Creating sewing patterns on your own isn’t a big deal. You mightn’t know the correct methods. This is why you should learn how to draw sewing patterns from our following write up to facilitate your everyday sewing and unleash innovation.
Below we present you with the two most popular methods of making sewing patterns. Both are equally productive although steps vary a lot. Here we go!
How to draw sewing patterns by taking your own measurements?
This is the rawest method of creating sewing patterns that offers you the patterns, which fit you the most.
However, drawing patterns with own body measurements is not so easy. This requires you to go through a number of steps. The steps follow below for you in detail:
Supplies to have
- A large brown paper or a pattern
- Ruler
- Curved ruler
- Marker and pencil
- A pair of scissors
- Measuring tape
Step 1: Measure your body parts
With a soft measuring tape, take the accurate measurement readings of your following body parts:
- Hip
- Waist
- Bust
- Height
- Neck
- Chest
- Sleeve length
- Back length & breadth
- Upper arm breadth
- Shoulder length
Step 2: Sketch the design
Create a rough drawing of the outfit that you are about to sew. Make your best attempt to impose an authentic look to the drawing. We mean, the sketch should maximally appear like the outfit in the original.
By doing so, you can have a clear idea regarding the number of pieces you need to create.
Step 3: Draw the length
Have a piece of large brown postal paper or simply a pattern. Place it flat on a smooth surface making sure that the sides are straight.
After that, place a ruler of about 2 inches from the top of the paper or pattern. Measure from that point down as long as the garment will be in reality.
Step 4: Draw horizontal lines
Draw four horizontal lines at equal distance for marking shoulder, bust, waist and hip. After drawing each line, name it respectively.
Step 5: Connect the lines
First of all, have a look at the measurement of your chest, waist or hip. For instance, if the measurement is 12 inches, divide it by 4 that will give you 3 inches, right?
Well, now using a marker or pencil create a dot on the horizontal line of the chest, waist or hip. The dot from the left edge must have a distance of 3 inches. Do the same for all the three lines leaving the line of shoulder.
Finally, with a pencil and a curved ruler draw a common line that connects the dots on the bust or chest line, the hip line and the waistline.
Step 6: Draw neckline & shoulder
Using a curved ruler draw the neckline from the top of the shoulder line to the center front line. Always remember that the back neckline is normally higher than that of the front.
Now, draw a curved line from the shoulder line down above the bust line leaving sufficient space for the armhole.
Step 7: Add seam allowance
In this phase, you are to add seam allowance around the curved lines you have drawn so far. Maintaining a distance of half inch from the original curved line, you should make sure that the drawn seam is parallel to it.
Step 8: Make a sleeve pattern
Are you creating the pattern for a shirt or do you want your outfit to have sleeves? Whatever the case is, you need to create a sleeve pattern using the original measurement. Don’t forget to add a seam allowance of half inch.
Step 9: Cut out the pattern
So, you are at the last phase of this method where you just need to cut out the pattern pieces and label them.
Before you start cutting with scissors, there is a vital task to do. That is – place a piece of pattern paper (same size or larger) just under the drawn one. Match the edges well if the two papers are of the same size. The bottom paper will be the back pattern piece.
Pin the two papers well so that no one is misplaced rather embrace each other tightly. Cut the pattern pieces along the seam allowances, not along the original lines.
You don’t need to cut the curved neckline. This will help you adjust the front and back pieces in the way you prefer the most.
How to draw sewing patterns from an existing dress?
If you are looking for an easier method of drawing sewing patterns, then this one’s for you.
Supplies required
- A king size brown postal paper
- A piece of chalk
- A pair of scissors
Step 1: Trace the seams
First of all, lay the postal paper flat over a flat and smooth surface. Secondly, place the dress that you want to copy, all over the paper. Then, start tracing the seam using the chalk piece.
Using the same chalk, create borderlines on the top, bottom and edges of your dress.
Step 2: Draw seam allowance
Make the paper vacant by removing the dress from it. It’s time to create seam allowances for which we recommend you to use a chalk piece of another color.
So, how to create the seam allowance? It’s easy, you just need to copy the lines you have drawn so far. Make sure that the new line is half-inch away from the existing line and is parallel to that.
Step 3: Cut out
Have a pair of sharp scissors to cut out the pattern smoothly. Cut out along the seam allowances instead of the original line.
FAQs
What is the best software for pattern making?
Ans. Lectra, Gerber and Optitex are used worldwide. You can give it a try!
Can I learn pattern making online?
Ans. Ya obviously, you can. There are many online courses available to teach you pattern making.
How can I make a good pattern?
Ans. First of all, learn from the pros and then keep trying repeatedly with patience and passion.
What are different types of patterns?
Ans. There are single piece patterns, two-piece patterns, multi-piece patterns, match plate patterns and so on.
Final words
To sum up, with a sound knowledge on how to draw sewing patterns, not only your everyday sewing becomes easier but also you tend to be more resourceful with the passage of time. This is how one day you become someone extraordinary from no one.
