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. 

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

• Prerequisite: none

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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.

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

• 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. 

• 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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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