MAKE A DRESS BLOCK - pattern cutting & FITTING WORKSHOP

1-1 WORKSHOP PRICE: £360

SESSIONS: 4 half day sessions @ 3 hours each, OR 2 full day sessions @ 6 hours each.

LEVEL: Intermediate

DATES: We can run this workshop on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Send me an email if you require a different day and we’ll see what we can do.

HOW TO BOOK:

Click book now to open up our booking form. We will then contact you to arrange payment and discuss your preferred dates.

Buying this class as a gift? Make sure you click the gift voucher tick box on our booking form.

Workshops are held at my home studio in central Falmouth. Address and parking information will be provided upon booking.

TELL ME MORE

The aim of the course is to come away with a well fitted dress block (a basic dress pattern with fitted bodice, pencil skirt and fitted sleeve). Having your own block is so useful and essential for making new patterns at home.

Please note, we will not be drafting the block from scratch, we will be amending a block to fit you. We will start by taking measurements and amending the pattern where possible first. Then you will make a toile of the dress in calico to fit. You will have a couple of fittings, as we refine the fit of the garment in stages. These fitting techniques can be applied to any dress/top pattern that you use in future!

Do you want to learn how to adapt your fitted dress pattern to make new designs? Click below for our follow on pattern cutting course:

COURSE OUTLINE

  • Take accurate body measurements

  • Select the right size block and understand where your body differs from the block

  • Adapt the block for your measurements

  • Learn common fit adjustments

  • Learn about seam allowance, notches, grain lines, preparing fabrics to cut and cutting techniques

  • Cut out and sew block in calico

  • Fit the block and make any final tweaks

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

  • We will provide all the pattern cutting tools you will need

  • Pattern cutting paper, calico and zip to make your toile

  • Course booklet to take home.

  • Tea, coffee and biscuits!

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

  • Absolutely nothing! Everything is provided for the class.

  • Please wear something tight fitting like leggings and a vest top for the first session so that we can take accurate body measurements. You can get changed into something more comfy once that part’s done if you’d like!

WHO IS THIS CLASS SUITABLE FOR?

This is an intermediate class. This course is aimed at confident dressmakers who have experience working with commercial patterns. You will get a lot more out of the class if you’ve already made up several garments before and got a grasp of garment construction. We will cover all the pattern cutting basics with you, such as: seam allowance, notch, drill hole, grain line. If you are wondering if this is the course for you, don't hesitate to drop me a line to chat it through!

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

Helen Shine is a pattern cutter and seamstress who has worked in the fashion industry in London for over 12 years. She has cut patterns for several high-end designer brands, including Victoria Beckham, Mary Katrantzou and Karen Millen. She loves sharing the knowledge she has gained over the years with others, to help them on their sewing journey.

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

This was my second course with Helen, consisting of four 3 hour sessions creating a personalised clothes block. It was great fun working with other enthusiastic sewers and I ended up with exactly what I had hoped for: a pattern from which I can create a host of new projects. I also learned that I needed to up my game and be a more accurate seamstress - all brilliant lessons! I would recommend this course as a foundation for anyone interested in creating their own sewing patterns.

Leonora Nattrass - Make a dress block

Really enjoyable four week class creating a pattern block. Helen is super helpful and explains everything in a very easy to understand way. I am delighted with the final toile produced from my block and can’t wait to join Helen for another course soon.

Jo - Make a dress block

I learned how to adapt a pattern block to fit me. We worked on adjusting darts and we had time to look through various pattern cutting books. I loved how technical and personal it was, and the tea and biscuits!

Alice Jacoby - Create a dress block

I learned about the possibilities of using a dress block. How to move darts and make adjustments when things don’t fit. I learnt more than expected and I loved that this was a face to face class. You are such a great teacher Helen and put me completely at ease, thank you so much.

Susan Manson - Create a dress block

HOW TO BOOK

Click book now to open up our booking form. We will then contact you to arrange payment and discuss your preferred dates.

Buying this class as a gift? Make sure you click the gift voucher tick box on our booking form.

Workshops are held at my home studio in central Falmouth. Address and parking information will be provided upon booking.

CANCELLATIONS

Please click here to view our cancellations policy before booking any classes with us.

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