The Latest News from Clothing Patterns 101





This is where you'll find the latest news from Clothing Patterns 101:

• additions to the site

• video tips and techniques

• news from around the sewing world

• and more!

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High Waist Pleat Dress

sketch of pattern pieces to make a dress with high waist and pleats

This high waist dress has pleats for fullness in the skirt, and is flattering to almost all body types.

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Designing Sleeve Cuffs

Sleeve cuffs are the finishing touch for your sleeves. Long or short, most sleeves benefit from a cuff that contains the fullness, and adds styling detail, too!

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Drafting Center Front Darts or Tucks

sketch of pattern draft - 1st step of CF darts

Moving your bodice darts to the center front creates a subtle emphasis on the bust, while maintaining the fit of your original bodice pattern.

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How to Draft a Sheath Dress Pattern

A sheath dress is, essentially, your block dress pattern - but without the waist seam. A sheath is a close-fitting dress, and so simple to draft - there's little difference from your block!

Continue reading "How to Draft a Sheath Dress Pattern"

How to Draft a Sailor Pant Pattern

hip flare 1

Drafting a Sailor pant pattern is a bit challenging, but the button detail at the front is totally worth the trouble!

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Draped Pleat Skirt Adds Subtle Shape

A draped pleat skirt adds subtle shape at the hips. It can be soft and drapey, or firm and structured.

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How to Create a Design Sketch

how to sketch 1

Creating a design sketch is one of the first, and most important steps in design. Get your ideas on paper!

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Pattern Making Basics: Slopers and Blocks

Pattern making begins with drafting a basic dress sloper or block. This bland, simple garment is the key to how to draft a dress.

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More Pattern Manipulations for Fullness and Darts

There's more than one way to do pattern manipulations. In this video, I show you multiple methods to add fullness or move a dart on your pattern.

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More About Using Quarter Scale Patterns

I'm often asked about how to use quarter scale patterns, and there's a lot of confusion about them. This video explains it all!

Continue reading "More About Using Quarter Scale Patterns"

Style vs fashion - do you know the difference?

Do you know the difference between style and fashion? They are NOT the same thing!

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Patternmaking Tools to Get You Started

The patternmaking tools required to begin pattern design are simple and readily available - you can start with just a couple of specialty rulers!

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How Do Collars Work?

How do collars work? Why do some lay flat and others roll high on the neck?

Continue reading "How Do Collars Work? "

Sewing Gifts for Your Favorite Seamstress - or For You!

Gifts for those who sew are thoughtful, useful, and fun! Try a cute pin cushion, pro scissors, or a new machine!

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How Sewing Ease Differs from Style and Fit Ease

Sewing ease is not the same as fit ease or style ease. Much like a dart, sewing ease helps to shape the fabric of your garment over the curves of your body.

Continue reading "How Sewing Ease Differs from Style and Fit Ease"

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