pattern cutting Techniques and Processes Folder

This is will allow you to create a resource to help you draft some of the patterns for the garments in your capsule collection.

Pattern cutting folders

To help you create the woven garments that make up your Capsule Wardrobe you will need to create a basic set of blocks. These will act as the starting point when you draft your own patterns for some of the garments in your collection.

You will need to draft full size blocks from your set of measurements for the following:

  • Skirt
  • Bodice
  • One piece sleeve
  • Trouser

All the relevant technical information will need to be recorded on the blocks to make sure they can be used as a basis to create working patterns.

You will also create a set of 1/4 scale blocks to enable you work through a series of different pattern cutting processes and techniques. These small scale samples will enable you to practice the different techniques without using up too much space or paper.  These samples will also help you make informed decisions about what design details to use in your capsule collections and how to draft the patterns for those garments.

You can download and print off the full brief and the criteria you will be graded against:

Create an Informative Pattern Cutting Techniques Folder

The required samples to be included in your folders are on the list below that you can download and print off to have as the title page in your folders. 

Diploma Pattern Cutting Techniques

You can print off our size 14 the quarter scale blocks below.

Quarter Scale Blocks

If you find the quarter scale a bit small then the half scale blocks for the bodice and sleeve can be downloaded and printed off. These blocks will be easier to use for collar shapes and the openings adaptations as well.

Half scale bodice block

Half scale sleeve block

All the Block Measurements and Instructions are in the Pattern Cutting Series in the In-depth Courses, but I have added them in here as well to make life easier for you. Do make sure you watch the videos as well as this will help to make it a bit clearer.

Pattern Cutting Series – Taking Personal Body Measurements

Pattern Cutting Series – Your Body Measurements

Pattern cutting series – Skirt Block measurements

Pattern Cutting Series Skirt Block instructions

Pattern cutting series – 2 dart bodice Block measurements

Pattern Cutting Series 2 Dart Bodice

Alternative Bodice Block for the Easy Fit Bodice -there are a couple of measurements, Armscye depth and Dart, that are standard ones that can be taken from Winifred Aldrich –  Metric Pattern Cutting.

Easy Fitting Bodice Block

Pattern Cutting Series – One piece Sleeve block instructions

SMS Standard Body Measurements for Trousers

Pattern Cutting Series – Close Fitting Trouser Block

Pattern Cutting Series – Basic Trouser Block

You should now have your basic blocks ready to make up in Calico and fit. Here is a fitting checklist to help you analyse the fit on yourself and others.

Fitting Checklist Fitting Checklist

I have added the dress blocks below. You will need to draft the One Piece Block before turning that into the Two Piece Block, if you choose to draft that one as well.

One piece dress block instructions

Two piece dress block instructions

YOU DO NOT NEED TO DRAFT THE DRESS BLOCKS FULL SIZE

These can remain as 1/4 scale adaptations unless you wish to create a dress block for your capsule collection.

I have added the Basic T shirt block below for you. It is taken from the green Winifred Aldrich book page 186 with a couple of amendments as there are some typos in the book.

Basic T shirt Block