Pattern Making from a Garment Workshop

Do you have a favourite dress, top, skirt or pair of trousers that fits perfectly and wish you could recreate it in a different fabric, colour or print?

In this one-day Pattern Making from a Garment Workshop, you'll learn how to create an accurate sewing pattern from an existing garment—without unpicking a single stitch. Using professional pattern-making techniques, you'll trace your garment, preserve its original shape and proportions, and create a reusable cardboard block pattern ready for future sewing projects.

No previous pattern-making experience is required, and beginners are welcome. This is a non-sewing workshop focused entirely on pattern drafting and garment replication, giving you practical skills that can be applied to countless future sewing projects.

Whether you'd like to recreate a favourite wardrobe staple, customise an existing design, or build your pattern-making skills, this workshop will give you the confidence to accurately reproduce garments again and again.

Course content

During the workshop, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:

• Accurately tracing a pattern from an existing garment

• Understanding key pattern-making principles, including grain lines and seam allowances

• Adjusting patterns to create different fits and styles, including:

• Making garments larger or smaller

• Lengthening or shortening pattern pieces

• Adding sleeves or other design features

• Producing accurate, reusable cardboard block patterns

• Tips and techniques for achieving consistent, professional results

Intended audience

This workshop is suitable for anyone who enjoys sewing and would like to recreate favourite garments without taking them apart.

It is ideal for:

• Home sewists wanting to reproduce well-fitting garments

• Dressmakers looking to expand their pattern-making skills

• Anyone interested in creating reusable sewing patterns from existing clothing

No previous pattern-making experience is required, and no sewing takes place during the workshop.