Drafting Choice Pattern Variations
Are you ready to dive into designing with the Choice Pattern? The video and written instructions will prompt you when, where, and how to make pattern manipulations to the original base pattern. You’ll find some design inspiration—with descriptions—within our instructions. Today, we’re breaking down the first of many design variations to demonstrate how the original pattern pieces transform into new looks.
Collared shirt with added fullness and front ties
In the Choice Pattern instructions, you will learn a method called “slash and spread” to add fullness to pattern pieces. This step can be done either before or after making changes to the length; however, our instructions guide you to make this adjustment first. Begin by deciding how much fullness you’d like to add to the sweep of the hem, and incorporate that into the front and back bodice pieces. This method can also be used on sleeves. The look above includes a collar, short sleeves, and a front tie design detail.
Adding fullness is the only pattern manipulation necessary for this look, assuming the length remains unchanged. Changing the length would require an adjustment to the interfacing pieces, which is a quick fix. The images below feature each piece needed to assemble this look.
Pattern pieces from left to right: Front Right Bodice, Front Left Bodice, Yoke, Back Bodice, Short Sleeve, Collar Stand, Collar, Left Interfacing, Right Interfacing, Front Tie Channel and Front Ties.
This is the first variation highlight for the Choice Pattern, and there will be many more coming to this same page. We designed this pattern to help build your confidence in making adjustments and pattern hacks. While it’s not intended to turn you into an expert patternmaker overnight, it will help you develop valuable skills for customizing all the patterns in your collection. Read more about the Choice Pattern here! As you become more comfortable with these modifications, you’ll discover new ways to create unique, personalized garments that perfectly express your style and vision. Show us your work on social media with #ChoicePattern.