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
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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
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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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In this step-by-step sewing tutorial, I will show you exactly how to sew a buttonhole on a sewing machine using three methods: one-step automatic, four-step, and manual zigzag. You will also learn how to prevent puckering, uneven stitching, and thread jams so your buttonholes look clean and professional. I have sewn buttonholes on shirts, shirt
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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
Sewing Pattern Drafting Tools You Actually Need Read More »
