Beginner Pattern Cutting Womenswear: Intro to Drafting, Toiling and Fitting

LeannMarieDesign is running a beginner's pattern cutting course for womenswear at The Burton Street Foundation this November, a six-day introduction to drafting, toiling and fitting. It's not a one-off workshop; the sessions run across three Friday/Saturday pairs: 13 and 14 November, 20 and 21 November, and 4 and 5 December, from 10:00 to 16:00 each day.

If you've ever wondered how a flat piece of fabric becomes a garment that actually fits a human body, this is where you start. The course is a practical introduction to the art of turning three-dimensional measurements into a two-dimensional pattern draft using maths and ratios. Everything you make is produced as a calico toile — a rough prototype in plain cotton — so you can get the shape and fit right before you ever touch your good fabric. It's aimed at people with a basic to fair knowledge of clothes assembly rather than absolute beginners to sewing, so you'll want to be comfortable with a machine before you dive in.

Leann, who runs the course, trained in design and garment construction to degree level (BA Hons A.I.B) and worked as a costumer in film and theatre and in couture retail before returning to the industry full time in 2016 to run her own bridal gown design, remodelling and alterations business. She's also taught at Nottingham Trent University, so you're in experienced hands.

The venue is The Burton Street Foundation at 57 Burton Street, Hillsborough, S6 2HH — a site of historical period buildings in the Hillsborough suburb, about a 15-minute tram ride from the city centre and home to scenes from the film The Full Monty. The course costs £640.00 for the full six days.