What Is A Block?
You’ve found the wonderful world of pattern cutting, and everyone keeps talking about these things called “blocks” (or “slopers” for our American friends)….but what exactly are they??
In short, the answer is that they are the foundation or starting point of all patterns.
Still confused?
Try to think of it this way…
A block is the basic body shape, but in fabric form.
They contain all the basic body measurements plus some wearing ease.
They follow the body shape but don’t contour to it, which makes them the perfect starting point for most future patterns!
Here’s what my basic bodice, skirt and trouser block look like on the body.
You can see how simple they are and how they skim the basic body shape.
How To Get A Custom Block
Your body is perfectly unique, so it stands to reason that your block should be too!
There are a couple of different ways that you can get your hands on a custom block:
- Buy A Commercial Block
- Buy A Custom Block Drafted By Someone Else
- Draft Your Own Custom Block
The Importance Of Toiling
Once you’ve drafted or bought your own block it’s super important to toile or mock it up in calico.
You’ve got to remember that when you’re drafting or buying blocks you’re you’re just getting a starting point. One that also assumes that you are perfectly symmetrical.
Which of course… none of us are!
So to overcome this and check out our shaping and curves we’ve got to toile, fit and amend our blocks to reflect our body perfectly.
Why Should Our Block Fit Perfectly?
If you can manage to get a great block that fits you well, then you’re setting yourself up for pattern cutting success!
Here’s 3 reasons why:
- Any "perfect fit" areas will transfer through into any new patterns you create
- You'll get to know your proportions on paper
- You can use your block to compare to other patterns and check the fit
Learn To Draft & Fit Your Custom Blocks
So now that you know what a block is it’s time to start drafting and fitting your custom blocks!
Drafting from a book on your own can be hard and complicated so why not join me on in one of my classes where I take you through step by step how to draft!
Buying basic blocks
We don’t all have time to draft our own basic blocks so if you’re looking to buy some then you can buy a basic bodice and skirt block from me HERE!
And I would also highly recommend the ones made by Shoben Fashion media if you’re after more specialist blocks.
If you’re after some half scale blocks to experiment and play with then you can download mine for FREE here!
- Women’s basic bodice block
- Women’s basic skirt block
- Women’s basic trouser block
- Women’s unstructured jacket
- Women’s stretch body
- Men’s/Women’s casual block
- Men’s basic formal jacket
- Men’s trouser block
- Men’s basic shirt block
- Men’s waistcoat
- Children’s trouser block
- Children’s casual block
- Children’s basic block
