Fearlessly Draft Your Own Sewing Patterns - What the Pattern Companies Don't Want You to Know

Have you ever tried to sew a garment using a vintage pattern reissued from one of the major pattern companies but it didn't turn out quite like you wanted it to? Do you wish you could draft your own sewing patterns but it feels rather intimidating?

This video examines what the Big 4 pattern makers don't want you to know about commercial or ready-made patterns. It also demonstrates how to make Mrs. Depew's 1950s slip pattern in less than an hour using a vintage draft-at-home pattern-making process. The French pattern-making process is an ideal way to fearlessly draft your own patterns that fit you perfectly and make you feel fabulous!

Harness your creativity and confidence to make the clothes you’ve only seen in your dreams. Join Dr. Julie-Ann on an adventure to take control of your vintage-inspired wardrobe. Don’t be intimidated by sewing patterns, and get ready to create the perfect pieces.

Slip pattern:

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**Supplies:
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[themodernretrowoman]

What is your experience sewing vintage reproduction garments from the Big Four pattern companies? Do you draft your own patterns?

[traceycoles]

I've lost just over 11 stone in the last 10 months, I really need new clothes (more of them) so I will be making my own patterns.

[hameratahir]

My mum was taught in Pakistan where patterns dont exist! Just taking measurements is enough to make a unique and fab dress! Now that's a real skill!

[hameratahir]

I did a tailoring course where I learned to take measurements then design the dress, cut and sew it. The problem ow is that fabric stores are closing down and its really difficult to find anything i want to wear! Commercial patterns waste far too much fabric.

[evelynsaungikar]

Besides the “math” fear, there the body shaming, that if we don’t fit the standard pattern, we don’t deserve well fitting clothes!

[cvan]

My first time on your channel and I am happy to be here. You are wonderful to listen to and I enjoy your humour. I’m just beginning your instructions now. Great anticipation ….I’m so ready to learn your techniques and I have onhand all the supplies

[marisameans]

My mom had pattern drafting stuff when i was growing up .(her unfinished college degree was home economics emphasis dressmaking...)but btween actual homemaking with 5 kids and dad working 3 jobs and working on his degree and then mom getting a job once the youngest was in school...well...using patterns was all I learned.

[janellescott]

Bodies have not changed from the past: if you walk into any used clothing store, (thrift store, goodwill, upscale resale) you will find an abundance of clothing in smaller, thinner sizes, in better shape than in larger sizes. Why? Because when you have clothes that fit well you wear them out to the point that they are not suitable for resale or you never get rid of them. If it has lasted through the ages it’s probably because it got little to no ware to begin with; its original owner was probably an adolescent that outgrew it fairly quickly. Yes, obesity is way more common now but it also existed all through history and so has a preference for the thin

[Avotts]

Hi. I just watched the first one of your videos. I really would like to converse with you on this subject. Briefly, I made my 1st 2 piece dress for 4 H when I was 9. My Aunt helped me. I wore it to school and church proudly. About 18 months later someone let me choose a pattern and material and a zipper. I sware I dont remember much of that process. I know Mama had to help me understand the instructions. I did not have other help. I ended up with the cutest hiphugger with a flared skirt, sleeveless with a back zip and a rolled collar. It was a Simplicity pattern.` Oh yes it was orange with mod flowers. I wore it 2 years until I outgrew it. Anyway I kept sewing regulary. My older cousin gave me pointers until she moved just as I started HS. I made all my clothes for at least another 25 years and sewed some for others. I also made my wedding dress in 1974. I used our old treddle machine in the dorm room to sew it.Then my world crumbled. My husband got very sick. I had my hands full. I no longer had time to sew. He declined 10 or 12 years and passed away. After several years I met and eventually remarried. He had MS. I cared for him the best I could. Still no time for sewing. He passed 6, 5 years ago. I have been vegetating. Due to numerous health problems I have become a sack of potatoes. I am sure I am taller than you and larger too. I do have narrow shoulders as you do. I dont have a dress form. I've never made a pattern. I had never heard of blocks or sloper until the last few months. I have bought 2 patterns and a couple hundred dollars of fabric. I've been online watching and seeking design ideas. I bought 2 used machines and had them cleaned and repaired. I dont even have any well fitting clothes that I would cut apart. I live alone and do not have anyone to help with measurements. I know this is rediculous. I have fond a style of Chinese skirt I would love to make. I can not find it even near my size. But with some direction, maybe I could figure it out. Would you be interested in helping me with this endeavour. I have not sewn in 30 years (I am 69). Thanks.

[miriambartley]

You have such a nice manner. I really enjoy your teaching style.

[mishon]

I don’t understand that guide you used. Is that something you have to use with a pattern or do you make your own patter? I am always making adjustments when I sew—been a few years since I last did a project—but love to learn more

[bonitaweekes]

Being realstic patterns are made to fit white women who have more sloped shoulders, less rounded hips, less bust than black women, so we cannot buy them and just cut as I see some women doing.

[tishie]

My grandma sewed by eye or drafted on literally anything. Rarely bough a pattern. usually a Vogue. But modern patterns are all the same. Get the pattermaking for fashion design 4th edition on is ideal and draft away. Make a block and go. If flat patterning is your jam, it all u will need. You can look at a garments style lines and copy it.

[ssllylawrence]

A great video about a great system BUT scaling up a pattern is one thing; drafting it is another. I thought you would be describing creating the pattern piece from measurements.

[miriambartley]

I learned to sew without patterns from a lady from El Salvador who didn't speak English. I am so grateful for her teaching me.
Patterns are a lot of work to make fit.

[kerstinshadbolt]

I am thrilled to have found your channel. My mother used the Lutterloh system when I was growing up in the 1950s. Now I have my own kit and love using it. My Lutterloh patterns consistently give me better results than commercial ones and as I am learning, the process gets easier. Thank you for this interesting video.🌷

[charlierogertango]

I usually end up doing a preliminary run with inferior/cheap fabric to find out the fit so I know where to alter before cutting the real fabric I plan to use.

[MissGroves]

I started historic costuming over 20 years ago and rapidly fell in love with draughting systems, it looks like the one you're using is coupe jour (or similar) I started collecting them and although I have discalculia I can easily use all the systems I've come across. I just love making my own patterns, probably more than sewing

[nancyespinoza]

I learnt how to draft my own patterns. The key is to learn how to take your own measurements very acurate .

[morganscharman]

I absolutely love drafting patterns! It’s honestly my favorite part of “sewing” and really unleashes my creativity.