Our Introduction to Pattern Cutting course will next be held in 2024. Private tuition is available year round.
Download your enrolment form here for Mondays or Tuesdays.
When and where will the lessons take place?
The two courses will take place on a Monday evening from 6:30pm until 9pm and a Tuesday morning from 10am til 12:30pm at the Grange Farm Hobbies Centre, Wesley Rd, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN16 1SA on a Monday. If you need directions to find the venue, please contact The Party Frock on 01652 658516 or enquiries@thepartyfrock.co.uk.
How long does the course run for?
The Monday course runs for 10 weeks, sometimes it won’t be consecutive weeks due to bank holidays and other occasions, however this course is uninterrupted. The Tuesday class is school term time only and works out 11 weeks comprised of a 5 week term and 6 week term, separated by the February half term holiday.
What will I be learning?
- How to draft a basic pattern block using the Winifred Aldrich metric method. This will provide a basis for a number of designs that you could potentially create
- How to fit a ‘toile’ (mock up of your design) and alter your pattern block.
- How to create a pattern from your own garment design
Pattern drafting involves a lot of technical drawing and the need to be accurate! It also requires concentration. The basic block that you create will be something you can take many designs from in the future. You can draft a close fitting bodice/dress block or a trouser block in this class. It may be beneficial to do some of the toile construction at home if you have the time in order to spend the time at class working on the techniques that at newer to you.
How much does the course cost?
This course costs £175 for the Monday class and £190 for the longer Tuesday class. A deposit of £45 must be paid when booking to secure your place, as there is only 10 places per course. For both classes the balance can be paid in 2 more instalments. For the Monday class a further £50 must be paid 2 weeks prior to starting the course and the remaining £80 by week 5. The Tuesday class will be a further £50 two weeks prior to the start date and the remaining £95 by week 5. Please see terms and conditions on the enrolment form for further information. Please contact if you wish to discuss payment further.
What if I miss a week?
Please, where possible attend each session, as there will not always be time to catch up in further sessions (however we do always endeavour to make sure everyone is up to date!). The pattern cutting course will run for 10 or 11 weeks, we can only fit it in once a year! If you think you may struggle to attend less than 7 sessions you may find you struggle to catch up.
Do I need my own sewing machine?
It is advisable to bring your own sewing machine as it is better to learn on the machine you will be using at home as there can be a lot of variety between different machines. The Party Frock does, however, have a limited supply of sewing machines available during lessons for students that do not own their own. Please note that Party Frock sewing machines cannot be taken home with students. You will not need your sewing machine every week, and definitely not for the first 3 sessions. You probably won’t need your sewing machine for the first 2-3 weeks of the pattern cutting course.
Will there be a break and refreshments during class?
Yes we will have a 10-15 minute break at an appropriate stage in the lesson. There will be teas, coffees and hot chocolate available, as well as biscuits!
Is this an accredited course?
There is no qualification at the end of the course, but you will learn skills for life. This means students get to have more of an input into the course, as there is no set criterion that you must follow.
Are any materials provided?
You will be provided with pattern paper and calico for toiles throughout this course. Any other materials you may need to provide yourself are listed in the kit section below.
What do I need to bring with me to class?
Your sewing machine if you have one and a pair of fabric scissors and paper scissors. A notebook, pen and pencil would be handy too. You will need a metre ruler and a metric pattern master will make life a lot easier! Each week we will discuss the following week’s lesson to ensure you have plenty of time to organise supplies for the following week. Please refer to the kit list of other suggested items that you may need.
Basic sewing kits will be available to purchase no less than 2 weeks in advance of the sewing class start date, allowing time to receive orders from my wholesaler. I will endeavour to have items such as sewing machine needles and bobbins available to purchase during each lesson at minimal cost.
Please note you may not need your sewing kit and machine every week, however you will need your stationery every week!
Kit list
This is a suggested list of kit you may need during your pattern cutting class classes and beyond:
- Fabric scissors
- Snips
- Unpicker/seam ripper
- Pins
- Pin cushion
- Safety pins
- Machine needles
- Hand sewing needles
- Needle threader
- Tailor’s chalk
- Sewing machine oil
- Loop turner
- Folder with punch pockets for your pattern portfolio*
- Paper scissors*
- Tape measure
- Ruler and set square*
- Metric Pattern Master***
- Metre Ruler**
A kit can be purchased through The Party Frock for £19, or £13.50 without fabric scissors.
*Please note the sewing kit to order does not include a folder & inserts, ruler & set square or paper scissors.
**If you would like to order a wooden metre ruler at £7.50 or an aluminium metre ruler at £10 please make a note of this when booking the course and pay for it along side your kit and enrolment fee.
***The metric pattern master can be purchased at Amazon, Ebay or William Gee Haberdashery online. If you would prefer this to be ordered for you please speak directly to me and we can arrange order and payment. Prices vary.