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Sewing Pattern Blocks and Drafting Tutorials

Sep 22, 2016

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    1. Hey all,
      I have been considering putting together some pattern blocks as well as some basic pattern drafting tutorials for dolls!
      I am mostly curious if there would be an interest in this, and which I should focus on more. Would you be more interested in finished patterns that are ready to use, or detailed instructions on how to draft and modify your own patterns into anything?
       
      #1 Scion, Sep 22, 2016
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    2. I have been trying to learn from human clothing instructions, it would be wonderful if someone explained with dolls in mind.
       
      #2 mollym, Sep 22, 2016
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    3. I'd love to have patterns to make my boys clothing from but you'd have to alter the patterns to fit a variety of dolls. I know how to manipulate patterns, but I'm just lazy... Lol
       
      #3 Mrkendoll1, Sep 22, 2016
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    4. I'd love to have a basic tutorial or even just the pattern blocks themselves.
       
      #4 thesunalsorises, Sep 22, 2016
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    5. I would love this so much, as I have been struggling with dressing my doll since I got her.
       
      #5 jabberwocky92, Sep 22, 2016
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    6. Alright!
      I have just been approved to try out the new journal/tutorial feature so I will start one today on various block making methods!
      I will go into drafting basics and more advanced techniques from there!
       
      #6 Scion, Sep 24, 2016
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    7. Thank you for this!:D
       
      #7 Eritrea, Sep 24, 2016
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    8. You're very welcome!
      I really love pattern drafting (and teaching!) so it is really my pleasure!

      I will share as soon as I have things together :kitty2
       
      #8 Scion, Sep 24, 2016
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    9. I would love to learn from the basic pattern drafting to detailed instructions on how to draft and modify my own patterns into anything.
      Thank you so much, Scion
       
      #9 iPanoi, Oct 4, 2016
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    10. Hi, this is a great idea. I am not sure that its ok to do this. there is a blog like that except she focuses on Barbie. I guess the principle is the same.

      Fashion Doll Stylist: Patterns
       
      #10 Choshi, Nov 4, 2016
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    11. I'd love to see tutorials on pattern drafting (I don't think pattern block creation would be much different for dolls as it is for humans?) as well as considerations for BJDs, like construction tips and any possible drafting considerations when sewing for dolls , how much functional ease to add, dealing with hem finishing, things like that.

      With those basics "down", we'll be able to create just about anything for all our dolls :3 thank you so much for offering to create these tutorials!
       
      #11 moomelon, Dec 4, 2016
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    12. yes definately
       
      #12 chrystal, Dec 6, 2016
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    13. I would definitely love to see a tutorial on this. I saw a video about drafting but it was rather confusing. I'm sure the mechanics are simple? But it look so complicated :?
       
      #13 kakipi, Dec 9, 2016
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    14. I'm so sorry for the delay guys! I ended up getting really sick last year and am just finally starting to get back on track now. I will actually be running a drafting panel at an upcoming convention (Doll North at Anime North in Toronto a week from now) and will be posting some starter tutorials on what I will be covering after the event!

      My first couple will be on making basic pattern blocks for dolls and then going into beginner drafting with those blocks! I will be sure to share them as soon as they are up!
       
      #14 Scion, May 19, 2017
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    15. Oh, thank you so very much!!! I am keen to learn pattern drafting (especially for the boys) and will be watching this thread like a hawk. :)

      Does your method of pattern drafting involve the use of software, a photocopier, scanner, printer, etc., or just good old-fashioned manual tools?
       
      #15 Gothico, May 19, 2017
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    16. Just good old fashioned manual tools!

      Though now that I think of it a photocopier would be super great for copying your base patterns to start each of your drafts on, but it is certainly not necessary (I've never even thought of it until now, as I learned to draft full scale for people, and printing in that scale is usually not an option) :lol:
       
      #16 Scion, May 19, 2017
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    17. Hurrah! I love technology, but doing craft-related things manually gives me a greater feeling of accomplishment. (That is why I prefer to sew by hand, rather than machine.) Maybe I am just a natural born masochist! :lol:
       
      #17 Gothico, May 19, 2017
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    18. I don't know with pattern drafting it is WAY easier to do by hand. Even when I went to school we were taught to do the actual drafting by hand and then digitize the final patterns. The only part of drafting that is easier and more intuitive on computer is generally sizing the pattern up or down.
       
      #18 Scion, May 19, 2017
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    19. I can see the benefits of using technology in this way, especially from a commercial standpoint. It is good to have options. I am often tempted to let technology do the hard work for me. The benefit of knowing how to do stuff manually (tedious and time-consuming as it may be) is that it is kind of liberating in a sense. It gives you the wherewithal to work wherever and whenever you want, without relying on access to technology.

      Is there anywhere on social media where your work is on view? My curious mind would love to see some of your makes. :)
       
      #19 Gothico, May 19, 2017
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    20. Oddly I don't have any up anywhere currently. I try to keep my professional work in costuming for theatre and fashion clients VERY separate from my hobbies, and have not been quite sure where to put my doll work. I have cosplay sites and social media accounts set up for that aspect of my personal life, but I feel like that's not quite the right place for my doll work. **social media and trying to seem like a "normal" and "professional" adult is hard** Also sadly a lot of my doll work can't even be shared here as it is a lot of work on vinyl dolls such as Monster and Ever After High.

      I am hoping to get a lot more up here as I get more of the historical garments I am working on for my BJD done!
       
      #20 Scion, May 19, 2017
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    21. I'd love to see drafting tutorials, too! I do a little bit of drafting at human scale, but if there's any particular tricks to scaling down I'd love to see it.
       
      #21 redsixwing, May 19, 2017
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    22. A lot of the techniques are very similar to full scale, there are a few tricks in small scale (and a few tricks with fitting some of the extreme proportions that a lot of dolls have)
      One of the biggest differences is being REALLY precise. Where an 1/8 of an inch variance in fit isn't a huge deal in full scale, small changes like that become huge in small scale drafting.
       
      #22 Scion, May 19, 2017
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