Introduction to Pattern Drafting Suggested Materials List
Instructor: Catherine Southall
Welcome to Pattern Drafting! I am really looking forward to our class and meeting you this week! Following is the list of materials you will need for drafting and sewing – please do not stress about purchasing materials before the first class. We will review the list this week, and materials will be available for everyone to use. If you have materials from previous classes or from your own drafting and sewing experience, please feel free to bring those with you.
Materials List
Drafting & Sewing Tools Scissors: o Bent trimmers, 9” blade (Gingher or Fiskars are the best!) o Small pointed scissors o Pinking shears (Fiskars are lightweight and easy to use) o Paper scissors Pins: Dressmaker pins - Flat heads and pearl heads (Do not purchase short pins!) Needles: An assortment is best including long and thin needles with small eyes. Milliners are my favorite! Seam ripper: Short handle for light weight fabrics and long handle for heavier fabrics Measuring tape: 60” Tailors chalk: Combo package with blue and white Sewing gauge: Short, metal ruler 6” long with plastic slider Elastic: 1 package, narrow, ½” swimsuit elastic for taking measurements (tan color) Tracing paper: Multicolor package Tracing wheels: Blunt and serrated blades (transfer pattern shapes to paper) Tube/loop turner: Long, thin, metal stick with small hook on the end Textile notebook/journal: (optional) Pattern weights and Washers: For project layout Artist tape, Scotch tape, and Twill Tape Pattern Notcher: Cuts a 1/4 x 1/16” opening at the pattern’s edge to indicate pattern matching, seam allowance, center lines, ease, and identify back and front patterns Awl: Pierces an 1/8” hole in pattern to indicate the ending of darts, pockets, trim, and buttonhole placement. Simflex Folding Measure: For spacing buttonholes, pleats and tucks 3-ring binder: For sewing notes & instructions, patterns, & textile info Graph ruler: Clear with blue or red markings, 18” x 2” T-Square: 24” Tailor’s Square: 24 x 14” metal ruler with arms forming a 90 degree angle Triangle: With measurements to square lines HB drawing pencil White vinyl eraser Felt tip marker: An assortment of at least 4 colors including; red (or hot pink), black, blue, and green. (Flair pens or Sharpies are the best!) Hanger Hooks: To hold patterns from a rod (I have purchased these for you.)
Curve Rules French Curve: For shaping armholes and necklines Sleigh Curve: For shaping armholes, necklines, pockets, collars, cuffs, & other designs Hip Curve: For shaping hipline, hem and lapels Vary Form Curve: To blend and shape armholes and necklines Flex Rule: 1/2 x 12” (very accurate) for armholes and necklines
If you have any questions regarding materials, please contact me @ [email protected].
The best source in town for purchasing your sewing supplies is Joann Fabrics at Westchester Commons (Midlothian Turnpike and 288). They have the largest selection and best prices. There is also a second location on West Broad Street near Glenside Drive. Joann’s online is also a good resource for supplies.
Plaza Art on Grace Street near VCU has a good selection of drafting tools and offers a student discount. They also stock pattern drafting paper. Local office stores also stock drafting supplies.