by Ralph Pink | Apr 13, 2022 |
Drafting an Asymmetric Basic Leotard Block Pattern – Pattern Making Tutorial
In this tutorial, I demonstrate how to transform a basic Leotard block by adding an asymmetric, single-arm neckline and chevron paneling. It’s a pretty simple tutorial but is super powerful. We use a whole range of tools and pattern-making techniques that really help when adapting basic blocks in Adobe Illustrator. It’s all about cutting the block up into panels that can either be removed or used for different fabric types and colours.
You’ll need a Top hip basic leotard pattern pack UK4 – 22, from the DesignLab.London website, to follow this tutorial. There’s a link to this pattern further down the page. Be aware, that the top hip leotard block is ONE of FIVE leg hole styles to choose from so possibly you’d prefer to download a different style? Take a look and find the right style/ pack for you and your project. This tutorial works for all five leg hole styles.
Download the Basic Leotard Block to Follow Along
You will need a Top hip basic leotard block to follow this tutorial and draft this asymmetric leotard sewing pattern. We also have other basic leotard blocks to choose from so take a look below to see your options. All basic block packs, come in UK4 – 22 sizes, and contain both fully-editable basic swimwear blocks (Ai/ Svg) and multi-page PDF patterns (US-letter, A4, A0)
Top Hip Basic Leotard Pattern Pack (UK4 – 22)
Purchase and download the Top hip basic leotard block pattern pack from our sister site DesignLab.london. The pack contains Ai, SVG and PDF patterns in Sizes UK4 -24.
More Leotard Pattern Packs
View the full range of our basic leotard pattern packs UK4 – 22 on our sister site DesignLab.London.
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.
Follow this simple and handy tutorial to learn how to add seam allowance to your finished pattern in Adobe Illustrator.
Transform your finished pattern into multi-page PDF patterns in a range of paper sizes. Then save, print, share and sell your patterns online.
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Get first access to new products, discounts, courses and more goodies... (we won’t spam you or share your email with anyone else).
by Ralph Pink | Apr 1, 2022
Customising the Length of a Basic A-line Dress Block
In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to lengthen or shorten a Basic A-line dress block pattern, created in a previous tutorial. It’s a simple tutorial that features a whole series of important tools and concepts that will improve your skills in Adobe Illustrator.
You’ll need a pre-drafted basic A-line dress block to follow this tutorial. You can draft one by downloading a knee-length basic dress block and following our last A-line dress tutorial. Take a look below for links to both. Enjoy!
Watch our exisitng tutorial and download the Basic Torso Block to Follow Along
You will need to watch our exisitng tutorial and download a knee-length basic dress block to follow this tutorial. Take a look at the links below to get started.
Tutorial: Drafting an A-line Dress in Adobe Illustrator
Learn how to create an A-line dress block pattern using a knee-length basic dress block. I show you how to create a custom length, create princess darts… Read more
Purchase and download the knee-length dress 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.
Follow this simple and handy tutorial to learn how to add seam allowance to your finished pattern in Adobe Illustrator.
Transform your finished pattern into multi-page PDF patterns in a range of paper sizes. Then save, print, share and sell your patterns online.
by Ralph Pink | Mar 4, 2022
Draft an A-Line Dress Pattern in Adobe Illustrator
In this tutorial, I’m demonstrating how to create an A-line dress pattern using our digital Knee-Length Basic Dress Block. I show you how to create a custom length, create princess darts, separate the block into four panels, add the A-line flare, add a circular hem and finally demonstrate how to add some beautiful curved lines to create a smooth fit over the body. If you’re new to digital pattern making, in Adobe illustrator, then I recommend watching our FREE Digital Pattern Making Course. It’ll give you all the tools and knowledge you need to follow this tutorial.
You’ll need a digital basic dress block with waist shaping and sleeve to follow this tutorial. Check below the video to see your download options. Enjoy!
Download the Basic Knee-Length Dress Block to Follow Along
You will need a knee-length basic dress block that features waist shaping and a mid-shoulder front dart to follow this tutorial and draft this A-line dress. We have two options for you to choose from!
Made-to-Measure Dress Block
Draft a basic Dress block to fit your unique measurements. Create a profile, add your measurements, design your block, then download it as an SVG ePattern (sleeve included).
Purchase and download the Knee-length Dress 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.
Follow this simple and handy tutorial to learn how to add seam allowance to your finished pattern in Adobe Illustrator.
Transform your finished pattern into multi-page PDF patterns in a range of paper sizes. Then save, print, share and sell your patterns online.
When you sign up to our newsletter
Get first access to new products, discounts, courses and more goodies... (we won’t spam you or share your email with anyone else).
by Ralph Pink | Feb 15, 2022
Matching Pattern Notches – Digital Pattern Making Tutorial
In this digital pattern making tutorial, we demonstrate how to match and mark pattern notches using two very different techniques.
The first technique uses the old-fashioned manual paper method. Rotating and mapping pattern panels to find the correct notch location. The second technique uses the dashed line tool. It’s a great little tool that we’ve only just discovered. It makes the whole process simple, fast and very precise!
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).
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.
Follow this simple and handy tutorial to learn how to add seam allowance to your finished pattern in Adobe Illustrator.
Transform your finished pattern into multi-page PDF patterns in a range of paper sizes. Then save, print, share and sell your patterns online.
When you sign up to our newsletter
Get first access to new products, discounts, courses and more goodies... (we won’t spam you or share your email with anyone else).
by Ralph Pink | Feb 11, 2022
Curving Darts for a Better Fitting basic block – Pattern Making in Adobe Illustrator
This week, we demonstrate how to add some curvature to your basic block darts, using a great little tool in Adobe Illustrator CC.
Adding curvature to your darts helps to remove any sharp edges or indents when drafting your pattern pieces. It helps create a beautifully finished basic block or sewing pattern by creating a smooth curve over the body at various key points, such as the bust, waist, top hip, and hip.
It’s a simple concept that makes a huge difference in the fit of your blocks.
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).
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.
Follow this simple and handy tutorial to learn how to add seam allowance to your finished pattern in Adobe Illustrator.
Transform your finished pattern into multi-page PDF patterns in a range of paper sizes. Then save, print, share and sell your patterns online.
When you sign up to our newsletter
Get first access to new products, discounts, courses and more goodies... (we won’t spam you or share your email with anyone else).