I can't wait to teach you how I pattern cut my own designs for Lola Loves, and help you draft your own patterns.

The main steps involved in pattern making include:

1. Taking body measurements:

 Taking the correct body measurements is important and will determine if the pattern is going to fit the body.

2. Developing the pattern:

 The actual development of the pattern can be done using various methods, including flat patternmaking, draping, drafting, or cloning existing garments. Each method has its own approach to translating design ideas into physical patterns.

3. Adding seam allowances and markings:

 Seam allowances, hem allowances, and other construction details are added to the pattern, ensuring that there is enough fabric for sewing and finishing the garment. Markings for notches, darts, pleats, and other important features are also included to guide the construction process.

4. Toiling your design:

 Toiling is basically the practise run for your final garment. You make it up in a similar weight fabric to give you an idea of how the finished item will look and how it will fit you.

5. Grading:

 Grading is the process of creating patterns in multiple sizes, scaling the original pattern up or down while maintaining the proportions and fit of the design. This step is crucial for producing a range of sizes for a collection.

Pattern making requires a deep understanding of garment construction and fabric behavior,

Pattern making is a fundamental aspect of the fashion design process, as you need to have a good understanding of how a garment will fit on the body. If you know how to pattern cut you will know if the design will work or not, therefore be able to design better fitting and wearable garments.

The four methods of pattern cutting

Pattern drafting:

Creating basic blocks on card using body measurements and calculations. This blocks will become the foundations of your designs.

Flat pattern cutting (2D)

This method is where use our blocks to create patterns on to paper, this is where we can get creative and change style lines, manipulate darts and use the slash and spread method to bring our ideas and fashion designs to life.

Draping in the stand (3D)

I love this method as you can get so creative. Draping on the stand means you create your pattern on the body form  using fabric and then transfer it onto pater to create a pattern.

Cloning existing garments

Cloning existing garments basically means what it says, we use existing garments, take them apart and clone. Either leaving the design as it is or developing it further, creating a new design.