Patternmaking Classics: The Wrap Dress

Class Preview

Apply your flat patternmaking skills with confidence! Learn to draft a custom wrap dress from start to finish.

Getting Started

Meet your instructor, designer and professional instructor Lynn Strobel, as she previews all of the essential patternmaking techniques you’ll learn in this class. See how you can create nearly endless design options from the same sloper or block as Lynn shows you how to pair your fabric choice with your wrap dress design. Then, review two common ways of manipulating darts as Lynn reviews both pivoting and slashing.

Drafting the Bodice

Delve into modern patternmaking details with an asymmetrical front, a lower neckline and a curved princess line. Discover how the rule of thirds translates into garment design and how to compensate for the stretch of seams sewn on the bias. Learn how to cut and mark the front pieces of your bodice, no matter the design. Finally, discover the small but critical adjustments you need to make when drafting the back bodice for the perfect fit over shoulders and throughout the back waist.

Drafting the Skirt

Create three different wrap skirts from your sloper as Lynn shows you how to draft a pencil skirt, an A-line skirt and a circle skirt. First, see where to cut your pattern to create a princess line that matches with the wrap of the top. Then, learn how to draft an A-line skirt, opening up the darts and adding a curved hem. Discover the simple calculations needed for a circle skirt pattern as Lynn offers professional construction and sewing tips throughout the lesson. Finally, add facings and interfacings to the inside of your wrap skirt and waist.

Drafting Sleeves

Learn how to turn your basic sleeve sloper into four amazing design options. First, watch as Lynn slashes a short sleeve pattern into a puffed cap sleeve. Then, see Lynn slash the sleeve in the other direction to create a flowing butterfly sleeve. Learn how to add a rolled cuff to any sleeve length as Lynn demonstrates how to measure and cut the pattern. Finally, see how to create a sleeveless option with facing that won’t bunch.

Drafting Neckline & Collars

Create a variety of necklines and collars as you learn how to draft a front facing for a clean finish, then learn how to add a one-piece convertible collar or a fun and fluid ruffled collar. Discover Lynn’s secret for cutting the collar and interfacing patterns at the same time, and how to add a roll line so that your collar lies flat. Finally, discover different ways to create a ruffled collar, including Lynn’s favorite, worked from a spiral.

Putting It All Together

Congratulations! You’ve drafted each component of your wrap dress, now it’s time to put it all together and make your pattern ready to sew. First, walk your pattern pieces together to double-check your work. Learn how to evaluate your muslin or other mock-up and translate those changes back into your pattern. Finally, see how to quickly and expertly add a seam allowance and get Lynn’s tips for labeling and finalizing your pattern.

Wrap Jacket Variation

Discover how to create a chic jacket from your existing wrap patterns! Learn how to grade your pattern as you build in the ease you’ll need for this garment. Then, Lynn walks you through the process of drafting and facing the lapel and top collar. Finally, discover how to turn your circle skirt pattern into a peplum to complete this great project!