Pattern - Basic Block Bodice without Sleeves

What is a block pattern?

A block pattern is exactly what it's name says, it's a block shaped pattern made from a particular set of body measurements.

Why do we create block patterns?

Block patterns are seen as the master or foundation pattern when creating other templates patterns. Block patterns are usually designed on hard cardboard or tracing paper to avoid the pattern from damaging.

What do I need to create this pattern?

• Tailors measuring tape

• A piece of paper or book to dot down your measurements

• L-Squared ruler

• Curve ruler

• A1 paper (to draw your pattern on)

• A1 size Tracing paper/ hard cardboard paper

• Dark Pencil

• Eraser

• Sharpener

• A pair of scissors for paper cutting

• A calculator (not NB)

• A standard ruler (not NB)

What measurements will I need?

• Bust

• Nape to waist

• Armhole depth

• Neck size

• Shoulder

• Back width

• Chest

(If you do not know how to take down measurements, have a look at this blog https://expsewwithme.wixsite.com/sewwithme/post/body-measurements)

Drafting your pattern

Your pattern should be numbered according to the numbers next to each step

Starting with the back:

• 0 = Start your pattern by drawing a L-Shape on the page from about 5cm / 7 com from the top of your page using your L-Squared ruler

• 0-1 = 1.5cm downwards

• 1-2 = Square Across (Armhole depth + 2.5cm)

• 2-3 = Your Centre Back (CB) line is half your bust measurement + 7cm - use this measurement to square up and down

• 3-4 = Is equal to your measurement from 0 to 2 (add 0.3cm for each size above 14) Square up to 4

• 1-5 = Is your nape to waste measurement then square across to 6

• 5-7 = Using your waist to hip measurement square down to 8

• 0-9 = Drawing a straight line from 0 - 9 take your neck measurement divide by 5 then subtract 0.2cm. After this step use the curve ruler to draw in the neckline

• 1-10 = Take armhole measurement divide by 5 and then subtract 1cm. Use this measurement to square halfway across the pattern

• 9 - 11 = Take your shoulder length measurement and add 1cm. Draw back shoulder line which should connect with number 10.

• 2 - 12 = take the half of your back shoulder measurement and add 1cm, then square up and connect with number 13

• 12 -14 = measure the distance from number 12 to 13. Number 14 is in the center

Then to construct the front:

• 4 - 15 = take your neck measurement and divide by 5 to get 1/5 of your measurement, then minus a further 0.75cm

• 4 - 16 = take your neck measurement and divide by 5 to get 1/5 of your measurement, then minus 0.2 cm.

• Use your curve ruler to connect your neck line from number 15 - 16

• 3 - 18 = Half your chest measurement and add 1.5cm before squaring up

• 11 - 21 = use the measurement 0.75cm and square out 15cm to create number 22

• 15 -23 = Draw a line from 15. Use the shoulder length measurement and add 1cm . This should allow number 21 and 22 to touch one another

• 18 - 24 = take half the measurement from 12 - 18 then square down to number 25 which is your waistline and number 26.

• then connect 11, 14, 24, 19 and 23 to form an armhole

After you have constructed your pattern, you may now use your hard cardboard or tracing paper to store your master template.

When will you use this pattern?

• when you making a top

• when you making a dress

• when you making a jumpsuit