Gain the skills to draft a basic top, skirt and pant pattern from scratch. Learn how to fit them all. We also cover a few adaptation techniques. Some sewing skills required and access to a sewing machine between sessions would be beneficial.
Your tutor is Pauline Walladge
Pauline Walladge has been teaching at WEA since 1989.
With qualifications in fashion, soft furnishings and interior decorating, Pauline has been running craft groups for more than 30 years, as well as teaching at various TAFE campuses and community centres around Adelaide.
She ran her own private business for many years and has also privately taught students who have embarked on careers in the dressmaking industry.
She is also a past WEA Board Member and loves teaching at the WEA.
Pattern Drafting and Design
Course Description
Unlock the fundamentals of garment creation with this hands-on course that teaches you how to draft your own skirt, top, and pant patterns from scratch.
Ideal for those with basic sewing skills, this course guides you through the full process: from accurate body measurements and drafting on paper, to creating a toile (test garment) and fitting it properly.
Whether you're looking to customise patterns to your own shape or start creating your own designs, this course is the perfect place to begin.
Over the duration of the course, you’ll complete one full pattern draft of your choice (skirt, trouser, or top), fit it on the body, and develop your own personalised block ready to use for future design work.
You’ll also learn a range of adaptation techniques to modify and adjust your blocks for different styles.
Access to a sewing machine between sessions is highly recommended to keep up with practical tasks and fitting progress.
Course Structure
The course is delivered through a mix of practical drafting sessions, demonstrations, discussions, and fittings.
You’ll begin by learning how to use drafting tools and paper, followed by creating a sample size skirt draft to understand the basic principles.
From there, you’ll take your own measurements and begin drafting your chosen garment, creating a toile and refining it through fitting sessions.
Clear notes and guidance will support your progress throughout the course, helping you achieve a personalised block to use in future design projects.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Use drafting tools and paper correctly to create garment patterns
- Draft a basic skirt in sample size for foundational understanding
- Take accurate personal measurements for custom drafting
- Draft a basic top, skirt, or trouser pattern using personal measurements
- Create and fit a toile to refine the garment's shape and fit
- Finalise a personalised block for use in further garment design
- Understand basic pattern adaptation techniques for design variation.
Course Requirements
Please bring:
- Wool or cotton tape to tie around waist for measuring
- Pencils, pens, good white eraser, pencil sharpener
- Long ruler AND a smaller one clear if possible
- Small set square
- 3 coloured pencils
- Paper scissors
- Magic tape (sticky tape that comes off easily and can be reused)
- Good tape measure
- Pins
- Easy to read calculator
You will also be required to purchase calico for proving patterns. The tutor will provide guidance on much you’ll require during the course.
The following equipment is also required. You may bring your own or purchase them from the tutor at a discounted rate. Please email pauline@walladge.com at least one week prior to the course commencement if you wish to order any of these items.
- L square ruler $40
- Dressmakers carbon $8
- Double tracing wheel $12
- French Curve ruler $20 (optional)
Some sewing skills are required and access to a sewing machine between sessions would be beneficial, although not essential.
Please DO NOT bring your sewing machine to class. Drafting paper will be supplied and is included in the course fee.
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