Professional Patterns & Blocks – Online Courses
One of my latest blocks sheet is the baby body block – in this video I show you how to create a pattern for a baby onesie. In part 2 of this video series I will cover how to sew the pattern together.
If you get a moment please like the video and place a quick comment – it really helps.
If you would like to take a close look at the block sheet then you can find in in my Etsy shop: https://etsy.me/2ORGqGq
See you soon for part 2 when we will sew the onesie together.
Nicola x
They have been a long long time in the making, but they are finally ready to launch!
It’s taken a lot longer than I expected to create my new range of baby blocks in my Modeliste Creative range (This is my colour range with high street sizing). The sizing and drafting took a very long time to develop. However the fit trials took forever!
Normally my process is to draft my first block, try it out in the range of sizes and adapt the fit. I have a reliable and very valuable group of very experienced ladies, and men, that are always happy to help.
The wearer trials for my baby range from new born to 24 months proved very difficult to fit. I don’t have many babies in my life now, and it took a long time to find the babies I needed. Also babies grow very quickly so that was another issue. By the time that their busy mums got around to trying the garments on, the babies were no longer in the size bracket I needed! I had to start again so many times. I like to try each and every size I produce and this is even more important with baby blocks. I need to see the block on the wearer and make fit adjustments. Also babies can’t tell you if they are comfortable or not.
So far I have finalised the baby body block. This block is perfect for developing baby body patterns. It comes with a sleeve too.
The baby stretch / knit bodice was another block I was keen to develop. It has been designed for use with soft jersey fabric.
I decided to place each bodice block as a separate pattern piece. The grading between each size is as little as 1 millimeter in some areas, less than the thickness of a line, so for accuracy, this was the best way. I have also provided the graded nest as I think that’s important to see. The sleeves are also separate pieces. This set comes as 2 A0 sheets all printed in colour. This increases the price, but I think it’s definitely worth it.
I have also created a baby nappy (diaper) cover block – I have had such fun creating patterns from this block. It can be used for jersey styles in its basic form. It can also be used as a base to add fullness and create some intricate nappy covers.
In the pipeline I have a woven romper block, a woven bodice block for dress development, a coat block – the list goes on!
All blocks will be available in my Etsy shop and on my web site.
Nicola x
How can you get your new children’s wear business off to the best start?
Every clothing company should have a detailed set of measurement and sizing guidance. The truth is that many don’t!!!
As a freelance pattern cutter and grader, children’s wear became a daily task for me, even though I much prefer ladies and menswear. Many of the companies I dealt with did not have their own size chart. This was always a worry for me. If a company doesn’t have their sizing clear in their own minds, how will the customer ever know what size to choose? How will that company also keep their sizing consistent as they move from pattern cutter to pattern cutter and grader to grader? The answer is that they wont!
There are huge sales potentials withing babies wear, and customer loyalty is key. Your customer must trust your sizing, but the questions is – Do you trust your own sizing?
My Guide to Baby & Toddler Sizing was produced to supply the small children’s wear designer or pattern cutter with the information they need to run a successful business.
The guide also goes hand in hand with my children’s wear basic blocks – coming very very soon to my shop – including romper blocks!
I have carefully collated all my sizing knowledge in this PDF guide. The size charts supplied in the guide have 26 individual measurements! You can simply use my size charts or use them as a reference point to create your own. I also cover suggested size bands for your clothing range.
A list of the contents of the guide below give you a summary of the topics I have covered.
Measurement locations
How to measure a baby
The measurement process
Detailed size chart with 26 individual measurements
Understanding baby growth rate – illustrations
Body measurement location guide – illustrations
Suggested size bands for your company
Design guidelines – for the designer
Pattern cutting guidelines – abdomen adjustments
& nappy / diaper adjustments – for the pattern cutter
The above information has taken me a career to collate and verify, however my company policy is to provide young designers and pattern cutters with the tools they need to enhance their business, so feel free to use these size charts as a basis for your own sizing, all I ask is that my customers do not pass it along to others as the content is protected by copyright.
My guide is available in my Etsy Shop and on my main web site:
Any questions at all then please ask – I also have more information on my blog page about ease in children’s wear so please take a look at that.
I would love to hear your comments and questions.
Nicola x
