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Learn pattern making as design language - translating vision into technical execution.
The ART of Patternmaking®
Master flat pattern manipulation and drafting techniques to create original garment designs.
Learn to translate design vision into technical patterns - developing the pattern making literacy that gives designers control over fit, silhouette, and construction.
This course combines technical instruction with design analysis and structural problem-solving.
You'll learn pattern development methods for custom work, original designs, and creative garment construction - whether you're making for yourself, clients, or developing a collection.
Pattern making becomes your design language.
Who This Course Is For
Prerequisites: Solid sewing skills and garment construction experience required. You should be comfortable with commercial patterns, understand garment structure, and have constructed multiple garments successfully. This is pattern development, not beginner sewing instruction.
You're ready for this course if you:
- Want to design original garments rather than rely on commercial patterns
- Have design ideas you can't find patterns for
- Need patterns for specific clients, body types, or design requirements
- Want to develop a collection or custom garment business
- Are ready to invest time in technical skill development (this requires sustained practice and multiple iterations)
This course is for makers who:
- Already sew well and want pattern making skills
- Understand garment construction and are ready to control the design process
- See pattern making as problem-solving, not just following steps
- Want the technical foundation to create what they envision
Not ready yet? If you're still developing basic sewing skills, focus on construction competence first. Pattern making builds on strong sewing foundation.
"I can't believe how much I learned about patternmaking. I learned how to analyze clothing and figure out just how they were made. The mini blocks were great for practice. I have full-sized blocks for myself and am now making all those styles I see in the fabric I love. This was fantastic! So much fun" Jennifer M.
Enrollment is currently closed.
Join the waitlist to be notified when enrollment reopens.
Join the Waitlist
The ART of Patternmaking®
What You'll Learn
Technical Skills:
- Draft patterns from design sketches or reference images using flat pattern manipulation and drafting techniques
- Develop and use foundation blocks for consistent fit across multiple designs
- Mix and match pattern elements (necklines, sleeves, silhouettes) to create original combinations
- Take accurate measurements and adjust patterns for different body types
- Select appropriate fabrics for designs and create test muslins for fitting
Design Development:
- Analyze garment structure to understand how design translates to pattern
- Problem-solve technical challenges in pattern development
- Create patterns for designs that don't exist in commercial patterns
- Develop original styles using pattern making as design tool
By Course End:
You'll have developed at least one complete original garment pattern from concept through final muslin, applying the techniques covered throughout the course. You'll have the technical foundation to continue developing pattern making skills independently.
Important: Pattern making competence develops through sustained practice beyond this course. This provides foundation and method - mastery comes through repeated application.
"This Art of Patternmaking class was amazing. I went into it because I was trying to find clothing that flatters my figure. I found Virginia's videos and, after watching them, knew I wanted to learn how to make patterns. The help Virginia provides when you have a question or problem was great and you don't have to wait for days for your reply." Melissa M.
The ART of Patternmaking®
Course Structure:
8 comprehensive modules covering pattern making fundamentals, flat pattern manipulation, design analysis, and technical problem-solving.
Each module includes:
- Video instruction demonstrating techniques and methods
- Design analysis examples showing pattern structure
- Downloadable worksheets, templates, and reference materials
- Practice exercises applying techniques to original designs
Self-paced access: Work through modules at your own speed. Course is designed to build sequentially - each module establishes foundation for the next. Most students benefit from completing one module fully (including practice work) before moving forward, but pacing is flexible based on your schedule and learning needs.
Lifetime access as long as Virginia Leigh Studio operates. Return to reference materials and instruction as needed while developing your pattern making skills.
Course Modules
Eight modules covering pattern making methods, design analysis, and technical problem-solving. Build sequential foundation from measurement and drafting basics through complex flat pattern manipulation.
Foundations and Essentials
Pattern making fundamentals including the four methods and how they relate. Learn pattern making principles, why standardized sizing doesn't work, and how to analyze body shape for proper fit. Includes tool evaluation and figure analysis for accurate pattern development.
Mastering Blocks & Measurements
Learn measurement techniques for pattern making and how measurements translate to pattern. Introduction to blocks (slopers) - what they are, how they're used, and whether to draft or purchase. Draft your first simple block and see flat pattern demonstration using practice block.
Flat Pattern Method - Part 1
Master dart manipulation - the foundation of flat pattern design. Learn pivot and slash methods, proper bust point placement, and how to convert darts to tucks, pleats, and gathers. Includes design analysis exercises identifying dart equivalents in existing garments.
Flat Pattern Method - Part 2
Advanced flat pattern techniques including added fullness (pleats, gathers, flare) and contouring for fitted designs. Learn to create princess seams, paneled bodices, and fitted strapless construction. Integrate all three flat pattern techniques for complex original designs.
Working with Skirts and Pants
Apply flat pattern techniques to skirt and pant design. Draft basic silhouettes, manipulate for A-line, wrap, gathered, and paneled variations. Learn pant construction specifics including crotch depth, saddle depth, pockets, and fly fronts. Develop complete lower-body pattern library.
Sleeve and Torso Integration
Master sleeve design from set-in to bishop, gathered, drop shoulder, kimono, dolman, and batwing styles. Learn armhole adjustments for different sleeve types, even built on sleeves. Combine bodice and skirt blocks to create dress and torso blocks. Develop dartless and sleeveless variations.
Pattern Completion and Details
Learn neckline variations, collar styles (Peter Pan, convertible, stand), proper facing construction, closures, and waistbands. Master pattern finishing techniques: walking and blending seams, adding seam allowances, grainlines, notches, and markings. Includes muslin/toile testing guidance.
Completion and Applied Design Projects
Apply pattern making skills to complete original designs. Analyze existing garments to identify techniques used. Develop full patterns from design images. Complete final project: analyze, pattern, and construct original garment using techniques learned throughout course.
"Virginia, you have been an excellent teacher, and I am so grateful and excited to continue to design and make new clothes!" Jenessa M.
Included Resources
Half-Scale Practice Blocks
Practice pattern making techniques without using full-size paper or muslin. Downloadable half-scale blocks let you test dart manipulation, added fullness, and contouring on smaller scale before working full-size. Practice accuracy and technique efficiently.
Online Fabric and Trim Resource Guide
Curated list of online fabric suppliers organized by specialty: knits, wovens, specialty fabrics, trim, notions, and buttons. Particularly valuable for makers without local fabric access. Same resource guide included in Textile Toolkit but provided here for pattern making context.
Textile and Fabric Glossary
Reference guide covering fiber types, fabric constructions, and textile terminology. Learn what SeaCell, foulard, mercerized, and other technical terms mean. Understand fabric properties for appropriate pattern and design selection.
Virginia Wygal
I spent 30 years in the garment industry, progressing from pattern maker to designer to Director of Product Development. My role required analyzing design feasibility, solving technical challenges, and translating design vision into production-ready patterns.
Six semesters of pattern making coursework, then three decades applying those methods professionally. When designers presented concepts, I determined how to pattern them, what would work technically, and what needed adjustment. That's the skill this course teaches - seeing garment structure and knowing how to create it.
Why Pattern Making Matters:
Most sewists can follow commercial patterns but can't create what they envision because they don't understand garment structure. Pattern making gives you that understanding - look at any garment and determine how it was constructed, then create it yourself.
This course teaches pattern making as a design analysis tool, not just technical skill. You'll develop the pattern making literacy that gives designers control over their work.
"If you asked me before I signed up for this class, I would have said it was impossible for me to find a perfect outfit. After Virginia's detailed lessons, live Q&As, and endless encouragement, I now believe that I can design and make my own perfect outfit! I have many skills to practice, but I have a newfound interest in sewing and more confidence in design." Anne H.
