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!

Check in often - and follow us on Facebook, too!





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!

Continue reading "How to Draft a Sailor Pant Pattern"

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.

Continue reading "Draped Pleat Skirt Adds Subtle Shape"

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!

Continue reading "How to Create a Design Sketch"

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.

Continue reading "Pattern Making Basics: Slopers and Blocks"

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.

Continue reading "More Pattern Manipulations for Fullness and Darts"

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!

Continue reading "Style vs fashion - do you know the difference?"

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!

Continue reading "Patternmaking Tools to Get You Started"

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!

Continue reading "Sewing Gifts for Your Favorite Seamstress - or For You!"

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"

Do You Speak the "Language of Patterns"?

Do you speak the "language of patterns"? Yes, patterns have a language - it's in the markings that communicate the details of how to cut and sew the garment.

Continue reading "Do You Speak the "Language of Patterns"?"

Fit and Proportion in Fashion Design

Fit and proportion are every bit as important to your look as your style. Even the greatest style falls flat if it's out of proportion.

Continue reading "Fit and Proportion in Fashion Design"

Where Do You Find Your Design Inspiration?

Finding inspiration for your designs isn't that hard. Inspiration is all around you - on TV, in magazines, even on the people around you!

Continue reading "Where Do You Find Your Design Inspiration?"

Do You Have Trouble Fitting the Bust?

If you have trouble fitting the bust of your bodice, you'll need a Full Bust Adjustment (or a Small Bust Adjustment, as the case may be).

Continue reading "Do You Have Trouble Fitting the Bust?"

Return to top of page

Return to Clothing Patterns 101 Home Page

ClothingPatterns101.com does not sell the personal information of its users to anyone, ever.