First Prototype: The skirt block and how to fit it perfectly

Welcome to this new pattern making class, in today’s class we are going to prepare the skirt block and do the toile (prototype). We are also going to make sure it fits perfectly.

This class begins with the industrialisation of the skirt block pattern and we will prepare it for production (sewing).

Before cutting the fabric, remember that you have to pre-shrink the fabric (as I taught you in a previous class). 

Then we will sew the skirt patterns together, where I will teach you how to sew the darts and all their seams.

As I told you in the class on the importance of toiles, when we make prototypes it is not necessary to sew zips or hems because we want to see how the pattern is behaving.

You will also see how I press (iron) the skirt to make it perfect, using my tailor’s ham and my sleeve roll.

Then you will learn a technique that is used especially with the skirt block where I will teach you to deceive the eye to “hide the side seam”

Class

In this class we will fit the skirt block on a mannequin (or a model) and see how it looks, with this we will learn where to look to see if the skirt is fitting properly or not. 

The skirt on the mannequin is looking good but as I have told you in class, not all bodies are like the mannequin.

I will also show you the most common fittings issues that we will find when we are working with skirts.

You will learn to distinguish when the dart is too large or too small, add or remove volume at the hips or waist, among other fitting alterations. 

As I explained to you in today’s class, I have increased the speed of the class so that it does not get too heavy. Let me know in the comments if you like the speed or prefer something slower.

As you already know, if you have any questions you can send me an email through your account on the support tab.

Submit your Exercises

In the previous class I asked you to submit me the skirt block pattern and for this class, I ask you to show me the photos that you have made of this prototype.

Please send me at least 2 photos of your process and 2 photos with the finished skirt.