Dress Pattern Drafting – Bodice, Sleeves & Skirt

Learn how to draft a dress pattern from scratch in this in-depth, practical pattern drafting course. Working step by step, you’ll take accurate body measurements and translate them into a custom-fitted dress block, building the foundations for well-fitting garments you can adapt again and again.

This course focuses on understanding why patterns work, not just following instructions, giving you the confidence to design and draft your own dresses with accuracy and intention.

What You’ll Learn

Bodice Drafting

• How to take accurate upper-body measurements and apply them to a bodice draft

• Drafting a basic bodice block with correct proportions and balance

• Understanding bust, waist, and shoulder shaping

• Placing and shaping darts for fit and comfort

• Adjusting neckline, shoulder, and armhole shaping for a smooth fit

Sleeve Drafting

• Drafting a sleeve block that works in harmony with your bodice

• Understanding sleeve cap height, ease, and mobility

• Matching sleeve head measurements to the armhole

• Marking notches and balance points for accurate sleeve insertion

• Exploring how small adjustments affect fit and movement

Skirt Drafting

• Drafting a basic skirt block from your own measurements

• Understanding waist shaping, hip ease, and hem balance

• Creating darts for a smooth fit over the hips

• Joining the skirt and bodice to create a complete dress block

Fit & Refinement

• Understanding grainlines, notches, and balance marks

• How to make and assess a toile (mock-up garment)

• Identifying common fitting issues and how to correct them

• Transferring toile adjustments back to your paper pattern

By the end of the course, you’ll have a personalised dress block and the skills to adapt it into endless dress designs with confidence.

SEWING B
174 Derby Road
Stapleford,
Nottingham.  NG9 7AY

Travel

There is limited on-street parking on Derby Road, Stapleford, we recommend the Broxtowe council Halls Road carpark on Halls Road (2 minute walk) £1.00 up to 12 hours parking Monday to Friday Free parking Saturdays and Sundays   https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/for-you/roads-parking-travel/car-parks/stapleford-car-parks/#halls 

If you are arriving from Nottingham or Derby via the Trent Barton I4 the stop is Halls Road. 

If you’ve any questions about accessibility or parking for blue badge holders then let me know.

More Detailed:
All of our sewing workshops and courses are designed for participants aged 16 years and over.