When I taught pattern cutting at degree level I always preferred to teach in full scale, as I believe it helps the student to get a second sense for proportion, fit and develop good cutting lines.

One year I decided to do a quick 15 minute session for those students that arrived early to class, in that session we used a half scale mannequin and very quickly covered a creative pattern cutting technique! I had fantastic feedback and my students told me they learnt a great deal from those sessions!

Today I have had a little fun preparing my blocks in half scale and sewing up a half scale toile! I plan to use these in my upcoming video tutorials.. so watch this space!

I must admit, I had to have a break after inserting one sleeve! It was quite stressful, but I know my half scale blocks fit my half scale stand and now I can work with them confidently!

Happy Pattern Drafting!

Nicola x