Drafting the Basic Pattern Set from Scratch // Basic Bodice Block Flat Patterning

[@ceara3100]

As a nearly 6 foot tall amazon built like an athletic potato line backer, NOTHING EVER FITS ME CORRECTLY!! Home sewing using commercial patterns leads to tears. Off the rack leads to many modifications. Winging it works, with tears. Your videos are giving me hope. I definitely understand some of the problems I have had in the past, and a LOT of it is based on the measurements for patterns / off the rack and how out of whack I am to them. Now maybe I can make clothes that fit me and I don't have to dress like a schlub anymore.

[@marcellacruser951]

OMG! With at least two of us of the same shape and size, I think we might have a tribe.

[@ceara3100]

@@marcellacruser951 Tribes of Amazons?

[@marcellacruser951]

@@ceara3100 Athletic potato linebacker Amazons. LOL!

[@thecalicoheart7946]

Here here to this comment for all of us (any of us???!!!) that aren’t a ‘standard’ size/shape. I have just discovered you and God bless you Miss Closet Historian - thank you so much for all you share. 😙💋🙏💝 I am a plus-size 50-something and all I want is a pretty dress to wear!!!!! 😭🤷🏼‍♀️🤪 It may now be more possible than ever because of you. 💝💕

[@canuckotter]

Can I also join this tribe of athletic potato linebacker Amazons? 😀

[@elitabaldridge6967]

Hurrah! I know it's probably a giant royal pain to make these, but I have found your in-depth videos to be incredibly helpful for me in learning how to draft things, and I really appreciate them.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elita!

[@tamarafkinglee6572]

Same here! Thank you! Love your professionalism and quality videos, especially how you get to the point and don't talk about drama/ unimportant things. Cute shirt! ❤

[@mmw55122]

Oh heck, B, monetize this vid! The book author made her money by selling the books so you would not take anything away from her. This vid is YOUR work, dialogue, asides (one if my favorite parts) and production. You deserve the $$!

[@Worldbuilder]

I bought the darn book. Never would have done that without this video. And, indeed, this entire channel. So one could argue the owner has made *more* based on this…

[@bonniehyden962]

AMEN!!!!

[@teresamichaud1253]

Bought the book, received it; Then watched your video. Fourth edition so some of the letters weren't the same, and lines were added, but I was able to follow along just fine.

[@xenoglossia_ch]

timestamps 8:08 size chart 13:04 front bodice 35:23 back bodice 52:32 tracing onto fresh paper 53:12 cutting out darts 55:32 splitting dart (1 to 2) 57:16 full bust adjustment 1:07:14 conclusion: finished sloper to block that fits you

[@mrsducky3428]

Thank you!

[@Judy-rk1ge]

Thank you so much for explaining how this works!

[@lilmisswiliams3738]

Commenting to save this comment it’s super useful to have time stamps

[@bonniehyden962]

Bless you for time stamps!!!

[@jcilly]

Legend

[@meamela9820]

Things I learned: I need to buy a french curve and a clear ruler with squares on, and I shall never skip mock-ups again. I see how essential they are the more I watch sewing videos from a lot of people. And yes! Most things you can search for yourself! In other areas than sewing I have noticed the lack of being able to search information by themselves by people nowadays. It's good to be able to ask, but sometimes people ask other people instead of a search engine, that would give a better or faster answer.

[@maryannwolf864]

How do you know where to draw the grain line?

[@tamarafkinglee6572]

@@maryannwolf864 😂 KZbin it maybe? I'm pretty sure this is a joke lol

[@amy.lerajie]

My poor metric brain fried halfway, but it was still better than when I attempted to make this pattern alone, super informative, thank you!

[@dorad.711]

Winifred Aldrich has multiple books specifically for a metric system

[@MabruBlack]

@@dorad.711 I do recommend that book! I made my own block with Winifred Aldritch’s book, especially because this book doesn’t have my measurements, but Aldritch’s book does. It’s great and super easy, and working with centimeters is so much easier than working with inches and quarters for a better fit. I did, however, followed Bianca’s advice and recommendations on how to alter it, because she explains everything so nicely in this video.

[@n0ise77e]

@@MabruBlack ​ @dorad.711 does any of you has compared the two books ? I am searching one that I could buy and I use the metric system, but I am afraid the books using metric are less exhaustive than the one she uses here

[@meixie7670]

I've been wanting to get into making my own clothing as stock patterns, and pretty much clothing anywhere, are not kind to plus-size people, and by some miracle your video "stop using commercial patterns" was recommended to me, which led me here! i immediately started on making this and the mock up turned out wayyy better than i expected considering the frankenstein-ing i had to do with the measurements lol! thankyou for being the open door for me to finally start pattern drafting, gave me loads of confidence!! very well made video! :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

This is wonderful to hear! Thank you Mei!

[@neldahargo29]

didn't take me long to figure out "I don wanna do dat" but I liked watching you do it.

[@cassiehall479]

If you know the basic shape you want to make and have a lot of concentration it's not too bad, but yeah, easier to use a commercial pattern

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yeah...it's not what I would define as a fun time ;)

[@kendal4452]

I'm terrible at math and she's good at it, but even she is having difficulty so I already know it would be disastrous for me. "I don wanna do dat either".

[@JustSaralius]

50:23 You missed to add a 1/4 inch to T, which is why the armhole didn't line up. (Just thought I'd say, in case that's useful information to anyone)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

No wonder!

[@yuebing7]

I took one community college beginner fashion course...and we did bodice blocks using ours (and each other's) measurements. We did mock ups and everything. The Costume Technician's Handbook has an amazing section on how to do it properly (for men as well).

[@esisiiziegbe1938]

Please can you share tips or book used.

[@Randomhuman333]

As I grow up, I am really learning the importance of having solid systems in place in your life. I’m a “winging it” type by nature and learn through a lot of error. But honestly, the budget doesn’t agree with that tactic! Thank you for this video it is EXACTLY what I needed! 🎉

[@richardharper992]

I know this has been around awhile but I've just seen it. It made me laugh out loud because I go through this *exact* type of stream-of-consciousness monologue when drafting. I'm in good company!

[@Daniellasanche]

Also thank you for clarifying why store patterns don't fit, I remember being so frustrated in sewing class as a kid when you follow the pattern exactly and it never fit!

[@TheVelvetKitten]

Please please monetize every video! This is a video I know I will come back to and you spent so much time teaching us here.

[@jenm4721]

I totally agree, I have come back to use this video several times, to make a block for myself and others.

[@Jessica_Jones]

Really appreciate the time that went into this as well as patience -- I know if I had already completed the process I would not want to redo all of that any time soon!! And I personally already did the front bodice (on paper) basically twice because of a couple of mistakes at earlier letter points 😂 As a total newbie it sure does take a toll on the brain, but I'm determined to minimize the muslins! Here's hoping I can get the back bodice done tomorrow and then cut out an old sheet for version one 😉 Thank you so much for walking through this for us!! 🖤

[@riskygamble]

I was so fortunate as to find an older edition of this book in a secondhand store for $20. You're right, it's a great resource! I do wish I'd been able to use it in a classroom setting instead of at my kitchen table, but I absolutely don't regret adding it to my sewing book collection.

[@bookmouse2719]

I remember taking a sewing class in High School (long time ago) and we would fit the tissue pattern on our body to see if it fit or not and use pins to fold the darts and check to see if the waist would come down and change things. Then we would sew the cut fabric and then try it on and slowly adjust it as we went. Your video is really interesting and remarkable and I'm showing this to my daughter that loves to sew. :)

[@milenemelendez7302]

Omg THANK YOU!!! I tried drafting a pattern from Chas Hecklingers book c.1886. I felt like my brain had been put into a BLENDER. The book you recommended MADE SENSE!! No renaming of points arbitrarily. Such clear instructions! I drafted the entire bodice (which is what I needed for the bustle gown I am making) on the first try!! And I did it directly with the personal measurements. Confidence restored! I can't thank you enough for making this video. I appreciate how hard it was for you, but you have helped enormously ❤

[@bonniehyden962]

I was up until 1 a.m. trying to draft from Keystone Cutter. Nope. Nope. And nope. This is mentally trying....but sooo much easier! I totally agree with you!

[@peggyriordan9857]

I was rooting you on as you were drawing the sloper. I remembered my first sloper and actually many after, the frustration of drawing these and then they didn't even fit!! I was right there with you. Yes, our bodies change! I went from 127 to 160 lbs in 6 months after I began taking a group of meds that put weight on all by themselves. I was redrawing every month until it leveled out. Thought I was going to lose my mind...LOL! Thank you for all of your work!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Peggy!

[@fawnklein7560]

Thank you for making this despite how painstaking it was. It was really nice to see this process fleshed out! It's hard to find these more tedious drafting videos when you can just buy a basic sloaper to get you started.

[@tiffanytomasino335]

Thank you for suffering through this process. It might not seem like it, but it’s super helpful to see and hear while you walk through it. Watching yours come together makes it easier to trust the process. Weirdly looking forward to doing this for myself ❤😅

[@hyperactivefreak1]

I think making a sloper from scratch is worth it if you are starting with your own measurements because it massively reduces the number of toiles you need to do. I’m very full busted and very short waisted, from my own measurements my sloper fit perfectly after the second toile and I needed to change even the standard, every size can use 14cm here measurements.

[@yearoftherabbitt]

when making this sloper from the video, did you just input your own measurments immediatey in place of what the book has or, did you make it from the book , make a mock , then alter? i am just confused if you can take the same technique here and input your measurements in place of the books , from the start

[@hyperactivefreak1]

Just input my own measurement instead of the standard measurements from the start.@@yearoftherabbitt

[@RachaelTheRed]

​@@yearoftherabbittI have not personally been through the process yet myself but I believe the original commenter was saying that using your own measurements in place of the ones in the book was worth the extra effort because your starting block will already be much closer. I think that's the process I'm going to try as none of the charts I've found for standard measurements match mine at all.

[@amyjohoppins1087]

I hope I have success too.

[@fraeuleinrosenmaier]

I recently made my block pattern from scratch using your blog post and the book (because I couldn’t wait … ahem …). It was a real pain in the ass and it still has some fit issues (because I made mine from my own measurements entirely and failed at measuring myself correctly), but this has already helped me a lot. Thank you a lot! My vintage sewing journey is about to start. Hooray!

[@heatherjohnson1569]

See now geometry class makes more sense when it actually is applied to real life applications. Public school has it separated so far out I would wonder why I was even learning this. Thank you for making this video.

[@violetsidhe]

Uk uses metric generally and also use imperial. I learnt both due to pattern envelopes having both printed on them and my measuring tape has both even though New Zealand uses metric since 1969. I love watching your drafting videos

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Renata!

[@thecalicoheart7946]

Just to say thank you for all you share. 🙏 I have bought the book you recommended. Binge-watched loads of your videos because they are a delight and I actually understand sooooo much more now about shaping and pattern drafting. So I am about to start drafting my own basic pattern blocks! I have always really enjoyed making my own clothes, but as many others have reported, have been foiled by the fit issues of commercial patterns! 😫🤬 Thank you, just thank you so much. 🙏😊💝💕

[@coleencastro2769]

OMG IVE BEEN TRYING ALL THE TUTORIALS I HAVE SEEN HERE IN YT BUT ALL OF THEM DIDNT HELPED ME AND THERES ALWAYS SOMETHING WRONG. THIS IS THE ONLY TUTORIAL THAT ACTUALLY WORKED AND IVE UNDERSTOOD!!!! THANK YOU

[@LarixLyalliiAlpine]

I've listened to this video probably at least six times. I'm finally going to actually follow along to it.

[@penyginger]

This was somehow soothing to watch. So like -as frustrating as it probably was to get this video done - it's calming for a random internet stranger coming down from a panic attack 2 years later. So thank youuuuuu

[@dianakidd5688]

Congrats to all of us for diving into pattern drafting ~ One thing I discovered, from having drafted before, was that a great additional tool to have is a large metal L Square Ruler. Thanks for the fantastic tutorial!

[@alongthenarrowroad8854]

This is absolutely one of the best instructional videos for sewing on KZbin. The amount of time you took on this!! Thank you! I have been sewing dresses for my daughter for many years and I’ve always wanted to sew my own but I don’t want to do commercial patterns. This gives me the boost I need to try to make a wardrobe from scratch on my own that fits my body. However, I’m still calling my grandma in for reinforcement!! She’s been sewing all her life, worked in the industry and still has entire dedicated sewing room in her house. She’s going to have to help me with this. The amount of numbers and measurements involved hurts my brain 😆 I need to go study my ruler now.

[@vivienneandersson6019]

That P instruction baffled me too! I wish I had Bianca walking me through this back when I followed these instructions. This book is my Bible but to be honest when following all the pattern developments in the book I actually use a bodice block drafted from instructions found elsewhere as I found hers confusing and I was not happy with how it turned out but the rest of the book is amazing

[@warriorssaga13]

Andromeda West Where do you get your other instructions? It would be really helpful to know since these are a bit confusing 😬

[@vivienneandersson6019]

@@warriorssaga13I used a book by Martin Shoben

[@nataliesiddle8507]

I tried using Winifred Aldrich book as it uses metric measurements. But when I came to draw the waist darts as per her instructions, they not only took up the wearing ease I had just added, but also reduced the total waist measurement by 18cm / 7 inches! I’m not planning to wear a corset any time soon and have no idea what the instruction was SUPPOSED to be either

[@RhaeyaCreations]

I just finished my degree for costume design and I had to slog through two classes of drafting and construction and I got so mad. I wanted to learn drafting and it turned out to be a 3.5 month each of Simon says. I did buy this book so I can learn. I will definitely be following your videos. Generally I just drape things. But it’s so so nice to draft things. :) thank you!

[@Hello_gorgeous1]

Is this book good for beginners?

[@RhaeyaCreations]

@@Hello_gorgeous1 yes, but you need to take your time. Follow the closet historian, because she's so goooood.

[@dana9915]

This video is 4 years old and as a fashion design student, this book and version is still being used. I finished my first year of school this spring and we got to "design" a bodice from basic measurements and pre-prepped slopers. We don't get to do drafting until Advanced Pattern Making (this upcoming spring semester) so getting to know how to read the book for this through you is a godsend because I wanna make clothing for me! That fits ME! Thank you!

[@geppettowoman]

I love these instructions so much! I wear early sixties vintage for the most part so I never have a pattern that is exactly what I need. What I do is start with a dress that fits me the way I like and use vintage patterns to add modifications. I suppose that means I have a cheater block, but I still check it each time. I learn something that makes my patterns better and easier form every video. Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@racquelrobinson3030]

I just want to say thank you so much. I truly, deeply, sincerely mean it. I've tried so many bodice pattern videos and they just didn't work for me. And the armhole was my biggest issue. Sure, you need the book, but it was so nice to know it's not anything I'm doing wrong, but everybody is different and a standard won't fit me to the T. I was a bit sad that my bodice didn't fit me right away, because I was so proud to have made it from scratch with the standard measurements, but then you showed me that even bust points have to be adjusted. And you don't have to put the dart at the armhole. It can go anywhere you need or want. I used the pattern to make a bodice for a dress today and I felt so beautiful. I need a dart at the front shoulder (I added side darts) because there's some space there but aside from that, it made me feel so feminine. I'm a petite inverted triangle, and I love bodice dresses with circle skirts and I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to it, and now I can finally, and confidently, start sewing them. Just thank you again. Without your help, I couldn't have made it through the instructions. Bless you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm so glad you've been having success with pattern drafting!! It opens up all the design doors ✨🧵❤️

[@BlueEyedSinger2010]

As a fashion design student, you are a God send and I am so blessed to have found you. My God, please come teach at my university. Please. We need you’re talent desperately.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ha! Thank you!

[@sandraorland8809]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I stumbled onto your channel at the right time! Was having so much trouble fitting my daughters shape that your videos helped me perfect it in short time. Drafted, Designed, draped, created muslin (on the important parts), tested, edited, and sewed final fashion fabric for my daughter’s homecoming dress. Not professionally taught. All learned on my own through 4-H projects and many drafting, couture, bridal books in past (18 years ago I created my wedding dress based off a basic pattern and re-worked majority of it on my own, solidifying my love of hand sewing and couture techniques).

[@dragonchild569]

Thank you for your videos. After sewing for almost 25 years I finally feel more confident in my own skills and now with a lot of help from you and a little from amazing open source website, I've finally got my own perfectly fitting bodice block❤ so excited to finally try drafting my own patterns!

[@Jar0Jess]

Doing this for a second time, this time with the book. I'm so grateful for your follow along video teaching every direction so clearly I can't thank you enough.

[@jori7398]

Hi Bianca! ❤️ Before I log into Patreon to support you, this was my beginner journey with your tutorial tonight: I took wild guesses for the front bodice to accommodate a low and wide apex for B cups, narrow shoulders, and very long torso. Plus I needed to add 9” in length from the waist down, because at 5’8” with a 29” inseam, low-hip length tops help to balance my proportions. 🙃 So I did all that while guessing at measurements I never heard of before. 🤣 At the end, I couldn’t wait to take a scissor to that paper! 🤭 Truth be told, you’re a really EXCELLENT teacher. I give your instruction a solid A++. The fit of the front is so close to correct for my body! I could never find anything to fit me this well in a store-which is the whole point of my journey. ❤️ Thank you, Bianca! I’m such a beginner and this is really a benchmark moment toward fashion freedom! Very excited. Tomorrow I’ll be back for the back of bodice. 😬 I’m scared lols! Sorry for the long comment, but couldn’t help myself. 💞

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Jori! I'm glad you are experimenting with pattern drafting! It truly is a magical door to all design freedom ✨

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

My personal challenge during all the lockdowns we experienced the past two years was to teach myself how to pattern draft. So far (knock on wood) I have been successful. Your how-to videos have helped me immensely.

[@JUDE11236]

I watched, rewatched, am rewatching now, also downloaded. I do that with so many of your videos. I'm about to go watch more of your content. Thank you so much for the information and inspiration. I purchased the book (used) to add to my library. The Internet is wonderful, but I do love my PHYSICAL books. Your designs are beautiful; I look forward to seeing more of your artistry.

[@artemisiaabsinthium1794]

As the sort of freak who is really into maths, this was a joy to watch. Like, just watch that geometry ✨fly✨

[@Iarasilv]

Thank you Bianca, this is really useful and you explain really well! Loved the flower and all! You looked amazing, like always but especially with this hairstyle and makeup.😀 Don't forgetting the great stripped rainbow blouse!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Iara!

[@sakshibisht2844]

Thank you so much! 🌟 I can’t stop myself from expressing my gratitude for the amazing video-it’s the best I could have ever imagined from Armstrong’s book! 🎉❤😍🥰

[@siobhananto6148]

You are an excellent instructor. This video was an amazing learning tool; serendipitously made exactly for me, since my measurements just happened to be the same as yours. i also had a copy of the Patternmaking text sitting unused on a shelf. These coincidences set fire to my brain. I taped down some brown paper, got out my clear quilting ruler, hip curve, & yardstick, & started plotting my measurements. Promptly got stuck, puzzled & bewildered. Had to re-watch your video several times in order to understand what was what. Without you, your practical, concise and clear instructions, that textbook would still be sitting unused on my shelf, and I would still be sitting on my couch, watching your videos, wistfully saying "I wish I could do that"

[@TheClosetHistorian]

This is awesome! I'm glad you gave it a try ❤ You can indeed "do that" :)

[@UnderOrange]

Dropping in because I need to tell you how much I loved the line "seven and thirteen sixteenths... not my favorite number". It's so good, lol. Also just generally thank you for your videos. This one especially took me back to learning this stuff in college. Since I sew primarily for dolls who like to break the physics of normal pattern drafting it feels like it's been eons since I got to work like this. It's terrible but I kinda want to make one again, an urge definitely fueled by nostalgia and social isolation madness. Ah well, I'll be sure to marathon a few other videos to get your watch count up. Thanks again. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@joufu1011]

This video was very helpful! I just started sewing, and this is something that I think will be really helpful! Especially the book you mentioned. I am a larger man, and have not had any luck finding patterns that fit (according to the measurements) my chest and waist. So I've felt like I will have to draft my own patterns, so finding this video was great! Never thought to make a basic block like this, and use it to make variations for different styles.

[@ThatLazyStray]

I actually got the book on your rec, but this video has been soooo helpful to follow along to while trying to draft it for myself. having both the visual representation along with the written took a lot of the headache out of it (which i've had from trying to follow 1890's pattern drafting manuals). I'm looking forward to having all this hard work done so i have a reliable body block pattern to sew some simple garments, as im trying not to buy from fast fashion anymore. Shirts scare me tho lol

[@Allthingsnewhw]

Complete newb here. Haven't even bought my machine yet. But I get this and you've demonstrated the process very clearly. It helps me first and foremost to understand garment geometry, which of course, informs garment construction and so forth and so on. Can't wait to get started. I'm a knitter and am now foraying into sewing my own wardrobe. It's hard to find instruction out there though on garment geometry when it comes to knitting. This video has been super helpful there as well.

[@bronteatkinson4001]

This is so reassuring that following these instructions is so mind boggling! Thank you. Have made many attempts to do this myself for years, still working on drafting a block that works! Will keep trying.

[@dinahfreeman4886]

Very helpful video as always! I really would love a storytime video about your time studying abroad. 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dinah! I'm an introvert so it was mostly a ton of me visiting museums all the time by myself :) And my do I miss that!

[@maryjackson1194]

I wish I had known about you a few years ago, when I made a wedding jacket for my plus-sized niece. Young and athletic, she had an absolutely flat abdomen and curves everywhere else. It took me three iterations (sending mock-ups back and forth 1200 miles). By the way: I have a pattern drafting textbook. I wish it had occurred to me to make a block from standard measurements and scale it up.

[@pamelaallen6477]

Dear Bianca - your video is the best. Thanks for making it, and for referencing the measurement numbers in the upper left hand corner of the video as you went. Having your measurements helped too - to make sure I was looking at the correct ones (there are so many!). I'll sew it tomorrow. Keep up the great work. Pamela

[@MissingRaptor]

Thank you for making this video. Understanding how basic/standard/commercial patterns are constructed helps me understand how to make them fit my body better 💖

[@FlyLikeADragon]

Thanks B for sharing all this information with us. I also really love listening to you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Zevi!

[@katwestrich761]

Thank you for showing how this is done. I was able to follow in a older version of the book you had. It helps to actually see someone do it, for me. 👍

[@gillianstapleton7741]

Your hairstyle is just gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gillian!

[@Bbeeche57]

WOW!! Thank you for all the work u did demontrating. So much work and so many measurements, its quite overwhelming! But what an eye opener! Had no idea the time and work it takes to draft this. I believe i would purchase a standard sloper and adjust for my personal measurements as you suggested. Thank you for this video and all the videos you make. I've learned so much from you.

[@evadeleon3009]

Been using this video multiple times since January (9 months) to keep practicing drafting a block for myself and friends. I love it!!! If you have the space/time too, it would be really helpful to have a video showing how/where to take the measurements the instructions are asking for instead of following the standard measurement charts. Thats definitely helpful to start but would like to try something more exact. You're videos have seriously helped me so much! AND SAVED so much by being able to make my own evening wear :) thank you

[@PopcornEmma]

I've seen UK fabric shops sell fabric by the metre but the widths are still described in inches... I'm English and I use imperial for my sewing MOST of the time (except when metric makes more sense?). Even we don't know what we're doing.

[@ImTash]

yup. i feel you. it's SUCH a ball ache. My machine's throat plate has the markings in inches, the pattern is all in inches, the pattern calls for like 3 3/8 yd fabric on 38" wide fabric, you go to minerva and every time it's 'aw heck' *drags out binder to convert yards and inches to cm to order fabric*. Like, i don't mind using inches or cm but it would be nice if it was consistent end to end. i don't do maths! It's got to the stage where i just lay my pattern pieces out on the floor with books on either end to define the width and then a tape measure down the side to figure out length. i know they always tell you to cut out on double layer but you waste SO much fabric following layouts. i must say i get very confused with the maths using inches though it takes me so much longer to calculate anything. like 'what is 7/8'x2? 2x7 is 14 but wait no it's in a block of 8 not ten...' so i end up just squinting at my tape measure counting lines.

[@lornas-w4661]

Definitely a mix. Buy material in metres. Sew and think in Imperial. Baking too: when do you ever need a gramme of anything that's not medical or illicit?

[@sheelfjohnson]

The Jedi Master of sewing you are, heh heh. Sorry - I'll go watch more of your videos now. Hoping you'll have one on sleeves... And thank you for doing this! My mind is spinning from how much work you put into this.

[@evelynhearnsberger660]

That was amazing to watch! You are so talented! I was able to follow along and it was so interesting to see how it took shape! Also, your hair and make-up is beautiful! I really enjoy your channel and look forward to your next video! The sooner the better!😉🤗💕

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Evelyn!

[@Lulu.G-61]

This is a completely different way of drafting than what I learned but I am going to embrace it and try it for myself, I learned to start with a moulage but this looks like it removes a couple of steps which I am always excited about…I have already ordered the book!

[@Anna-qb3pv]

I did it! Fitting this is going so much better than trying to fit my commercial pattern. I can't lie, there were a couple of times I said "wait, what...what's that? I didn't measure that" but i just gave it my best guess, lol! Thank you for making this and the sleeve video. So so helpful!

[@JustSaralius]

Seeing you wear that rainbow blouse, with that stunning hair and makeup gives me the happy feels! Rocking it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@wiiwiimarie]

I have that book and put it as aide because I couldn’t figure out the instructions. Your video was incredibly helpful. I’m going to try it soon! Thank you!

[@rickylumo8666]

You are so beautiful and motivational. Thank you for existing and for producing such great content.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@betsyc.358]

I've been working through your backlog and you are a treasure for putting in the work for this video! It's a major goal of mine to get fully into making my own clothing and your videos are so so valuable!

[@shangri-laj9578]

I have finally taken the plunge and spent this weekend making my bodice pattern, that fits me!! YEAH! I cannot thank you enough for inspiring me. It only took 3 drafts. My measurements are on the far right f that chart…so I used my own measurement. I was suprised it only took 3 drafts. Again, many thanks!!! Now I can watch more of you videos and follow along and make some new fashions!!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Good work and congratulations! ❤🧵

[@regalrose3365]

Thank you for making this video. My eyes just glazed over with the instructions, but seeing you do it and being the same size makes it less daunting. I might try your existing pattern block hack first

[@annazann7236]

I need a new block as well. Round about the time you've made this video I tried my third method of drafting a block. It was the best yet but produced broken (no straight) side seam. I never tried Armstrong method though. Finally! When I look at the final block with the knowledge I have now it is so simple: just measure on center front from high shoulder level (A) down to across chest line, upper bust (squares to O), bust line (squares to K) and waist. Use across chest measurement to determine shoulder slope. Mark M, O and K to your own measured arcs. Dart is easy peasy after that. And presto! Thanks a lot! ❤

[@jori7398]

Thank you for helping me make this on a rainy Saturday. Your tutorials are amazing!

[@sylviakeatley4173]

Thank you, thank you, thank you Bianca. You have had a massive positive impact on my sew jo. I always learn so much from you and now my lifelong weight issues are being dealt with I really want to replace my baggy wardrobe with vintage inspired clothes. Thanks.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sylvia!

[@aureateblues]

Wooo buddy this looks like it took a lot of work to make. I really appreciate this video; I now have three pages of notes and this is the first video I have ever seen that helped me understand the full bust adjustment (which I definitely need). Even if I don't draft my own bodice from scratch I think it's super helpful to see how it's constructed! Seeing things made from the ground up is very enlightening and helps me feel less timid about making necessary adjustments. Thank you so much!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@JosieAreSee]

RAMBLE ON, BABY! I love your chats because they aren't boring or repetitive. Ramble sounds too negative. If you were a teacher/Professor, I wouldn't ever feel bored out of my brain. There is so much info that you share without dragging or boring your viewers. I appreciate it. So much so that i end up watching year old videos when I'm interested in learning a few details.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Josie! ❤

[@chinonsovictor6531]

Omg! I thought I was the only one that had a tough time deciphering the N, O, P and B to F parts while working on my own before I checked out this video. 😂 Helen Armstrong's book is so well detailed and graphically illustrated too, I love it. I'm totally self-taught. ☺️

[@rubybond7888]

Thank you so much I'm dyslexic and I've always not gelled with normal patterns I just don't get them I don't like them I've always self drafted but I've changed so much since the last time I use my own pattern. I don't know how to get started again so I'm very grateful to you thank you ❤xxx

[@MyLady120]

You’re an amazing teacher. A God sent. You have helped me so much. This is what I needed. Many blessings to you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Meg_of_all_threads]

Well I think you should had monetized your video. You didn't just "show" the recipe, you did it girl! Totally saving this video to come back to it later! ❤️

[@cassandrafuqua8279]

This tutorial is absolutely awesome!! Thank you so much!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cassandra!

[@CelticBearWoman31]

Happy to have found you, CH. I am going to learn to pattern draft this year through you.

[@harmonyrose856]

Thank you! I have bought Helen's book and it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. It just has everything in it that one ever needs to reference. Thank you.

[@victoriapuddles6255]

Interesting, totally different method to what i was taught, I leant there is another way. I use Winifred Aldrich's metric pattern cutting for womens wear. All the fit issue adjustments are included in the book. Anyone working in metric i would recommend this version, imperial is confusing when you're not use to it. Thank you for taking the time to make this video

[@scythian6829]

Just started watching this video so I have no comments on it yet, but let me just say how much I appreciate that you provided non-Amazon links, including Abebooks.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

The bad news is...Abebooks is owned by Amazon 😅 Amazon buys up most competitors so they are nearly impossible to avoid 😬

[@scythian6829]

@@TheClosetHistorian Oh no 😭 and here I was thinking I was avoiding the giant by buying through Abebooks lol thanks for letting me know though.

[@cherylspear1633]

Haha...this is melting my brain, but it's great! I'm off to buy this book and give it a go. Editing this to mention that I plan to also make a block from the Vogue pattern that I've ordered, but I MUST try this method! I appreciate this so much.

[@smconner1956]

I saved this video to watch after my physical therapy for a rotator cuff. I'm so glad I did. Girl! You cracked me up. It was certainly what I needed. That heart felt "sh*t!" We've all been there at one time or another. If I still sewed for myself, I might try this. (I stopped sewing for myself when I gained a gob of weight. Nothing looks good on me now.) Looking forward to your next video.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@murieljohnson2042]

I love your videos. I love your interaction with yourself. Sounds like me with me. Keep safe!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Muriel! You too!

[@marisoldominguez438]

Awesome tips on using standardized block measurements to create your sloper and then fit it to your measurements. Genius because who has assistant to measure you.

[@chaeburger]

I am definitely one of those people who were excited about this video. This is extra helpful for me since my measurements are so similar to yours. Too bad that it has suddenly become very difficult to buy or borrow books.

[@bonniehyden962]

I've followed and drafted the front bodice. 🤯 As an absolute & complete newbie to such...this is like magic! 🤭 Question: everything I've read shows to use "standard measurements" or proportions. Is it possible to draft such a bodice directly from one's personal measurements? Or does the "magic" only work with standard size measurements then one tweaks to fit? ...I might have more questions after I draft the back. I had to let my brain rest. p.s. - does anyone know who worked out this formula or how this process came to be? With every step I wanted to ask, "Why?" It's all just absolutely amazing that someone came up with all this!! ...and it works! Thank you so very much for taking the time to make this available. I will most likely use the pattern hack you provided in the previous video...but to now know I >might< be able to make a bodice pattern in this manner is doing wonders for my confidence level! I just can't thank you enough!

[@whisperingleaves4157]

I LOVE YOU!!! ❤️❤️❤️ This topic is so intimidating but you make it so light and fun!! I’m learning so much and not only that, I pure helping me digest this pattern making book that I just bought that just happens to be the one you’re using! Sending you lots of thanks and well wishes!! 💫

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! This process (and this video 😂 ) is confusing so you've gotta laugh through it really

[@whisperingleaves4157]

@@TheClosetHistorian So true! The process is crazy. Funny that it was at some point decided “Yes! This is the way!”

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

I have checked a couple of standard size charts out of curiosity and discovered that the measurements differ between UK and US by a considerable amount. eg (for me) bust - waist - hip UK chart is 52" - 49.25" - 55" but in the US the same one is 54-57" - 47-50" - 58-61". My own measurements are 53"-45"-55" so the UK standard size is the closest fit while the US one is miles off especially in the waist and hip. Great video and I looked these up out of curiosity just to see what was closest to my own measurements for use when making my own sloper. Neither are perfect but the US standard size shows a considerable difference in body shape to either the UK or mine (grew up in NZ, live in Ireland) so for those looking for a standard chart to use it might be worth looking at the different ones from different countries just to get your particular body shape.

[@susanmycat4906]

Hi Bianca I love your channel and have been re inspired to sew again after being poorly for a while. I'm from the UK and learned to pattern draft using 'metric pattern cutting' by Winnifred Aldrich. The size charts go up to size 30/bust size 52" which I hope is helpful to lovely larger ladies🙂 the method is quite different from the one you've shown us here but the end result is the same - a super block that fits well regardless of our size 😁 All the best will all your projects Kind regards Celia xxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Celia!

[@susanmycat4906]

@@TheClosetHistorian ooo💕I'm so excited you replied! I'm really enjoying your channel. I just measured my eldest daughter (whether she like it or not - she's your age lol!) I've done her bodice block and am having a go at doing a bra block for her thankyou for your inspiration 🙂xx

[@CS-lk2ys]

I know you think drafting a sloper/block from scratch is unnecessary, but I followed along with you video and the book and actually greatly enjoyed the process. There were a couple of snags I ran into from the book that your video was able to clear up for me easily, so I greatly appreciate it. Off to watch another of your video’s now!

[@leonezanica]

I had been following on and off for a year but had not subscribed, I am now subscribed and following most of your videos especially on all your pattern making demos, necklines and so on. I realized you demonstrate the process of the bodice and also I watched the one for the sleeve, I had to share it to all my classmate and college teacher and we all love the way you do this step by step and all included in the videos, I would love if you can please, please make a video on the front and back of the skirt with the same instructions of the Armstrong textbook so we can have you complete the 5 basic sloper/block pieces. We will be in a huge debt to you for helping us with all your wonderful videos, by the way please don't change your thinking out loud process because it is of huge help and we love that you show all the mistakes and corrections made in every video, again thank you so much, by the way am 48 and finally taking patternmaking so yes not new in the sewing world but new in the patternmaker department and am loving every step of the way!!! God bless you so much for sharing such great videos, you are awesome!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I do have the skirt as well and it can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r37ZhISqZ9x_pZo

[@chellekeogh1605]

Thank you, Bianca. I found a comfy spot, made a coffee and just enjoyed this whole video. I have some old books that I draft from and watching you they now make much more sense. 💕🌸

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Adella!

[@dpr4820]

I had to stop 8 minutes in due to your rambling...And SUBSCRIBE! I love it. I am getting the book too. Thank you and keep on doing you!

[@khairahphillips9500]

It is pretty difficult to follow along with what you’re doing without the book, but I just purchased it and I will come back. I like the way you explain things, so I feel like you’d be easy to follow along with.