Brief Description:

This workshop of how to draft a bodice is particularly great if you want to start making your own designs or if you struggle to get commercial sewing patterns to fit.

It will teach you how to create a bodice block to fit your own body measurements. Taking measurements and plotting these onto pattern paper you’ll create a simple sewing pattern that will then be made up in fabric and will fit your shape perfectly.

This pattern / sloper can then be used as a basis when creating your own sewing patterns or as a guide when adapting commercial sewing patterns.  We will also discuss how adjustments to the basic block can create different garment styles.

Pattern drafting paper will be provided and instruction worksheets are supplied so that you can repeat the process again in your own time if needed for yourself and others.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Previous dressmaking experience is beneficial to get the most out of the workshop.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Take body measurements correctly for pattern drafting
•  Create a bodice block sloper
•  Understand how to adapt the pattern for other styles, e.g. move darts, change necklines etc
• Have the tools to create made to measure bodice blocks for others

For the first session you will need to bring:

What you will need to bring will be a calculator (one on a phone is fine), pencil, paper scissors, ruler, tape measure, half a meter of calico or other non stretch fabric to make a toile of the bodice.  A sewing machine,  fabric scissors and thread.

The college does have sewing machines If you’d like to borrow one rather than bringing your own.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

To enrol on a pattern drafting course, or start to design your own made to measure patterns.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.