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

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

Take your dressmaking to the next level with pattern cutting and fitting with this four week cutting and fitting course!

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!

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

Suitable For: Level 5 - Advanced 

Course Duration: 

 Starting 8th January: Wednesday 8th January - 10am - 1pm

                                       Wednesday 15th January - 10am - 1pm

                                       Wednesday 22nd January - 10am - 1pm

                                       Wednesday 29th January - 10am - 1pm

Starting 23rd April: Wednesday 23rd April - 10am - 1pm

                                   Wednesday 30th April - 10am - 1pm

                                   Wednesday 7th May - 10am - 1pm

                                   Wednesday 14th May - 10am - 1pm

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 discount.

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

Workshops Class Levels

Level 1:

Complete Beginner
No previous experience required. You will have either never used a sewing machine before or haven’t used one in a long time enough to need to start from scratch. 

Level 2:

Beginner Plus
You’ll know the foundations of machine sewing and will have started to make simple projects such as tote bags or cushions. You are gaining confidence but are still fairly new to sewing.

Level 3:

Improvers 
You are gaining confidence in machine sewing and have maybe started to look at making your own clothes; you might have made a simple garment but are unfamiliar with pattern terminology and usage. 

Level 4:

Intermediate 
You have made multiple garments and are growing familiar with pattern terminology as well as multiple techniques in machine sewing.  You are looking to start using trickier fabrics or develop your dressmaking skills. 

Level 5:

Advanced
You are confident using patterns and making garments. You are now looking to develop your skills with fitting and adjusting patterns and garments. You are looking to take your sewing skills to a more technical level. 

Where To Find Us:

The Studio is located opposite our shop on Calenick Street. Look for the grey door with the pink signage next to the Moorfield Car Park and PIP Consultation centre. 

Cancellation Policy

Please note that all workshops are paid in full at the time of booking.

In the event that you need to cancel your workshop booking, we ask that you give at least two weeks’ notice.

Workshop fees are only refundable if the place can be resold and a £10 administration fee will be charged.

Places cancelled in less than two weeks prior to the workshop date are non-refundable.

If you cancel less than two weeks before your workshop date but are able to send a lucky friend in your place, no fee will be charged.

In this case, please ensure all details of the new attendee are confirmed with The Studio at Truro Fabrics.

We need a minimum number of students for a class to run. We reserve the right to postpone or cancel a workshop in the event of low numbers, tutor illness, or other unavoidable circumstances. In these rare instances, we will offer you your place on an alternative course or a full refund.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?

We encourage attendees to bring their own sewing machines as it is best to learn on your own machine. In some circumsatances a machine can be loaned to you if you need one but we would need to know in advance. 

My machine hasn't been used for a long time, can I still use it for a workshop?

Yes you can! But we would advise getting a service beforehand. A machine that has been sat unused for some time may not run to its full potential without one. We are a drop off and collection point for Mid Cornwall Sewing Machines - speak to one of our staff for more information. 

I haven't had a confirmation email for my workshop? 

Sometimes our emails can end up in Spam or Junk folders instead of your Inbox. 

I would like to book a workshop as a gift for someone else, is that possible?

Absolutely! Just leave their name and contact details in the notes when you checkout!

Are your workshops suitable for children and teens?

Not all of our workshops are designed for young people. We do occasionally run classes specifically for children and teens but the majority of our classes are for adults only. If ever in doubt, you can contact us at [email protected] for more information.