How to Create Patterns that Fit

Recently this question popped into my inbox: "How do I begin creating my own patterns that fit?" I get this question a lot so I thought it would be good to address it. In this video I'll share the answer to this question and give you an opportunity that you'll definitely want to take me up on if you want to get started at no cost to you.

If you're someone with a growing desire to learn more about pattern making for fit and design, you're not alone.  As you gain and master more advanced sewing skills you'll naturally become intellectually and creatively ready to level up. You'll likely become tired of constantly making the same fitting adjustments to commercial sewing patterns and fed up with compromising on styles that are close, but not exactly what you're looking for.

If you constantly struggle with fitting no matter what pattern company you use, creating a set of personalized pattern blocks may just be the right next step for you. A basic block drafted to your measurements and refined to fit your shape will mean you get to skip all the fitting issues that arise for you in commercially made patterns.

Once the basic block is drafted and refined to fit, it's ready to be used as a starting point for creating other pattern designs. The theory is that if the block fits any garment made from it will also fit. 

Full disclosure:

There are 3 things you need to know before you delve into the drafting process.

• The first is that it will require some math and some detailed work, but this takes no greater skill or experience than what you've acquired through your sewing practice.
• The second is that you will still need to work through the fitting process to obtain a basic block that fits. This can be challenging for some but with the right guidance you can absolutely achieve a good fitting block pattern. I've got loads of free tutorials that can help.
• The third thing you need to know is that in order to go from a basic block that fits you to any design your heart desires, you're going to need to build some pattern making skills, but don't let this discourage you. 

The process of building your pattern design skills is exactly like learning how to sew; you'll take it one project at a time. With each pattern design project you'll learn a skill that will serve you in the next and before you know it you'll be designing your own patterns using your personal blocks.

Here's that opportunity I told you about earlier…

If you would like to give this process a try I'd like to invite you to join my free Skirt Block Mini Class. 

When you sign up for the class you'll receive the drafting instructions for a woven skirt block and a series of emails that will give you step-by-step guidance in creating a custom size skirt pattern using your personal body measurements. 

In just 5 days you'll have a made to measure skirt pattern with additional tutorials on how to fit it, how to draft a waistband for it, and how to design a flared skirt using your block.

If you're tired of constantly making the same fitting adjustments to commercial sewing patterns, fed up with compromising on style, and want to begin creating your own patterns that fit, this class is for you! 

Don't hesitate, sign up today and get started right away.

Be sure to look for a link to join the In-House Patterns Facebook group in your first email so you can discuss and share your work with the others who are also following along. 

 I'll see you there.

Alexandra