Draft Your Own Block – Bodice

Day – Wednesdays Evenings

Dates – Jan 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st and Feb 7th 2024

Time – 7-9pm

Venue  – St Michael’s Road Community Centre Hitchin SG4 0QA

The best part of making your own clothes is having the ability to adjust the fit to match your individual body shape. However, as much as we love our pre printed patterns the process of adjusting them is often time consuming, fiddly and frustrating. Getting a perfect fit by making your own basic block or template can sound daunting, but actually with a little help it can be very straight forward.

This course consists of 5 x 2 hr sessions using a unique pattern cutting system called Telestia. Developed over 30 years ago in Greece this method of flat pattern cutting uses a very clever yellow tool which eliminates the need for the complicated maths associated with traditional pattern cutting. The beauty of this system is that you will draft a custom cup size resulting in a fantastically fitting block first time. The course fee also includes a 1hr fitting class to make sure your drafted block is correct and fits well.

We will teach, demonstrate and help you draft your own darted bodice block for woven fabrics. During the course we will teach you how to

• Take accurate body measurements
• Convert the measurements onto paper to create a customised bodice and sleeve template
• Add seam allowances and other markings
• Make a template to sew up a toile

• 6hrs of tuition
• Hire of hall
• Dot and cross paper and a rotary pencil
• Loan of Telestia tool
• 1hr fitting appointment

Please note the Telestia tool will be on loan to you during the course but kits will be available to order if you would like one.

You will need to bring

• Tape measure
• Note pad
• Eraser
• Long ruler

• You will receive a confirmation email upon booking please ensure you have given us your telephone number. You will be added to a course WhatsApp group 1 week before the start of the course so you can gather your supplies.
• Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully before booking.
• This workshop is aimed at students who have already made a few basic garments. If you are in doubt about your suitability please contact us and we can have a chat.
• Please read our FAQs and T’s & C’s before booking.
• Should you need to contact us before your course please email [email protected]

The course will be held at

St Michael’s Road Community Centre Hitchin SG4 0QA

This course is aimed at those who have had some experience at dressmaking and have made several garments.