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I have been trying to do a bit more pattern drafting using Metric Pattern Cutting for Womenswear by Winifred Aldrich. Often I just get carried away with the idea that it is far more convenient to just cut into an envelope sewing pattern.

However, I have spent quite a lot of money towards books, classes and tools on pattern drafting so I must make more of an effort.

Using Pattern Drafting Books to recreate this Bofen Top - DIY FASHION

I decided I wanted to make a drop shoulder tee-shirt which was inspired by this Boden top.

WINIFRED ALDRICH BOOK REVIEW - Metric Pattern Cutting for Womens wear.
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As it happens I had an easy fit tee-shirt sloper from when I used Metric Pattern Cutting for Womenswear by Winifred Aldrich.

Pattern Drafting - Sew your own tee shirt

I drafted the sloper about 2 years ago so I decided to play around with that.

I started off with the basic tee-shirt sloper and I went on to follow the instructions for dropping the shoulder. The instructions don’t give you any further info regarding the sleeve pattern piece so I used my own logic by gently drawing an opposing curve with roughly the same amount taken off.

Eventually, I stumbled upon a great post<link here> which explains in great detail the technicalities of the dropped shoulder.

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I decided that at this point it would be a good idea to make a toile as I hadn’t made one yet. I used some jersey fabric that had been in my stash since 2014 – I bought it on EBAY during a late night browsing session (I have since managed to break that bad habit). I think it’s a viscose jersey which is very comfortable to wear. I also quite like the Argyl print :-).

Pattern Drafting - Sew your own tee shirt - Drafting knit tops.
Pattern Drafting - Sew your own tee shirt - I love the fit on this DIY fashion top

For the neckband I measured around the neckline once I had finished and deducted 30% of the measurement – added my seam allowances and voila – a neckband that snaps perfectly against my body.

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My next step with this draft will be to create the yoke pattern pieces and to drop the shoulder a bit further. The next iteration will be colour blocked to see if the proportions work well.

This was a quick refreshing project as I was not having to think about the instructions or whether I may have missed out something – if I can hang on to that feeling it would help me focus on doing more drafting. Do you prefer drafting your own or find it easier to use patterns?

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Metric Pattern Cutting for Womenswear Book Review