How I Learned Pattern Drafting Before I Could Sew
For the Joy of Making it Yourself
Would you believe I started to draft patterns before I could use a sewing machine?! And it’s not because I was a hand sewing expert. I wielded a needle and thread like a caveman with a club, not knowing a single stitch name or technique, and thought of it simply as adhesive for two pieces of stray fabric! I never planned to become a sewing-pattern designer...in fact, my curiosity for drafting came long before I properly learned to sew.
My children were very little at the time and every year mothers would dread mention of World Book Day and the school’s request to hand-make costumes celebrating a favourite book character (we have plenty enough to do). But something about it captured me. It reminded me of my own childhood watching my grandmother sew sequins on dozens of costumes for displays and my mother’s creative flair sending my brother and I to the Sunday school fancy dress in cardboard costumes (as a present and cracker respectively…imagine trying to sit down in those!).
My curiosity got the better of me and year on year my daughter and I would dream up more elaborate plans and be equally amazed that we could achieve them with some success. The gasp as she walked in the classroom door was incentive and reward enough for her to be all in on this new creative culture that soon spread to Christmas fancy dress outfits! They weren’t fancy creations, but primitive in nature. And somehow that’s what gave them their charm in both the finish and creative process. I was taking very little and making something full of joy, turning cardboard and scraps into literature & festive celebrations.
Learning to Sew the Unusual Way
What I didn’t realise during my curiosity with cardboard was my brain was learning possibilities that would come to serve me well. A few years later we lost our belongings…a position that otherwise made us feel we had no possibilities (more on that next time). And it wasn’t the only advantage. I had constructed a jellyfish with a sieve and a brussel sprout from old duvets. I had trained my brain to analyse and problem solve with pattern cutting without even realising it. A thought crossed my mind...what if I could hone these skills to fix my now empty wardrobe? I grabbed an old sewing machine but I had so much still to learn.
Discovering Pattern Drafting and Resourceful Making
That’s when I met Sarah, who taught me the parts of the puzzle I was missing on my new venture to draft my own clothes. I reached out to ask if it was a good idea to join her Design Confidence course with my limited sewing experience. At that stage I had never read or followed a pattern, never constructed a garment from scratch (that wasn’t an animal or vegetable) and could barely sew a straight line without fear of going through the machine myself. Sarah, in her grace and wisdom, recommended I take some local sewing classes to get more familiar with the machine and standard construction methods.
I found a wonderful teacher in Helen. She made the daunting world of sewing so accessible and convinced me I could do this! She quickly taught me there was a whole world of system and method to this sewing thing that made it feel more Julie Andrews (with the curtains) than caveman (with the club)! My obsession with drafting was never far away. I discovered garment patterns but immediately wanted to hack their style & fit. While I was in desperate need of clothing, I desperately needed to be resourceful with my makes. I skipped back to Sarah with my new foundations in sewing while I followed my hunch to do this all more effectively from scratch. I had sewn just three purchased patterns! And so I entered a new chapter learning to draft, sew and embellish simultaneously. It wasn't long before I was designing and crafting my own unique garments, like my dropped shoulder shirt (that fits me perfectly!).
The Joy of Slow, Purposeful Sewing
From my early experiments with children’s costumes my brain was learning something else I know you will have experienced too…the joy of making with your own hands! Do you ever find yourself standing still in the middle of your project and just staring at it? It might just be one seam, one armhole of conquered construction or one row of neat (enough) backstitches…but there we are frozen in time, unable to move forward until we’ve admired our handiwork.
So often I tried to snap myself out of those moments and hurry along, but now I realise they are not to be rushed but cherished. They are the fuel that will see us through the tricky bits ahead and even the challenge to complete at all. The process as a maker will fill you with as much joy as the outcome if you allow it.
Giving myself the time to learn at my own pace was a gift. Even when the need could have pressed in, I learned to follow my curiosity, celebrate the little steps and enjoy the process. Where are you on your sewing journey? Allow yourself a moment to stop and celebrate your progress, no matter how little it seems. You’ll be amazed what you can do, even with some cardboard and scraps…and a sieve!
Tips for New Makers
• Start small and learn through play...even cardboard creations teach shape and construction.
• Reuse materials you already have; they spark creativity.
• Focus on progress, not perfection...each make builds confidence for the next.
I think having read some of my story you’ll agree I came through the metaphorical sewing door backwards and upside down!! But here I am making my own clothes, hand making thoughtful gifts and sharing them with you. So however you enter this world of sewing, know that you are welcome here. I believe in you...to learn in a way that’s the perfect fit for you.