Pattern Drafting & Altering

Make clothes that actually fit you.

Learning to sew your own clothes is a commitment, but one that pays off. If you’re ready to move beyond store-bought patterns and start shaping garments to your body, this series is for you.

We’ll guide you through the essentials of adjusting patterns and creating your own basic templates (called “pattern blocks”) using your measurements. Whether you're tweaking a neckline or drafting from scratch, these workshops will help you get the right fit.

What’s Included:

Pattern Altering

Learn the most common techniques, like adjusting for length, bust size, dart placement, sleeves, and pant rise. We’ll shape the class based on what participants want to focus on. This is a theory-based session, but you can test your skills in the Mock-Ups & Fittings workshop if you’re ready to get hands-on.

Mock-Ups & Fittings

Bring your commercial patterns or pattern blocks and see how they fit in real life. With a small class size (max 5 people), you’ll get one-on-one help as you fine-tune and fit your patterns.

Draft a Circle Skirt

We’ll break down the math (don’t worry, we make it easy) to help you draft a ¼, ½, and full circle skirt. You'll also learn how to add a waistband, zipper, and closure. Drafting is done in half-scale so you can learn the process without getting overwhelmed.

Woman’s (curvy) Bodice Block (2-part workshop)

Draft a custom-fit bodice using your own measurements. We’ll walk you through the process, step by step, including how to properly take your measurements. This is a body-positive space, so expect a little vulnerability and a lot of support.

Child’s Bodice Block

A simpler version of the woman’s (curvy) bodice. You’ll need your child’s measurements before class. We offer a free 15-minute session to help you take them. Just book a session to bring your little one in and we’ll handle the rest.

Sleeve Block

Learn how to draft a basic sleeve and attach it to a bodice. You’ll need a front and back bodice block to make it work. Bring your own or borrow one from us. Time permitting, we’ll also show you how to tweak the block to create different sleeve styles.


What is a Pattern Block?

Think of a pattern block as a blueprint: a simple outline of your body on paper. Once it’s been adjusted and fitted, it becomes the base for all your future sewing projects. In this series, we focus on the woman’s (curvy) bodice, child’s bodice, and sleeve blocks. Future classes may include the man’s (straight) bodice, and pant blocks

In pattern drafting you may see the terms “woman’s bodice” or “man’s bodice”. These are industry terms and only refer to the shape of the garment and not your gender identity. You are welcome to draft whichever block best matches your body shape and garment goals. Choosing a woman’s (curvy) or man’s (straight) block does not mean we will refer to you by a particular gender. We respect each student’s pronouns and identity, always.

Workshop Info

Workshops are offered on Thursday evenings 7:00pm - 8:45pm

Check the calendar below for upcoming classes

Individual Session: $40+hst

5 Class Pass: $180+hst

10 Class Pass: $320+hst

Use your class pass to mix and match which workshops you want to attend