Pattern Drafting - 2 day Draft your own bodice block sewing class
Master the Art of Bodice Fitting: Create Your Custom Bodice Block in Just 2 Days!
Struggling to find tops that fit just right? Whether commercial patterns don’t quite work for you or store-bought options fall short, this two-day (13 hours) workshop is here to change that!
Designed for confident sewists with experience using commercial patterns, this hands-on class will guide you through creating a personalised sleeveless bodice block tailored to your unique measurements.
Over the 2 days, you’ll:
✨ Analyse fit issues in your existing tops (handmade or ready-to-wear).
✨ Learn how to take precise body measurements.
✨ Draft a custom bodice block from scratch.
✨ Sew and fit a toile, adjusting for a custom fit.
✨ Transfer those adjustments to a paper pattern and create a durable card block.
✨ Discuss how to use your block to design bespoke top patterns and modify commercial ones.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a custom-fitting sleeveless bodice block and the skills to draft and fit tops confidently.
If time allows (depending on each individual's fitting), there may be the opportunity to also draft a sleeve. Due to the complex nature of the fitting process, this may not be possible for everyone, as time may be spent on perfecting their bodice fit.
With a maximum of just 6 students, you'll have plenty of room to take full advantage of the bright, airy studio and high cutting tables. Plus, there will be ample time for one-on-one support from Emma.
Ready to elevate your sewing game?
Join us!
Master the Art of Bodice Fitting: Create Your Custom Bodice Block in Just 2 Days!
Struggling to find tops that fit just right? Whether commercial patterns don’t quite work for you or store-bought options fall short, this two-day (13 hours) workshop is here to change that!
Designed for confident sewists with experience using commercial patterns, this hands-on class will guide you through creating a personalised sleeveless bodice block tailored to your unique measurements.
Over the 2 days, you’ll:
✨ Analyse fit issues in your existing tops (handmade or ready-to-wear).
✨ Learn how to take precise body measurements.
✨ Draft a custom bodice block from scratch.
✨ Sew and fit a toile, adjusting for a custom fit.
✨ Transfer those adjustments to a paper pattern and create a durable card block.
✨ Discuss how to use your block to design bespoke top patterns and modify commercial ones.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a custom-fitting sleeveless bodice block and the skills to draft and fit tops confidently.
If time allows (depending on each individual's fitting), there may be the opportunity to also draft a sleeve. Due to the complex nature of the fitting process, this may not be possible for everyone, as time may be spent on perfecting their bodice fit.
With a maximum of just 6 students, you'll have plenty of room to take full advantage of the bright, airy studio and high cutting tables. Plus, there will be ample time for one-on-one support from Emma.
Ready to elevate your sewing game?
Join us!
Further Information
- How to take accurate body measurements (working in pairs)
- How to draft an initial bodice block using the Winifred Aldrich method
- How to create and fit a calico toile using your block
- How to assess fit and make adjustments to your toile. The changes will be transferred back to the paper pattern and if necessary, a second toile made
- How to create a final block which can be used for future projects
- How to adapt the paper pattern to specific designs, and use the block to adapt commercial patterns
Level 5 - Advanced Dressmaker - Please click here to read the description of this level to ensure it is suited to you
There is some maths/working with numbers involved in this class related to your measurements. A calculator/smart phone with calculator on it will be useful.
- Use of specialised measuring tools and equipment
- Full use of sewing machines and sewing tools
- Dot and cross dressmakers pattern paper
- Calico fabric for making the toile
- Card for final block
- Tea/coffee and biscuits
- 10% off full priced fabrics purchased at g&g on the day of your course
A calculator or your phone that has a calculator on.
Please bring a packed lunch or visit some of the lovely local cafes during your 30 minute lunch break.
Emma Smith
Emma started sewing as a young girl using scraps from her mum’s dressmaking to makes dolls clothes.
She developed that love through needlework class at school, and fashion and textiles courses at college and University, after which she spent time working in the garment making industry.
She now works as a freelance sewing tutor and loves sharing her passion with others, as well as finding time to sew most of her own clothes – she has the motto “if I can make it I can’t buy it”!
On the rare occasions she’s outside of the sewing room Emma endeavours to stay fit and healthy by running and training in a local gym.
Dates & Times
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Pattern Drafting - 2 day Draft your own bodice block sewing class 6 places remaining £350Starts on
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Pattern Drafting - 2 day Draft your own bodice block sewing class 6 places remaining £350Starts on
