Explore the fundamentals of pattern drafting with clear, practical tutorials for creating custom sewing patterns from scratch. This category covers body measurements, drafting basic blocks, adjusting fit, pattern alterations, and design modifications for garments that fit perfectly. Ideal for sewists who want to move beyond commercial patterns and learn professional pattern drafting techniques for accurate, personalised clothing.
Drafting a shirt pattern from scratch allows you to create garments that fit your body precisely. In this step-by-step guide, I show exactly how to draft a shirt pattern, from a basic bodice block to a complete, sew-ready design. This tutorial is designed for intermediate sewists who already understand basic pattern blocks and want to […]
How to Draft a Shirt Pattern From Scratch Read More »
This step-by-step tutorial shows exactly how to modify a basic bodice block to create a shirt pattern from scratch. You will learn how to reposition darts, extend the bodice length, draft a button stand, and prepare the pattern for sewing. This method works for both self-drafted bodice blocks and commercial patterns. For this tutorial I
How to Modify a Basic Bodice Block for a Shirt Pattern (Step-by-Step) Read More »
To draft a classic shirt sleeve pattern, the basic sleeve block must be modified to include a cuff and sleeve placket. This adjustment changes both the sleeve length and the sleeve opening width so the cuff and placket fit correctly. This tutorial shows the exact method I use to modify a sleeve block for a shirt sleeve, including
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While I personally prefer elbow-length sleeves, some garments require the structure and finish of a classic long sleeve shirt. To attach a traditional shirt cuff, the sleeve needs a sleeve slit finished with a sleeve placket. In this tutorial, I will show you how to draft a shirt sleeve placket pattern step-by-step, so you can add a
How to Draft a Shirt Sleeve Placket Pattern (Step-by-Step) Read More »
To complete a classic shirt or shirt dress with long sleeves, you will need to draft a shirt sleeve cuff pattern. A shirt cuff finishes the sleeve opening, controls the wrist fit, and together with a sleeve placket allows the hand to pass through the sleeve comfortably. In this tutorial I show how to draft
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Knowing how to draft a shirt collar pattern allows you to expand your handmade wardrobe to include well-fitting shirts and shirt dresses. In this step-by-step tutorial I show how to draft a shirt collar pattern that fits any collar stand, using a collar stand drafted from a basic bodice block. You can read more about the collar stand
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Knowing how to draft a collar stand sewing pattern is a fundamental skill in shirt pattern drafting. In this step-by-step collar stand drafting tutorial, I will show you exactly how to draft a collar stand pattern from your bodice neckline measurement, so it fits accurately and sits comfortably around the neck. You can use this
How to Draft a Collar Stand Sewing Pattern (Step-by-Step Tutorial) Read More »
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you will learn how to draft a button stand step by step using a bodice block, explaining exactly how to calculate the correct width for any button size so your finished garment sits flat and professional. I draft all of my shirt and shirt dress patterns from a basic bodice block,
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If you want to start drafting your own sewing patterns, you do not need a studio full of specialist equipment. In this guide, I will show you the essential sewing pattern drafting tools I personally use, explain why they matter, and help you avoid buying tools you do not actually need. I have been drafting
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Why I Drafted My Own Laptop Bag In this blog post, I document my first laptop bag pattern drafting process step by step, sharing real measurements, drafting decisions, mistakes, and practical fixes learned while drafting and testing the pattern. This tutorial is written from hands-on experience drafting the pattern from scratch for a real 14″
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