pads, sewing back vents, notched collars, how to set in a sleeve and add a sleeve head, drafting linings with jump pleats, button considerations, and hemming.

 

If students choose to sew a tailoring project, the jacket or coat should have a set-in sleeve (no raglans or drop shoulders), a notched collar, welt pockets with or without a flap, at least one buttonhole, it should be lined, and be cut from 100% wool fabric. Students can draft their own jacket or choose a pattern like BurdaStyle 119 Blazer or BurdaStyle 126 Wool Coat. If drafting their own jacket or coat, they should keep it in the style of BurdaStyle 119 or 126. Jacket/coat mock ups should be fitted before class begins. *See optional fitting sessions.

 

  • Expect three to five hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: An advanced beginner or higher sewing and pattern drafting skill level is required

  • Required Textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

  • Optional Textbook: Tailoring, by Singer/Creative International Press

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*Tailored Jacket/Coat Fitting (1 class)

This class is for students enrolled in an upcoming Tailoring class who need to refine the fit of their jacket or coat. Students may sew either a commercial pattern or a pattern they have designed and drafted. All students are required to come to class with a sewn muslin of their jacket or coat, including sleeves and a single-layer collar (linings and facings are not required). Pocket outlines can be marked or drawn on the muslin. The class will cover refining the fit of princess lines and darts, determining pocket placement and style, fitting shoulders, armholes, sleeves, collars, and deciding on button placement and length. Students will work on their own projects and learn from the projects of others. The goal is for each student to have a well-fitting muslin mock-up and a final pattern ready for the first day of the Tailoring class. Students can attend one or both two-hour sessions. While this class is not a requirement for the Tailoring class, students must have a well-fitting muslin mock-up and a final pattern prepared by the first day of Tailoring.

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Textiles (8 classes)

Gain the knowledge to choose the right fabric for your sewing projects. You will learn how different fibers, yarn types, weaves, knit fabrics, dyes, and finishes impact a garment. By the end of the class, you will be able to recognize, name, and understand various 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 is suitable for students of all levels, from beginner to advanced.

 

  • Expect two hours of homework between classes

  • Prerequisite: None

  • Materials fee: $25 (includes shipping within the US; additional fees apply for international deliveries)

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Construction 1

DRAFTING AND SEWING MENSWEAR

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Menswear 1:  Drafting the Menswear Bodice and Sleeve (8 classes - Winter Session)

Drafting for menswear starts with a properly fitting bodice and sleeve. Students will learn how to take and calculate measurements; how to set up guidelines and draft the front and back bodice; and how to walk (true) the pattern pieces. Once the drafting is complete, students will sew and fit the bodice focusing on ease and balancing the pattern pieces. Students will draft a sleeve off the bodice armhole measurements; fit the sleeve, and finally transfer all pieces to tag. Students interested in applying menswear styling to womenswear can start with their womenswear bodice and sleeve slopers. 

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  • Expect about three hours of homework weekly

  • Required textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

 

Menswear 2:  Drafting the Button-down Shirt (8 classes - Spring Session)

In Menswear 2, students will focus on drafting the pattern pieces that go into a button-down shirt. These pieces include left and right bodice patterns with button and buttonhole plackets, a patch pocket, a sleeve with pleats, placket and cuff, back yoke, center back box pleat, collar with band, and a shaped hem.

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  • Expect about three hours of homework weekly

  • Required textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

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Menswear 3:  Sewing the Button-down Shirt (8 classes - Summer Session)

Professional looking button-down shirts start with precise construction techniques. In Menswear 3, students will learn which interfacings to use in collars, cuffs and button plackets; topstitching techniques; effective pressing methods; accurate buttonhole and buttonhole placement; how to sew a patch pocket, a collar with band, how to sew in a sleeve; and how to professionally hem a curve. 

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  • Expect about three hours of homework weekly

  • Required textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer

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Menswear 4:  Drafting and Sewing Trousers (8 classes - Fall Session) 

Menswear 4 will begin with the development of the men’s trouser block. Patterning the zipper fly, waistband, side pockets and back welt pockets will follow. Once the trouser pattern is complete, students will learn to sew a full trouser including a fly, waistband with curtain, and two styles of pockets. 

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  • Expect about three hours of homework weekly

  • Required textbook: Building Patterns, by Suzy Furrer​

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