Basic Wrap Dress Pattern Making Tutorial

This week, @nor.barnacle asked us if we could demonstrate how to draft a simple wrap dress in Adobe Illustrator.
We loved the suggestion so here it is!

Follow our wrap dress pattern making tutorial and learn how to draft a basic wrap dress. Our pattern making tutorials are completely free. In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to turn a basic torso block into a wrap dress with a plunging v-neckline, waist shaping pleats, tie and a facing.

Drafting this block is a relatively simple process! We start by separating the torso into a bodice and a skirt, we then rotate the bodice shoulder dart closed, extend the centre front to create the wrap, redraw a plunging v-neck and draft the waist tie. Next, we extend the skirt, add the A-line kick and curve the hem. Finally, we join the front skirt and bodice, trace the facings, mark our notches and add seam allowance. We’ve also added a short demonstration on adding dart seam allowance at the end of this tutorial. It’s just over an hour, but cram-packed with useful pattern making techniques and tools.

You’ll need a digital basic torso block with waist shaping and sleeve to follow this tutorial. Check below the video to see your download options. Enjoy! 

Download the Basic Torso Block to Follow Along

You will need a hip-length basic torso block that features waist shaping and a mid-shoulder front dart to follow this tutorial and draft this basic wrap dress. We have two options for you to choose from!

Made-to-Measure Torso Block

Draft a basic Torso block to fit your unique measurements. Create a profile, add your measurements, design your block, then download it as an SVG ePattern (sleeve included).

Torso Block Pattern Pack

Purchase and download the Torso block pattern pack from our sister site DesignLab.london. The pack contains Ai, SVG and PDF patterns in Sizes UK4 -24 (sleeve included).

Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator as a digital pattern making platform

Learn the step-by-step basics of digital pattern making in Adobe Illustrator in our short crash course. It’s your first step to producing digital sewing patterns like a pro.

Adding seam allowance

Follow this simple and handy tutorial to learn how to add seam allowance to your finished pattern in Adobe Illustrator.

Multi-page PDF patterns

Transform your finished pattern into multi-page PDF patterns in a range of paper sizes. Then save, print, share and sell your patterns online. 

8 Comments

  1. feven

    my name is feven am from ethiopia i went to learn pattern i tri a lot of websit be did’t work so i went to tri. and i like this it free

    Reply
    • Ralph Pink

      Hi Feven. I’m glad you like the site and the free tutorials. Good luck with your journey into digital pattern making and Adobe Illustrator!
      All the best…
      Ralph

      Reply
  2. Winnie Bolima

    How can I learned from this app?

    Reply
    • Ralph Pink

      Hi Winnie.

      This is not an App. PatternLab is an online pattern making tool. It allows you to draft made-to-measure basic blocks or slopers to fit your actual body measurements. We also offer FREE digital pattern making tutorials in Adobe Illustrator that allow you to transform your basic block into hundreds of different styles or designs. This is one of those tutorials.

      If you would like to find out more about PatternLab, check out the homepage and scroll down to the “What is PatternLab” section: https://patternlab.london/home/

      If you would like to know more about our FREE digital pattern making tutorials use this link: https://patternlab.london/home/project/pattern-making-adobe-illustrator/

      I hope this helps explain. Stay safe!
      Ralph

      Reply
  3. Edita Kricenaite

    Really good lesson. Thank you very much!

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth

    Thank you, this is great lessons, a nice way of learning new ways and skills, of making patterns.

    Reply
    • Ralph Pink

      Hi Elizabeth,

      You’re very welcome. Enjoy your journey and good luck!

      Reply

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