Basic Bodice Block – (Sloper) Designers Guide to Sizing & Fit – A Great Starting Point for Beginners

If you already have, or are thinking about getting my basic bodice block, this post will hopefully give you all the information you need – if you make it to the end of the post you will find a little ‘gift’ too!

Let’s first take a little tour around my ready printed version of the basic bodice block – this version is printed and posted free of charge worldwide! This is a popular choice for those that don’t want the hassle of printing at home and sticking the pages together, or using a copy shop – this version is in black and white.

You can find this version on Etsy – here

I have now developed the block into digital versions, including an Ai version, an A4 / US Letter Versions and an A0 copyshop version, if you prefer to go digital!

The A4/US letter version of the bodice block has been designed so that you can compile the pages to create the front bodice on it’s own, then the back, and then the sleeve – this method improves the accuracy a lot!

The digital versions can be colour or black and white printed and all versions now come with a 32 page guide to sizing & fit and free 1/4 and half scale blocks for practice too.

The digital versions of the blocks are also layered, this means you can open the files in Adobe reader and choose only the sizes you want to print, or all of them, the choice is yours to make!

You can find all versions in my Etsy Shop – https://designcutandwear.etsy.com

In the 32 page guide to sizing and fit I have provided lots of information to help you work with the bodice block, including very detailed measurements! As a fashion lecturer I am compelled to go into great detail, I just can’t help myself.

Many of my customers are small fashion startups that are time poor, and need all the help they can get!

Let’s take a very quick run through the bodice guide PDF –

In addition to the fit guide, I also send out 1/4 and half scale versions – they are great for practice and note keeping, I use my half scale versions all the time to work out detailed and complex drafts, and save paper!

I also have several YouTube videos to get you started, and you can follow along as I move darts and cover some of the basics –

https://www.youtube.com/@ModelisteCreative

If you purchase any one of my blocks I am also, always here to help and answer questions and of course you can always join me for a pattern cutting course.

My courses are detailed, no quick fixes or gimmicks, they are there for those that want to learn professional methods from a professional pattern cutter, there are no shortcuts unfortunately, and if you want to learn how to be a professional pattern cutter, one that has the skills to work in the industry, then my courses are for you!

You can find detailed posts on my bog that outline my courses and the curriculums they cover.

As always if you have any questions, please ask.

I nearly forgot…. Please use the following code in my Etsy shop for a discount on my basic blocks – BLOG15BB – click the link to shop!

Happy Sewing & Pattern Cutting.

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The Best Professional Basic Bodice Block – The Torso Block Range

It has taken me a couple of years to launch my Torso Block (Sloper) Collection! I really didn’t know how to present it as a product. Unlike most of my other blocks ranges, the torso block is a single size placed on 1 individual A0 sheet. There are 9 sizes available in the range, all printed on one sheet. There are lots of added features on the torso block, features I have by default on my own personal block, they are ones that save me precious time on a daily basis when working for clients.

I have created a video that you can watch below that gives you a tour of the torso block and all its features. At present I have 9 size variations available but hope to work on more. In the video I look at the smallest size in the range.

I am also creating each block in a full range of formats –

  • Full Scale A0 Version – ready printed and posted to you worldwide.
  • A0 Copy Shop Version – for you to print at a copy shop – or this can also be printed on your home printer using the Adobe Poster Mode Features – I have a YouTube video to show you how.
  • A4/US letter Compatible Version – To print at home on your home printer and piece together.
  • Ai – CAD Version – unsecure versions that you can open in illustrator and other CAD and drawing software…

If you are thinking of purchasing the block then I encourage you to watch the video to make sure its suitable for your needs.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have, simply leave a note in the comments box below the post and I will get back to you, or convo me on Etsy – All my blocks are available in my Etsy Shop – https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignCutAndWear

Happy Pattern Cutting & Sewing

Nicola – Design Cut & Wear

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