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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The Story Of How Our Pattern Blocks Are Created.

 

All my blocks are created either from scratch, or they are blocks that I have developed throughout my career, they are all tried and tested.

We use the most up to date size charts that we can and all our latest blocks have centimetres and inches with both UK and USA sizing and the EU equivalents too!

I revisit my tried and tested blocks constantly to review the sizing, ladies waists have become larger, so that’s a measurement we always keep our eye on.

We start with a set of basic measurements and a sheet of pattern paper, from there our years of practice allow us to draft the block in a size 12 or sometimes a size 14 to begin with.

 

Once I am satisfied with the draft, I then make a sample and fit this to my concept stand, made by Kennett & Lindsell. I bought this stand because of its measurements, they are almost identical to the latest data for size 14 (UK) measurements, within a couple of millimetres. It was only after I bought the stand from Saville Row in London that they told me it had only been used once to make a dress for Byonce. She obviously has a perfect figure, nice and shapely. The deficiencies of modern dress stands are a subject for another day!

I then fit and perfect the block on the dress stand and make any amendments necessary, this is commonly referred to as ‘toiling’ in the fashion industry.

We Have One Size – How do we then make the full range of sizes we supply –

 

Once we are satisfied with the ‘base size’ we can then ‘grade’ the block. Grading is the term used to create a range of sizes from a base size; in this case our base size is a size 12. (In the case of our outsize blocks our base size will be larger).

Pattern grading uses a set of mathematical formulas to grow a pattern piece by a specific amount and small movements in a positive of negative X or Y direction are made. This is how the various sizes of a pattern or design are developed. Every company has its own set of grade rules, and these are usually guarded closely as a trade secret because they take a lot of time and effort to develop. Once a company has an established set of grade rules, they tend to keep top secret. There are many variations of grading that exist in the industry. On your pattern block size guide you will see that I have indicated the total grading increment. This is the amount your block increases or decreases per size. For example there is usually a 5 cm difference between a size 12 and a size 14 bust. The same difference applies to the waist and hips. Some companies use a 4 cm difference.

Each small increase or decrease of the pattern is carried out in millimetres.

Hopefully this has given you an idea of the time, skill and effort that has gone into creating these blocks for you. If you have one of my blocks then hopefully I have saved you a great deal of time and stress!

If you have any question, comments or ideas please email me at onitnotinit@mail.com

Please see our shops page within the blog for places you can purchase our blocks, we have over 100 different blocks sets. Ranges include Ladies Blocks, Plus Sized Block, Baby, Child and Teen Blocks, and Menswear Blocks.

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