How to Pattern Draft – Drafting a Bodice Block

Calling all sewists! Are you interested in learning how to draft patterns but don’t know where to start? In our new series, Pattern Drafting for Beginners, we teach you all the skills you will need to master creating custom made patterns and adaptations. Join Izzy as she takes you right from the beginning, paying attention to your form, basic drafting skills such as drawing and sewing your patterns and manipulation to get your garments fitting like a glove.

Throughout this series, you will discover our top recommendations for the best tools and fabric for pattern drafting in your sewing space. As well as crafting bespoke skirt, dress, trouser and top blocks, you will also learn how to work with darts, draft collars, sleeves, cuffs and much more. Subscribe and follow along so you don’t miss an episode!

In this episode, Izzy is showing you how to create a custom bodice block! Follow along to learn how to take accurate measurements and translate them in onto paper, each following episode will show you how to turn this block into decorative bodice pattern styles.

Minerva is a friendly online community where you'll find thousands of people who love sewing just as much as you. Join today for free to set up your profile, start sharing your makes, connect with like-minded makers and explore a world of sewing inspiration.

Music: The Nerve

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[joanneroberts]

Made my bodice block today. I would say to anyone following, just trust the process and go with the flow. I didn't understand it per se, I just did it as Izzy said to. Some things looked strange (my back armsyce looks ridiculous compared to what I have seen on paper patterns) but when you sew it up and continue the series everything will fall into place. That is what happened to me when I made the skirt block. So have faith people 😉 Sewing this up as a toile next. x

[sandrataylor]

Phew! Just finished drawing up my body block, great instructions from Izzy, thankyou!

[wendykellar]

great tutorial - very easy to follow and and understand

[ccaerollj.]

Thank you. You helped me a lot. ❤ Please make a video about Dart Manipulation + explaination.

[dukeofpurl]

Old, retired noob here. Can your excellent instructions in this drafting series be made applicable for a man's shirt. I what to take a shot at drafting and sewing my very own bespoke shirt. My daughter says - "It can't be done Dad - not at your age!" By gum, I'll prove her wrong! 😂

[preciousokolonkwo]

Please how did you get your Armscye depth?

[PinkieMasinga]

Hi Minerva.
I would like to purchase the drafting mat, how should I go about it?

[olgaenebeli]

The width of the front neckline is one cm larger than the back neckline, which is absolutely wrong and will lead to an overflow of fabric at the front neckline. It should be the same as the width of the back neckline or 0.5-1cm less

[wenshi]

This is only the bodice and too small size. Can you show us how to use this bodice to be a classic long and short sleeve blouse.How to add size to be tight, medium and loose fit?
Can you put the measured number and calculated number on here? I need look and think it.
Thanks

[ArcaneMagic]

This is really helpful! By far the most in depth and understandable pattern drafting guide that I've seen so far, I'll definitely be using this when I sit down to make my own!

[JulieH]

Thankyou so much. This is the first time I have been able to really follow an explanation of drafting a bodice block. I am looking forward to the upcoming videos, In particular the fitting adjustments. I had a unilateral mastectomy a number of years ago (right side without reconstruction) and have been working on how to eliminate the side bust dart. I’ve had some success but it’s a continuous learning process and now I have the front darts to consider as well😅. Thanks once again.

[margaretHus]

I didn't hear if you added 5/8 of an inch for seam allowance

[kailam_]

I got stuck because my shoulder length was 19 cm and the lines ended up crossing over eachother from front and back - do you think I measured that wrong? Please help! :)

[kayemallory]

On my back bodice, the across back(27cm) line extends beyond the shoulder line(23.5) from center back. When it's time to draw the armscye, it isn't round at all. Any ideas? The front is ok.

[iraza]

How do you use this bodice measurement to measure on a fabric to cut and sew a blouse or a dress??

[gracehowie]

I love hearing your calm voice and detailed instructions. However if I may suggest to label the lines to make it easier for a noob like me to follow? I made some mistakes and find that I had to go through the whole video again to get back to the point/ line that I need to correct it. Thank you.

[jianinaardean]

Bună! Te rog pune subtitrare și în limba romana...nu înțeleg asa bine toate detaliile și imi place ceea ce vad dar mar ajuta mult și explicațiile verbale ! Multumesc!😊

[lindadevuyst]

Fantastic video..I made my block today, it fits pretty good except a little too wide at the upper chest…my question is do you think If made a bigger bust dart it would make Centre front at neck to about 3 “ down a tad smaller??..the rest fits great❤❤❤❤

[cx]

Hi izzy i have just recently come across your videos and i must say i have found them inspiring and engaging so thank you. So the reason for me getting intouch is my first love is photography and when my mum passed away i took on her sewing machines and have tried to make some outfit for my own photoshoots. But the problem i have is that i work with different models with different body sizes, so was wondering which would be a good overhaul Bodice block size to start with, thanks again and look forward to hearing from Chris the photographer

[zizistavrakou]

My dear Izzy this is an amazing drafting series. I have just finished with the bodice draft and looking forward to sewing it. You are the best teacher I have ever met!!! I am blessed to have found minerva channel, you are excellent. I have a small request for a video to be included in the bodice series. Please, show us how to eliminate all the darts of the bodice and end up with a dartless bodice, so that we could use for shirts or blouses with no darts. Thank you so much in advance!!!