Pattern Cutting Beginners: Make a Custom Fit Pattern Block

About this course

Participants learn how to draft a pattern block to their own measurements, beginning with accurate body measurement and the principles of block construction. They test the draft by cutting and assembling it in calico, then assess the fit and make adjustments to the pattern. Teaching combines demonstrations, technical explanations, discussions, whole-class instruction and one-to-one feedback. A different type of block is taught each term, allowing the course to focus on a specific block within a broader pattern-cutting programme.

What you'll learn

• Take accurate body measurements
• Draft a pattern block using personal measurements
• Cut and construct a block in calico for fitting
• Adjust a draft following a calico fitting

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for intermediate learners who already have pattern-cutting experience or equivalent competence. Participants work through demonstrations, discussion and individual support in a shared studio, with some activities involving standing at high tables. Fluent English is required; digital and numeracy skills are desirable but not essential.

• Learners should be able to draft from standard-sized blocks and trace a draft into a final pattern.
• The course expects familiarity with seam allowances, balance marks, grainlines and dart pivoting.
• Some class activities involve standing at high tables for periods of time.

Before you go

• Students need to bring a basic sewing kit, including fabric scissors, pins, a tape measure, hand-sewing needles and thread.
• Students also need a pattern-drafting kit with pattern curves, pencils, paper scissors, masking tape and related stationery.
• Pattern paper and card are available in the studios, while calico can be purchased from the tutor.
• Some pattern-cutting tools are provided for use in the studio.
• A health and safety induction is required before using machinery or specialist equipment.
• The fashion studios have lift access. Students should inform the tutor if standing at high tables would be difficult.