Introductory Pattern Making
If you want to draft patterns that truly fit your body — or start creating your own fashion designs — Introductory Pattern Making is for you. Learn pattern drafting and garment construction together, from first measurements to finished pieces.
What You’ll Learn
Introductory Pattern Making blends theory with hands-on making. You’ll learn how to draft patterns from body measurements and understand how 2D patterns translate into well-constructed 3D garments.
Suitable for beginners, with no prior pattern making experience required.
What to Expect
Our courses are open to all skill levels and held in our Pymble studio on Sydney’s North Shore. We offer morning, afternoon, full-day, and evening options, running Monday through Saturday.
Classes run once weekly for 3–3.5 hours across an 11-week term. Courses are typically priced in the $900–$1,000 range, depending on the number of hours.
Class Times & Booking
You’ll be able to view upcoming class dates and pricing before confirming your booking.
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Introductory Pattern Making | Course Summary
This course is based on our professional program and is taught in modules that are designed to build your on your skills as your ability to handle more complex garments increases.
Pattern making uses blocks which are base patterns for garments including skirts, bodices, dresses and pants. At CAFA, we specialise in couture sewing which uses a snug fitting block that is enlarged depending on the garment to be made. This style of block development suits dressmakers undertaking custom work.
For those wanting to undertake commercial work, and are only designing in specific size ranges, the blocks can be adjusted to be more specialised and include base fittings and features such as collars, sleeves and cuffs.
A pattern is not considered complete until a sample is sewn and the pattern tested for fit. Students have the option to learn commercial, high end, ready to wear or couture sewing techniques while undertaking the pattern making course. Those learning couture techniques will also be taught the pattern making skills to design the underpinnings associated with couture dressmaking.
The first module is designed to give you enough skills to start pattern making your own designs whilst simultaneously learning how to tackle more complex garments taught in the later modules.
Module 1
Basic blocks for skirts, bodice and pants
Pattern alteration methods for skirts: tapered, A-line, high and low waisted, gored, pleated, wrapped, bubble, circle and cascade skirts
Bodice enlargement and style chansges using dart manipulation
Basic shirts and bodice variations
Strapless, contouring or close-fitting garments
Necklines, collars and sleeve variations
Pants and trousers
Module 2
Dresses and wimple evening wear
Shirt and blouse variations using advanced techniques
Unstructured jackets
Capes and hoods
Module 3
Stretch fabric pattern making techniques
Stretch tops, pants, dresses and unstructured coats
Lingerie and swimwear
Corsetry
Exercise wear
Module 4
Jacket pattern making
Coat pattern making
Module 5
Introductory draped pattern making
Module 6
Draped pattern making for eveningwear and bridal