How to Draft a Basic Shirt Pattern
Drafting a basic shirt pattern is a fundamental skill for anyone interested in fashion design or home sewing. Whether you’re creating custom garments for yourself or learning the basics of pattern making, understanding how to draft a shirt pattern from scratch is essential. This article will guide you through the process, from gathering your materials to finalizing your pattern.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– Pattern paper: This can be tracing paper, newsprint, or any type of paper that can be traced and cut.
– Ruler: A straightedge ruler is essential for making precise measurements and drawing straight lines.
– Pencil: A sharp pencil with a good eraser is ideal for drawing and marking your pattern.
– Measuring tape: A flexible measuring tape is necessary for taking body measurements.
– Pattern weights: These can be used to keep your pattern paper in place while drawing.
– Scissors: Sharp, fabric-cutting scissors are essential for cutting out your pattern pieces.
Step 1: Gather Body Measurements
To draft a basic shirt pattern, you’ll need to take several body measurements. These include:
– Bust circumference
– Waist circumference
– Hip circumference
– Shoulder width
– Sleeve length
– Armhole depth
Use the measuring tape to take these measurements, ensuring that the tape is snug but not too tight. Write down your measurements for reference.
Step 2: Draw the Basic Block
Start by drawing a rectangle on your pattern paper. This rectangle will serve as the basic block for your shirt pattern. The length of the rectangle should be equal to the desired shirt length plus seam allowances, and the width should be equal to the bust circumference plus seam allowances.
Step 3: Add the Shoulder Seam
Draw a diagonal line from one corner of the rectangle to the opposite corner, creating the shoulder seam. This line should be equal to the shoulder width measurement.
Step 4: Add the Sleeve Opening
Measure the desired sleeve length from the shoulder seam and mark it on the pattern. Draw a curved line from the shoulder seam to the marked point, creating the sleeve opening.
Step 5: Add the Armhole
Measure the desired armhole depth and mark it on the pattern. Draw a curved line from the sleeve opening to the marked point, creating the armhole.
Step 6: Add the Waist and Hem
Measure the desired waist circumference and mark it on the pattern. Draw a curved line from the bottom of the rectangle to the marked point, creating the waistline. Repeat this process for the hem, measuring the desired hip circumference.
Step 7: Add Seam Allowances
Add seam allowances to all edges of the pattern. A common seam allowance for shirt patterns is 1/2 inch (1.27 cm), but you can adjust this as needed.
Step 8: Cut Out the Pattern Pieces
Using your scissors, carefully cut out the pattern pieces from the pattern paper.
Step 9: Finalize the Pattern
Review your pattern for any errors or inconsistencies. Make any necessary adjustments, such as correcting the armhole depth or adjusting the sleeve length.
Congratulations! You’ve now drafted a basic shirt pattern. With this pattern, you can create custom shirts tailored to your preferences and measurements. Happy sewing!
