Pattern Drafting Stretchy Knits

Learn to design and create beautiful stretchy clothing in this six-week pattern design course. Stretchy garments such as T-shirts, leggings, bathing suits, bralettes, slinky dresses, and knit tops require specialized sloper blocks without darts to work effectively with stretch fabrics. This course teaches the specialized techniques needed to create dart-less blocks and design garments that move with the wearer's body while maintaining a perfect fit.

Classes meet once weekly for six weeks, with each session focusing on a specific garment. You will draft patterns using flat pattern design techniques and then sew test versions from stretchy muslin to validate fit and design. This hands-on approach ensures you understand how stretch fabrics behave. You will have creative freedom to add your own design touches and styling choices to all the garments you create.

Course Outline

• Week 1: Pattern drafting dart-less stretchy knit bodice
• Week 2: Pattern drafting stretch sleeve foundation
• Week 3: Designing garments using the stretch bodice and sleeve foundation
• Week 4: Pattern drafting dart-less stretchy knit skirt foundation
• Week 5: Designing garments with the completed knit skirt foundation
• Week 6: Pattern drafting a coordinated outfit using your knit foundations

Prerequisite

Flat Pattern Clothing Design 1 is required. Please bring your sloper patterns from that course to your first class session.

Supply List

• 10 yards of stretchy fabric for making mock-ups and samples
• All other supplies needed for pattern drafting are provided in the studio for class use.

Class sizes are limited and frequently reach capacity. Each participant has a dedicated sewing machine station reserved, so refunds are not available. If you anticipate missing a class, please contact us in advance to arrange attendance at a nearby session that matches your schedule.