5 SKILLS YOU NEED to draft patterns for fashion design

[@jemtebelle]

Do we want you to make a video on making a sloper? Yes please. If you think of it, we want to watch it.

[@silk2949]

I’ve been watching sewing videos for about 18 months as I started altering clothing during the pandemic. Your videos were not recommended to me until very recently…stupid algorithms! I want to do more real sewing now, i.e. drafting my own patterns from pieces in my wardrobe that I really like. Your tutorials are sooooo good. Trying to catch up on all your very useful videos now. And bonus….you are in Canada! Thanks from a fellow Canadian! 🇨🇦

[@CatherineSews]

Yay! Cheers to a fellow Canadian! Great to have you on board!

[@margaretelliott6110]

Yes would love a tutorial about making a sloped, great videos 🙏

[@CatherineSews]

Ok, Margaret, I'll add that to my To Do list! Thanks!

[@jeanaborm2804]

I will be watching for that video too. Thank you!

[@peggyannlittle9405]

You are an excellent teacher Catherine! I am an intermediate sewer and your videos have taught me so much. I bet your students love you.

[@CatherineSews]

That's so sweet, Peggy, thank you!

[@snyyng]

I’m surprised you don’t have 100k likes on this video! So much great info delivered in easily understood terms. Your examples help it all make sense. I’ll be hoping for more!

[@CatherineSews]

Awesome comment!! I've been trying to grow my channel but it is a SLOW process! Thanks for the encouragement to keep going.

[@lindaliang3825]

She is getting closer to 100k viewers

[@shortyylu]

Amazon has TONS of paper roll options for drafting… I even have the cardboard paper that’s super hard to find… it’s ramboard to protect floors… I got an off brand Ram board and I love it … also rolls of paper for kids easels for painting work great and it is the same as computer paper… tracing paper to & then white Kraft paper roll is thicker and instead of getting it brown you can get it white to see it better… tonssss of options& sizes 🙂… oh yeah plastic sheeting to! With some super permanent markers used on CDs works great with the plastic which is just clear plastic sheeting and it’s to cover the floor for painters. I prefer to get a bit thicker so it doesn’t rip. It’s nice to trace certain parts and easier to see than tracing paper and doesn’t rip super easily like paper does.

[@haddiewillsburg1453]

So glad to see a video on drafting! So many American home sewists rely so heavily on paper patterns for from the big 4 pattern companies. Hopefully, more people will realize the joy of designing their own patterns and stop doing a million alterations to commercial patterns in order to get them to fit!

[@CatherineSews]

I agree! It's much better to draft your own!

[@hdubbs9174]

Wow. You explained that so well! My mind is blown. Edit: lol, sorry didn’t mean to reply to you, Haddie, was meant for the main comments. 🙃

[@CeruleanStar]

This has to be one of the most informative sewing videos I have ever seen. Given, I don't watch many, but none of the ones recommended to me ever taught me much, so I didn't see a need to watch more. This, on the other hand, taught me sooo much in so little time. I've saved it for future reference. I know I want to start sewing, but I struggle with a body type that doesn't fit most standard patterns, and I could never find a good resource that described how patterns truly work so that I can alter them to fit me. Thank you so much! You just bridged the gap I needed to start sewing.

[@CatherineSews]

Christina, you've no idea how much that means to me! What a special comment. I'm so glad your found my channel and am happy to have you aboard! 🪡

[@vivianramsay2527]

Oh my goodness!! In the midst of my catchup marathon....love, love love this drafting video!! Adding my "AMEN ! " to all the other compliments as well! 😁🤩 Such clear instruction! Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Vivian! It's so flattering that you're catching up on all my videos!

[@debraproctor1401]

We are going to have to call you Catherine The Great on sewing .I am so inspired. I use to sew and am excited to get back to it. You are a very good teacher.

[@JasonMoodie]

I’m with you! I run through these same techniques with my students but your ideas are better than I’ve been sharing. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@CatherineSews]

So glad to hear you like these techniques! Thanks for the feedback.

[@nozztozz]

Thanks for explaining in a simple and concise way not only how to move darts but WHY it is possible to do it. I’m one who needs to know the whys. You’re the only KZbinr I’ve found that does both. The hallmark of a good teacher is knowing your subject well enough to be able to take a complicated subject and break it down to a simple level, which you did here in 25 minutes. Great teaching!

[@melissad7855]

I WISH I could take live classes from you!!!

[@scarlettpimpernel3481]

You are a great teacher. I can't wait to try

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for your kind words. I hope you enjoy trying some of the techniques!

[@moniqueg7250]

thank you for gaining my interest in pattern drafting, at first i wasn't going to sign up for pattern making skills at nyc f.i.t school but after watching your video i definitely see why i need to learn, because there's a lot you can do with slopers, although i was more interested in draping. however i will definitely go back to you videos for a reference. Thanks for taking the time out showing us pattern making as difficult as it can be

[@yvonnejoy7962]

I am so grateful that I found your channel today! I am a senior who is getting back to sewing. I did Home Economics in the early 70’s so you could say I am from the old school. I have binge watching your tutorials all day, no house work today. Lady you are amazing! I have taken notes! I will share your videos for sure. Watching you is like I am in a classroom again. Thank you very much 👍🏼🙏🏽

[@CatherineSews]

Yvonne, your comment makes me so happy! Thank you for finding me!

[@deborahsavoy9386]

Clear instruction. I feel more comfortable to take this challenge on. Thank you Catherine!

[@ninadukette3340]

Great teacher

[@carolyn-carolynsmith-smith2798]

😊

[@patriciakeys4873]

You are the sewing teacher I never had! Design school on YT, fabulous! This is very helpful in understanding sewing. I'm also going to want to learn which would be easier for me, a sloper or altering a commercial pattern, which has NEVER fitted me and I never figured out how to make it work. Thank you.

[@princessifeanyi7680]

My first time commenting on KZbin.... This was sooo beautiful to watch. You're a very good teacher.

[@esperansaloughran693]

Catherine I have been watching these, but yours is soooo. Muuuuch, more fun! Love it!

[@learaymond]

Excellent clear instruction. So many aha moments! For the first time, I really get it. I’m off to watch (and like) the rest of your videos. Thank you so much 👏🏼

[@CatherineSews]

So glad to have you on board, Lea! Thanks!

[@deb.m.7458]

Just found your channel and you are such a gem. I miss Home Economics. I learned to sew, embroider, cook and bake. Schools don’t offer that anymore😢. Glad you are keeping these skills alive. I’m over 60 and rediscovered my love of sewing. Going to make a sloper and play with some skirt styles. Hope you can continue the series. I really enjoyed this and all of your other videos❤

[@Sewlady718]

I took a four month class in pattern drafting and while I learned a lot, your simple and concise explanation is worth the entire 4 months. Thanks. I love your videos.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! That’s amazing to hear.

[@praxisfurnaturheilkunde5394]

Toll, schnell, aber verständlich und auf gleicher Augenhöhe erklärt.

[@wilmabugg9803]

I used roofing paper from the Home Department for drafting paper. It's been years since I have drafted anyting. I love that book. In class, we used mechanical pencils to keep the point the same size rather than the regular pencils. Watching you draft makes me want to get back into this for myself. I need pants and this is great motivation for me. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@tammyshinabery8818]

THANK YOU for your wonderful video!!!! You are very easy to follow and I really think I will be able to do this now, thank you again, I"m 65 years old and now have time to make this dream I always wanted to learn come true. Thank you again.

[@donaunsworth5620]

Ive just watched your video and you explain things in simple terms. As an older lady of 57 i really want to sew my own clothes or changing styles to fit as at 5'10 and odd sizes even simple patterns have to be changed. I'll hopefully manage to learn to do this. Many Thanks from the UK. Ive subscribed ❤

[@ComeAlivewithMK]

Did I ever learn on this tutorial?!Where have you been all my life? I’ve been struggling to make doll clothes, teaching myself how to sew, and you just covered all the major basics so well done easily explained, easily understood thank you so much.

[@lindaraeramsey3846]

Catherine: Could you please make a video describing You!! And you’re students’?? Are you teaching at a tech college or university? How do we take sewing courses and get certified credits or CE credits? How do you manage private classes? Thank you for these excellent videos from the ‘Catherine university of Sewing’. 😊lLindaRae

[@CatherineSews]

Thats so sweet, LindaRae! I actually teach in a high school. I also taught at Textiles Studies at a university but recently let it go because I'm too busy with KZbin! Thanks so much for your enthusiasm!

[@Morganistas]

This is exactly what I needed to be able to tackle the denim skirt copycat (with decorative seams) I want to make instead of buying. I would love more videos like these - could you demonstrate flounces and their uses? Thank you for posting your expertise and for the book suggestion! I wish I had you as a teacher back at age 16, but I'll gladly take you at 42 as well! 😁

[@CatherineSews]

A video on flounces is a great idea! Thanks for watching and for your lovely comments!

[@ValliDesign]

Thank you for explaining everything in an easy to understand format. I've been sewing for years and this has given me the confidence to explore new designs. Brilliant!

[@BijoudeBexar]

Thanks so much, this is exactly what I needed for a 2 piece dress I'm making. Knew exactly what I wanted when I saw the fabric, but never found a commercial pattern that fit my vision, so have been trying to work one up myself. Thanks to so many folks posting easy to follow DIY garment patterns, I've gotten close, but as I bought the fabric in Paris years ago, and it's therefore irreplaceable, I refuse to make a single cut until I am 100% satisfied. Most of these techniques I have used to alter stock patterns, and have the clear gridded ruler, and knew I needed a curved one, but wasn't sure what type to buy. Now I know and it's in the cart lol.

[@barbarakushner5718]

This was a great video! I am going to try to draft my own skirt pattern using all your techniques! Thank you

[@amikrenzel5788]

Just discovered your channel. Some years ago I started making toiles for patterns and tweaking. It is a lot of work and lately I am wanting to draft my own. This video is fantastic because one good sloper and your imagination is your only limit.

[@CatherineSews]

Right!! Once you have those basic skills, you can turn your sloper into any any style you want! I'm so glad you found my channel!

[@lizz7162]

Just my best teacher EVER . Love the way you teach .. Lizz South Africa xx

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for starting my day with such a sweet comment! Lots of love to South Africa from Canada!! 💖

[@lizz7162]

@@CatherineSews my day is ending ... its 16.20 here ... but have a wonderful day beautiful teacher .. lots of love 😍

[@gravedigger447]

Finding your videos was so exciting! I have watched the vids about t-shirt alterations about 5 times and yesterday plucked up the courage to inset a strip to make the body of a small t-shirt bigger and also change the sleeves and neckline. It's not perfect, but I'm going to wear it anyway. I'm so happy to finally - after 40+ years of timid straight seams - to get into garment sewing and pattern drafting. Thank you so much for all your work and encouragement!

[@CatherineSews]

That's fantastic to hear, Sabine! Keep it up!

[@WandaHaddad]

This was such an amazing “easy peasy” video to learn basic drafting patterns designs. I am going to go and practice. I would like to see how you teach Drafting a sloper pattern.

[@sallytosson7777]

Hi Catherine could you do this style of video for the bodice please. You’re a great teacher!

[@Monga_Makes_Things]

AWESOME video, Catherine!! I have been sewing for 60 years but never learned these skills. I now have to make so many fitting adjustments, I decided to just start with a good block and do my own design hacks. I wish my grandkids could be in your classes!! -Addie

[@maxinelilly8358]

You're a great teacher, thank God I've found your channel!

[@deannarego2283]

I loved this video. I need one to determine the different types of knit fabric. Totally into soft and comfortable.

[@CatherineSews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@miaochs7716]

Self taught No classes available. Learned so much this video. Thanks

[@JulieH1958]

Thankyou SO much for this video. I learnt more in 25 minutes that I have in months. I’ve hit that subscribe button and can’t wait to work through more videos and practice 😊

[@ptoste1]

Wow! What a lesson. Thank you so much! 😍👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️You’re an amazing teacher. 🤩😻😘😘

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thanks so much Paula. That's so nice to hear!

[@mrgarner4796]

I love your sewing videos. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@avrilp317]

What a wonderfully clear video, thank you Catherine. This has set my head whirring with ideas😊

[@paulawhite3547]

The most complicated one was the most beautiful! Thank you for sharing these skills!!!

[@dawnecamacho2601]

You are a very good teacher. I will start doing patterns the way you show us.

[@joyceleech3166]

Thank you for sharing. There's always a beginner onboard. 🤩

[@manashkikiiwe7455]

I can't say enough good about your videos. I had been looking for a video like this with no success and then found yours. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We need all we can get on going from sloper to garment. 🥰😍🤩

[@MossyMozart]

What a great lesson with simple, but very illustrative props. It makes me feel like I could do this. Now all I have to do is figure out how to make a sloper. THAT seems very intimidating.

[@vegababes123]

Wow! good morning am sold to this channel only found it today.nothin is ever to late but always right on time . Many classes i see never really show u that way of changin the aline skirt pattern that easy but always make it complicated that u just cant comprehend that easly an have to do classes over an over an waste money, but am happy to be here thank u my dear .

[@elizabeth79547]

I did learn a lot from you. Thank you so much for teaching us.

[@lucilledaub5991]

I learned so much in drafting .

[@marianjennings6557]

I watched your channel today for the first time. You are such an excellent instructor. Therefore, I subscribed. I look forward to watching more of "Catherine Sews".

[@HelenG-xg3gn]

What a brilliant video. One of best I have seen on pattern drafting. More please!!!

[@Ju-wy4yb]

I‘m a complete beginner, but your videos really help me so much!! They make everything seem really do- and learnable which motivates me so much. Thank you a lot for your great explanations!

[@praisingirl]

I really am excited to use these techniques. Thank you for sharing !

[@CatherineSews]

Yes! You'll love the places it'll take you!

[@traceycoles1693]

It's very clear you are a teacher and a good one! I bought the book you recommended immediately you said about it. If you say it's good,thats enough for me.

[@juanitar.miller5210]

Wow! What a template for creativity; thank you, so much!

[@kilgorekitty]

You're a great teacher 🦄

[@Chamarita357]

Hi Catherine, amazing information, I am a seasoned sewer. Really wanting to learn how to pattern draft. Just purchased Patternmaking by Helen Armstrong! Excited to watch your videos! 😊

[@carolclegg7983]

Thank you. I am just beginning my sewing journey, the way you have explained everything in this video, I found very easy to understand. Thank you again.

[@michellemabelle100]

This is such a great intro to pattern drafting - thank you so much! I learned a lot from this.

[@skyhowie54]

Hi Catherine! You made this so easily understandable and just plain AWESOME! Thank you so much!

[@1wholovestrees]

I have made my own sloper from a kit by surefit designs. I have used it to design other patterns, and even made my own customized fit dress form by removing all the ease. But I so much love your videos, because you exude enthusiasm for this craft which is now dying. Thank you for reminding me how fun, and how important it is to make your own clothing. Adding, the technique on how you do the pleats on the bottom of that skirt is priceless. I never knew this, and I’ve been selling since dinosaurs roamed the earth!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Beth. I love your comment on many levels!

[@sylvienayman8441]

so glad i discovered your channel

[@CatherineSews]

Great to have you on board!

[@fondabadger9617]

Such a great way to teach. You make this so simple to understand, and the reasoning behind each change. Thank you so much for sharing, God bless.

[@masonbeelady1021]

This is so great to learn. I look forward to creating my own patterns.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, definitely! Once you know how to manipulate patterns, the whole world of fashion opens up to you!

[@alinacoseru5515]

Genius . Extremely useful. Thank you

[@tina7505]

Fantastic video with very clear instruction. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I've only just found your channel but I'm learning so much from your vlogs.

[@Bright-It]

Wow. You are The Best! Thank you for your natural, easy to understand demonstrations.

[@BijoudeBexar]

For first draught of patterns I save the brown packing paper from shipping boxes. Smooth it out and roll it around a cardboard tube. I then cut off the amount I need and iron it, like the butler on Downton Abbey does the Master's newspaper, then tape over the perforations on one side, join pieces if necessary the same way. It's flexible enough, especially after having been crumpled then ironed, to shape around the body to get a good fit, and strong enough to erase pencil, not always completely flat due to tape, yet it costs nothing so I can knock up several samples to see what I like, and correct all lines on heavy copy. Quilter friend gifted me extra wide roll of Reynolds's Freezer paper and said that's what she uses to cut patterns from. For my dress size, most pieces fit within its width, but it is sturdy enough and has a super crisp edge so taping it together for larger bits is no problem 😉

[@laurielee2671]

Used to do some pattern drafting-, trying to get back into it. Great starting points!

[@CatherineSews]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sheelaghweeks434]

Great technique and clear instructions!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@samanthaalbergottie]

It was extremely informative. Thank you so much! I'm so excited to start creating my own wardrobe! ❤ much love.

[@Silverhaired59]

Catherine, thank you so much for this video. I am going to have to go back through it again and take notes because you were so thorough and clear in your teaching. You are making me believe that I am going to be able to do this! Have you ever heard of Lipedema? It is a disorder American docs have ignored until about 10 years ago. It makes our legs hips, butt and arms extremely fat, the shape of full pantaloons, with the fat ending at the ankle in a cuff. My calf is 24” around. My hips are around 68”. My upper arms do not fit most sleeves in store-bought clothes. It is almost impossible to eat carbs and lose weight with this disorder. When we do lose weight, our shape gets even more extreme, losing internal fat and belly fat first, so our waists become almost normal while arms and legs and butts lose only a little. There are no clothes made to fit us, so your skills are my hope for having clothes that fit (and being able to adjust them) as I go Keto and lose weight. THANK YOU! Question: I have one pair of pants that fit me pretty well. Do I use them to create my sloper? Do I need to disassemble them to do that? They have a smocked waistline and very full legs.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I’ve heard of Lipedema and it sounds very challenging. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. Try this video which shows how to make a pattern from a simple pair of pants. I really hope it helps you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGTJppx8oNJgo9Usi=iy3R_dpFUXCz-N32

[@teresastrouse6733]

I have taken pattern drafting in the past qbd this was so easy to follow even if I had had not taken it I would have learned how to do it. This was no excellent review.

[@j.r.8223]

You’re an excellent teacher! Really learned a lot from this video!

[@cynthiafeldberg4782]

WOW! You have tweaked my interest in creating patterns

[@pattyarpaia4887]

Thank you, I’ve been sewing for years and until I started watching you videos I felt that dressmaking, tailoring is a loss art. I am glad GOD gave you the talent and the added gift to teach. You are Wonderful

[@mariaorrs83]

Thank you! I have been wanting to try drafting my own patterns from a sloper, but I thought it was much more complicated. This video has given me so much confidence to go ahead and just do it!

[@EmilyGrunberg]

Thank you so much for this video. You clarified so many of my doubts and you explain things so well.

[@dariazhempalukh]

I would love to see the same for dresses and shirts! Thank, this is amazing for newbies

[@sewwithmsjones1196]

This was one of my favorite parts of my Pattern Drafting class at Mizzou.

[@nb2229]

Thanks for doing videos like this. You are also an incredible instructor and I love watching and learning.

[@chrysanthemum3087]

You are such a fantastic teacher. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@flylikebutter9892]

Thank you! I'm currently on my way to recover from depression and eating disorder and I really need to find some hobbies and have something to focus on, because I lost all my motivation for basically anything but excercise and cooking during my eating disorder which lasted for around 5-6 years. These years were essential for me because I should have developed my skills and hobbies and choose my career path- which I obviously did not. So now I can do literally nothing. I have one year left to choose some hobby, develop at least some skill and apply to college. I'm actually panicking. Right now I'm dealing with massive weight gain which was required for me to recover from my ed which led to over and binge eating which led to my depression and only lying in bad and having nothing to do, being tired due to weight gain and depression and just doing nothing. I also had suicidal thoughts sometimes and just really wanted to escape from this world, because I felt like there was nothing for me on this planet. I also did very bad at school. I tried, but I jíš couldn’t focus on my studies. But I was always interested in fashion design so I decided to do at least something. It might not be my future job, but it sure will make me feel better. I wanted to start so bad, but I couldn't because depression always said no, but now as I see you it just felt soo motivating and actually made me feel that I would like to have as much knowledge as you. Whether it is this subject or something else. You just motivated me soo much. I just needed that final push from someone- which my parents are not very helpful at, but you made sure that I received that. I just like the way you are organised and you start from the start. Which is my problem- I want to start from end which is not possible and I just end up doing nothing because- it won't be perfect.. which btw never will even if i would be professional. Perfection is unreachhable. Just thank you!❤ Btw: I don’t know what your age Is, but you look very good! And those glasses really suits you!☀️

[@CatherineSews]

Dear FLY, thanks so much for commenting and sharing your story. I agree that finding a passion in life, whether it turns out to be a career or just a hobby, makes a huge difference in your mood and motivation. It lights a fire inside you! I'm honoured and humbled that you found that motivational push in my video. I hope you enjoy the journey that sewing and fashion design can take you on! All the best to you.

[@rosejacks8662]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent!❤

[@DebR69]

Thank you for sharing this video. I’ve been searching everywhere for information that you explained so easy to understand. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@annak1371]

Thank you. I love learning.

[@brendasullivan7553]

You are brilliant!

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thank you, Brenda! That's so kind.

[@lucywyatt434]

Absolutely amazing instructions 😊….looking forward of designing skirts…. I made one from a pattern, but was not happy of the fit because of my measurements… but now I am going to try your way….

[@bellaferman]

Love your video, you explain very well and so clearly. Wish you'd make a video on how to make a double circle, long skirt. Thank you.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Bella! A double circle, wow, that's a lot of fabric! Do you ever watch the DIY Designer on KZbin? She's very cool and creative and recently did a video on using a circular tablecloth to make a circle skirt with really lovely results!

[@bellaferman]

@@CatherineSews Thank you Catherine, ill check out the DIY channel.

[@esperansaloughran693]

I saw this slashing technique with different types pf sleeves so i am beginning to understand how this is done

[@flof8992]

So clear!!! Could you do a video on how to draw a design? Sometimes I want to put on paper the bits of ideas and impressions I have of a design because I can't see it fully in my head, it's always a blur, but then, I don't know how to give the effect I want when drawing, like the folds, the flow of the fabric, etc.

[@sue9210]

This is wonderful to know, thanks Catherine! You have a special gift for teaching!

[@joscoville3641]

Thanks for this VERY INFORMATIVE video tutorial. It is VERY helpful.

[@ireneochoa6972]

Loves learning these skills!

[@abaigealduda2756]

What an amazing overview!!! Thank you very much!