Pattern Maker Course

Lesson 1 • Tools and Equipment Overview

Covers essential hand tools, rulers, and measuring instruments used daily. Proper tool selection directly affects pattern accuracy and production efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Industry Terminology and Concepts

Introduces core vocabulary used across pattern making disciplines. Mastery of these terms enables accurate communication with designers, sewers, and production teams.

Lesson 3 • Reading Spec Sheets and Sketches

Teaches interpretation of technical flat sketches and specification sheets. This skill bridges design intent and accurate pattern construction.

Lesson 1 • Measurement Records and Documentation

Establishes best practices for logging, storing, and updating client or model measurement files. Accurate records support consistent pattern revisions over time.

Lesson 2 • Standard Sizing Charts and Grading

Explains industry sizing systems and how individual measurements map to standard sizes. Students learn to select base sizes and identify deviation points.

Lesson 3 • Human Body Landmarks

Identifies anatomical reference points critical for consistent measurement placement. Accurate landmark identification prevents fit errors in finished garments.

Lesson 1 • Trouser Block Construction

Constructs front and back trouser blocks including crotch curve and inseam. Trouser blocks introduce crotch depth and fork angle drafting.

Lesson 2 • Truing and Finalising Blocks

Verifies all seam lengths match at joining points and corrects any drafting inconsistencies. Trued blocks produce accurate patterns and reduce fitting corrections.

Lesson 3 • Sleeve Block Construction

Drafts a two-piece and one-piece sleeve block with correct cap height and ease. Sleeve blocks require precise armhole measurement from the bodice block.

Lesson 4 • Bodice Block Construction

Drafts the front and back bodice block using standard geometric drafting methods. The bodice block is the primary foundation for all upper-body garment patterns.

Lesson 1 • Dart Rotation Techniques

Demonstrates pivot and slash methods for moving darts to new positions. Rotation preserves dart value while changing garment silhouette.

Lesson 2 • Suppression and Contouring

Uses curved seams and suppression to contour patterns beyond basic dart shaping. Contouring techniques produce fitted princess and panel lines.

Lesson 3 • Converting Darts to Design Lines

Transforms dart intake into seams, tucks, pleats, and gathers. This technique expands design options while maintaining correct fit.

Lesson 1 • Sleeve Style Variations

Adapts the basic sleeve block into set-in, raglan, and kimono sleeve styles. Each variation requires specific armhole and bodice block modifications.

Lesson 2 • Skirt and Dress Style Lines

Creates A-line, wrap, tiered, and shift dress patterns from basic blocks. Style line placement controls proportion and silhouette balance.

Lesson 3 • Pocket and Detail Drafting

Drafts in-seam, patch, and welt pocket patterns with correct placement and proportion. Pocket details must integrate with garment structure without distorting fit.

Lesson 4 • Neckline and Collar Variations

Drafts multiple neckline shapes and corresponding collar patterns from the bodice block. Collar construction requires precise neckline measurement and stand calculation.

Lesson 1 • Live Model Fitting Techniques

Adapts fitting protocols for individual body variations not captured by standard forms. Live fittings address posture, asymmetry, and personal ease preferences.

Lesson 2 • Pattern Correction Methods

Translates fitting marks into precise pattern alterations using standard correction techniques. Corrections are applied to the master pattern to prevent recurrence.

Lesson 3 • Fitting for Special Body Types

Addresses pattern adjustments for petite, plus, tall, and asymmetrical figures. Inclusive fitting expands the pattern maker's professional capability.

Lesson 4 • Fitting on a Dress Form

Establishes protocols for pinning, evaluating, and marking muslins on a dress form. Dress form fitting reveals structural issues before live model sessions.

Lesson 1 • Grading Bottoms and Trousers

Grades skirt, trouser, and waistband pieces with correct crotch and hip increments. Bottom grading requires special attention to crotch curve scaling.

Lesson 2 • Grading Principles and Theory

Explains how size increments are distributed across pattern pieces to maintain proportion. Grading theory prevents distortion of design lines across the size range.

Lesson 3 • Grading Quality Control

Verifies graded patterns for seam length consistency, notch alignment, and grain line accuracy. Quality checks prevent costly production errors across the size run.

Lesson 4 • Manual Grading Techniques

Demonstrates cut-and-spread and move-and-trace grading methods by hand. Manual grading builds foundational understanding before digital application.

Lesson 1 • Preparing Production Pattern Pieces

Adds seam allowances, notches, drill holes, and all production markings to finalised patterns. Complete markings eliminate ambiguity on the cutting room floor.

Lesson 2 • Production Standards and Handoff

Establishes protocols for pattern approval, handoff to cutting, and revision tracking. Clear handoff procedures prevent miscommunication between pattern room and production.

Lesson 3 • Pattern Documentation Packages

Assembles spec sheets, measurement charts, and construction notes into a complete pattern package. Documentation ensures consistent reproduction across production runs.

Lesson 4 • Marker Making Fundamentals

Arranges pattern pieces on a marker to maximise fabric utilisation and minimise waste. Marker efficiency directly impacts material cost per unit.