Should You Adjust Patterns or Draft a Custom Block? Here’s How to Decide

If you’ve been sewing for a while, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question:

Do I keep adjusting commercial patterns, or should I finally draft a custom block?

The truth is—both methods work. The right choice depends on your goals, your preferences, and how much time you’re willing to invest up front for long-term gain.

In this week’s video tutorial, I break down the pros and cons of each strategy so you can choose what fits you best:

Pattern Adjustments
Great for experimenting with different styles, seasonal sewing, or when you want to focus on improving your fitting skills through hands-on experience.

Custom Blocks
Best if you want consistent results, fewer fit samples, and full control over fit and design. Once your block is perfected, you can draft new styles or adapt commercial patterns with far more accuracy and confidence.

If you're still adjusting fit for every project, a custom block could e...

Make the Most of a Pattern You Already Love

This month, I’m exploring how to get more from the sewing patterns you’ve already fitted to your body. And today, I’m showing you one of my favorite ways to modify the Lila Pattern—by transforming the hem into a soft, flattering tie front.

If you own the Lila Top Mini Class, you already have access to the pattern, fitting tutorials, and a series of design projects like this one.

In this video tutorial, you’ll learn how to:

• Add hem and center front seam allowances

• Draft a clean, symmetrical tie shape

• Modify the original hem band into a tie-front detail

• Maintain garment balance using the included balance lines

Want to try it yourself? One Pattern, So Many Possibilities!
You can grab the pattern and mini class right here:
👉 [Lila Top Mini Class]

Whether you love the original twist hem or want to add your own design details, the Lila Top is full of possibilities—and this tie-front version is just one example.

I hope ...

Do you have a skirt block that you don't quite know what to do with? Or perhaps a straight skirt pattern that fits you perfectly that you'd like to use as a base for a new style? If that's the case, watch this video because I'm going to show you how to create and balance a flared skirt pattern. 

In this tutorial I'll be working with some scaled block patterns. If you don't already have a skirt pattern to work from you can download my scaled block patterns or sign up for The Skirt Block Mini Class and create your very own custom sized skirt pattern. I'll leave links to those somewhere on this page.

Let me show you how to manipulate a basic skirt pattern to create flare and then balance the flare so that the hem hangs evenly all the way around. We're also going to talk about grainlines so that you can see how drastically it can change the look and hang of your skirt.

As I mentioned in the video, get your FREE Scaled Block Patterns to practice your pattern work. Click the image below t...

I have a little pattern design inspiration for you today.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you may have already seen this in my stories, but this video is full of little tips that can help you take any shirt sewing pattern and make it into a dress. Watch the video and listen carefully for tips on how to alter the style of a basic shirt into a shirt dress with a waist seam.

I took this styling one step further and also created this tiered and gathered skirt as well.

This is why I truly believe that the time you spend fitting one pattern is never a waste; with a few basic pattern making skills you can transform any pattern into multiple garment styles.

All My Best,
Alexandra