Hey y’all – today I’m excited to share a new online class with you – Drafting a Child Size Bodice! Ever wondered how to draft childrens patterns from scratch? Well a bodice block is where you start, and this course takes you step by step through how to do it.
I often get people who are interested in my Creating PDF Patterns or Pattern Grading online courses, but they’re not looking to become pattern designers – they really just want to design for their own kids. Or maybe someone does have pattern design aspirations, but they’re not ready for my other classes because they don’t yet know how to draft (which is not something either of those other classes cover).
So I decided to start a series of courses to fill in that gap, at a more accessible price. After this course, you’ll be able to:
- Draft a bodice block and sleeve block for any size 18m -14years from either standard measurements or your child’s measurements
- Add seam allowances to that block
- Start the process of adapting your blocks to design shirts, dresses and tops.
This course comes with:
- 4 Lessons, each with video, that walk you step-by-step through the process of drafting a bodice and sleeve
- Downloadable and printable measurement charts in standard and metric measurements
- Downloadable and printable drafting guides
- Recommended resources for further study
Questions:
What is a bodice block?
Great question! A pattern block (sometimes also called a sloper) is the starting point for any pattern. It is the shape of the basic piece of fabric you’d need to cut to cover a portion of the body. There are no design elements, seam allowances or anything else added to a block. It’s like a two dimensional body you can use as a basis for any design you want to create.
Do I need any special software for this course?
Nope. While I do cover how to draft in Adobe Illustrator in the course, you can absolutely use paper and a ruler to do the same thing. In fact I often prefer to draft that way myself.
Will I be able to launch my own pattern business after this course?
Probably not. The course doesn’t cover how to scan paper patterns to digitize, how to format your patterns to print for PDF patterns, or how to take the one size you draft and grade that to multiple other sizes – basically all the things covered in my other courses, and all things you’d need to know to offer high quality professional PDF patterns.
How much does the course cost?
As I said, one of my goals with this particular course was to make it more accessible to those who just want to design for their own children. So the course is only $24.95.
I want to draft (pants, skirts, jackets, for women, etc) not a bodice. Are there more courses available?
Currently the answer is no. Though I do have plans for future courses in these areas, I will also be waiting to see how this one does before I commit more time to developing them.
Annika
Wow Melly, I seriously don’t know how you do all that you do. Have your days more hours than mine? Well, I’m really excited about that course and will most likely take it within some months (got some other courses – illustrator – that I’m doing rigth now…).
Cheers
delia
Awesome! Pinned!
Kristie
This is so cool. I don’t really want to design for others, just make clothes that actually fit my kids. Thank you! If you decide to, the pants option is something I would be interested in!
manon
Melly I love your patterns and own quite a few of them, but am always frustrated by the fact that there is not much in the way of patterns for bigger boys out there, all my boys are tall and skinny and the oldest wears a size 12 – 14 (he is 9) so while I will def do this course to broaden my skills and my confidence I will be waiting with bated breath for something pants and maybe jackets for boys….. and am not afraid to beg these to become available!!
Frances
This is so wonderful! I love that you’re making sewing more accessible to more people.
Jeannie Acton
Hi Melly,
This looks just what I am looking for. Is there a time limit on access to the videos or can I access them whenever I want to down the line?
Thanks
Jeannie