Creating a bodice block is an essential skill in pattern making for garments. Here's a step-by-step process for drafting a basic bodice block:

Materials Needed:

- Pattern paper or large sheets of paper

- Ruler (preferably a clear one)

- French curve (for smooth curves)

- Pencil or pen

- Tape or weights to secure the paper

Step 1: Take Accurate Measurements

- Measure the following: bust, underbust, waist, high bust, back width, back length, shoulder width, and front shoulder length.

- Note down the measurements in inches or centimeters.

Step 2: Prepare the Paper

- Start with a large piece of pattern paper. Fold it in half lengthwise, crease it, and then unfold it. This center fold will help create a symmetrical pattern.

Step 3: Draft the Basic Lines

1. Center Front (CF) Line: Mark a vertical line parallel to the center fold. This will be your CF line.

2. Shoulder Line: Measure down from the top edge of the paper and mark the shoulder line. This will be perpendicular to the CF line.

Step 4: Draft the Front Bodice

1. Bust Point (BP): Measure and mark your bust point on the CF line.

2. Bust Line: Measure down from the shoulder line and mark the bust line, perpendicular to the CF line.

3. Waist Line: Measure down from the shoulder line and mark the waist line.

4. Side Seam Line: Connect the bust point, bust line, and waist line with a smooth curve. This will be your front side seam line.

5. Armhole Curve: Use the French curve to draw the armhole curve, connecting the shoulder point, bust point, and side seam line.

Step 5: Draft the Back Bodice

1. Back Width (BW): Measure and mark the back width on the shoulder line.

2. Shoulder Dart: Measure half of the back width from the center back (CB) line towards the armhole. Mark a point and draw a dart leg towards the CB line.

3. Back Dart: Measure down from the shoulder line to the waist line. Mark a point and draw a straight dart leg towards the CB line.

4. Center Back (CB) Line: Draw a vertical line parallel to the CF line. This will be your CB line.

5. Back Armhole Curve: Use the French curve to draw the back armhole curve, connecting the shoulder point, back width point, and waist dart point.

Step 6: Draft the Neckline and Shoulders

1. Front Neckline: From the shoulder line, measure down and mark your desired neckline depth at the CF line. Connect this point to the shoulder point with a smooth curve.

2. Back Neckline: Repeat the process for the back neckline.

3. Shoulder Seam: Connect the shoulder points on the front and back with a straight line.

Step 7: Finalize the Bodice Block

1. Truing Up: Go over your lines and smooth out any irregularities using a ruler or French curve.

2. Cut and Trace: Carefully cut along the lines, leaving seam allowances if desired. You can then trace the individual pieces onto separate paper for the final bodice block pattern.

Remember that this is a basic overview of the process. Precision and accuracy are crucial, so take your time and make sure your measurements and lines are as precise as possible. As you gain experience, you can customize your bodice block to fit your unique measurements and design preferences.

To learn how to draft your own bodice block, for all your personal Dressmaking projects, join our paid bodice block workshop in our in-person sessions or enquire about a virtual workshop.

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EMAIL: skills.hands.org@gmail.com

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Click on the link below and register for our upcoming bodice block workshop. See you there.

BODICE BLOCK WORKSHOP https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bodice-block-workshop-tickets-702203418327?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile