Trouser Drafting for Total Beginners
Pattern cutting can feel intimidating.
Everyone's telling you to get it millimetre perfect, follow the rules, and keep your calculator handy.
But it doesn't have to be like that, especially when you're just starting out.
This course is designed to take the pressure off and show you that pattern cutting can be straightforward, creative, and enjoyable.
You'll build real skills, but at a pace that feels manageable from the very first lesson.
By the end of this course, you'll have drafted your own trouser pattern from scratch. Designed by you, made by you, and built on skills you actually understand.
If you've been curious about pattern cutting but weren't sure where to begin, this is a clear place to start.
In six short modules you'll learn how trouser blocks work, get hands-on with techniques like dart rotation and slash and spread, and finish with a paper pattern you designed yourself.
No previous experience needed, no complicated maths.
Forget specialist tools, let's start simple!
I like a nifty tool as much as the next person, but you probably have most of the essentials at home already!
- Ruler (a normal ruler works fine when you're starting out, but keeping reading if you want to upgrade)
- Paper (the larger, the better. But you can also stick together A4 pages)
- Pencil & rubber
- Printer (to print your new half scale blocks)
- Glue or sticky tape
- Paper scissors
If you're going to invest in one special tool for this course I'd reccomend a special pattern cutting ruler. It's absolutely not essential, but you'll be surprised how much easier these pieces of plastic make your life!
When you join the course you'll get access to my half-scale trouser block straight away.
This is your starting point for every new design, and having it ready to go means you can start drafting from your very first lesson.
No need to draft your own block first, everything you need is already here.
What You'll Learn In This Course:
What A Trouser Block Is & How To Use It
A trouser block is the start of everything in this course.
You'll get a copy of my half scale block and learn exactly how to use it, so you have something solid to build on from the very first lesson.
How To Create New Trouser Silhouettes
This is where it starts to get fun. You'll learn how to change the leg length, width and how to use dart rotation to create a flared shape. Small changes, but they make a big difference to how a trouser looks.
How To Add Fun Details To Your Trousers
Pockets, waistbands, gathered frills...you'll learn how to draft all these details so that your trousers feel finished and considered, not just functional.
How To Design Your Own Unique Trousers
This is what the whole course builds towards. You'll take everything you've learned so far and use it to design and draft a trouser pattern that's completely your own.
Pattern cutting doesn't have to feel out of reach.
This course gives you a clear, enjoyable introduction to trouser drafting, and by the end you'll have a finished pattern you designed yourself. Your first step starts here.
Get results like these...
This is such a wonderful course! I feel like I’m unlocking the secrets to fashion design!! 😉
Everything is so well explained and demonstrated.
I love that the course is clear, concise but very methodical.
In theory, I feel well equipped to tackle some basic designs.
I’m motivated now to improve my sewing techniques so that I can bring these designs to life!
Thank you, Kate!
-Lauren (Pattern Cutting Essentials)
I originally approached pattern cutting by self-studying with the well-known books, but only got more confused. Kathryn very quickly blew all the confusion away.
She has great empathy, so can quickly see why a student is confused and offer a clear explanation. She gives a lot of thought to lesson planning to ensure concepts are being built upon in the best way for the student, and she’s also happy to cater to the students’ wishes. I was pleased to be working on designs that I had chosen which kept me very motivated.
-Elaine (multiple courses)
FAQs
Who is this course for?
-Beginner pattern cutters
-Hobby sewers who are looking to take their sewing to the next level.
Does this course run on particular dates and times?
No, this course is self led. Which is a nice way of saying that you can log in and watch the videos at any time of day, from any time zone and as many times as you want!
Do I need any previous pattern cutting experience?
No pattern cutting experience needed here! This course is designed for beginner pattern cutters.
You do need to have basic sewing skills though.
Can I ask questions as I learn?
Yes! There are question opportunities within the course and I’ll do my best to get back to you as quickly as I can.
You can also email me at any point.
Do I need my own blocks?
No, I provide half scale blocks with this course. Perfect for practicing and learning with!
Download them within the course itself.
How long do I have access to the course content?
You have life-time access to this online course, so you can revisit each lesson as many times as you want.
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