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Indian Design League

You have so many ideas. You translate those ideas on paper. But how do you transform an idea to garment? The process that takes you from ideating to implementation is drafting or pattern making.

Pattern making is an important aspect of learning garment construction. Pattern making is not something which is required only before the execution of a product but is equally essential post the production. If you find certain issues with the final product, drafting methods will help you identify and fix those shortcomings with ease.

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You have so many ideas. You translate those ideas on paper. But how do you transform an idea to garment? The process that takes you from ideating to implementation is drafting or pattern making.

Pattern making is an important aspect of learning garment construction. Pattern making is not something which is required only before the execution of a product but is equally essential post the production. If you find certain issues with the final product, drafting methods will help you identify and fix those shortcomings with ease.

As an aspiring or a professional designer, stylist or enthusiast must be familiar with the different tools, terminologies, techniques, and other essentials of drafting. Crucially, an individual must know the purpose of drafting. This includes having sound knowledge of tools required for drafting to learn how to take measurements to drafting a variety of garments.

The course is strategically designed divided into a series of topics for better understanding. Drafting is explained in detail through demos in the video lectures.

This course covers -

  1. Introduction to tools

  2. Drafting necklines, sleeves, and blouse

  3. Drafting a variety of ethnic wear like basic kurta with sleeve and anarkali

  4. Drafting a variety of trousers like salwar, chudidar, patiala, and palazzo

  5. Drafting a pleated skirt with yolk and circular skirt

  6. Drafting cape

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What's inside

Syllabus

Pattern Making Hinglish Version

For all the aspiring and professional Fashion Designers, the course is designed to empower you with various creative, practical, and technical aspects of Fashion Designing. Through this course, you will experience quality learning at its best through lifetime access and value-added resources.


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Pattern makers are the practical creators of the fashion industry. Pattern making is an important aspect of garment construction. This topic will introduce you to this term, different terminologies used, three stages of production - drafting, flat pattern drawing and draping, types of pattern making, and factors that need to be mentioned on a pattern.

People buy garments by considering their body measurements specifically height and weight. How to take body measurements precisely and accurately, which factors to consider when taking body measurements, and other essential elements of the same are covered in this topic as it is the first step in pattern making.

Drafting tools are used for making paper patterns. This is the second stage of pattern-making. Using the measurements taken, the drafting is carried out according to the design of a garment. You’ll require the right set of drafting tools for making perfect patterns to achieve a great fit. The designer should know about all pattern drafting tool’s uses and functions. This video explains the detailed knowledge of tools with their uses.

The Kurta is an outfit that has stretched beyond the Indian borders, and has evolved down the ages to suit the ever-changing demands of the fashion-forward world. In this topic, you will learn how to make a pattern for Kurta and about body measurements that are required for drafting a Kurta with perfect technique.

A neckline is the part of the bodice around the neck. It can be of various shapes and sizes. The Neckline is a very important part of any garment. One should be very careful while selecting a neckline and also while drafting it. This topic includes how to draft a neckline on paper with the required measurement. Learn the history and various types of necklines.

A sleeve is a part of the garment that covers the arm, or through which the arm passes or slips. The pattern of the sleeve is one of the characteristics of fashion in dress, varying in every country and period. Learn various types of the sleeve, its pattern with description, and its required measurements with a step-by-step guide.

The Salwar is an item of clothing worn from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately. It is a part of the Salwar kameez suit which is widely worn in South Asia. It is known for its lively hues, rich fabrics, and embroidery. In this topic learn how to draft a basic salwar, with proper measurements that are required to draft it. A detailed descriptive step-by-step guide is provided for drafting.

Chudidars are tight-fitted trousers worn by both men and women in South Asia. They are usually cut on bias grain, making them naturally stretchy. Stretch is important when pants are closefitting. Here you will learn about its drafting with perfect measurements with its description. This topic covers all the right information about this topic.

The history of Patiyala suit is as long-standing as the antiquity of the salwar kameez of India. Earlier period, it was developed as the majestic dress by Nawab of Patiala. This topic covers how to draft a Patiyala Salwar with an easy step-by-step method along with detailed information on its history and fabrics used for making patiyala with proper body measurements

Palazzo pants are long women's pants cut with a loose, extremely wide leg that flares out from the waist. Palazzo pants are popular as a summer season style, as they are loose and tend to be flattering in light, flowing fabrics that are breathable in hot weather. The topic includes drafting description, required measurements and information on fabrics used for making Palazzo.

A skirt can be simply a draped garment made out of a single piece of fabric. However, most skirts are fitted to the body at the waist or hips and fuller below, with the fullness introduced using darts, gores, pleats, or panels. This topic covers the history of skirts, its types, a step-by-step guide on how to draft a skirt block with a classic waistband of your measurement with practical hands-on.

Do you know what’s the importance of yoke is? It is used for providing support for loose garments. Give your skirt some extra flair and learn to draft a simple yoke. This topic covers all the detailed information on the importance of the yoke and its uses. Learn how to draft a pleated skirt with a yoke. The demonstration in the video shows you how to attach the yoke to the skirt.

Circular skirt is full, flowy and are very similar to an umbrella skirt that looks chic and flatters almost any type of body figure. It is another way to add a wonderful look to a skirt pattern. To know about what measurements are required to draft a circular skirt, its detailed description and its technical knowhow of patterns, everything is covered in this topic.

This topic provides insights on what is cape, where and how it is used, its origin, and how to do its drafting. Through the given step-by-step video tutorial, you will learn how to do cape with your measurements

Anarkali is a form of women's dress originating from the Indian subcontinent. The Anarkali suit is made up of a long, frock-style top and features a slim fitted bottom. The Anarkali suit varies in many different lengths and embroideries including floor-length Anarkali styles.

You will learn about detailed information like drafting, fabric calculation, measurements.

A sari and a blouse have an eternal partnership that has lasted for centuries, and one is incomplete without the other. The sari blouse is always secondary when compared to the sari, which stands out the most. In this topic learn everything from Which measurements are required for the blouse till it’s drafting in easy-to-understand language by step-by-step guidance. This topic will answer all your queries on blouse drafting.

Making a sari blouse that has princess line dart manipulation pattern.

A sari and a blouse have an eternal partnership that has lasted for centuries, and one is incomplete without the other. The sari blouse is always secondary when compared to the sari, which stands out the most. In this topic learn everything from Which measurements are required for the blouse till it’s drafting in easy-to-understand language by step-by-step guidance. This topic will answer all your queries on blouse drafting.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundation in pattern making, which is essential for translating design ideas into actual garments and understanding garment construction
Covers drafting techniques for a variety of garments, including ethnic wear, trousers, skirts, and capes, offering a broad introduction to pattern making
Explores the use of drafting tools and techniques, which are fundamental for creating accurate paper patterns and achieving a great fit in garment construction
Includes instruction in taking precise body measurements, which is a critical first step in pattern making and ensures well-fitting garments
Features content in 'Hinglish' (Hindi-English), which may be helpful for learners who are more comfortable with Hindi terminology or explanations
Includes instruction in drafting a sari blouse, which is a garment with a long history and cultural significance in South Asia

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Reviews summary

Foundational pattern making for beginners

According to learners, this course offers a positive:solid foundation in pattern making for beginners. Students found the positive:video lectures to be positive:clear and easy to follow, particularly appreciating the positive:detailed demonstrations of drafting techniques. The course effectively introduces neutral:essential tools and terminology and covers practical drafting for a variety of neutral:garment types, including traditional wear and skirts. While many found the pace suitable for beginners, some mentioned the warning:pace can be quick at times, suggesting the need for pausing and rewatching. A few reviewers noted potential warning:language or accent challenges, likely related to the "Hinglish" version, though the core techniques were generally conveyed effectively. Overall, it is seen as a positive:highly practical introduction that builds confidence for those new to garment construction.
Need to practice outside the course.
"You definitely need to practice drafting yourself after watching the videos to really learn."
"This course gives you the methods, but you need to put in the hands-on time to master it."
"It's a good starting point, but continuous practice on your own is key for improvement."
Teaches drafting for diverse styles.
"Loved learning how to draft different types of skirts and traditional Indian wear."
"It was great to see examples for salwar, palazzo, and other styles."
"The variety of garments covered, from blouses to capes, was impressive and practical."
Provides a good intro for true beginners.
"This course gave me exactly the foundational knowledge I needed to start pattern making."
"It covers all the basics you need to know to begin this craft."
"As a complete beginner, I feel much more confident after taking this course."
Detailed video demos are highly effective.
"The video demonstrations make it really easy to follow along and understand the drafting process."
"I appreciated the step-by-step demos; they were the most helpful part for me."
"The way the instructor shows the drafting on paper is very clear, even for a beginner like me."
"The visuals in the videos are excellent for showing how to draft."
Some difficulty with pronunciation/language.
"The accent was a little difficult to understand at first, but I got used to it as I watched more."
"Sometimes the terminology felt lost in translation or the instructor's accent."
"While the visuals are clear, the audio was occasionally hard to follow due to language mix."
Sometimes requires rewatching videos.
"Some sections moved a bit too quickly, I had to pause and rewind often to keep up."
"The instructor goes fast sometimes, especially when showing measurements and calculations."
"Wish the pace was slightly slower in the drafting sections, but pausing works."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pattern Making For Beginners with these activities:
Review Basic Measurement Techniques
Reinforce your understanding of accurate body measurement techniques, a fundamental skill for successful pattern making.
Show steps
  • Review online resources on taking accurate body measurements.
  • Practice taking measurements on yourself or a friend.
  • Compare your measurements with standard size charts.
Create a Pattern Making Terminology Guide
Solidify your understanding of key terms by creating a glossary of pattern making terminology.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of important pattern making terms.
  • Define each term in your own words.
  • Include illustrations or examples where appropriate.
  • Share your guide with other students for feedback.
Review 'Patternmaking for Fashion Design' by Helen Joseph-Armstrong
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive textbook on pattern making principles and techniques.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Practice the pattern making techniques described in the book.
  • Compare the book's methods with those taught in the course.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Draft a Basic Bodice Block
Apply your knowledge by drafting a basic bodice block, a foundational pattern for many garment designs.
Show steps
  • Take accurate body measurements.
  • Draft the bodice block pattern using your measurements.
  • Cut out the pattern and test its fit on a muslin fabric.
  • Make adjustments to the pattern as needed.
Practice Drafting Necklines
Improve your precision by repeatedly drafting different neckline variations.
Show steps
  • Select a variety of neckline styles to practice.
  • Draft each neckline pattern using accurate measurements.
  • Compare your drafts with established pattern making resources.
  • Repeat the process until you achieve consistent results.
Review 'Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's Wear' by Winifred Aldrich
Expand your knowledge with a detailed guide to metric pattern cutting techniques.
Show steps
  • Study the chapters relevant to the course topics.
  • Practice drafting patterns using the book's instructions.
  • Compare the book's methods with those taught in the course.
Create a Mini Collection of Skirt Designs
Challenge yourself by designing and drafting patterns for a small collection of skirts.
Show steps
  • Sketch out three to five different skirt designs.
  • Draft the patterns for each skirt design.
  • Create muslin mock-ups of each skirt.
  • Refine the patterns based on the fit of the mock-ups.

Career center

Learners who complete Pattern Making For Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pattern Maker
A pattern maker translates designs into functional patterns for garment production. This role requires a strong understanding of garment construction, measurements, and drafting techniques. This course provides an introduction to drafting, which is an important aspect of garment construction. The course covers essential drafting skills, including tools, terminologies, and techniques. Pattern makers benefit from the course's coverage of drafting necklines, sleeves, blouses, ethnic wear, trousers, and skirts. Individuals learn to draft a variety of garments, which helps them develop the skills necessary for a career as a pattern maker.
Custom Clothier
Custom clothiers create garments tailored to individual clients' specifications. They need expertise in measuring, pattern making, garment construction, and fitting. This course is useful because the course directly addresses pattern making, including how to take measurements and draft a variety of garments. Custom clothiers must understand the purpose of drafting, and the course provides a useful overview of drafting tools. Learning about the drafting of clothes may help them to create well-fitting, custom-made clothing for their clients.
Alterations Specialist
An alterations specialist modifies existing garments to improve fit or style. They need skills in sewing, garment construction, and pattern alteration. This course is helpful because the course provides foundational knowledge of pattern making, including drafting necklines, sleeves, and various types of garments like skirts and trousers. Understanding how patterns are constructed can help alterations specialists make informed decisions when altering garments to achieve the desired fit and style for their customers.
Fashion Designer
Fashion designers conceptualize and create clothing and accessories. They need a deep understanding of design principles, fabrics, and garment construction, and a familiarity with pattern making. This course may be useful because the course covers the fundamentals of drafting, which is the base of fashion design. Aspiring fashion designers can learn how to translate their design ideas into patterns. The course also teaches ethnic wear, skirts, and blouses, and provides a foundation for further exploration of creating a complete garment.
Fashion Educator
Fashion educators teach courses on fashion design, garment construction, or pattern making. They need a comprehensive understanding of these topics. This course may be useful because the course covers the fundamentals of drafting, which is the base of fashion design. Fashion educators may find the course beneficial, as aspiring or professional designers, stylists, or enthusiasts must be familiar with the different tools, terminologies, techniques, and other essentials of drafting.
Costume Designer
Costume designers create clothing for theatrical productions, films, and television. They need a strong understanding of historical and contemporary fashion, garment construction, and pattern making. This course may be useful as it introduces pattern making and drafting techniques. Costume designers can learn how to create patterns for a variety of garments, including ethnic wear, skirts, and blouses. This base helps them develop the skills necessary to design and construct costumes for different productions.
Sample Maker
Sample makers create prototypes of garments based on designs and patterns. They need to be skilled in sewing, garment construction, and pattern making. This course may be useful, because the course introduces the fundamentals of pattern making, including drafting techniques for various garment types. Sample makers must understand the purpose of drafting, and the course provides a useful overview of drafting tools. This training may help them accurately create samples.
Seamstress
A seamstress sews and constructs garments, often working on custom orders or alterations. This role requires strong sewing skills and an understanding of garment construction. This course may be helpful because the course covers essential drafting skills, including tools, terminologies, and techniques. The course also teaches ethnic wear, skirts, and blouses, and provides a foundation for further exploration of creating a complete garment.
Technical Designer
Technical designers create technical specifications and construction details for garments. They need a strong background in pattern making, garment construction, and manufacturing processes. Pattern making knowledge is useful because the course covers drafting necklines, sleeves, and blouse. The course also provides insights into pattern making post production. They must be familiar with the different tools, terminologies, techniques, and other essentials of drafting, according to the course.
Apparel Production Manager
Apparel production managers oversee the manufacturing process of clothing. They need a strong understanding of garment construction, pattern making, and production techniques. Pattern making knowledge is useful because the course covers drafting necklines, sleeves, and blouse. The course also provides insights into pattern making post production. They must be familiar with the different tools, terminologies, techniques, and other essentials of drafting, according to the course.
Fashion Entrepreneur
A fashion entrepreneur launches and manages their own clothing or accessories business. While their role is broad, understanding garment construction and pattern making can be beneficial. This course may be useful because the course is designed to empower you with various creative, practical, and technical aspects of Fashion Designing. As an aspiring professional designer you must be familiar with the different tools, terminologies, techniques, and other essentials of drafting.
Textile Artist
Textile artists create art using fabric and fibers. While not always focused on garment construction, knowledge of pattern making can expand their creative possibilities. This course is useful because this course describes the importance of drafting. The course mentions the importance of the drafting process post production. It may be valuable to familiarize themselves with the process of drafting when creating art.
Fashion Stylist
A fashion stylist selects clothing and accessories for photoshoots, fashion shows, and personal clients. While not directly involved in garment construction, stylists benefit from understanding garment construction and pattern making. The course is useful because aspiring or professional designers, stylists, or enthusiasts must be familiar with the different tools, terminologies, techniques, and other essentials of drafting. Gaining knowledge of pattern making can help stylists appreciate garment structure.
Fashion Blogger
A fashion blogger creates content about fashion trends, styling tips, and garment reviews. While not directly involved in garment construction, understanding garment construction and pattern making provides valuable insights. This course may be useful because as an aspiring or professional designer, stylist or enthusiast must be familiar with the different tools, terminologies, techniques, and other essentials of drafting. This may help to provide insights into their blog posts.
Textile Designer
Textile designers create patterns and designs for fabrics. While not directly involved in garment construction, understanding how fabrics are used in garments is helpful. This course may be useful because this course describes the importance of drafting. The course mentions the importance of the drafting process post production. It may be valuable to familiarize themselves with the process of drafting.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pattern Making For Beginners.
Comprehensive guide to pattern making, widely used in fashion schools. It covers a broad range of pattern making techniques, including both drafting and draping methods. It provides detailed instructions and illustrations, making it a valuable reference for students. This book offers more depth and breadth to the pattern making techniques covered in the course.
Standard textbook for pattern cutting, providing a comprehensive guide to creating patterns using metric measurements. It covers a wide range of garment types and pattern making techniques. It is particularly useful for understanding the underlying principles of pattern construction. This book adds more depth to the pattern making techniques covered in the course.

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