PATTERN CUTTING WORKSHOP (Making a bodice)

In this workshop we explored with creating a basic foundation (bodice) on the body. Our aim was to create a simple bodice and eventually have a pattern.

Start off with the front of the bodice. Measure 60x40cm of calico. You need two of these measurement.

Measure 20cm across and draw a line. Then measure 5cm from one of the raw edges and draw a vertical line with a red marker (to distinguish the two lines). (Weft- Horizontal, Vertical- Strongest)

Fold the red line and draw a horizontal pencil line along the bust. Pin it to the mannequin, cut around the neck and reduce the excess fabric. Form a dart at the front and shape it tin but not too tight.

To cut around the neck, shoulders and arms follow the seam lines on the stand and draw a line. Trim it leaving 2cm as seam allowance. (For the arm leave about 3cm).

For the back, start exactly the same, level up the bust line and form a small dart across the shoulder (accommodate the shoulder blade). Before you take the pattern off the mannequin make sure you've got everything marked in. Single balance marks for the front and double balance marks for the back. After taking it off smooth out the lines with ruler and pencil.