Pattern Drafting Camp - Create Other Designs from an Existing Garment (Summer 2026)

Level: I'm pretty good at sewing. I've already made several garments from commercial patterns. I know how to sew details (darts, pleats, gathers) and finishes (hems, bias binding)... but I don't always like the available pattern templates.

Goals: Create style variations from an existing garment. Copy a garment. Make clothes to my taste!

Duration: 3 consecutive days / 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. / total of 18 hours of training

Materials: You will have access to paper, our tutorial, our support materials, our tools, one of our sewing machines, and fabric for your canvas.

Price: $315 (taxes included)

Minimum 2 students / Maximum 4 students

This camp will be taught in French. For our English-speaking students, it's here during our regular sessions or the subject of this class can be covered during private classes .

The content of this camp is an intensive version of our regular course Hack my patterns! / Create other models from an existing garment, with more time to develop your project!

What you’ll learn:

• Introduction to tools and exploration of different techniques on miniatures (organizing a plane, rotating clamps, creating a cutout)
• Exploration of different techniques on miniatures (princess cut, creating volume with godets, radial openings, creating pleats and gathers). Research of style and selection of the model to be transformed during the last class.
• Copying an existing garment, correcting pattern pieces
• Cutting, making and fitting a canvas.
• Pattern corrections, developing your personal style on the pattern

We reserve the right to adapt the content and delivery of the course to better support our students.

Suggestion of basic patterns to copy for the introductory course on pattern drawing

Please note that the base garment you bring (the one we will copy) should be as simple as possible : without pleats, cutouts, or gathers. It should ideally have darts, unless you want to create your own designs from a stretchy garment. Also, make sure it fits well , as we will replicate its fit as is.

As this is an introductory course to pattern design, blouses, coats, jackets and vests are not recommended . However, we will be happy to assist you in creating these pieces once you have completed Level 1 :)

In this course, our teaching approach focuses on understanding the basic principles of flat pattern drafting. We will use images to illustrate the possibilities, but we won’t be able to go through the development process for the 55 models shown on this page. That said, each technique is based on a logic you can reuse to create different garments. By following the “recipes” provided in class, along with your notes, you’ll be able to adapt them at home to design your own patterns :)

This course follows a well-structured format, which makes it difficult to arrange make-up sessions. Being present and on time for each class will greatly enhance your learning experience and is sincerely appreciated. :)