Learn how to draft your own basic bodice pattern that you can use to create any dress designs.
Introduction to patternmaking in fashion designing begins with drafting the 5-piece basic pattern set which is the:
- Front basic bodice
- Back basic bodice
- Front basic skirt
- Back basic skirt
- Basic sleeve pattern
If you can draft and sew these patterns, you can create virtually any type of dress designs. If you are a beginner, you can check my previous post ‘Pattern making: The Basics‘ to learn more about patternmaking in fashion design.
To get started creating your basic bodice pattern, you’ll need your basic measurements and pattern drafting tools.
Basic Measurements
- Bust measurement
Bust circumference: You’ll wrap your measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust
Bust length: Measure from the highest point of your shoulder to the bust point or the apex of the bust.
Bust distance (nipple to nipple): Measure from one nipple point to another. This measurement will be needed to find the dart placement
2. Waist measurement
Waist circumference: Your measuring tape goes around your true waist. Your true waist is the curved part of your body just above your belly button.
Waist-length: From your shoulder to your waist. You can tie tape or ribbon around your waist so that you can get your waist length measurement accurately.
Note: You’ll measure the front and the back waist length as these measurements are not the same.
3. Hip measurement
Hip circumference: Your measuring tape goes around the fullest part of your hip.
Hip length: You’ll measure from the highest point of your shoulder to your hip
4. Bodice length: You’ll measure from the highest point of your shoulder to your desired bodice length.
5. Neck measurement
Neck width: This means you’ll measure the base of your neck from one side to the other
Neck depth: Measure from your shoulder to how much a cleavage you want on your top.
6. Shoulder measurement: Place your tape measure from one tip of your shoulder to another
7. Armhole measurement: Measure from your shoulder point to the bottom of your armhole. Or you can use the standard measurement that works well for nearly all sizes.
For a clearer demonstration, you can watch this video below on how to take your body measurement below.
Now that you’ve taken your body measurement accurately, then let’s gather the pattern drafting tools and head over to the drafting table.
Basic Bodice Pattern Drafting
In this video, you’ll learn step-by-step how to draft the basic bodice pattern that you can use to create any type of tops, blouses, jackets etc.
To learn more about pattern drafting and garment constructions, you can sign in for my online courses where you’ll learn everything about pattern drafting: the basics and how you can manipulate your pattern to create any designs.