Full Circle Stretch Dress Pattern Making Tutorial

Learn how to draft a skater dress pattern with this free full circle stretch dress pattern making tutorial. This is a really simple and fun pattern making tutorial that will transform your made-to-measure basic stretch dress block into a gorgeous skater dress style. We even demonstrate how to customise the length of your skirt, allowing you to create a cute thigh length dress or full on midi-length dress. It’s perfect for beginners that have little or no experience of pattern making in Adobe Illustrator. Enjoy!

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 basic stretch dress block to follow along with this tutorial. We have two options for you to choose from:

Basic Stretch Dress Block Pattern Pack

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

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!

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).

A-Line Dress Pattern Making Tutorial

The A-line dress style is a wonderfully simple pattern that takes little time and effort to create. The A-line dress style is a perfect beginners block and a great foundation piece that can be transformed into a range of different designs by adding a variety of necklines and sleeves. Add a long lantern sleeve and Peter Pan collar to create a more 70’s look. Or add a minimalistic neckline with no sleeves to create a more modern contemporary look. This style works wonders with larger size ranges as it flares out over the waist and hips.

A-line Style tutorial
In this tutorial, you will learn how to draft an A-line dress sewing pattern from a basic torso block, using Adobe Illustrator as a digital pattern making platform. You can also adapt your paper patterns manually by using the same techniques, as the process is very similar.

Basic Block/ Sloper Elements

You will need a basic torso block that has a “Straight” front dart to follow this tutorial.

To save time, click the button below. We’ll create a basic block (in the Lab) that already has this dart preselected for you. All you’ll need to do is select a profile or one of our standard sizes. Don’t forget to purchase your block as an ePattern and not a PDF! PDF patterns can’t be edited, they can only be printed on paper. ePatterns ar fully editable digital basic blocks. 

Draft or Download a Digital Basic Block

Follow along with our tutorials and learn digital pattern making in Adobe Illustrator CC. Purchase and download one of our editable digital basic blocks. We have a few options for you to choose from...