Can't Find Clothes You Like in the Store?

Learn to Draft a Dress Block Using Your OWN Measurements

Petite? Plus sized?  Too old for skimpy minis but too young for frumpy tents?

You probably have a hard time shopping for the clothes you like and those that fit you well.

You're not a cookie-cutter shape and don't have cookie-cutter tastes. 

I've been there - I'm 5'2" and a size 16.  The retail world will accommodate women who are short or fat, but not both!

So, I've been sewing since I was about 12 (and that was many decades ago!).  I've never been good at "trendy", but I'm sick of fumpy, "old lady" clothes, too.

So What Does This Have To Do With Drafting a Dress Block?

Everything!

The first step in looking good is wearing clothes that fit.  The second step is wearing clothes you like - those that reflect who you are and how you want the world to see you.

If you sew, maybe you're ready to take the next step - designing your own clothes and making your own patterns.

The "Beginner's Guide to Drafing a Dress Block" Will Help You Take That Next Step

When you draft a block from your own measurements, you'll get a better fit than using a commercial fitting pattern. You'll have fewer fit corrections to deal with when fitting your block. And with a well-fitting dress block, you'll have a good, basic pattern from which you can design any style you like!  Make the skirt more full, remove the sleeves, change the neckline, and voila!  You have a new dress - one that reflects your personality and style!

You'll use your dress block over and over again - and not just for dresses.  You'll use your block to design skirts, blouses, and tops, too.

With illustrated instructions and over an hour of video demonstrating the process, we'll take you through the process, step-by-step. Don't worry, we're there to help!

What Do I Get With the "Beginner's Guide to Drafting A Dress Block"?

Lots of stuff!

This in-depth tutorial includes:

• An introduction that tells you what you'll need to get started (and it's not much!  Some paper, pencils, and a couple of specialty rulers are all you need).
  
• Illustrated, step-by-step instructions for drafting the bodice, sleeve, and skirt of your dress block.
• More than an hour of video demonstrating each of the steps.  Using the videos in conjunction with the illustrated instructions make the process easy! The videos are available either online (for the digital version of the tutorial) or on the DVD.
• A bonus video showing you how to take the measurements you'll need to draft the block, along with a measurement sheet to record the information so you'll have it handy as you draft.
• Instructions for "truing" you pattern - how to ensure that the pieces fit together properly and that you've added grainlines and markings for easy cutting and stitching.
• A video on basic fitting techniques, to help you get the right fit, right from the start.
  
• Another bonus - a separate tutorial (with videos, of course!) showing you how to then use your dress bodice and skirt to create a blouse block.  If you wear a lot of blouses or tops, this is an invaluable, time-saving lesson that will have you drafting blouses and tops in no time!
  

Sounds Great!!  So How Do I Order?

Just make your choice between the downloadable version (with printable PDF files and online videos) or the DVD version (with PDFs and videos all on the disc). 

Then click the button!

Take control of your closet and design the clothes you want to wear - clothes that fit perfectly and look great!

Purchase the Digital/Downloadable version of the tutorial. You'll have instant access to the pdf files (which you can download and print) and to the online videos on a password-protected page on Vimeo.  The videos in this version are not downloadable. Internet access is required to view the videos.        $24.97  USD  Yes! Teach me to draft my dress block!

Purchase the DVD version of the tutorial. You'll receive all of the same material as the digital version of the tutorial, but in DVD format.  This is the best option if your internet access isn't reliable or if you want a permanent, physical product.  The videos are included on the DVD (viewable on your computer, not a DVD player), so internet access is not necessary to view the videos.                          $29.97  USD      plus shipping.                           (Shipping is $7 USD within the US, $25 USD to Canada, and $34 USD internationally) Send Me a DVD to draft my dress block!

Sales tax will be charged for purchases within Wisconsin.

VAT will be charged on the digital download version in the European Union.

Return to Clothing Patterns 101 Home Page