5 Useful Pattern Drafting Tips

Here are five pattern drafting tips I've discovered to be very helpful when I'm drafting patterns for my own clothes. These tidbits can even be used when just tweaking an existing pattern.
My aim is to show that making your own clothes is surprisingly manageable. It isn't some mystical art that needs to be wrestled from a fire-breathing dragon protecting the dungeon of drafting secrets. You got this! If you're reading this description, let me know down in the comments!
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00:00 - The 90° Rule
02:59 - The 180° Rule
04:39 - The Power of the Triangle
08:41 - The Fabric Matters
11:09 - Listen to the Wrinkles
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#sewing #sewingtutorial #diyfashion
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Some of the links shared may be affiliate links. Learn more here → cornelius.ooo/disclaimer-priv...

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Join the Corn Cob and support my content on Patreon 👉🏻 cornelius.ooo/patreon

[@nefertitidaluna2090]

i went to a fashion school, and i sucked at pattern drafting never really understood shit😭, and this 13 min video explained everything that i needed to know. thank u so much 🙌❤❤☺☺

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching.

[@reedehinger2636]

Just watching the way he talks, his enunciations, little hand motions, etc. He is mesmerizing, very entertaining and relaxing to watch, plus he's the only one on KZbin I've found who makes videos that make sense. Going step by step, explaining every little thing he does so the viewer doesn't get lost, etc. Amazing videos. I've been trying to find more comfortable classical styles (like the English Drape Cut, high waisted trousers) but its so hard because I can't even get the basics of tailoring down. This channel has helped me do that, and now I'm making my own stuff. He's epic.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You are extremely kind! Thank you and I hope you stick with it and end up making everything you desire.

[@simpleperson7226]

this man just points out something that was never spoken about often, he's helping so much, thank you for the efforts u make !!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@annaadkins]

I’ve been making my own patterns since I started sewing (because I was a kid and did not have money for patterns, lol, but now I just prefer it) and hearing your 180 degree rule suddenly makes every pattern I’ve ever made that just didn’t quite work out make way more sense. Thank you!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well I'm glad to hear there was a useful little tidbit in my video :)

[@shopwornbear1171]

You sew for the same basic reason I do...fit. You, a mishap in your youth that you've selflessly shared with us all through your website. Myself, the product of a generation of chain smokers...I never grew "right", and nothing after the age of 12 fit me off the rack. You're very generous to put these tips forward. They're not only helpful, they add dimension to these "general fit" sewing patterns we often come across at your local Fabricland. I have not answered one of your auto generated emails. I'm still trying to compose the "tell me about yourself" question. Not sure why I am struggling to write this, but there it is. Guess it's sort of like trying to relate to a relatable person when you yourself are the polar opposite. Point? Yes, there is. You shared a pretty vulnerable fact about yourself with us all by revealing what that accident did to you, and why you sew. For some of us with body and fit issues, that is a lot to take in. It also is inspiring. If you can make it look that good, and wear your sewing projects with such pride, maybe I can do the same? I dunno, but I do want to thank you, seriously. I am starting to feel as if I am able to create fit and finish for myself that will bring out my own best, even if I don't have the frame to wear things that drape or hang. That is for the lanky guys I guess. Anyway, weirdo here says thanks!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself. It's great to get to hear about the folks watching my content so thank you. Thank you for being vulnerable as well! It takes a lot. I have full faith you can make the clothes you want for yourself as well. You're you and you belong. We're all weird :)

[@CarolynOsborne]

I really like how you teach. I love seeing what happens if you don't do something correctly.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, I'm glad to hear my approach works for you.

[@myrenaissance]

Wish all home ec teachers were like you. There would be more happy sewing in the world❣️

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@user-qh2yu3jn4y]

I just stumbled upon your channel and I must say you are fabulous. I love the quirky humour and even though I’ve been home sewing for decades I’m learning so much that I didn’t have a clue about before. You have a great teaching manner. On the plus side I’m from a farm and love the cowboy look.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well thank you on all fronts. I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching.

[@janfranklin2114]

A game changer for me was when I realized that it’s not the cut edge that I needs to match but the SEWING line this is especially true at the shoulder seams. I highly recommend basting as well. Great quick adjustments for a better more comfortable fit 👍🏼

[@CorneliusQuiring]

This is a great point! It took me a really long time to realize this myself as well. Thanks for mentioning the basting stitch as well, a valuable tip.

[@lynettedaniels1236]

Ah! I’ve often wondered why some pattern pieces have that tiny straight bit before a curve. Now it all makes sense. Thanks for this video! Your attention to detail really helps me be better!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear there was a little useful nugget for you, in my video.

[@saundraweed9738]

Great practical sewing advice. Many people can sew but don’t know the techniques to make thing FIT

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I do always like to know why :)

[@Fisklingur]

I'm so used to videos like this being useless clickbait but this was actually very useful!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@creaturefeaturecosplay]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I'm just barely learning how to sew, while at the same time running an after school cosplay club for middle school kids. So I'm always looking for things to improve my own sewing while staying one or two steps ahead of the kiddos! You explain things so clearly and I'll definitely pass your tips along

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful. The program sounds amazing and a great way for the kids to express their creativity!

[@user-gg2yu6bu7i]

Definitely, the hat makes for a more comely tailor. Love your tips!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you.

[@GenXDesigns]

Yes they should sponsor you. You b rocking them hats!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

glad you think so :)

[@abundantlyinspired]

So well done. 🙌🏻I'm so glad I found you! I love your channel; the sewing community always needs fresh unique voices. ☺️❤️❤️

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well thank you and thanks for watching. We need all types indeed.

[@Lorraine-yy8ey]

Wow, Cornelius! Your videos always deliver. Educational, instructional, and FUNNY! Love, love, love your dry-wit humor and deadpan delivery. You, my dear, are a riot!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well thank you. I'm happy my approach works for you and you we were entertained :)

[@patriciajrs46]

You are the best at explaining the hows and whys in doing the things that need done. I can see that you're very smart. Yes, these companies should pay attention to a sewing cowboy. If they aren't working with you, they are missing out. Keep up the good work, and thank you for all thst you do for us.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Your support is greatly appreciated indeed! Thank you. I'm working on getting some of these companies to recognize that we've got a lovely supportive community over here.

[@alexiphigenia1618]

Your explanations/videos are EXCELLENT. I'm so happy I found you. I can't wait to check out your Patreon.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Your support is greatly appreciated. Thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@Bellbebell]

Love how the tips just start off the video

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@lydiagiangregorio7809]

man i LOVE your content. You're a legend, thank you for sharing this. Also, your videos are beautifully crafted and perfectly paced. I'm making my father an awesome shirt for a gift using all your tips!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh nice! I hope the shirt turns out as you hope and have no doubt he'll appreciate it greatly.

[@DJGASAP]

Thank you for explaining everything I needed in this video! I now understand why the pattern is cut and more paper is added.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you.

[@badashangpliang1768]

Thank you for the information very helpful for the learners

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@bobthemonkey94]

This helped me more than the hours and hours I've spent watching various pattern drafting tutorials. Suddenly it all just makes sense

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad you got something out of my content. Happy drafting.

[@mwilliams2981]

Thank you so much. I’m grateful you are so easy to understand. Straight to the point

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@ireneadele4810]

Wow! Great teaching! Fun to learn and listen. I'm new to sewing, glad I found you!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@Zayaxa]

You're a fantastic teacher. Thank you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@patriciamaharaj8022]

You’re a great teacher …much appreciated 💯

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@karenrmt974]

i really enjoy your videos, explanations, and humour. I always learn something new. Thank you 🌽 💋

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@alannachristie6495]

Thank you! I now realise what I did wrong a billion years ago on adding to the tummy area...I added to the side and ended with a pucker at the sides....now I will always add to the front of the pattern and not to the side 😂

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wonderful. I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching.

[@karenstarr4042]

Impressive! Should be shown to students for” WHY we learn math.”

[@CorneliusQuiring]

:)

[@alexandriaborn8285]

Thanks for the great tips

[@tex1622]

So good!

[@HeikeM-bc6ee]

Dear Cornelius, you belong on the comedy stage. Even though I don't need your tips (I've been sewing for 55 years) and only understand about 75% of your language, I'm lying under the table laughing. I'm looking forward to your next video.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Funny you say that. I started on the stage and made my way over here. Perhaps time I wander back?!

[@ixur1960]

@@CorneliusQuiring maybe, why not do both for a while and see where your heart is calling more…just discovered u…sewing is something I learned in primary school, and even made my own money making pants for 100 RON ( Romanian leu) for a 18 y.o…I use it once in a while to fulfill my creativity juice…never got it to a professional level. Sewing is a good skill to know and we should teach youngsters…

[@olgalucialopez7323]

Do you think every body knows elementary geometry? He is helping

[@matomesimonseabi9235]

Keep ur 55 years to urslf this man has helped many of so much

[@ULADUCH]

​@@CorneliusQuiringdon't do it, please!😊

[@darkovinster2754]

Clear and useful! Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Your financial support is very much appreciated. Thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@yvonnejacobs6500]

I love your explanations very good teaching . Thank you .must say you got me cracking up.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Then my job here is done :)

[@haladraj]

That was very informative, came the right time.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@ThatisSewSilvia]

I agree! 🎉😊 Cowboy companies, here! You came just as i finished a block for me, a bodice. I am sure I didn’t followed the 90 degrees/180 degrees rule. So I might change some features. Thanks!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Your support is greatly appreciated. Good luck and hopefully it turns out as you desire!

[@SSheriff49]

Thanks Cowboy... Your tips will make my stiching better.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it. 🤠

[@pilaricapilarica4035]

Gran maestro, gracias.❤

[@NicholasAmCuben]

Cornelius, you are the MVP

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@TaDarling1]

Very informative video!!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad you think so!

[@KissingCats]

so simple yet ingenious ☝️🤓 back to the basics!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

indeed!

[@myrenaissance]

Yep. I examine the wrinkles. Smile or frown. So I smile more and frown less Works with sewing too Thanks Corn. Great life lesson🤓

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You said it better than I can :)

[@janeford551]

What a great video , found your channel by accident and so glad I did

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@vikibobula8930]

I agree with most of the comments, Your way to explain work sewing stuff to younger people this time in schools, would be a rise of students for the future time, perhabs instead of no classes at all!)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You are kind, thank you :)

[@helend222]

Discovered your KZbin channel yesterday. Fantastic. Thank you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@AV-ze2hf]

Lovely content as always. My nerdy brain get's some logical answers where my teacher seamstress sometimes looses me ;) this logic. Thank you

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, I'm glad to hear it.

[@HappilyDressed]

Your videos are always so helpful! THANK YOU for being here, Cornelius!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for keeping the world as fashionable as you do!

[@reem_maz]

great video and easy to understand.. thank you

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@noemilimin7784]

Thank you for the tips sir 🥰

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🐓🙏🏻

[@maryakers1901]

Very helpful and entertaining.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@jenny91527]

Thank you!… that’s it 😊

[@kendriadrakes742]

Wow thank you

[@radhapwr]

Wow our pattern making professor never told us that and these are such helpful tips!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@souad8814]

Thanks you sir

[@roslynmurray1619]

That makes sense, with the angles. Thanks hesps

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@SarahK86]

Now, I can fix my sleep sac pattern under the arms. Not using the 90°rule was the problem.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you.

[@haidybreidel9059]

Thank you so much for the tips

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@charlottebird1226]

You're fab! I'm so happy I found you

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🐓🙏🏻

[@knitking]

My favorite sewing cowboy! 🤠

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@rhonddalesley]

We need both commercial and indie pattern designers to watch this because the number of times I’ve sewn an inside leg seam and ended up with a mountain shape at the crotch is ridiculous. That obviously causes further problems because when the excess is trimmed away, the crotch curve changes shape and is deeper and the inside leg seam shorter

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh interesting. I did not know this was an issue. That's a shame.

[@nathanhield305]

I agree i like the hat, the tips are really helpful too

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Your support is greatly appreciated.

[@elsafischer3247]

I have learn many things thank you

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@marjohnsmusings3222]

Thank You!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🙏🏻

[@SparkyOne549]

Thanks for this explanation. You def need a hat sponsor, fellow lefty.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Indeed! I'll make it my aim :)

[@mooninthesky737]

Bravo c’est très bien fait

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Merci

[@szinkopane]

these tips were great, thank you! i'd also love a deep dive into drag lines and other fit issues in the future. keep up the good work, weird but professional cowboy!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Consider this Cowboy on it! I plan to do much more pattern related content :)

[@anirahayu1535]

Trimakasih atas segala penjelasanya.

[@kl5508]

Shocked this video doesn’t have more likes

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Your support is greatly appreciated regardless.

[@user-hj4bi6ir2x]

Я вас просто обожаю! Не зная вашего языка, все ( или почти все ) понятно… Спасибо!!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Как очень любезно с вашей стороны. Спасибо за просмотр. 🙏🏻

[@stuartanderson4915]

In the industry we call it truing a pattern and it's not a 90 degree rule but 180 across the seam ... ie you dont need 90 on each side but a total of 180 for both ... 135 and 45 would be fine too!

[@MTAMIL24]

Love from South India

[@kimjohnson5400]

Voila cowboy, subscribed

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@intelligentFit]

I wish you could have shown which end of the wrinkles pointed to the shirt problem - arrows on a still shot would be great!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for the suggestion! I will make sure do so in future videos.

[@francoissainte-marie7908]

you are amazing!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@bintz1823]

Thanks for the video. Do you have a video on ease? How much ease to add to where and if I want something baggy where should I add the ease to and how do I determine how much ease is added depending on how baggy I want something to fit?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Not yet. My suggestion is always, try a few different amounts and then dial it in from there.

[@lindamueller9730]

Thank you so much for all this insight to why we sew....just enjoy your approach to sewing!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@tanyapalmer8130]

You are so awesome

[@reclaimgreatness3645]

This is a master class!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@leealdridge1138]

yes I agree

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@lindak8664]

You should definitely have a hat sponsor!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Your support is greatly appreciated. I'm trying :)

[@christinabarnes1105]

First, let me say I love your tips, and I am glad I found your page. My question is is when you cut the back pattern for more volume for the butt area and you altered the back pattern. What about the front pattern? Does it need to be altered to? If so, how do I do that? Thank you.❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Nope, they do not need to be altered.

[@RedAlertt]

Hey Cornelius. Do you have a video that teaches how to just make a simple t shirt with measurements and all? Also resizing?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ive got this as a pattern video (which is basically a t-shirt): kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXWpd2mgiZlmY68si=1H2PLquqtwdjKsYH

[@goa-artandcraft4991]

❤

[@KateShaw2]

❤❤❤

[@randylls5341]

👍

[@christinabarnes1105]

I’m new at this. can you explain to me what is knit and what is woven?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

knit fabrics loop the thread together (t-shirt fabric) and woven fabrics have the threads go over under think "regular" fabric.

[@KokanAgriculturegoatfarm]

Sir , will you pls share oversize coat stitching and drafting

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for the suggestion, I will consider it for a future video.

[@magdaw1844]

Bardzo dziękuję i serdecznie pozdrawiam Magda z Polski

[@HithertoPaintball]

What kind of paper do you use to draft patterns onto?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Recently, I got the big rolls of drafting paper with the grid on it and like it.

[@ranaaghapoor9113]

👌🙏🌹❤❤بسیارعالی بود😅😅👍

[@jontavenking4634]

I'm assuming I'm out of the running for this, and not to mention it's 3 months later. But I wanted to try and see what came of it. So, I'm typing one of the four options you presented to your viewers. :voila:

[@CorneliusQuiring]

People who join as a member will get the following:

[@christinabarnes1105]

On the video at 1:42. You talk about 90degree angle. On the pant on the video what are the RED CIRCLES ON THE PANTS MEAN??

[@CorneliusQuiring]

pivot points I think.

[@christinabarnes1105]

So how do I get the pivot points?

[@marjohnsmusings3222]

voila

[@CorneliusQuiring]

If you become a paid member by hitting the join button, a custom emoji will display :)

[@jabeavers]

Speaking of hats, I'm in the process of making a fedora, right now!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice! I hope it's going well and turns out as you hope.

[@sanidadezero]

💋

[@fiorellaravandoni8568]

🤠

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@aidanmullins8599]

Ruff ruff

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🐶