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

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

The aim of the class is to come away with a well fitted trouser block. Having your own block is so useful and essential for making new patterns at home. We will be drafting the block from scratch from your measurements, so please wear leggings so that we can get accurate measurements before we start. After we have drafted the block and added seam allowance, we will make up a quick toile in calico to check the fit, before making any adjustments on the pattern. Please note you will not have a finished pair of trousers to take home, you will have a calico toile and pattern block. From your block you can then make pattern design alterations, such as adding pockets, adding a waistband or waist facing, seam lines etc at home.

Suitable For: Level 5 - Advanced 

Course Duration: Four week course, weekly 10am-1pm

Wednesday 5th March

Wednesday 12th March

Wednesday 19th March

Wednesday 26th March

OR

Wednesday 4th June

Wednesday 11th June

Wednesday 18th June

Wednesday 25th June

Please note some 'homework' will be required, including cutting and sewing your toile at home to ensure a fully fitted toile by week 4.

You will learn:

- How to take accurate body measurements

- How to draft a block from your measurements

- How to add seam allowance to your block

- How to cut out and sew up a quick calico toile

- Fitting the toile and knowing what fit adjustments to look for

- Learn how to translate your fit adjustments onto a pattern

- Learn about seam allowance, notches, grain lines, preparing fabrics to cut, and cutting techniques

You will need to bring:

Tools:

- A sewing machine in good working order

- A basic sewing kit to include: dressmaking scissors, small scissors, dressmakers pins, tape measure etc

Materials:

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

- Please wear tight fitting leggings to the first session so that we can take accurate measurements and fit the calico toile

Get 10% off your 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.