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Caroline Barulis - Pure Pattern Cutting

What you have been waiting for. A course designed to teach you the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block. I'm excited to deliver this to you.

This course is designed for:

- Fashion students.- Industry professionals. - Hobbyists. - Fashion enthusiasts.

We will cover:- Pattern cutting basics. - Sloper construction by flat pattern making. - Sloper construction by draping on a mannequin/dress form. - Introducing you to blocks and slopers (the tools of the trade). - Basic garment construction.

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What you have been waiting for. A course designed to teach you the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block. I'm excited to deliver this to you.

This course is designed for:

- Fashion students.- Industry professionals. - Hobbyists. - Fashion enthusiasts.

We will cover:- Pattern cutting basics. - Sloper construction by flat pattern making. - Sloper construction by draping on a mannequin/dress form. - Introducing you to blocks and slopers (the tools of the trade). - Basic garment construction.

All of the lectures are delivered by video. At the end of the course you will be ready to move forward in your pattern cutting journey.

See you on the inside.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Drafting bodice sloper/block - Flat pattern making
Taking measurments and plotting the grid
Plotting the shape
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides instruction in both flat pattern making and draping, offering learners a comprehensive understanding of sloper construction
Focuses on bodice sloper/block creation, which is a foundational skill for further pattern cutting and garment design endeavors
Delivered entirely through video lectures, which may require learners to have access to reliable internet and sufficient bandwidth
Requires learners to have access to a dress form or mannequin, fabric, and pattern-making tools, which may present a barrier to some

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Reviews summary

Foundation in sloper creation

According to learners, this course is largely positive, covering both flat pattern making and draping techniques for bodice sloper creation. The flat pattern making section is a major highlight, often described as very clear, detailed, and thorough, providing an excellent foundation. The draping section is seen as a good introduction but many reviewers note it is less in-depth or brief compared to the flat pattern part. It's considered great for beginners, but intermediate learners may find it too basic. The instructor is praised for clear and knowledgeable teaching.
Instructor is knowledgeable and explains well.
"The instructor explains everything clearly and patiently..."
"Instructor's teaching style is calm and clear."
"Instructor is knowledgeable and explains things well."
"The instructor breaks down complex steps effectively."
Provides a solid foundation for new learners.
"As a complete beginner, this course was exactly what I needed to get started with pattern cutting."
"Excellent course for beginners."
"It's a decent starting point for beginners..."
"Solid foundation building. Good for those completely new to this."
"Perfect for beginners! I had zero experience with pattern making, and this course guided me step-by-step."
Detailed, easy-to-follow flat pattern making section.
"The flat pattern making section is very detailed and easy to follow."
"The flat pattern drafting explanations are superb, very clear and easy to follow."
"The flat pattern section is incredibly thorough."
"Detailed instructions on flat pattern drafting. This part alone is worth the course fee for me."
"I finally understand how blocks are made thanks to the clear explanations for the flat pattern drafting."
Some videos/transitions could be smoother.
"...some transitions between topics feel abrupt..."
"...the video quality isn't always perfect, though still watchable."
"Production quality varies."
May be too basic for experienced learners.
"...intermediate learners might find it too basic."
"Came into this with some prior sewing experience, hoping to advance my skills... it really only scratches the surface..."
"I found it too basic for my intermediate skill level."
Draping section is introductory, less detailed.
"...the draping section is quite brief. I expected more detail..."
"The draping part is a good introduction but definitely requires more practice and potentially another course..."
"The draping section felt less complete."
"The draping part felt less professional and rushed compared to other resources I've seen."
"The draping section is more of an overview, wish it had more depth."

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 How to create a Sloper/Block from scratch with these activities:
Review Basic Sewing Techniques
Reviewing basic sewing techniques will help you better understand the garment construction aspects of creating a sloper/block.
Show steps
  • Practice basic stitches like running stitch and back stitch.
  • Practice sewing straight lines and curves on scrap fabric.
  • Review seam finishing techniques to prevent fraying.
Reader: Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's Wear
Reading this book will provide a strong foundation in pattern cutting principles and techniques.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to basic pattern cutting and sloper construction.
  • Practice the pattern cutting techniques described in the book.
Drafting Practice
Practicing drafting slopers/blocks will reinforce your understanding of the measurements and shaping techniques.
Show steps
  • Draft a basic bodice sloper using different measurement sets.
  • Experiment with different dart placements to achieve various shapes.
  • Compare your drafted slopers to commercial patterns for accuracy.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Sloper Portfolio
Creating a portfolio of different slopers/blocks will demonstrate your mastery of the techniques learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Draft several slopers/blocks using different methods (flat pattern making and draping).
  • Document each step of the process with photos and notes.
  • Present your slopers/blocks in a professional portfolio format.
Reader: Patternmaking for Fashion Design
Reading this book will expand your knowledge of patternmaking and provide inspiration for future projects.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to advanced patternmaking techniques.
  • Experiment with different patternmaking techniques described in the book.
Design a Garment Using Your Sloper
Designing a garment using your self-made sloper/block will allow you to apply your knowledge and create a unique piece.
Show steps
  • Choose a garment design that you want to create.
  • Adapt your sloper/block to fit the design.
  • Cut and sew the garment, making adjustments as needed.
  • Document the entire process, including sketches, pattern alterations, and construction notes.

Career center

Learners who complete How to create a Sloper/Block from scratch will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pattern Maker
A Pattern Maker creates the templates for garments, translating designs into precise patterns for cutting fabric. Taking this course helps build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of creating a sloper/block from scratch, an essential skill for any pattern maker. By learning pattern cutting basics, sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping, you gain practical experience directly applicable to the role. The drafting and draping techniques taught in the course, are also essential for optimizing fit and design accuracy. This course is useful for students, professionals, hobbyists and fashion enthusiasts.
Dressmaker
A Dressmaker specializes in creating dresses, often custom-made for special occasions. This course guides you through the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block. Learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping methods helps you to create well-fitted and flattering dresses. The course's instruction in pattern cutting basics ensures that you can design and construct dresses with precision and creativity. This course is designed for students, industry professionals, hobbyists, and fashion enthusiasts.
Custom Clothier
Custom Clothiers design and create bespoke garments for individual clients. They will need to have the skills to make patterns and construct garments from scratch. This course teaches the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block. Learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping can give you the tools to create perfectly fitted and unique designs. The course's emphasis on pattern cutting basics ensures that you can confidently tailor garments to your clients' exact specifications. This course is designed for students, industry professionals, hobbyists, and fashion enthusiasts.
Seamstress/Tailor
Seamstresses and Tailors construct, alter, and repair garments. This course begins by teaching you the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block, strengthening your skills in garment construction and pattern making. Learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping is highly relevant to creating custom-fit garments and performing alterations. The course's instruction in pattern cutting basics and introducing you to blocks and slopers, directly enhances your ability to create and modify patterns for a perfect fit. This course is designed for students, industry professionals, hobbyists and fashion enthusiasts.
Sample Maker
Sample Makers create prototypes of garments for designers and manufacturers. This course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block, which is very useful for creating accurate and well-fitting samples. Learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping can improve your ability to translate designs into tangible garments. The course's attention to pattern cutting basics and introducing you to blocks and slopers can provide a solid foundation for this role. This course is for students, industry professionals, hobbyists, and fashion enthusiasts.
Freelance Designer
Freelance Designers work independently on a variety of design projects, often involving pattern making and garment construction. This course teaches the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block. Learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping can give you the skills to offer a wider range of services to your clients. The course's instruction in pattern cutting basics and introducing you to blocks and slopers can provide a strong foundation for your freelance career. This course is designed for students, industry professionals, hobbyists, and fashion enthusiasts.
Fashion Designer
Fashion Designers conceptualize and create clothing and accessory designs. They need a strong understanding of pattern making and garment construction. This course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block, equipping you with the skills to bring your design ideas to life. Learning sloper construction by both flat pattern making and draping can give you a competitive edge. Having a solid understanding of pattern cutting basics and the ability to create your own slopers opens up new possibilities for experimentation and innovation in your designs. This course is designed for students, industry professinals, hobbyists, and fashion enthusiasts.
Alterations Specialist
Alterations Specialists adjust garments to improve fit. This course teaches the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block. By learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping, you will be able to efficiently modify existing garments to achieve the desired fit and silhouette. The course's instruction in pattern cutting basics can also enhance your understanding of garment structure and how to make precise alterations. This course is designed for students, industry professionals, hobbyists, and fashion enthusiasts.
Costume Designer
Costume Designers design costumes for theatrical productions, films, and television. The ability to create custom patterns and understand garment construction is crucial for bringing character visions to life. This course teaches the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block which is highly valuable. Learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping, you'll be able to translate design ideas into wearable garments. The course's focus on pattern cutting basics and introducing you to blocks and slopers, can also provide a solid foundation for creating historically accurate and imaginative costumes. This course is designed for students, industry professionals, hobbyists and fashion enthusiasts.
Fashion Educator
Fashion Educators teach fashion design, pattern making, and garment construction. They are responsible for imparting a strong foundation in these areas to the next generation of designers and industry professionals. This course is useful for solidifying your understanding of the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block. By learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping, you can gain practical knowledge to share with your students. The course's emphasis on pattern cutting basics ensures that you can confidently teach these essential skills. This course is designed for industry professionals, hobbyists and fashion enthusiasts.
Technical Designer
Technical Designers bridge the gap between design and production ensuring that garment specifications are accurate and consistent. This course may be useful, because it teaches you the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block. Understanding sloper construction by both flat pattern making and draping methods is essential in this role. You are also introduced to blocks and slopers, and basic garment construction which can give you a practical understanding of how designs translate into finished products. This course is geared at both students and industry professionals.
Apparel Product Developer
Apparel Product Developers oversee the entire process of bringing a garment from concept to market. This course starts by teaching you the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block, and may be useful for understanding garment construction and pattern making. Learning sloper construction by both flat pattern making and draping can provide valuable insights into design feasibility and production efficiency. The course's attention to pattern cutting basics and introducing you to blocks and slopers, can give you a foundational understanding of the technical aspects of apparel development. This course is geared at both students and industry professionals.
Pattern Grader
Pattern Graders adjust existing patterns to create different sizes, ensuring consistent fit and proportions across the size range. Taking this course may be useful as it teaches the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block providing a solid understanding of pattern making principles. Learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping, and becoming introduced to blocks and slopers, can give you a better understanding of how patterns change with size. The course's emphasis on pattern cutting basics can enhance your skills in pattern manipulation and grading techniques. This course is designed for students, industry professionals, hobbyists, and fashion enthusiasts.
Fashion Stylist
Fashion Stylists select and coordinate clothing and accessories for photoshoots, fashion shows, and personal clients. Although not directly related to design expertise, understanding garment construction and fit can enhance your ability to create visually appealing and well-fitting outfits. This course can be useful, because you will be introduced to blocks and slopers, and basic garment construction. The course's method of pattern cutting basics may also provide a valuable foundation for understanding how clothing is made and how it drapes on the body. This course is geared at both students and industry professionals.
Textile Designer
Textile Designers create the patterns and designs for fabrics. They need a deep understanding of how fabrics behave and how they interact with garment construction techniques. This course teaches the fundamentals of making your own bodice sloper/block, which may be useful for providing insights into how fabric drapes and conforms to the body. By learning sloper construction through both flat pattern making and draping, you can gain a better appreciation for how your textile designs will translate into finished garments. The course is geared at both students and industry professionals.

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 How to create a Sloper/Block from scratch.
Comprehensive guide to pattern cutting, providing detailed instructions and illustrations. It covers a wide range of pattern cutting techniques, including those relevant to creating slopers and blocks. It is commonly used as a textbook in fashion design programs. This book provides additional depth to the flat pattern making techniques taught in the course.
Classic resource for patternmaking, covering a wide range of techniques and styles. It provides detailed instructions and illustrations for creating various garment patterns, including slopers and blocks. It useful reference tool for understanding advanced patternmaking concepts. This book adds more breadth to the patternmaking knowledge covered in the course.

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