PERSONAL BASIC PATTERN MAKING BLOCKS

General Introduction 2
Drafting basic blocks from scratch 3
Standard size blocks for RTW 4
Pattern making books 6
Drafting from scratch, from personal measurements 7
Simplied drafting using fewer measurements, for simple styles 9
Easier methods for getting personal basic blocks 11
Physical tools for tracing and outlining 12
Pattern making software 16
Commercial sources of personalised blocks and patterns 18
Working directly on your body
Fitting shells from pattern companies 20
Altering a muslin to t - brief notes 22
Draping and wrapping 24
Pattern making without starting from basic blocks 25
Using the blocks - pattern altering - brief notes 27
Final comments 29
- - -
This e-book combines and revises sections from 4 posts :
Introduction on favourite pattern altering books May 2013
Pattern making - the formal route May 2011
Pattern making - easier tting shells June 2011
Aids to well tting blocks April 2012
Personal basic pattern blocks page 1
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Pattern making introduction
So, you know what style you want and where your wardrobe gaps are how about making your
own pattern ?
I keep going on about starting from well tting basic pattern blocks. But how do you get those
well tting basic blocks in the rst place.
Pattern making textbooks describe two very different processes.
1. pattern drafting draw out basic pattern blocks from scratch, based on personal or standard
size measurements, using nothing more than paper, pencil, simple rulers.
2. pattern altering change basic/ master patterns/ blocks to make new styles (also called
developing the pattern).
You can do the second process, of pattern altering to make your own design, using any starting
point pattern. You havent got to start by drafting your own blocks from scratch.
This e-book is about the many ways of getting basic well tting basic blocks to use as a starting
point for personal pattern making.
There are several types of method :
- Draft your own basic blocks from measurements. What's taught in pattern making textbooks.
Good if you enjoy the maths and geometry involved, but not necessary.
(See rst section here, starting on page 3.)
- Use a commercial simplied method for getting well tting basic blocks, such as a special ruler
or multi-size pattern, or pattern making software.
(See second section here, page 11.)
- Fit a muslin tting shell pattern to your body (page 20).
- Drape or wrap various materials directly on your body (page 24).
Those are the focus of this e-book.
But it isnt actually necessary to start your pattern making from paper patterns or basic blocks, so
there are brief comments on other methods (page 25).
This e-book doesnt give step-by-step instructions for making the blocks.
Its about the different methods available.
- - -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 2
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Pattern Drafting the formalroute
Three main groups of people use pattern making skills, and they have very different needs :
- RTW designers and pattern makers use standard body shapes and sizes, and may want the
quickest way of making patterns. From designers of huge production runs for superstores to
studio designers of small runs for boutiques. I put them together here because none of them need
be concerned about the shape of specic individuals.
- professional dressmakers and costume makers : make one-off versions of any style for any
body shape, hopefully with minimum effort. The most challenging group of needs.
- amateur dressmakers : work with one person or a small group of people. And we can choose to
work fast or slow, simple or complex, good enough or perfect, depending on what we enjoy.
This e-book is for the third group. Im commenting as a hobby dressmaker who only has to t
herself. Custom dressmakers have very different priorities.
The draft a tting shell, design by altering that approach is the way fashion designers and
custom dressmakers are taught the basic principles of pattern making. But underlying these, the
general aims are to :
- get a good t,
- make a garment pattern for the style you want.
And you can often achieve these more easily by other methods.
So whats done in practice may be rather different.
Im going to talk about the rst principles methods in this section. But not to worry if you nd
yourself grimacing and saying I dont want to do that. There are easier methods, starting on
page 11.
Note on terms : people use the words block and sloper with many different meanings. So I
dont use the word sloper. Im using these meanings :
tting shell : a basic closely tting pattern. Follows the shape of the person its for, with no
design features. Little movement ease, so not usable directly as a garment pattern.
block : basic starting pattern for a type of garment, with the usual ease and style elements for
this. Such as a simple tted blouse or casual jacket.
Ill also mention primary blocks :
tted bodice (down to waist), sleeve, skirt, pants.
These are the most basic blocks, from which other styles can be developed.
Secondary blocks are ones which can be derived from the primary blocks, such as blocks for
raglan or kimono sleeves, casual-dartless styles, sheath dresses, jackets and coats.
- -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 3
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Ready To Wear standard tting shells and blocks
RTW designers make patterns based on a generic industry/ company standard body shape.
Though there isnt one industry standard. Different companies use different ones. So we nd
some RTW companies t us better than others, and some use more attering size numbers.
Shoben Fashion Media publish full size blocks for use in design schools (sources in UK, US).
Heres their block for a womens dress (Big4 pattern sizes 12 24, underarm ease about 4
inches/ 10 cm) :

Personal basic pattern blocks page 4
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
And here is their mens jacket :
They also publish womens blocks for jacket, pants, casual top, stretch body.
Notice they publish blocks for a few basic garment types, with different amounts of ease and
common style elements. They dont expect students to start their designs from the most basic
tting shell. Though they do expect students to devise more complex blocks for themselves, such
as a torso block for dress/ blouse without waist seam. Ive found myself working this way too,
making some basic types of garment that t well. Then, for very simple garments, all you have to
do is change style elements on the basic block.
Heres an interesting story and advice from someone who taught herself how to make patterns
and now sells pdf download patterns on-line.
The big pattern companies also use slightly different basic tting shells. oop book Every
Sewers Guide to the Perfect Fit by Morris and McCann compares them. And there are designers
within the large pattern companies who use their own idea of an average body shape, like Sandra
Betzina and Connie Crawford. Independent pattern companies have their own body shapes too,
presumably related to the shape of the designer. So if we use independent patterns, we learn
which companies have patterns which t us easily with small changes, and which ones dont.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 5
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Pattern making books
If we use the formal approach to make clothes for individuals, we need to learn both drafting a
tting shell from measurements, and then making styles from that.
There are books for professional pattern makers and designers. These are just some of the many
available. Its a good idea to read the comments at Amazon and Pattern Review. None of the
books get 100% approval, especially from beginners.
Winifred Aldrich : Metric Pattern Cutting.
Connie Amaden-Crawford :Patternmaking made easy, 3rd edtn..
Review by Kathleen Fasanella.
Helen Armstrong : Pattern making for fashion design
Kenneth King : e-books on CD Separate CDs on each moulage for bodice, sleeve, and pants,
and for making other styles from them.
I havent seen any of these, which come at college textbook prices.
All of these sources are bibles. They try to cover all possible styles, which you pick and choose
from to make your own design.
I prefer a project based style of learning. For this theres Lori Knowles Practical Guide to
Pattern Making for women and for menswear. I have the one on women's styles, and nd it's
my main go-to book on pattern making.
There are also books for amateurs who want a relatively painless introduction. Some are listed
in my post on my favourite books on pattern drafting
We all have different thinking and learning styles, so my choices wont suit everyone. Theres a
strand at Stitchers Guild on learning pattern making, which suggests other possibilities.
- -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 6
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Drafting personal basic block patterns
Each textbook uses a different method for drafting a basic tting shell that is, starting with
some measurements, a blank piece of paper, and simple drawing tools, and ending with a pattern
for a garment which is (supposed to be !) a good close t.
For people whore interested in doing this drafting themselves, you haven't got to buy a huge
tome. There are basic pattern drafting instructions on the web (many of them, it would take a lot
of work to review them all). Start with your measurements and a large piece of paper, and make
your own basic patterns.
Heres an image of part way through the drafting process :
That image is from a free pdf about bodice drafting, source site discontinued.
There's a wide range of free drafting instructions from the Burda Style site (metric). These are
derived from Winifred Aldrichs pattern making book.
Fitted bodice with darts
[If your front is not average in size or location, you may want to add shoulder-to-bust-point,
shoulder-to-waist-over-bust-point, and bust-point-to-bust-point measures to this method. Also
doesn't include sloping/ square shoulders, high round back. . .]
Sleeve
[Doesn't include a bicep measure, so not much help for large arms.]
Personal basic pattern blocks page 7
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Simple bra pattern
[Developed from the bodice block, so has the same limitations.]
Skirt
[Doesn't allow for different measurements front and back.]
Conversion to princess line dress
Loose t casual dartless top
Trousers/ pants
[Doesn't include crotch length. Or allowing for the different effects waist-to-crotch height, at/
large butt or abdomen, deep torso, sway front/ back have on the pattern needed.]
If you like to watch video demos instead of working from written materials, another on-line
source for pattern drafting is eSewing Workshop (not free).
They have several free sample videos, so you can test if you like their approach. I havent tried
their pattern making classes. Their instructions on altering the basic muslin to rene the t are
part of their sewing lessons.
All pattern drafting methods using personal measurements claim to give a well tting personal
block. But they all have limitations with what body features they t well, depending on what
measurements they include and how they use them. As do the software methods based on them.
They would have to be horrically complicated to include all 88 tting topics in the Liechty et al
Fitting and Pattern Alteration book.
These detailed personal adjustments really are made more easily using a muslin (see page 22).
As all the pattern drafting methods are different, its likely that some drafting methods are more
successful with some body shapes than others. Sadly no one has done an analysis of that !
And Ive given up on the search for one that ts me well rst go on the basis of measurements,
and only needs small adjustments to get a good t.
- - -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 8
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Simplied drafting
If youd like to start your personal pattern drafting with something simpler using fewer
measurements, there are several books with very simple instructions for drafting a personal t.
They can do this because they use the modern casual or dartless block, which at its simplest
has :
- no darts.
- front and back patterns the same except for the neck line.
- as the front and back pattern armholes are the same, the sleeve cap is symmetrical.
(See my post on the casual/ dartless block.)
Much easier and cheaper shape to manufacture. And much easier to make a basic pattern for.
Simplest of all is Sew What ! Fleece by Jessop and Sekora.
Simple patterns and simple sewing instructions for near beginners.
They use 7 measurements to draw their body template. Then they add extra width to front
opening, shoulders and side seams, to make tops and jackets. Easy pull-on pants from 5 measures
and a similar approach. Book leads you through a sequence of projects so you learn both simple
pattern making and sewing. All in eece, so no need to neaten edges and prevent fraying.
Sew What ! Fleece pp.76-7
There's a similar book for skirts, Sew What ! Skirts.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 9
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
For a less easy starting point, theres Cal Patchs Design-it-yourself Clothes. This simplies
block making and pattern altering. Few darts, so not for large cup sizes. Problem : the
instructions are mainly in paragraphs of words with few illustrations. Not good for a visual
person. Also the focus is on pattern making. The minimal sewing instructions are not for
beginners.
She uses 24 measurements in all. For a wide range of clothes : skirt, tee, shirt/ light jacket, dress,
pants. Modern styles, plus instructions for pattern alterations.
-
The simplest Casual Block doesnt t me well. I now have my own casual block with personal
neckline and shoulder slope, back shoulder darts, and personal armholes and sleeve cap very
different front and back (post on that here). Many people with a full front look better if they add
a bust dart to the casual block. Now I can apply the simple style changes which people suggest
for the casual block, to my own version of it.
- -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 10
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Easier tting shells
So far, this has described the stereotype of what pattern making involves.
But, as Kathleen Fasanella so passionately and frequently points out, that is just how RTW
designers are taught the principles. Not what they actually do. In practice they make things easier
for themselves by starting from an existing design which is similar to what they want.
I knew a commercial designer who had pictures of style elements on her studio wall. Shed say
well have that body, that collar, that sleeve and the pattern maker would go off and combine
them. This is also how you work if you use some types of pattern making software, such as
Pattern Master Boutique.
So it can be much simpler. Understanding rst principles is helpful and interesting. And useful in
some but not all contexts. But it just isnt always necessary.
After all, the aim of pattern making is to get a well-tting pattern for the style you want. And
you dont have to go through all the drafting processes described so far to get that.
We amateurs are free to make many choices.
We havent got to start our pattern making from the most basic blocks if we dont want to (see
page 25).
And if we do want to, there are easier ways of getting the starter blocks than by drafting them
from scratch from measurements (so long as our body shape is not too far from average).
So not to worry if you nd the processes described so far are all much too daunting. Happily
there are many other possibilities .
You can :
- use simpler methods for measuring and drafting.
- take the measurements and let someone else do the drafting.
- get a tting shell by tting a muslin rather than drafting a paper pattern, using no more
measurements than you normally take when choosing a pattern size.
All these simplications make assumptions. Especially about the measurements needed.
Some of these methods make very simplied patterns.
All of them include some wearing ease. So they make assumptions about the clothes you want to
make.
Many people, especially custom dressmakers, like to make a tting shell which is a second
skin. Enough ease to breathe, but no assumptions about how loose the garments made from it
should be, how much stretch there will be in the fabric used, or how easy it should be to make
various movements.
If you want a second skin you will have to use a drafting method with no allowance for ease.
Or do draping (page 24). Not one of these easy methods.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 11
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
You measure, someone else makes the shape : physical tools
Ive tried several physical methods for making a basic starting point pattern from your own
measurements.
These are paper-and-pencil easy personal t methods. Allow for a limited number of
measurements. Some of them involve drawing around a plastic template or ruler, some involve
tracing over a special multi-size pattern.
All these tools are methods for drafting a basic personal block. You then have to use the usual
pattern altering methods to make other styles from the block. The tools don't help directly with
that. I think the publicity for some of these physical products implies that all the pattern
designing and altering is done for you automatically too, but it isnt.
Plastic templates
Bont Patterners use plastic slot-together templates to get different size bodies (photos in my
review). For top, skirt, pants. Probably better if you dont need an FBA. I think the Bont book
about pattern making which is with my old kit is poor. Small dim print and few illustrations.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 12
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Special rulers
There are some block drafting rulers which look interesting. But I haven't tried them, as when I
found them I already knew they dont include all the measurements I personally need for a good
t.
The Point and Pivot Pattern Ruler is from Eilleen in South Africa.
This uses personal measurements for bust, bust point and cup size, waist, hip, waist length.
This video shows how to draft a bodice.
There are several similar rulers from Australia :
DKEMEL ruler
Pattern Drafter
Sitam square
Personal basic pattern blocks page 13
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Tracing multi-size patterns
The Sure-Fit Designs system is a join-the-dots tracing method. She claims it can be used for any
size body.
Bodice, skirt, pants, shirt (casual dartless block).
The Sure-Fit dress kit allows for bust, cup size, bust point position, waist, waist length, shoulder
and arm length, high hip and hips.
For people with a longer back crotch measure, the Sure-Fit pants dont discriminate between
those who need more vertical length and more angle, to accommodate a large rear, compared to
people who need more horizontal crotch extensions, to accommodate a deep torso (see my note
on pants wedges).
There are many helpful videos about improving the t, at the SFD Learning Center.
These apply to tting any personal blocks, not just the SFD derived ones.
Sure-Fit calls the basic pattern your body blueprint. You then use standard pattern making
methods to get other styles. I think the very visual Sure-Fit booklets are good. And the Sure-Fit
instructions can be used to make new styles whatever your source of basic blocks.
For me personally, the Sure-Fit bodice patterns dont get any closer to tting me than any other
source of a basic top. And the skirt and pants have so little relation to me theyre not a good
starting point for getting a good t. But many people, who are closer to average in shape than I
am, rave about the quality of t they get from this system.
With the re-issue of Sure-Fit there has been a lot of interest, see Stitchers Guild discussion
thread.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 14
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
In the FitNice System you trace very simple basic shapes for casual-block knit top and elastic
waist pants. Many simple ideas for pattern alterations.
Up to nished measurement at bust level of 48-1/2 inches/ 123 cm.
The conversion for wovens doesnt work well for my body shape, as the simplest casual block
isnt good on me.
The Lutterloh System only allows for bust and hip measurements. When I was trying these
methods I already knew that was not enough for me.
-
Sadly, none of these physical tools include all my challenges in getting forward neckline, sloping
shoulders, high round back, forward armhole, etc. to t. I need to do those t alterations myself.
But you only have to make alterations once on the basic pattern. Then all patterns you make from
your personal basic pattern will include those changes ready made.
- -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 15
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
You measure, someone else makes the pattern : software
What if you want a basic block which allows for more of your personal measurements ?
The idea of pattern making software is that you put in your measurements, and it produces the
patterns for you. All the software brands use different measurements and different ways of
calculating the patterns.
There are 2 steps in using software.
You put in your measurements, and rene the t if necessary.
Then you tell the software what style elements you want, and the software produces the pattern
to your measurements.
So, unlike the physical tools, software does do all the pattern making for you.
In Pattern Master Boutique you enter your measurements and test t a set of basic tting shell
patterns : bodice, skirt, pants, and sheath dress. If the t isnt right, you enter slightly changed
measurements, print out another pattern, try that, and so on. Once youve got the tting shell
right, then you can choose from a huge variety of style elements to make your own designs.
This, and the discontinued Bernina My Label, are the only pattern making software I have
personal experience with. I found this sort of tting process is not one I enjoy at all. And after a
lot of struggles I eventually discovered it wasn't possible for me to get a pattern from PMB that
worked well for me.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 16
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Most pattern making software has a demo version so you can check if you like the method of
working. Though you may have to pay out before you can nd if it produces a good pattern for
your own body shape. The software packages include guidance about improving the t. Sadly
that doesnt necessarily work, if the calculations dont allow for your particular body shape
specialities.
Its a good idea to start small and nd if using pattern software is a way of working you enjoy.
And best to start by expecting better rather than ideal for the t. It may take several tries to get
the best t you can.
And if the measurements used in particular software dont allow for some of your particular body
shape features, such as armhole not half way between shoulder and waist, then you may have to
make those t changes on every pattern that is produced.
These are sources of pattern making software for amateurs :
Dress Shop
Garment Designer (link on left in menu along top)
My Pattern Designer
Pattern Maker
Pattern Master
Professional pattern making software is rather different. It doesnt need any focus on individual
t. And there is very much more design freedom. But that does make it much more difcult to
learn.
-
Although I love using a computer for many purposes, Im much happier doing real-world pattern
making. Rather than working in the virtual reality of pattern software. Many people are the
other way round.
- - -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 17
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Companies providing personalised blocks and patterns
Here are some commercial companies that prepare specic patterns personalised to your
measurements.
blocks
Your Personal Fit
pattern.stringcodes.com
are companies that do the calculating and printing out for you. Claim to send you basic personal
tting shells drafted from measurements you send them.
patterns for specic styles
Fit Me Patterns claims to do the same for specic styles. Personally tted versions of some
Simplicity and New Look designs. Conventional patterns mailed. There are some interesting pdfs
in their Education section.
Wild Ginger, makers of Pattern Master Boutique software, have personalised individual style
pattern downloads at e-patterns.com. Click on the shop tab.
http://leko-mail.net/index.html
Lekala Patterns ask for 5 circumference measures - no provision for altering neck-waist or waist-
hip lengths, which are important for me.
Download patterns, and I suspect the English sewing instructions were prepared by an automated
translator. . .
-
I haven't tried any of these myself. I only came across them when I already knew that I had been
unable to nd any pattern drafting method or software that allowed for my specic combination
of tting needs.
- -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 18
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Which measurements do you need ?
Its not that my body is impossible to t. Its just that none of the drafting or simplied methods
include all the measurements needed to allow for all of my special body shape features. (If you
dont believe me Im that different from average without looking odd, see my post on Getting to
know my sizes.)
Quite apart from the question of whether its possible to represent some t issues by simple
measurements. Any method that included enough measurements to represent all possible tting
issues would be so complicated it would be unusable.
All the drafting and simplied methods use a reduced set of measurements which the developers
think describe a large majority of people. So they really shouldnt claim their method works for
everyone !
As a very rough rule-of-thumb - the fewer personal measurements a method asks for, the fewer
special body shape features it will give a good result for.
If it uses fewer measurements, it will be easier to understand and use, yes. But less effective.
Many of the easy tools and drafting methods dont deal with different cup sizes or bust point
locations. Let alone square/ sloping shoulders, high round back, unusual armholes, large arms,
deep torso, large/ at butt, etc.
Do you know what measurements need to be in a tool for it to give a good result on your body ?
I dont know of any pattern drafting method or simplied aid which includes all the
measurements needed to get a good result for all possible body shapes, to cover all 88 tting
issues included in this book :
Liechty et al Fitting and Pattern Alteration - very expensive, large, and somewhat daunting. A
professional tool. But it does have diagrams showing garments with faulty t. And lists the
measurements you need to compensate.
Commercial tting shell patterns do something similar, but only mention the more common
tting issues.
If your rst attempts at using drafting or easy tools arent successful. And you dont want to be
so analytic about nding a tool that will work for you. Then t directly on your body. Fit a
muslin (next page) or drape or wrap (page 24).
Personal basic pattern blocks page 19
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Fitting directly on your body - commercial tting shells
Well, if drafting from my measurements doesnt give me a good t. And nor does using any of
the easy methods. What does work for me ?
Most ways of making a personal tting shell use many measurements. And its difcult to take
those accurately, especially on yourself. And none of the methods described so far include
enough measurements to allow for all possible body shape features.
But there isnt actually any need to do detailed measuring to get a tting shell if your size is
within the usual pattern ranges. Well, no more than the measuring needed to choose a pattern
size. Plus doing the tting work.
There are several bodice-skirt tting shell patterns :
Butterick 5627 for sizes 6 to 22.
Butterick 5628 for sizes 16W to 32W.
(Connie Crawfords patterns are a different shape.)
McCalls 2718 (below) This has bodice fronts for 5 cup sizes. Individual patterns for sizes 6 to
22.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 20
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Vogue 1004 has individual patterns for sizes 6 to 22.
(Sandra Betzinas patterns are a different shape).
You may get a better t for your shoulders if you choose the pattern size by high bust/ chest,
rather than full bust measurement (see my post on the FBA).
Theres also a pants tting shell, Vogue 1003, individual patterns for sizes 6 to 22. Probably best
for people who dont protrude front or rear (see my post on pant t).
You do have to do the tting work to get a personalised version of the shell pattern. But these
patterns come with a great deal of tting advice.
The instructions in tting shell patterns tell you how to t by altering the pattern. But they can
also be used for tting by working directly on your body, by reading the wrinkles. See next
page for notes on how to t.
-
Of course, many of us use pattern drafting or the easy block making tools in the hope of avoiding
having to do this tting work!
But if we have more unusual body shape features, direct tting is the best known option (and see
page 24).
Starting from one of these commercial patterns gives you a double payoff :
- You get a personal tting shell which you can use for your own pattern making.
- You know how your body differs from the average Big 4 pattern. So you know what changes
you need to make, and how big, every time you use one of their patterns.
This is the method that works for me. Though none of the tting shell patterns include all the
guidance I need for getting a good t, especially around the armhole and upper arms (see next
page).
And now I have good t basic personal patterns, they differ in so many ways from the
commercial shapes, I nd it a huge hassle to do all the changes to a commercial pattern. Easier (I
think at the moment !) to start from my own basic blocks and add the style elements from
patterns I like.
- - -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 21
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Getting a muslin to t
Brief notes, as tting is not the focus of this e-book.
Whatever you start your pattern altering from, rst get your basic starting point pattern to t
well. The idea is : if the starting point ts well and the pattern changes are made using the right
methods, then the garment patterns made from it will t well too.
Sadly the easy methods of getting well tting blocks dont give a perfect t for everyone.
The pattern drafting methods dont work well for everyone either. Before I started trying this
myself, I was naive enough to assume all pattern drafting methods are the same, and that they all
really do make a perfectly tting block without any further effort. Sadly, not so.
So to get a good basic pattern we also need to know how to t.
Make a muslin from the pattern produced by your pattern drafting, or by your personal block
making tool. And improve the t.
There are many ways of working on t, see my post on How do you like to do your tting ?
After years of trying drafting and easy tools, I nally realised the only way of getting good
personal blocks that worked for me was to start with a muslin for a basic block (from any source)
and do a lot of alterations. Guided by this marvellous tting book, combined with reading the
wrinkles.
Liechty et al. Fitting and Pattern Alteration. 2nd edtn.
The only t book Ive seen which includes all my t issues.
Yes, doing it the hard way but
Hurrah, success at last
If youre very lucky you can nd a good professional dressmaker to do this for you.
Like many other aspects of styling, for many of us getting a good t is a learning process. Not
something that can be achieved in an instant. Every step can be an improvement.
For more on this, see my Index page 2 listing posts on t.
And my post about my favourite books on t (about half way down).
There are on-line t classes at Pattern Review and Craftsy, some with personal help.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 22
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
A good close t for all styles on all body shapes ?
I can get a good close t using direct muslin tting methods on basic blocks with darts, for all the
primary blocks : tted bodice (down to waist), sleeve, skirt, pants.
Though I do need to add shoulder darts, and more darts for high hips.
Many people nd it easier to get a good t if they add more seams, or more bust darts. Add
shoulder princess seams to the bodice, princess seams down from the main waist darts of pants.
I cant get a good close t on my body with secondary blocks which have fewer seams.
A cut-on sleeve top has limits. Sewing techniques are minimal for a cut-on sleeve top, so they
can be good styles for beginner sewers. But there just arent enough places where I can adjust
the t to give a good result on my combination of high round back and wide underarms.
Similar problems with a tted style with waist darts but no waist seam (as in sheath dresses and
many tted jackets). To get a good close t over my waist and high hips, I either need several
princess seams, or a partial waist seam. Or compromise and have a looser t in some areas.
Other body shapes may have special difculties too. For example, people with wider waist/
abdomen than hips may need to compromise in how much they narrow a skirt or pants below
their mid-section, to get a attering look.
-
Personal basic pattern blocks page 23
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Shaping directly on your body, for second skin tting shells
Draping a tting shell
If you drape your tting shell fabric directly on your body, you only need measure enough to cut
a fabric rectangle big enough to cover the area. And do the rest by draping.
Connie Crawford has a DVD on this, called the Custom Bodice DVD. Theres an interesting
sample clip at the site.
Theres one review at Pattern Review from someone who managed to do it on herself. From
comments added to this review, it sounds as if this method is good if different parts of you are
different sizes. Or if the 2 sides of your body are different shapes. I havent tried draping myself.
The price of this DVD is above the customs limit here in the UK, so expensive. There is a similar
sounding DVD available here, The Art of Dress Modelling by Lisa Silberberg from Shoben
Fashion Media. But thats all I know about it.
There are written instructions and photos about draping a tting shell in Patternmaking for
Fashion Designers womenswear by Lori Knowles. Looks tricky to do on yourself !
Theres a video class at Craftsy Fashion draping. Not for sewing beginners.
Draping gives you a second skin tting shell. You need to add ease to most measurements to
get a wearable pattern.
- - -
Body wrapping, kitchen cling lm
Have fun with a a generous supply of kitchen wrap and a helper to wind it round you.
Heres the original article describing the wrapping method, by Kathleen Fasanella.
Heres a blogger telling it for real with many photos
This isnt a completely simple method, as you :
- have to judge how to cut into the shell to atten it,
- need to add movement ease to the basic body shapes, to have a wearable pattern.
There are similar methods using materials like duct tape 1, duct tape 2, brown paper tape, fully
shapeable dress forms. I havent tried them, but I love this tale about mishaps with a shapeable
foam dress form.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 24
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Pattern making without starting from the most basic blocks
Actually we havent got to use basic tting shells at all, to get patterns for our own styles.

Professional pattern makers need to know how to 'develop' other basic garment block shapes
from the most basic tting shells.
(Though these days many professional pattern makers use software design tools, rather than the
craft skills of working direct with paper and fabric.)
This e-book is mainly about the 'primary' blocks, the essential starting points from which all
other blocks can be developed.
But we hobby sewers haven't got to draft them and use them to make our own styles, unless we
enjoy it.
I tried to get a good t using drafting and easier methods for several years, and I learned a lot
about all the methods which aim to help you make the starter set of well tting personal basic
blocks. Those are what this e-book is about.
But there are actually many other methods of pattern making which don't depend on starting
from these most basic blocks. Which I've noticed since giving up on trying to do pattern making
the 'proper' way.
Method A :
For simple garments which dont require good t start with an existing garment and use it as a
pattern. Just lay it on the fabric or paper, and draw round it.
A couple of books listed in my post on my favourite books on pattern altering.
Method B :
Start from any pattern which is close to what we want, and alter it (what most professional
designers do most of the time).
For example, wardrobe pattern books supply both base pattern and altering instructions. But we
can apply the same pattern altering ideas with many other patterns as a starting point. Such as our
Tried N True patterns.
Again see my post on my favourite books on pattern altering.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 25
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Method C :
Get a set of personal blocks for the garment shapes you usually wear, but get them by tting
commercial patterns. Rather than by drafting the most basic 'primary blocks/ tting shells and
then developing those to make secondary shapes.
Start from a commercial pattern for one of these secondary shapes, like a raglan or kimono top.
Get that to t. And then use that as the base for making other styles. Easiest to start from a
pattern with few added style elements.
This is what I nd myself doing in practice. Ive tried many pattern drafting and easy tting
methods. And nd I have to do nearly as much work on getting the result to t as I do on a
commercial pattern. So I might as well start with a commercial pattern and cut out the step of
using the special aid.
See my posts on :
tting my own casual pullover
tting my own raglan top.
I also have basic skirt and pants, developed by the same method : starting from a commercial
pattern and doing a lot of ddling with a muslin.
Here's my posts on whats involved in :
getting a good t in my waist-hip area
getting a good t for my crotch curve.
I'm still working on a basic shirt and tted blouse, but making progress.
I don't wear tees and knit tops, or jeans and leggings, or sheath dresses, or different shapes of
skirt, but many people will want basic patterns for them too.
To get a set of good starting point patterns by this route, we don't need help with drafting the
primary and secondary blocks. We need help with t (see page 22).
I no longer feel I ought to be using the proper method of drafting my basic pattern making
blocks. Because for me this direct approach gives a better result with less work.
Method D :
And for something completely different theres draping as a method for making patterns. Cut
fabric shapes close to what you want but with big seam allowances. And play with manipulating
the fabric on a dress form or person until its what you want. (See my post on Draping.) Work
with fabric, pins, scissors. Rather than with paper, pencil, ruler. Some people nd theyre much
happier and more inspired this way.
There are books on draping but I havent tried it and dont know them.
- - -
Personal basic pattern blocks page 26
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Altering your basic well tting starting blocks to make patterns for different
styles
Just a note on this here, as this is a huge topic and the focus in this e-book is the starter blocks,
not on altering them to get another style.
An example : working out how to copy a favourite ared jacket with no side seams and revers
neckline.
Starting from a quarter scale tting shell (white) : rotate out the darts in the tting shell, add
length (pale green), slash and spread (red).
Personal basic pattern blocks page 27
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
I like Peggy Sagers Basic Pattern Making DVD for a good intro to understanding the basics of
altering a basic starting point to make patterns for different styles.
Though its very difcult to re-view as it has no menu or headings, or listing of whats covered.
Ive made extensive notes on what happens when. (And it is expensive, luckily I got it on special
offer.)
And I denitely need to be supported by pattern altering books for reference, so I dont have to
remember it all. See my post on my favourite books on pattern altering.
No substitute for actually doing some, to learn how to do pattern making.
Its fun to use quarter size blocks and play with different pattern making techniques. There are
often quarter size blocks in pattern making books, but I havent found any copyright free ones.
Quarter size patterns t 16 inch fashion dolls with relatively correct adult body proportions (not
like child-shape dolls or Barbie, however much fun they may be to make clothes for !). Here are
a couple of on-line sources for buying these small patterns as downloads : Don McCunn and a
doll pattern site. (Tyler Wentworth is a 16 fashion doll.)
And then make up the design full size in muslin. To be sure the pattern pieces go together
properly. And to check the overall silhouette and size/ shape/ placement of style elements atter
your body shape. Good to make this trial garment in a fabric you can write and draw on, and just
baste it together so you can change things easily.
Getting the right length and breadth of each pattern piece, and the best placement of each style
element, to achieve the effect you want is a matter of judgement, an art not a science. So can
only be rened by practice, experimenting to nd out what has what effect. Which is why many
of us nd we prefer to adapt commercial patterns rather than trying to make our own designs.
Muslins are used in 2 ways :
- for testing the t,
- and for testing the success of the design ideas.
Professional high-end designers and custom dressmakers dont expect to get things right rst
time !
They may make many muslins before theyre satised with the result.
See my Index page 3 which lists my posts on pattern making.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 28
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013
Some nal comments
So which do you enjoy taking accurate measurements, doing the drafting, using an easy tool, or
tting, or draping ?
And you need to decide whether you want to work towards a personal tting shell which is a
close t second skin with no movement ease. Or personal blocks, which can be used as patterns
for simple garments. Or the Tried N True equivalent. Personally Ive tried many methods of
getting well tting basic blocks, and in practice Ive settled on deriving my personal set of basic
patterns by tting commercial patterns.
Theres a wealth of methods for getting a well tting starting point pattern to use as the base for
making new styles. Obviously its something people have difculty with. And have been inspired
to think of solutions for.
I spent a long time getting upset about tools which claim to give a good result for everyone but
didnt work for me. And I didnt know enough about body shape to understand why. I now
know I have several body shape features which arent mentioned in most t books. Ah well, it
was one way of learning about t. And it does mean Ive tried many of these tools ! Now Ive
found the tting help I need in Liechty et al Fitting and Pattern Alteration, Im quite relaxed
about it all.
So, sorry, if you read this in the hope of nding the magic ingredient which removes all your
tting woes. It doesnt work like that for everyone.
But I have rather emphasised the problems because I spent so many years trying these methods
without success. Most people are close to average ! So most people will have much less
difculty with getting good personal blocks than I did.
Of course there are many people who get good results with these tools and are delighted with
them. And many more people nd them a great help in getting part way to a good t.
Developing a tting shell or basic blocks may not be something we have to do often. But if we
nd the right method for us, it can be something we nd rewarding rather than keep putting off.
So if the easy methods produce a successful pattern block for you then how marvellous for
you, and how lucky you are. Im jealous
Best Wishes for nding your own best way of getting these precious personal pattern basics from
which we can make so many new styles.
Personal basic pattern blocks page 29
2013 sewingplums.com Links and products available July 2013