Pattern Drafting Camp: Create New Designs from an Existing Garment ☀️ Summer 2026

Level: I can manage sewing on my own. I have already made several garments using commercial patterns. I know how to sew details such as darts, pleats, and gathers, as well as finishes like hems and bias binding… but I don’t always like the patterns available.

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

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

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

Price: $325 (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 new designs 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 (planning, dart manipulation, creating style lines)
• Exploration of various techniques on miniatures (princess seams, adding volume with godets, radial openings, pleats and gathers). Style research and selection of the garment to transform in the final class.
• Copying an existing garment, and adjusting pattern pieces
• Cutting, making and fitting a muslin
• Pattern adjustments and development of your personal style on the pattern

We reserve the right to adapt the content and structure of the course in order to better support our students.

Suggestions of basic garments to copy for the introductory pattern drafting course

Please note that the base garment you bring (the one we will copy) should be as simple as possible: no pleats, style lines, or gathers. It should ideally include darts, unless you wish to create your own designs from a stretch garment. Also make sure it fits you well, as we will reproduce its fit as is.

As this is an introductory pattern drafting course, blouses, coats, blazers, and jackets are not recommended. However, we will be happy to support you in creating these pieces once you have completed this level :)

In this course, our teaching approach focuses on understanding the fundamentals of flat pattern drafting. We will use images to illustrate the possibilities, but we will not be able to develop the construction plan for all 55 designs shown on this page. That said, each technique is based on a logic that you will be able to reuse to create different garments. By following the “recipes” provided in class, along with your course notes, you will be able to adapt them at home to design your own patterns. :)

This camp follows a well-defined structure, which makes make-up sessions difficult to arrange. Your punctual attendance each day will greatly support your learning experience and is very much appreciated. :)