Make A Dress Block - Pattern Cutting and Fitting Course with Dot n Cross| Starting 13th November SOLD OUT

Make A Dress Block - Pattern Cutting and Fitting Course with Dot n Cross

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!

Check out our other workshops here !

If you are booking this workshop for someone else, please leave their name and contact details in the notes at time of booking.

Ability Level: 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!

Course Duration: Four session course starting 13th November

Wednesday 13th November. 10am-1pm

Monday 18th November. 10am-1pm

Wednesday 20th November. 10am-1pm

Monday 25th November. 10am-1pm

PLEASE NOTE: Some ‘homework’ will be required, including cutting and sewing your toile(s) at home to ensure we get a fully fitted pattern by session 4.

You will learn:

- How to 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

You will need to bring:

Tools needed:

- A sewing machine in good working order Please note that a sewing machine that has been sat unused for some time will likely need a service to run to its full potential.

- A basic sewing kit, including dressmaking scissors, small scissors, dressmakers’ pins, tape measure

- Paper scissors and magic tape

Materials needed:

- Everything will be provided for you, including a course booklet for you to take home

-Please wear something tight fitting to the first session such as leggings and a vest top. This will allow you to take accurate measurements and you can change into something more comfy after this step.

Get 10% off course materials at Truro Fabrics. Please show your booking confirmation at the till to access this

About your tutor:

Helen Shine, owner of Dot n Cross, is a pattern cutter and seamstress who has worked in the fashion industry in London for over 10 years. She has cut patterns for several high-end designer brands, including Victoria Beckham, Mary Katrantzou and Karen Millen. She has been teaching home sewers how to pattern cut, amend sewing patterns and improve the fit of garments since 2018. She loves sharing the knowledge she has gained over the years with others, to help them on their sewing journey.

You can find her at dotncross.com

Click here to read our cancellation policy.