I’ve been doing some research recently on drafting patterns, but honestly was a little overwhelmed with the idea of slopers, french thing -a -ma -jigs, and other tools. If I had the extra time to study technical pattern drafting, I’d be the first in line for class, but as it stands, my already limited sewing time doesn’t permit me to draft patterns the technical way. That’s why I was more than intrigued when I ran across an interesting tutorial on drafting patterns using the “t-shirt method”on burdastyle.com. Since I love to sketch, and figured I shouldn’t have too much difficulty drawing what I wanted on a t-shirt, I gave it a try. I was pleased with the way the dressed turned out, even if it didn’t look exactly like my sketch, but I’m hoping that after a few adjustments to the pattern as well as switching to a heavier cotton fabric, I might get closer. I’ll definitely be using this method again. It’s especially useful for fitting toddlers since dress forms for their size are not cost effective, and they wiggle too much to really fit them correctly after a garment is complete. I think I’ll do my own tutorial of the process a little later, but I’ve listed the short version below:
Sketch:
Draw bodice of design directly onto t-shirt while model is wearing it. Make sure that t-shirt is snug fitting. (Excuse this picture. I’d already cut the t-shirt pattern pieces out before taking this picture. This is after I tried to put the shirt back together!
Next, transfer t-shirt pattern pieces onto newspaper print or other sturdy paper.
Organize pattern pieces.
Transfer pattern pieces to fabric and cut out.
SEW PIECES TOGETHER!!!
Again, this is not meant to be a tutorial, but rather a synopsis of how to use the t-shirt method. The most challenging part of this process is making sure you create all the necessary pieces. For example, I had to make a guess at the size of the skirt portion since the t-shirt method is only good for dress bodices and tops. I’d also recommend writing down the order of sewing the pieces together. I had to rip out a seam a couple of times because I didn’t consider the order first. Overall, I feel that this is an excellent method of pattern drafting for the beginner.
-Calandra
1 Comment
August 20, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Calandra~This is fabulous! What a great job of your first pattern drafting! Nice Work!