Patternmaking Essentials Course
Take control of fit and design your own sewing patterns in this hands-on Patternmaking Essentials course in Sydney. Ideal for confident home sewers ready to move beyond commercial patterns, this course teaches you how to draft patterns using your own body measurements.
You’ll create skirt, bodice and pant blocks from industry-standard templates, refining each through toile construction and detailed fitting. Working step-by-step, you’ll draft patterns on paper, sew prototype garments in calico, assess fit on your body, and make precise adjustments to improve shape and comfort.
As your patterns are perfected, you’ll transfer them onto durable cardboard blocks complete with seam allowances, hems and construction details—creating a set of reusable, personalised templates for future garment projects. Small class sizes ensure individual guidance and support throughout.
Course Content
- Drafting and fitting a skirt block, transferring to cardboard
- Drafting and refining a bodice block with toile adjustments
- Creating and fitting a personalised pant block
- Final refinements and introduction to additional pattern elements
Schedule & Format
- Typically delivered over four full-day sessions (9:30am–4:00pm)
- Evening option available across eight sessions (approx. half lesson per session)
- 30-minute lunch break for full-day classes
Important Information
- Basic sewing machine proficiency is essential
- Classroom located upstairs; stair access only (lift currently unavailable)
- Please wear closed-in shoes
Details
You will learn
- Take accurate body measurements for pattern drafting
- Draft and fit skirt, bodice and pant blocks
- Adjust and refine patterns for improved garment fit
You will get
- Personalised skirt, bodice and pant cardboard blocks
- Individual guidance in a small class setting
- Foundational patternmaking skills for future designs
Appropriate for
Confident home sewers and sewing enthusiasts who want to draft custom-fit patterns and move beyond commercial sewing patterns.
Preparation
What to bring
- 5m calico (150cm width) and basic sewing kit
- Measuring tools, rulers, pencils and markers
- Sewing machine needles, bobbins and quality thread
What to wear
Closed-in shoes required
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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Patternmaking Essentials Course
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