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.
Why Is My Hem Pointy at the Side Seams? If you have ever drafted or amended a sewing pattern you will know the pain of getting that weird looking jagged V shaped hem at the side seam. In my more than 10 years of pattern drafting experience, I made a few tops that had that
How to Eliminate a Pointy Side Seam (Why It Happens and How to Fix It) Read More »
A roll-up sleeve pattern creates the appearance of neatly folded sleeves while keeping the wrong side of the fabric hidden from view. In this tutorial, I will show you how to draft a roll-up sleeve pattern from scratch, including how to create a separate roll-up sleeve facing for a professional finish. I like rolled up
How to Draft a Roll-Up Sleeve Pattern (Step-by-Step Tutorial) Read More »
In this blog post I will show you how to draft a short sleeve pattern, highlighting some options for sleeve hem finish. A short sleeve pattern is one of the most useful sleeve variations you can add to your pattern library because it works across dresses, blouses, shirts and casual tops. In warm weather you
How to Draft Short Sleeve Pattern – Step by Step Read More »
Shirt dresses are so convenient and practical, taking you from everyday wear to a romantic evening outfit. What I find the most exciting about the shirt dress is that is fantastic option for returning to work while still breast-feeding. Think off the nursery pick up where all the baby wants is a quick access to
How to Draft a Shirt Dress Pattern Step by Step Read More »
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
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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
How to Modify a Sleeve Block for a Shirt Sleeve Pattern Read More »
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
How to Draft a Shirt Collar Pattern (Step-by-Step Tutorial) Read More »
