PATTERN MAKING courses
Learn to draft a pattern and sew a garment
We offer pattern making and and garment construction courses for both home sewers and professionals. Many sewers reach a point where they want to create their own designs or draft perfectly-fitting patterns for their own body shape. Our pattern making courses are a unique blend of theory and practice. We’ll not only teach you how to draft a pattern, but also the specialised sewing and construction techniques to enable you to complete the patterns you've created. Our introductory pattern making classes are suitable for complete beginners (we’ll teach you how to use a sewing machine) and intermediate sewers, while our advanced pattern making classes are for more experienced sewers (including professionals).
INTRODUCTORY CLASSES
Many of our students tell us that this course is a game-changer in terms of the types of garments they make. Designed for both complete beginners and intermediate sewers, you'll learn how to draft perfectly-fitting garments starting from actual body measurements. You can choose to make womenswear, menswear or childrenswear patterns, together with the perfect sewing and finishing techniques to complete your garment.
ADVANCED CLASSES
If you’re a more experienced sewer, have completed an introductory class or you’re already working in the fashion industry, we have five advanced pattern making classes to choose from: lingerie, swimwear, tailoring, eveningwear and draping. You’ll learn the art of drafting perfectly-fitting garments starting from actual body measurements, together with the specialist sewing and finishing techniques to complete your garment.
CAFA Sewing & Design Studio
Come and visit our spacious studio in Pymble on Sydney’s North Shore. We’re a short walk from the Pymble train station and we have ample free parking onsite.
Contact details & directions.
WHY LEARN PATTERN MAKING?
Because your body shape is unique. Creating garments to your own body measurements requires specialised drafting skills. A pattern is simply a template from which the pieces of a garment are traced or laid on to fabric before being cut out and assembled. If you think about the infinite number of body shapes and combinations, it’s hardly a surprise that such a small number of people match standard pattern sizes.
You’ll start by creating a pattern block (sometimes called a sloper) which is a basic pattern that you can adapt to create many different styles of clothing - all with your exact measurements for a custom fit.
Express your creativity. Our pattern making courses are designed to give you all the experience and skills necessary to create your very own garment designs, without being restricted to pre-made commercial patterns.
Develop the confidence to alter patterns. Once you understand the fundamentals of pattern fit and ease, where to place darts, what types of seams to use.
It’s fun! Pattern drafting skills will open up a whole new range of sewing possibilities.
CAFA 2025 TERM DATES
Term 1: 20 January - 5 April 2025
Term 2: 14 April - 28 June 2025
Term 3: 7 July - 20 September 2025
Term 4: 29 September - 13 December 2025
book your pattern making class
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Make your own dress form that’s a perfect replica of your own body shape - this is especially useful for fitting.